Reservists treated as second-class soldiers

"Here's military benefits columnist Tom Philpott:

Today, active duty members who buy into the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) also do pretty well with post-service education benefits.

But consider the experience of Reserve and Guard members, said Snyder. An initial commitment of up to six years can include up two years of involuntary active duty, with a year or more in a combat zone. Yet reservists who leave service after completing their obligations forfeit any unused Reserve GI Bill benefits.

Because Reserve MGIB was designed mostly as a retention tool, only members who stay in drill status, subject to call up, can use education benefits. In wartime, Snyder said, this is “terribly unfair.”

CounterComumn