Round one: Montgomery GI Bill vs. Post-9/11 Bill Published Oct. 2, 2012 By Airman 1st Class Kathryn Stilwell 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. -- According to the Veteran's Administration, the Montgomery GI Bill has been heralded as one of the most significant pieces of legislation ever produced by the federal government -- one that impacted the United States socially, economically and politically. Both the Montgomery GI Bill and the Post-9/11 GI Bill provide veterans with ample educational opportunities such as college, technical or vocational courses, and job-training. The goal of both bills is simple: to educate veterans so more employment opportunities will open to them. The GI Bill sets up veterans to go back to school, said Portia Fennell, chief of education and training with the 436th Force Support Squadron. It helps provide an academic program to help transition into the civilian lifestyle. There are subtle differences in each bill that service members may want to consider in advance to entering the civilian sector, such as the stipends supplied and the transferability, which are highlighted in the table below. Benefits for each of the bills are offered percentage-wise according to time-in-service. Serving for at least three years guarantees the maximum amount of benefits. Being discharged due to a service-connected disability also provides 100 percent of benefits. Benefits then decrease in 10-percent increments: At least 30 months < 36 months, 90 percent At least 25 months < 30 months, 80 percent At least 18 months < 24 months, 70 percent At least 12 months < 18 months, 60 percent At least 6 months < 12 months, 50 percent At least 90 days < 6 months, 40 percent The average person is paying student loans, but this is a way for veterans to go to school free of charge. It is a way to pay back the time and sacrifices they gave. It also lets them pursue their dreams, and go to any school they want, said Fennell. For more detailed information on the GI Bill, visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.