Air Force suspends military tuition assistance

News > Air Force suspends military tuition assistance

Story at a Glance
• 104,422 Airmen utilized TA in 2012. • $198 million -- the estimated cost of military TA for FY 2013, with only half that amount funded. • TA suspension does not affect GI-Bill programs.

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Air Force suspends military tuition assistance

Posted 3/12/2013 Updated 3/13/2013

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by Staff Sgt. David Salanitri
Air Force Public Affairs Agency

3/12/2013 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- In the wake of sequestration, the Air Force officially suspended military tuition assistance March 11.

Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley announced the Air Force has officially suspended military TA for the remainder of fiscal 2013.

The program will continue to be evaluated to determine the way ahead in fiscal 2014.

The Defense Department's comptroller issued guidance to all of the services to "consider significant reductions in funding new tuition assistance applicants, effective immediately and for the duration of the current fiscal situation," said Navy Cmdr. Leslie Hull-Ryde, a Pentagon spokeswoman. The Army and Marine Corps canceled their TA programs March 8.

Effective March 11, Airmen are not permitted to submit new requests for TA. Airmen currently enrolled in, or approved for future courses, are not affected and are allowed to complete those courses.

"The Air Force has reached a turning point after a decade of war and substantial growth in its operations and resources," Donley said, adding that the Air Force has had to make difficult choices to preserve readiness, to include: deep cuts to flying hour programs, cancellation of Air Force training and education programs and civilian furloughs. "This is an additional step the Air Force unfortunately had to take to operate within mandated budget limitations."

"We know how education strengthens our force," he said. "We encourage Airmen to continue their pursuit of higher education through the variety of programs that are available."

Those include the Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty, (Chapter 30), Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606), Reserve Education Assistance Program (Chapter 1607), the Post 9/11 GI Bill, federal grants and federal financial aid. National Guard Airmen may also be eligible for their state's individual TA benefits.

"Believe me, this was a tough decision because our Air Force truly values education," said Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Cody. "We're still looking at the impacts for fiscal year 14 and will do our best to have TA reinstated, although we'll likely need to review the eligibility requirements to ensure sustainability."

Airmen should contact their local education centers with questions and to get updates.

Comments

3/18/2013 1:18:51 PM ET
While I agree that if you want something bad enough then you will find a way what about the people who actually joined for the benefits I'm one of those. And people can be upset that I'm not bleeding Blue. Or even red white and blue. Regardless of the reason I joined I still give great effort in my day-to-day job and I've eagerly deployed to some of the most dangerous places on earth to successfully fulfill my mission downrange. But when it comes down to why I do it I'm honest enough with myself to know it's for the free education travel a great paycheck and job security. When any of those benefits are taken away I wonder what is the point

TSgt Joined for Benefits, CO

3/18/2013 1:08:00 PM ET
SrA Texas and Dane Colorado... my apologies for the snarky comment. I've personally completed 20 classes 2 CCAFs my BA and 6 hours of my master's using TA. My point was that a lot of eligibles will complain but still not touch either TA or the GI Bill and the GI Bill remains an awesome benefit.

MSgt Jewell, JBLM

3/18/2013 10:47:55 AM ET
I also was entitled to the GI Bill Montgomery version and I took full advantage of the entitlement. While active I used TA and supplemented it toward the end of career with the GI Bill. I used the remainder of the GI Bill to pay for most of my Masters the remainder of which I borrowed and have subsequently repaid the loan. What I and my generation did is not relevant. The point is that this is another episode of an erosion of promises made by recruiters and Congress at tacitly by Congress in this case. For those who deny that this benefit was not in writing you are mistaken. It was in writing. That it wasnt in your contract is a different matter altogether. DoD needs to honor the promises it made by recruiters and recruiters pamphlets. Pamphlets are official documents approved by higher echelons and should be honored. Failure to do so should be considered a breach of contract. If nothing else it morally and ethically wrong.

SNCO Ret, Scott

3/18/2013 8:08:13 AM ET
While enlisted I used my 75 percent TA to pay for ONE class towards my CCAF. I CLEPd the remaining courses free of charge. For my BS degree I used my MGIB and borrowed the rest. For my masters I used my 75 percent TA to pay for classes but paid about 300.00 out of pocket per class. I was also a 2LT at the time with 30000 in student loans. If you want your degree then go get it. Use whatever means possible. Just don't rob a bank.

Major, East Coast

3/15/2013 8:09:22 PM ET
As a civilian I can tell you that many of us are very distubed by the choices made in this sequestration. We would like to see Congress and the President reduce their personal spending before cutting the benefits for those who risk their lives for this country. We also would like to have seen Michele Obama reduce her personal staff before shutting down the White House tours. But then again these things would make too much sense and that is too much to expect from our government.

