MGIBILL Use for the Academy

[Ray1]

Hello, I am currently serving in the Navy and will be discharged in March 06. I have just turned in my PHS last week and was wondering if I am eventually selected for the academy if I could use my M.G.I.B during my training? I would appreciate any feedback from some veterans in here that are now in the CHP or someone that knows any related info on this subject. Thank you.

[carcop]

You will be able to get the money from the Gi Bill for the time you are at the academy, BUT, you may not get it while you are there. We had guys trying to get the money while they were there but went through a lot of hoops. Some eventually got a check but it was at the end of the academy.

The college in which CHP is affiliated is Riverside Community College. They willhave a veteran affair person at the academy in the first couple days to get the paperwork started for you. We did get the money, it was a lump sum, and it was less than a month after we graduated. Some guys got theres sooner and we even had a few guys get checks while they were at the academy (about 3 months in).
Just depends on to who or how you turn in your paperwork.

[Ray1]

Hey, thanks for the info carcop, that sounds great. I just wanted to know if I would ever get much use out of my M.G.I.B since I want to go into the CHP and not immediately start college back up. Also,once I am finally contacted by my BI, do you know how long a background generally can take(ballpark timeframe)? I am hoping to get into the academy in time for maybe a Feb class or April at latest since I dont want to just sit around and do nothing after the military. Thanks.

[ResQ]

Ray, if you jump on the VA site and look at the forms section there are forms you need to print and send in prior to going...that way the skids are greased for getting your $$. If you wait until you get there, then you may wait until you are out of there...

I called the VA last week and they gave me instructions and verified the CHP Academy is indeed a place you can get benefits while attending.

The process may be different if you have not used any of the benefits before...just give them a call.

[Ray1]

Thanks for the added info ResQ, I'm going to get right on that since I haven't used my MGIB before. Good to know that the VA recognizes the CHP academy and doesn't give the runaround. By the way,has anyone out of Border Division been contacted yet by their BI? Just curious to see if the process has moved quickly for some out here... Thanks

[Your Mentor]

A little advice: in most cases you won't need your GIB benefits while you're at the Academy so consider saving them for continuing education after you get out. I know a lot of officers who used them at the Academy and later regretted it. If you're just separating from the service you'll be getting a pay raise. If you've been out a while and end up taking a cut in pay then it makes sense. However, you'll be making good money, your meals are free, course materials are free, and your housing is free. Unless you have some hardship I'd save your GIB for another time. Just my two cents.

[DESERT RAT]

I got a phat check for almost $6000 after the academy, from my GI bill. The college that comes to the academy is American River College in Sacramento. They dont show up until your last few weeks at the academy. It used to be Riverside a few years back, but I think they have changed recently. Well congrats on getting in! I dont envy you at all, Best/Most Challenging six months of my life! "SIR CADET ******** REPORTING AS ORDERED ! Gosh, Im gonna have nightmares NOW!!!

[ResQ]

In some ways this is really good...other is it is really bad. Since American River doesn't come out til the end...it means mom and the kids gotta suck up the pay cut during the 6+ months...but if you can make it through...BAM...Six Large. I can't decide which is better...

Mentor is right guys. If you can make it without the $$ then do the research and see if they pay for other programs you are interested in. Remember one very important point though...if you don't use it within 10 years it is gone...so you can haveyour money now or later...but not too "later" I am thinking about using mine to pay down the end of the car payment so we are debt free whilst starting a fresh new career. Max the IRA with the extra cash from day 1...then we are 3% at 50 plus the IRA...gotta think big early or you will miss the boat. Especially the younger guys. I am 32 in a couple months and feeling WAY behind the power curve on the retirement savings. For all you twenty-somethings, google an IRA calculator and look at the difference in the last 6-8 years over a 30 year investment. Your money will double in the last portion...so "the earlier the better" wasn't just something that the parents thought was cool to say...it is gospel! The money is yours...do you want to use it now or later? Consider taking it now and putting it in a CD make free money into more free money..!!??!! just my 2 cents...

[retchp]

I told my son about this program before he went to the Academy about four years ago. He said nothing was ever said about it to him. Maybe he was asleep that day????? Question...can he apply for the benefits retroactively? He had ten years USMC prior to CHP.

[ResQ]

the thing about the GI Bill is that you have to have "certification" that you are attending the classes which triggers the button pushers to send your check. I have not heard of it, but you know how govt work is, there is a "work-around" for every policy if you are patient enough and have a legitimate case... I am guessing 99% no however

They have an 800 number on their website