Education Resources
There are several education benefits and financial incentives available through the Tennessee National Guard.
Opportunities include college benefits, tuition assistance, scholarships, financial bonuses, and a variety of other
programs. Members of the Tennessee National Guard may qualify for additional education benefits and
scholarships funded by the State of Tennessee, which would be in addition to other Federal benefits.
Contact the Education Office
| MAJ Jonathan Ashley (615) 313-0625 |
CPT Ronnie Matthews (615) 313-0550 |
SPC Britany Vittetoe (615) 313-0618 |
| SSG Harvey Wilcox (615) 313-0604 |
SGT Alicia Hollis (615) 313-3123 |
Mrs. Lorie Boyd (615) 313-0592 |
| SPC Brian Haskins (615) 313-0631 |
MSG Brenda Mcklemurry (615) 313-0755 |
SPC Temecca Johnson (615) 313-0795 |
Email the Education Office.
Fax: (615) 313-0640
Federal Education Benefits
Federal Financial Benefits
Tennessee State Education Benefits
Tennessee State Financial Benefits
Spouse and FamilyEducation
Scholarships
Secondary and Post Secondary Resources
Testing Programs/Testing Web sites
Montgomery GI Bill Enrollment Process
Army Continuing Education System (ACES)
The Army Continuing Education System promotes lifelong learning opportunities and sharpens the competitive edge of the Army. Through the ACES program, a Soldier can earn a degree, obtain scholarships, and more. For eligibility and application information, go to GoArmyED.
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Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA)
The Army National Guard (ARNG) Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) Program provides financial assistance to part-time Soldiers in support of their professional and personal self-development goals. The ARNG is currently funding FTA at 100% of a member's tuition and authorized fees. Soldiers can use FTA for a variety of degrees including Secondary School Diploma or its equivalency; Certificate (undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, licensure); Associate; Baccalaureate (undergraduate); Master’s or First Professional (graduate). For eligibility, tuition assistance rates and application information, go to Virtual Armory
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Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)
The Montgomery GI Bill is a program of educational benefits available to members of the Tennessee National Guard.
For the Army, if you are eligible for the MGIB, to include Chapter 1606, Chapter 1607, Chapter30, the new post 9/11 GI Bill, or the MGIB Kicker, you must apply as follows:
1. go to https://minuteman.ngb.army.mil/benefits
2. login using your AKO user name and password
3. Click on MY MGIB Home Page on the right hand side of the screen
4. Print your notice of eligibility (NOBE) for Ch. 1606 benefits or your letter of eligibility (LOE) for CH. 1607 (REAP) benefits - for Soldiers who have been deployed.
5. Take your NOBE or LOE, and your DD Form 214 to the VA Rep at the school you plan to attend. They should have you fill out VA Form 22-1990. Benefits will be paid through direct deposit 6-8 weeks after the VA confirms your eligibility.
6. Except for the new post 9/11 GI Bill, you must certify your enrollment each month for benefits
For eligibility and application information, go to http://www.GIBill.va.gov
Post 9/11 (Chapter 33) GI Bill Benefits
or call 1-877-823-2378
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Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP)
Soldiers and Airmen who have served over 90 days of federal active service are entitled to an education assistance allowance based on the length of deployment. For eligibility and application information on the Reserved Education Assistance Program, visit http://www.VirtualArmory.com/education/fedbenefits/mgibreap.aspx
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Federal Bonuses
Federal enlistment and reenlistment bonuses are available for qualified Tennessee National Guard applicants.
GI Bill Kicker
Some Tennessee National Guard positions qualify for a GI Bill “Kicker.” The College Fund money, or “kicker,” is an additional amount of money that increases an individual’s basic Montgomery GI Bill monthly benefit and is included in his or her VA payment. For eligibility and application information on the Montgomery GI Bill “Kicker” , visit Virtual Armory
Student Loan Repayment Program (SLRP)
For members that have an existing student loan obligation at the time of enlistment in the Army National Guard, there is a program that may pay up to $20,000 for a six or eight year enlistment.
For eligibility and application information, go to Virtual Armory
Troops to Teachers (TTT)
Financial stipends are available for military personnel interested in beginning a second career as a teacher in K-12 public education. For eligibility and application information on Troops To Teachers, visit Proud To Serve.