RoseAnn Salanitri, Sandyston NJ

3/15/2013 4:25:34 PM ET
I have an idea for the recruitment commercials. Join at your own risk. What we offer you now is subject to change without prior notice. Be willing to give your all and expect nothing in return. Aim High Fly Fight Win That way the new recruits won't have any reasons to complaign.

David, Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam

3/15/2013 4:05:44 PM ET
@Donovan First I am prior enlisted. My education was not paid for as you put it. I am not aware of any other officers who recieve a free education. Nothing is free. I used my GI bill to pay for my education and it covered almost everything. Scholarships grants and a few of my own bucks made up the difference. Give me a break. If an education is important to you you will find a way.

Maj W, Edwards

3/15/2013 2:42:09 PM ET
The TA cut should not really be a surprise for anyone as this has been long been discussed in the past as we all already have our GI Bill available as an education benefit. If you are within your first three years of service then you should really be focusing on learning your skills and concentrating on completing your upgrade training as you adjust to the military environment there is plenty of time to complete civilian education afterwards if you are a truly dedicated student. There is nothing more irritating than witnessing a junior AF member who is far from proficient in their careerfield bring a load of schoolwork to the work center print volumes of research material on government printers and win awards for attending courses. In my opinion if the TA ever comes back then it should only be awarded to career Airmen not First-Term Airmen. This will be a great incentive for people to re-enlist and for first-term airmen to focus on their upgrade training as they should. In the

Anthony, Ramstein

3/15/2013 2:25:22 PM ET
I guess I'll have to talk to the education office and see about the process to use the GI Bill for my classes. My college says I'll be in the graduate program soon. Tax money going to college funds.

Wolf-1 , Earth

3/15/2013 12:17:56 PM ET
Folks have a few options. The first is to use the GI Bill if they opted-in. Second is to pay for your education out of pocket. Third is to secure other sources of funding. If none of those suggestions are acceptable there is always the option of getting out to show the Air Force how unhappy you are.

CKJ, CONUS

3/15/2013 11:17:53 AM ET
We've heard it all we're the entitlement generation shut up and color wahh wahh blah blah blah. The point everyone is trying to make is the AF chose to cut an education benefit while there are still tons of unnecessary programs and spending out there one example NASCAR sending millions in aid to other countries. Don't know about you but it is apparent education wasn't a priority.

Steve, Florida

3/15/2013 11:14:18 AM ET
Welcome to what the rest of American college students have to deal with ladies and gentlemen. Time to look into scholarships student loans your GI Bill or any other resources available to you. They're out there.

PB, US

3/15/2013 8:43:06 AM ET
I hate to see TA suspended but I'm happy to see some of these ridiculous for-profit colleges suffer from all this.

Concerned Airman , JBSA

3/15/2013 8:27:14 AM ET
Yes the GI bill is available but there are limitations. If you utilize the GI bill while still active duty you do not get the housing stipend. This is huge if you look over the course of 36 mos at an average of 1K a month well you get the picture. In addition having the degree or a majority of it complete prior to separation or retirment benifits the member and society. They are now better prepared to be a larger contributer to the system. Finally these individuals worked for it they are not welfare recipients they are employed. The military has huge cuts it can make in its personnel costs O M etc but without it being targeted it will cost us more in the not so long run.

MSgt Real, MO

3/15/2013 8:01:28 AM ET
How in good conscious can the USAF leadership cut TA and still require CCAF degree for senior endorsement First they break the education opportunity commitment given to every Airman that signs on the dotted line and at the same time force NCOs who desire to advance to pay full tuition cost for their degree. It is bad enough that they have broken the promise of educational opportunites but they then exacerbate this by keeping the CCAF requirement. I do not know which core value has been compromised here but I am sure at least one has taken a hit.

Kenn Lett, Robins AFB GA

3/15/2013 7:59:35 AM ET
I see this as another example of leaders not keeping faith with those who serve. Education has long been a benefit of serving - join for four or five years and in return for your service we'll help you with your education. Win-win. Add this to changes coming to health care retirement etc. Best of luck recruiters

KC, Wright-Patt

3/15/2013 12:13:57 AM ET
Maj. WYou are correct that most of us have a generous GI bill to use but unfortuanetly it will not cover everything. Those of us that are enlisted are not as fortunate as most officers who get a college eduation paid for. TA helps fill the gap that is left when our GI Bill runs out for us to get our degree

Donovan, Texas

3/14/2013 10:30:57 PM ET
In other news the F35 program has just been granted an additional 6 billion in development funds. Isnt this the same POS plane that has gone up from 69mil in 2001 to aprox 139mil The same plane that despite being 10yrs in development still isnt projected to be in full prodection untill 2019 The same program that has spent 65billion already Gotta love it huh

PRLM, PR

3/14/2013 4:33:44 PM ET
Using cake as reference to TA Maybe you should have used the TA afterall..

