Another impact of the sequestration hits our country right in the heart of higher education for our service members. The Army announced they are joining the Marines in suspending their tuition assistance program for those attempting to get a degree or certification. Those already enrolled will be allowed to complete their current courses, but unless the budget gets sorted out, new enrollees can kiss their benefit goodbye.
GI benefits won’t seem to be affected by this change, however, many are rightly enraged by this decision, citing that the education benefits are a main draw for enlisting in service. There are areas of spending which need to be cut. Education, health, supporting our military, aren’t those areas. With approximately 1.6 million people currently serving in the U.S. Military, this suspension could create long lasting and disastrous results on their future. Student loan debt is rising fast, and the amount of loans in delinquency is more than half.
Tuition assistance programs are the only way some can afford to receive education, and many agree to do so by putting themselves at risk, serving in our armed forces. Education is an investment in our future. Every time cuts prevent individuals from education it is our society and our future who will suffer. Many might say the only way to keep America running is to make these tough-decision cuts. When you’re cutting what makes America grow, what allows individuals to better themselves, then you’re destroying exactly what these cuts are claiming to save. There are cuts to be made. True, but this should never have been one of them.
Written By Courtney Kidd, LMSW
SJS Staff Writer
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I am a medic in the Florida Army National Guard and I have been using the Army Tuition Assistance program to attend the University of Central Florida. At UCF, I am majoring in social work. My plan after graduation was to work with veterans. All I want to do is get to work and help my battle brothers and sisters. Thanks to the Army, my plans may be put on hold or cancelled.
Sean,
Thank you for your service, and for joining our profession. I have no doubt that you will be a wonderful additional to social work. Please don’t give up hope just yet, I have a feeling that this is far from the end of tuition assistance for members of our armed forces. We just have to remain united to speak up for education, and for the benefits of the men and women in the military, against bureaucracy.
Courtney
As a mother (LCSW, and conscientious objector) with a 20 year old son currently serving in the Army in Afghanistan, I was apalled by this. My son made a decision to join the service to serve but, also to have funds when he was ready to attend college. It is bad enough that they had a paycut, but this is just not right as they risk their lives everyday for the policies of our government. I am hoping that the political grandstanding of both parties will change and resolve this issue ASAP. How do you think the soldiers feel when they hear this. I think if the government can renege on this then the soldiers should be able to renege on their contracts as well.