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Tennessee State Education Benefits
Kicker
Army Guard -- The Army National Guard G.I. Bill Kicker pays up to $200 a month while attending college (or other approved technical school). Paid with the SR G.I. Bill. this incentive pays up to $7,200 over a period of 36 months. Contact an Army Recruiter near you.
*For more information on the GI Bill Kicker program, contact your unit's recruiting office.
Your recruiter can provide you with more exact information.
Tuition Assistance
Army Guard -- up to $4,500 per year
Air Guard -- 50% State Tuition Assistance
Bonuses
Your MOS or AFSC may quailfy for a bonus, however, bonus information changes daily.
Air Guard bonuses go up to $20,000 for some AFSCs. For MOS and AFSC specific bonus information,
please contact your unit.
Helpful links:
Virtual Armory
GI BILL
Dantes
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
Tennessee National Guard Soldiers and Airman can receive college credit for their military training.
The American Council Education is used by colleges in the recommendation for the equivalent college credit.
Many of these credits can apply toward degree requirements to save time and money.
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Tennessee State Financial Benefits
Reenlistment Bonuses
Some MOSs and AFSCs may qualify for a reenlistment bonus. For more information, contact your unit's recruiting office.
Commissioning Bonuses
Some MOSs and AFSCs may qualify for a commissioning bonus. For more information, contact your unit's recruiting office.
Free License Plate
For more information on obtaining a license plate,
please contact the Public Affairs Office by email,
or by calling Nate Crawford at (615) 313-0793.
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Scholorships for Military Children
Dependent Scholarships- www.homefrontamerica.org
Lavern E. Weber Professional Education Center
FinAid- Guide to Financial Aid
First Gov
Military.com
Military Scholarships- Grantham University
Military Wives
National Military Family Association- Spouse Scholorship
Spouse to Teachers
VA Benefits
Army National Guard Benefits for Spouses
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American Legion Scholarships
College Is Possible
CollegeNet Mach25 Scholarship Database
DANTES
Defense Commissary Agency/Fisher House Foundation Scholarships for Military Children
Department of Education-Funding
Department of Education-Student Financial Assistance
FastWEB
FreeScholarshipSearch
Fund for Veterans Education
Grantham University, GX Magazine Scholarships
Horatio Alger Military Scholarship
Joanne Holbrook Patton Military Spouse Scholarship Program
Leadership Excellence And Dedicated Service (LEADS)
Military Child Educational Coalition
Military Intelligence Corps Association
Military.com Scholarship Search
Reserve Officer Training Corps – Air Force
Reserve Officer Training Corps – Army
Scholarship.com
Scholarships for Minorities
Scholarships for Military Children
Scholarship Search by The College Board
U.S. Army Scholarship Programs
U.S. Air Force Academy
U.S. Military Academy at West Point
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Secondary and Post Secondary Resources
ACT Assessment Test (ACT)
Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Army American Council on Education Registry Transcripts Service (AARTS)
Army Continuing Education Service (ACES)
Certification Programs
College Level Entrance Program (CLEP)
Community College of the Air Force (CCAF)
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST)
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES)
Excelsior College Examinations
Free SAT and ACT PowerPrep™ software (Enter Code: FBEC92774) or call 951-256-4076
General Education Development (GED)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Graduate Record Exams (GRE)
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
Praxis Series Test
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
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Testing Programs/Testing Web sites
Details
There are testing opportunities offered at National Test Centers (usually colleges) and the Education Service Office. Tests range from certification exams and college-credit-by-examiation programs to language aptitude and military classification tests. Military personnel, spouses and eligible civilian employees are eligible to test. Testing programs are:
Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES):
General Education Development (GED)
College Level Examination Program (CLEP)
DANTES Subject Standardized Test (DSST)
Assessment Test (ACT)
Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)
Excelsior College Examinations (ECE)
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
PRAXIS
Army Personnel Testing (APT) military only:
Armed Forces Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)
Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
Officer Testing Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST)
Certifications
The National Guard will reimburse Soldiers taking any of the national accredited certification examinations offered
through DANTES. The cost of the examination is reimbursable at 100% (not including registration fees) on a one-time
basis. Refer to the list of available Certifications and licensures. There are other Certification programs available such as the
Microsoft, Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) and other examinations. Get certification reimbursement information.
