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Chapter 1606 – Montgomery GI Bill® for Selective Reserves/National Guard

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

The MGIB-SR program provides education and training benefits to eligible members of the Selected Reserve, including the Army Reserve, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve and Coast Guard Reserve, and the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard. Eligibility for this program is determined by the Selected Reserve components and Veterans Affairs (VA) makes the payments.

Eligibility

To qualify, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Have a six-year obligation to serve in the Selected Reserve signed after June 30, 1985. If you are an officer, you must have agreed to serve six years in addition to your original obligation. For some types of training, it is necessary to have a six-year commitment that begins after Sept. 30, 1990.
  • Complete your initial active duty for training (IADT).
  • Meet the requirement to receive a high school diploma or equivalency certificate before completing IADT. You may not use 12 hours toward a college degree to meet this requirement.
  • Remain in good standing while serving in an active Selected Reserve unit. You will also retain MGIB-SR eligibility if you were discharged from Selected Reserve service due to a disability that was not caused by misconduct. Your eligibility period may be extended if you are ordered to active duty.

Apply

Follow these steps to become eligible and apply:

  1. Get the DD Form 2384-1, Notice of Basic Eligibility, when you become eligible for the program from your unit. Your unit will also code your eligibility into the DOD personnel system so VA may verify your eligibility.
  2. Then make sure your selected program is approved for VA training. If you are unsure, VA will inform you and the school or company about the requirements.
  3. Obtain and complete VA Form 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits). Send it to the VA regional office with jurisdiction over the state where you will train.
  4. If you started training, take your application and your Notice of Basic Eligibility to your school or employer. Ask them to complete VA Form 22-1999 not available online Enrollment Certification, and send all the forms to VA.

Documentation Required for Chapter 1606 Certification

  • VA Eligibility Letter (Certificate of Eligibility)
  • Military Transcripts (JST)
  • Annual Certification Request for Military Benefits (See Veteran Services Forms)