GI Bill-Selected Reserve Chapter 1606

Important Message: Effective 4 May 2021, the TA/MGIB-SR restriction has been removed!  This means that Reserve Component Service Members enrolled in a half-time or more program of study may now receive their FTA and CH 1606 MGIB-SR benefits simultaneously for the same course!

The MGIB-SR is a benefit administered by the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA) that provides basic educational assistance for traditional/M-day Soldiers actively serving in the Selected Reserve.

  • Sign a six-year enlistment contract or Officer Service Agreement (OSA)  to serve in the National Guard
  • Have a High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Complete Initial Active Duty Training (IADT) or Basic Officer Leadership Course (BOLC).
  • Be actively serving in the NG (cannot be in the Inactive National Guard-ING or Individual Ready Reserve-IRR).
  • Not be AGR or on Active Duty.
  • Not be flagged for AWOLs.
  • Not be using or have ever received a ROTC Scholarship Title 10 USC 2107.
  • $481 per month for full-time enrollment (Effective 1 October 2024).
  • Payment made directly to the Soldier each month from the DVA.
  • In most cases, your eligibility begins immediately after you have completed IADT/BOLC.
  • CAN be combined with State Tuition Assistance (TN STRONG Act) and Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) .
  • Submit the Veterans Online Application at: www.va.gov
  • Your Certificate of Eligibility (COE) can take up to 30 days to come by mail.  Once received, notify the VA Certifying Official at your school so they can verify your enrollment. (If your school is requesting your NOBE (NGB Form 2384) you can get this from your iPERMS record).
  • Continue to verify your enrollment each month online at: https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/

 

  • Your eligibility for the program normally ends the day you leave the Selected Reserve.
  • You are only eligible for a lifetime maximum of 36 months of any one GI Bill, but a lifetime maximum of 48 months by combining more than one GI Bill (i.e. if you exhaust all 36 months using MGIB-SR Ch 1606, you can only gain an additional 12 months of another GI Bill you are eligible for or may become eligible for the in the future).
  • Being assigned to the ING or IRR for a period of longer than 12 months (for personal reasons or 36 months for missionary purposes) or entering ING or IRR status for a second time, will terminate your MGIB-SR indefinitely.
  • Did you enlist with a GI Bill Kicker? You will receive your GI Bill Kicker payment with your MGIB-SR Ch1606 payment monthly.

Rates change every year on October 1. View current rates:  https://www.va.gov/education/benefit-rates/montgomery-selected-reserve-rates/

Apply online: www.va.gov

Verify your enrollment: https://www.va.gov/education/verify-school-enrollment/

For More Information, contact your State Education Office

Email: ng.tn.tnarng.list.ngtn-j1-education@army.mil

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.