Dane, Colorado

3/14/2013 3:29:54 PM ET
Wow. How entitled have we become

Rick Mantangelo, CONUS

3/14/2013 2:18:41 PM ET
I have never seen morale so low in my 19 years in Air Force. This is just one more reason why the Air Force has turned from the effective efficient fighting force it once was.... into the pathetic organization it is now Only concerned about one thing - the bottom line. Morale customs courtesies history heritage... have all since been abandoned in favor of budget cuts at the expense of the Airman. It's Wall Street... with guns.This is only one example. You wouldn't believe what I have seen in 19 years. All examples of dishonest blatant lies poor decisions and complete disregard for anything other than saving costs1. The post Gulf-war drawdown2. The switch from Champus to Tricare3. More with less4. Cost conscious Culture5. Dental benefits changeddropped 3 times6. Military suicides in epidemic numbers7. Staggering homeless veteran statistics8. Deplorable conditions at VA hospitals9. PTSD victims quietly discharged w no benefits10. The prolonged v

19yr TSgt, America

3/14/2013 12:45:26 PM ET
JT is right. Complaining here will not fix the problem. You need to contact your Senator and Representatives in Congress. You also need to contact your State Senators and Representatives as well.

Jay J, JBSA

3/14/2013 12:05:00 PM ET
TA is underutilized and is wasteful spending considering the fact that we have a very generous GI Bill program. The folks up in arms about this issue are making a mountain out of a mole hill. Politicians are siezing on this supposed tradgedy to further their political agenda.

Maj W, Edwards

3/14/2013 11:08:44 AM ET
MSgt Jewell so many of us used the TA program. If no one used it how much would it save to cut the program This story is not about MSgt Jewell not using the TA program. Your comment is glib.

SrA, Texas

3/13/2013 6:43:30 PM ET
For the last eleven or twelve years I've gotten a HUGE free piece of cake with my meal. I've never eaten the cake. One day I find out they're no longer offering that cake. In its place they bring a slightly smaller piece of cake that costs so little it may as well be free. I freak out and demand the original cake. But even if they bring that cake I'm still not going to eat it.

MSgt Jewell, JBLM

3/13/2013 5:59:06 PM ET
It's a shame that we have to cut 85 billion from our operations but in the same week we give away I believe it was 60 billion to rebels.I think it's time we bring our men and women home and stop giving handouts to the rest of the world and make this the greatest country in the world again.God watch over our troops from our enemies and our own self serving leaders.

Mark, Ky

3/13/2013 5:02:25 PM ET
For those not considered minorities the FAFSA is a waste of your time.

RIFed, USA

3/13/2013 2:44:43 PM ET
As many of you have already pointed out there are a lot of other areas that could be cut first. I'm currently four classes from completing my BS and just had the rug pulled out from under me today when I got the email from last night. I've got another class starting in two weeks. These posts are fine for venting but we need to take action now. Please contact your State Representatives and as pointed out in an ealier post sign the petition at the following link.httpspetitions.whitehouse.govpetitionreinstate-military-tuition-assistance-ta-and-block-armed-service-branches-any-further-suspension-takSyVdySmWe are almost 10000 signatures from getting to the target so that The White House will look at it. One thing we don't need to do is take the benefits away that will in turn benefit the military and our society.

JT, USAFE

3/13/2013 12:40:36 PM ET
Yes TA is a benefit and not an entitlement but the only reason it was taken away was because Congress didn't want to close tax loopholes for the wealthy elite. All while we continue to waste billions in Afghanistan - no cuts there.

Stuart, Planet Earth

3/13/2013 10:24:21 AM ET
There are lots of things we can do to save money such as reducing E-4 sorties stop flying the AWACS in Afghanistan where we have no air rivals dump the NASCAR contract axe tops in blue close all the golf courses and stop all the VIP treatment.

Peanut, MD

3/13/2013 10:21:51 AM ET
The article is incomplete. It missed the part about how this is a politically motivated decision to get enough people riled up to persuade congress to act and give more money to the Air Force.

Sgt Whoever, conus

3/13/2013 9:57:24 AM ET
We do have some alternatives...www.FAFSA.ed.gov student loans...CLEP of DANTES teasting they are free unless you fail then you pay to retake it...I hope its not gone for good I know afew Airmen that dont want to reenlist because of this and no one is going to want to join...it is known that a large group that join do it for education.

