RE: http://forums.military.com/money-for-school/gi-bill/gi-bill-buy-up-program

Instead of requiring service members to fill out forms and waste paper, we should fully support the governments "paper reduction act" by allowing them to simply visit a GI Bill website, fill in a few drop down menu selections, and pay for it with a credit card or allotment, we should be able to do all of this on the DFAS My-Pay website. Hell, we're in, not going anywhere, why can't the US government know this?

Example: While deployed, I had to buy a new car for my wife; I visited my online bank, logged in, qualified for an auto loan, bought a car, filled out some online forms, and then signed it with my SSN. Two days later, I received an email from the bank to verify the paperwork (online) and once verified, I authorized the purchase (online). No paperwork, no hassle!

If a private bank can do this, how come the government can't do the same for its Servicemembers? Instead, we are left to first, find a printer that has paper in it, print out the paperwork, fill it out, and sign it. Then, we have to run it up the chain of command "hoping it doesn't get lost" in the process and then mail it in (which could take weeks). Maybe the VA will receive it before we retire and maybe the increase will occur, how will we know? How does the VA expect to keep the servicemember informed throughout the entire process?

I'm a little confused. I am wondering if this applies to the new GI bill or just the old one. Anyone know?

My understanding is that this is for the old one (Montgomery GI Bill) and would be a poor choice to make for most. I've read that the new GI Bill (post 9/11 GI Bill) will give you back your $1200 initial investment at the completion of your benefits, but NOT the $600 buy up. 9/11 GI Bill doesn't take affect until Aug 09, and there seems to be an effort to make the MGIB look more appealing to keep enrollment from dropping off for a year. I'm not sure posting about this program now is in the best interest of the soldier.