While many military-connected students know the Post-9/11 GI Bill can fund undergraduate and graduate degrees, there are several alternative uses that may be overlooked. Traditional college is not required for all career paths and this education benefit helps veterans gain a competitive edge when seeking employment outside the military. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website outlines the types of training covered, but here is a more in-depth look at five other ways to use the Post-9/11 GI Bill:
Border Patrol lodging
The Bill funds off-post lodging during U.S. Customs and Border Protection training. According to CBP’s website, approximately one-third of its staff have served in the military, and remains an appealing way to transition to civilian service for many. Luckily, the Bill can be used to offset lodging costs while training to become part of its forces. This falls under the Bill’s on-the-job training benefit that supports veterans learning trade skills or undergoing an apprenticeship.
Pilot license qualifications
If a veteran has already obtained a private pilot’s license, they are able to use the Bill to gain supplemental qualifications including rotary wing, B747-400, Dual engine and flight engineer. Additional qualifications make getting the attention of major airlines that have a long history of hiring veterans, easier. The Bill will pay for the net costs of tuition at a college or university, or for training at a stand-alone pilot school, contingent on a yearly limit.
EMT certification
For those interested in being emergency medical technicians, the Bill is applicable to non-college certifications as well. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of EMTs is projected to grow by 15% through to 2026, a much higher average than all other occupations. Therefore, the emergency medical setting is an attractive post-military career option for veterans. The certification, though, can cost upwards of $2,000, which makes the Bill’s help with tuition, books and supplies helpful during transition.
Real estate fees
The real estate niche is an appealing career with brokers having a median average wage of $58,201 in 2018, plus BLS’s job outlook shows a steady increase over the coming years. While the Bill won’t pay for the actual licensing to become a real estate broker, it will fund the costs of test fees. In fact, getting reimbursed for test fees is applicable to all sorts of career choices ranging from veterinarian exams and adult nurse practitioner certifications, to pharmacist licensing exams.
TIP: The VA website offers a search tool to find out which tests are covered for licensing and certification. Users can search by keyword and/or state.
Tutors
Studying hard does not always provide the results one needs to achieve the final grade they want, and that is where tutoring comes in handy. While there are free resources likely available at colleges and universities, the Bill will pay $100 a month, up to $1,200, for a private tutor to help you succeed in whatever course you’re taking.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill allows students to think outside the box when considering a career outside the military. In addition to working toward a degree, beneficiaries can train for a specific career, trade, or industry – including vocational training or apprenticeships. Visit Education and Training to learn more about alternative investments for the Post-9/11 GI Bill.
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