Expansion of GI Benefits for the Guard and Reserve

The Issue

Since 9/11, the National Guard has transitioned from a strategic reserve to an operational reserve. Reserve and Active-duty service members train and deploy in unison for wildfires, hurricanes, overseas operations, and more. National Guard deployments have increased exponentially, from 818,496 days in 2006 to 9.5 million days in 2021. To be eligible for post-9/11 GI Bill benefits, Guardsmen serving under Title 32 must be responding to a national emergency declared by the President of the United States. As such, Guard members are serving alongside Active-duty and do not receive the same benefits.

Recommendation

• Reintroduce S. 2644 and H.R. 1836 — the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act — to expand post-9/11 GI Bill education assistance.

Point of Contact

Julian Plamann

Legislative Affairs Manager, Joint-Personnel Programs