New era of education calls for GI Bill changes

Dear American Legion Family Members and Friends,

The promise of a meaningful, free or low-cost education after military service is among the top reasons young men and women choose the U.S. Armed Forces. In that way, the GI Bill is both an incentive to join and an expression of gratitude to those who voluntarily devote a portion of their lives to defend our nation.

Education, however, has changed substantially in the last five years. In the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, it continues to evolve at a rapid rate. More than 4 million students – and climbing – are enrolled in virtual off-campus classes, and their completion and success rates generally exceed those of students in traditional classroom settings.

This evolution has been extremely important to veterans and currently serving military personnel seeking college degrees or credentials in skilled trades. Virtual learning allows them the flexibility to work, serve, train, travel and raise families while pursuing higher educations. Studies have also shown that online classes improved student retention rates and reduced the amount of time required to finish a degree.

The GI Bill, however, has not kept up with changes in this landscape. VA regulations and definitions of “distance learning” and “independent study” do not match the world in which we now live, nor even the Department of Education’s own definitions of the same terms.

The American Legion recently completed a study examining the new era of virtual education, specifically as it applies to veterans using their GI Bill benefits. In some instances, confusion over definitions – many of which are outdated in GI Bill regulations – can prevent veterans from applying their education benefits.

In order for the GI Bill to continue successfully attracting young men and women to serve, and in order for it to truly express gratitude to veterans for the time they have devoted to our defense, VA rules must be brought up to speed with the rest of modern education and stay on top of new developments. No one looks for this pattern of increased virtual education to ever end or reverse course, so it’s vital to veterans that discrepancies in the rules are regularly addressed.

We all remember the reason the Post-9/11 GI Bill was passed in 2008. The benefits package for veterans had simply fallen out of step with modern education. Simple changes, and regular review in a fast-changing world, can prevent that from happening again.

For God and Country,

Paul E. Dillard

American Legion National Commander