The tuition assistance program is among the most popular benefits available to active duty servicemembers, but as the beginning of the next fiscal year inches closer, the military community is largely in the dark about what potential changes the program could see in the coming months. An estimated 380,000 troops make use of tuition assistance, and many of them are seeking answers, Military Times reports.
Earlier this year, tuition assistance was temporarily suspended as the Department of Defense grappled with spending cuts triggered by sequestration. Eventually, the program was re-instated at least until the beginning of the next fiscal year, which starts Oct. 1. Over the summer, branches have been working with the DOD, but so far the Air Force is the only one with a plan. The Air Force's new rules re-instate transition assistance for 2014 but require airmen to get permission from their supervisors to take classes.
"DOD leadership is committed to preserving a tuition assistance program that assists service members in achieving their education goals while maintaining mission readiness during this fiscally challenging time," Pentagon spokesperson Nate Christensen said.
Tuition assistance isn't the only academic program undergoing changes, as the Post-9/11 GI Bill has also seen some tweaks in recent months. Most notably, servicemembers who want to transfer their benefits to a dependent have to serve an additional four years.