Degree Plans
If you are currently an Army National Guard (ARNG) Soldier or the spouse of an ARNG Soldier, we are here to help you achieve your personal academic goals. Whether you desire vocational training and/or certification, an Associate or Bachelors degree using the college credit you have earned in your military career, or a graduate degree using distance education alternatives to classrooms, we are here to support you.
The Army National Guard (ARNG) Education Support Center (ESC) will provide you with a degree completion roadmap that will apply your
personal and professional experience towards college-level credit.
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Montgomery GI Bill Enrollment Process
You can also visit the GI Bill Web site, click here.
Air National Guard - Post 9/11 GI Bill Application Process (PDF)
It is imperative that unit members understand to apply for the Transfer of Education benefits as soon as possible. Air National Guard members will not be able to request a Transfer of Education Benefits after separation or retirement.
NGB/A1Y will not process approvals for Transfer of Education benefits prior to receipt of the member's Certificate of Eligibility however, based on the revised requirements and the backlog at ARPC and the VA, the requests will be held in pending status until eligibility for the benefit is determined.
If you qualify for one of the following GI Bill benefit programs: the Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30 program or the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 program; you must make an IRREVOCABLE election between these two programs.
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30 program
Note: To qualify for CH 30, soldiers must have been mobilized for at least 20 consecutive months and have orders that read “not to exceed 730 days.”
- The Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30 program requires the following:
- $1200 buy in resulting in $894 per month for a full time student
- In addition, you may also elect to participate in the “plus up” program.
- This requires a maximum of a $600 buy in resulting in an additional $150 per month.
- In summary, if you choose to buy in at the full $1800 rate (required $1200 and the $600 plus up) you will receive a total of $1044 per month for full time attendance.
- You may use Chapter 30 benefits for a maximum of 10 years whether you are in or out of the guard.
- Chapter 30 Fact Sheet Link
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 program
Note: To qualify for 1607, soldiers must have been mobilized for at least 90 days in support of a contingency operation.
- The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 program DOES NOT require a buy in.
- Soldiers mobilized for 1 year or more but less than 2 years will receive $660.60 per month for full time attendance.
- There is no time period in which to use 1607, however, Soldiers must remain in an active drilling status to utilize this benefit.
- Chapter 1607 Fact Sheet Link
STEPS TO ENROLL for CH 30: If you choose to enroll in the MGIB-AD, Chapter 30 program, you must do the following:
a. Email the Army National Guard (ARNG) GI Bill Support Team at gibill.ch30@pec.ngb.army.mil. YOU MUST SEND THIS EMAIL FROM YOUR AKO EMAIL ACCOUNT. Include the following information in your message: Full Name, Social Security Number, State of Assignment, and one of the following statements of election:
"I choose to elect MGIB-AD, Chapter 30 benefit for this mobilization period." or
"I choose to elect MGIB-AD, Chapter 30 benefit for this mobilization period and to also participate in the Plus-Up program."
b. Mail your MGIB-AD, Chapter 30 enrollment payment of $1,200, in addition any Plus-Up payment you wish to contribute. A maximum of $600 in Plus-Up contributions is allowed. This LUMP SUM enrollment payment must be made by either certified check or money order, made payable to "U.S. Department of Treasury". NO PERSONAL CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Mail your payment to the following address: Education Support Center, ATTN: ARNG GI Bill Support Team, Box 46, Camp Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas 72199-9600.
STEPS TO ENROLL for 1607: If you choose to enroll in the REAP, Chapter 1607 program you must do the following:
a. Email the ARNG GI Bill Support Team at gibill.1607@pec.ngb.army.mil. YOU MUST SEND THIS EMAIL FROM YOUR AKO EMAIL ACCOUNT. Include the following information in your message: Full Name, Social Security Number, State of Assignment, and include the following statement of election:
"I choose to elect REAP, Chapter 1607 benefit for this mobilization period."
Montgomery GI Bill - Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30 Program
Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 Program
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