A1C Rivas, LA

3/13/2013 9:38:07 AM ET
Sure cut TA instead of cutting things that Airmen wouldn't care about. Here's a list of things the AF could cut that would save a LOT of moneyThunderbirds AF Band Tops In Blue. Kill these programs off and return the people to a productive role. Eliminate every base groundskeeping contract and buy each squadron a lawnmower and string trimmer. Eliminate every base housekeeping contract. When I was an Airman we had to clean the buildings our damn selves. What makes the new crop of Airmen so special they don't have to There you have it people. Cut those things and then if they need to save more money MAYBE they can look at other areas. Here's an idea....reduce the number of aircraft in the sandbox. I can't tell you how many times I flew around in an empty 130. Burning thousands of pounds of fuel for what To add numbers to the flying hours to justify having WAY more aircraft in theater than we would have ever needed Air Force leadership needs to pull their heads o

MadRetiree, CONUS

3/13/2013 9:37:10 AM ET
I think they should just do away with TA completely. Folks are already getting the GI bill for free now so why give two options for a degree More cuts like this is what our country needs

Retired and loving it, Orlando FL

3/13/2013 9:33:43 AM ET
Oooh. Too bad an Airman will have to use their post 911 GI Bill to pay for college. Why are we soaking the taxpayers for two benefits programs TA and the GI Bill. TA should have melted away after the post 911 GI Bill went into effect. The new GI Bill covers a four-year degree books everything plus a stipend for housing. It's mismanagement of legacy programs like TA that causes the government to go broke. And news flash We're broke.

Not Anit Education...just anti whining, Retiredland

3/13/2013 9:30:11 AM ET
Big AF has got its priorities mixed up. Take away a major education benefit from its people while sponsoring a race car how does that happen

Steve, Florida

3/13/2013 9:12:00 AM ET
Sad news for those who use TA because they miss out on 4500 a FY then again more than half the force probably dont even use TA. Just have to be resourceful. Anyone can CLEP their way through an AAS. Post 911 GI bill provides a lot of dough for 36 months. and there is PELL grant among other grants anyone can take advantage of. If one really wants higher education lack of TA wont stop them.

Im a runner, TX

3/13/2013 8:30:53 AM ET
So do this also impact officer internships and master's degree programs or are the lowly enlisted the only ones who suffer as a result of these cuts

H, Arlington

3/13/2013 8:05:07 AM ET
Since 2001 all branches of the military have performed at heighten ops tempo and deployment rotation as never before. Countless service members have sacrificed so much for our country and this is how we thank them for their service If it wasnt for the TA program when I served I probably wouldnt be making a six figure income today.Maybe Secretary Donley should lead by example and park the Executive fleet of Air Force aircraft. Think of the savings that would generate.

Tim N., CT

3/13/2013 7:58:40 AM ET
Whilst we send 350m to Egypt.

TWO, Abroad

3/13/2013 7:57:32 AM ET
So what happens to non vol instructors who have to get their CCAF degree. Pay ou of pocket

DLF, KAFB

3/13/2013 3:16:09 AM ET
brooksale27 you'll just have to use your GI Bill on its own. I just submitted my form 1990 on the VA's website and submitted my certificate of eligibilty to my school's vet's office to make sure they can help me get my benefits when my next classes start April. It's unfortunate that we have to burn through our GI Bill at a much faster rate now. But I'm less happy about having to break it to my Airmen that they will either have to come out of pocket or wait until they have enough time in service 36 months right to use their GI Bill. I wonder what the next benefit to get cut will be My guess will be something to do with retirement for anyone under the 15 year mark.

KM, MD

3/13/2013 12:22:01 AM ET
The VA cannot pay top-up if tuition is zero...too bad they didn't leave it at 1.httpwww.benefits.va.govwarmsdocsadmin22m22_4part05ch10.htm

T, Qatar

3/12/2013 11:57:06 PM ET
So instead of reducing the TA cap you just pull the whole thing Two weeks before the next term starts. Way to take go AF. People First......

Brian, NM

3/12/2013 9:08:24 PM ET
For years we've been told Airmen are our greatest resource. Yet when crap hits the fan we realize that we are nothing but numbers and dollar signs. Why do we have to suffer because of budget cuts Isn't 2 wars suffering enough But hey we still have Tops in Blue

VM-TSgt, MD

3/12/2013 8:51:08 PM ET
Please sign the petition httpspetitions.whitehouse.govpetitionreinstate-military-tuition-assistance-ta-and-block-armed-service-branches-any-further-suspension-takSyVdySm

Kevin, Dyess AFB

3/12/2013 7:12:38 PM ET
Mission First People Always...except this time.

Maj, Home for a change

3/12/2013 6:54:25 PM ET
Well if they want people out of the military this is one way to make them want to leave. It's a sad thing.

C. A., SWA

3/12/2013 6:22:25 PM ET
So with TA being cut how does that work with active duty using top up qith their GI Bill

brooksale27, TX

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