Tuition Assistance Threat
Congress’ ongoing work on the National Defense Authorization Act for FY12 (HR 1540) has created a whopping 145 amendments to the original bill. Although many of these amendments have been rejected by members of congress, one in particular, Amendment 88 introduced by Rep Mike Coffman from Colorado has been approved for inclusion in the House Bill and could directly affect the bottom line for enlisted Airmen. This amendment calls for the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress within 270 days on methods to increase the efficiency of the Tuition Assistance program. The report is required to include:
- A description of the effect of the program on recruiting and retention within the Armed Forces;
- An analysis of other programs that provide benefits similar to those provided through the program, including the use of educational assistance programs under chapters 30 and 33 of title 38, United States Code, for education and training pursued by members of the Armed Forces serving on active duty while they are off-duty; and
- A description of the effects of modifying the program to require members of the Armed Forces participating in the program to pay for 25 percent of their education expenses and the Secretary concerned to pay the remaining 75 percent of such expenses.
So what does all this mean? First off, recruiting and retention are at all time highs primarily because of a poor economy. With the economy expected to continue without much improvement over the coming years, I would think that a reduction of Tuition Assistance within the Air Force isn’t going to have much effect.
Secondly, some people are starting to question why service members are getting Tuition Assistance when they have a very generous GI Bill they could be using to take those same college courses. Using TA to get your four or six year degree while on active duty and then transferring your GI Bill benefits to your dependents is also being looked at as double dipping into the system.
Third, there is a historical precedent that 75% tuition can be instituted and allow the military to meet mission requirements. Prior to the current 100% TA payment rate most military members paid 25% of tuition costs out of pocket in addition to their costs for books and supplies.
Each of these points coupled with a Secretary of Defense that is being pushed to the wall to find deep cuts could result in a permanent decrease in TA. Where that final cut ends up is hard to tell at this point but I think that military members will be fortunate if the cut only goes to 75%. A generous GI Bill that can be used while on active duty just begs the question why it isn’t used as the primary payer for a military member’s education.
I would advise anyone that feels TA is an important factor in their continued service in the Air Force to contact their elected officials and let them know how you feel on this subject. If you don’t let your voice be heard, we may lose this great benefit and have to solely rely on the GI Bill to pay for off duty education.
Gary Swanson, SMSgt (ret)
Division 89 Trustee
Congressional Record, Section 574