Fall Issue MINNESOTA NATIONAL GUARD
Quarter 1 FY 14 Newsletter Branch Staff
CPT Aaron Oelschlager
URGENT ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Due to the government shutdown, any courses that started between 1-16 Oct 13 will not be eligible to receive Federal TA funding
Everyone, regardless of years in service, who transfers their post 9/11 GI Bill will incur a 4 year service obligation
Check our Facebook page at:
Education Service Officer
SGM Jody Courts Education/Incentives Services NCOIC
https://www.facebook.com/educationandincentives
SFC Andrew Klotz
IN THIS ISSUE:
Incentives NCOIC
Page 2—School of the Quarter: St. Cloud Technical and Community College
Page 3—Federal Tuition Assistance
Page 4—GoArmyEd Tuition Assistance Seminar
Page 5—GI Bill and the National Testing Program
Page 6—State Tuition Reimbursement Changes
Page 7—Army Women’s Foundation Scholarship
Page 8—Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship
Page 9—Selected Reserve Incentive Program
Ms. Amber Manke
Page 10—MN GI Bill and Employment Info
Education Services Specialist
Page 11—Helpful Links & Resources
SFC Nicholas Gauwitz GI BILL Manager
SFC Robyn Major FTA Manager
PHONE
If you have ideas on how to make this newsletter even better, email us at:
651-282-4589
Ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-education@mail.mil
QTR 1, FY 2014 School of the Quarter
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St Cloud State Technical and Community College “St. Cloud Technical & Community College (SCTCC) is a regional treasure located in the heart of Central Minnesota. Founded as the second technical college in the state in 1948, SCTCC has committed to meeting the needs of our community through its 90 programs of study that closely match the types of jobs available in the area.” http://www.sctc.edu/about Programs of study include: Health Information Technology SCTC is committed to serving veterans The college is expanding its state of the art Veterans Center and will be offering associate’s degrees based on military training. SCTC serves over 200 Veterans and Service Members.
Advertising Communication Design Carpentry Fire Fighter Training Biomedical Equipment Technology Nursing
Celebrate Veterans College & Career Planning Days Get the ball rolling on your education by: exploring career opportunities, talking with a transfer specialist on how to get credit for your military experience, chat with the MDVA Regional Coordinator, tour the campus. On Veterans days SCTC will even waive the $20 college application fee. Stop in for a visit. For more information follow this link: http://www.sctcc.edu/veterans-days
Feel free to contact: Laura Boden, Central Regional Coordinator, MN Dept of Veteran’s Affairs Office phone: 320.308.5147 Cell: 320.493.8153 Email: laura.boden@state.mn.us Anita Baugh, School Certifying Official Office phone: 320.308.5936 Email: anita.baugh@sctcc.edu For veteran’s with disabilities, contact: Judy Jacobson Berg, Counselor Office phone: 320.308.5096
Medium/Heavy Truck Technician In-state Tuition: $4,767 Out-of-state Tuition: $4,767 Total Students: 4,751 Student Faculty Ratio: 22:1 Statistics from http:// www.petersons.com
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Go Army Ed and Federal Tuition Assistance Due to the government shutdown, Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) was suspended from 1-16 OCT 13. Soldiers are now able to request TA for classes with a start date of 17 Oct 13 or later. Soldiers will not be able to resubmit TA requests that were rejected during the TA suspension, or submit new TA requests, for classes with a start date from 1-16 Oct 13. Army Continuing Education regrets any inconvenience this TA suspension caused to Soldiers and wishes you continue success with your educational pursuits. If your class started between 1-16 Oct 13, you may be eligible to receive State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) to cover the cost of your tuition. Soldiers must have completed basic training, have a passing APFT and HT/WT and no unexcused absences in order to receive STR. Please work with your unit to submit all necessary STR paperwork and inquire about your eligibility.
Federal TA Reminders: The best time to review your GAE account is NOW. Review your preferred e-mail address listed in your account. All correspondence will be sent to this email—change it if you want a different address. Ensure your annual statement of understanding (SOU) is current. If you’re an E-7 or higher you can sign your own SOU. The latest version is dated July 2013. There is also a digitally signature enabled SOU on our external website, below. You might need to upload a new degree plan to GoArmyEd which includes your degree and all courses being taken this next term . We recommend that you upload a new degree plan every term. Upload a class schedule with start and end dates for each of your classes and your itemized tuition/fees statement from your student services website. We need an account summary from your school that is in a format that cannot be edited and has tuition and fees listed separately. If you are taking more than 12 credits, you may need to request a semester override. Prior to the start date of your courses—apply for TA for each course. You can apply for TA as early as 60 days before the start date of the course. If you have any issues while applying, contact your Higher Education Veterans Rep by calling 1800-456-5819 or the Education Office e-mail or phone listed below. Recent TA Policy Changes: APFT and HT/WT standard flags result in holds in GAE. If you are failing either, you will not be eligible to receive TA funding. If you have a hold that is inaccurate, please contact your unit first to inquire about the removal of the flag. ROTC Cadets receiving a scholarship of any kind are NOT eligible for Federal Tuition Assistance. Criminal Justice Skills Training credits can be funded by TA as long as you have not completed your B.S. or B.A. degree. Watch e-mails closely for more information and changes to the eligibility or processing of GAE TA.
Need help? There are numerous helpful directions on our website at: http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org
For questions or assistance contact the MN Army National Guard Education Office at: 651-282-4589 Or email us at: ng.mn.mnarng.mbx.assets-education@mail.mil
QTR 1, FY 2014 GoArmyEd Tuition Assistance Seminar
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GI Bill Information: The National Testing Program
National Testing Program
Important Announcements:
Trying to get into grad school but need to take a placement test first? Would you like to test out of a few classes and speed your degree along further? The VA National Testing Program can fund approved tests. Here’s how:
As of 1 August 2013 EVERYONE, regardless of time in service, will have to serve four additional years if they transfer their Post 9-11 GI Bill to their dependents.
Apply to use the GI Bill
Take the test
Bill Payments. Call the VA at:
Send a copy of your test results and a VA Form 21-4138 to the VA.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Tests) LSAT (Law School Admission Test) GRE (Graduate Record Exam) CLEP (College-Level Examination Program) TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) DSST (DANTES Subject Standardization Tests) Many others
For more information click on the link below. http://www.gibill.va.gov/documents/pamphlets/ national_testing_program.pdf
1-888-GIBILL1,
or log on and check online for your payment status. See the link below.
Approved tests include:
The VA is still 6-8 weeks behind in making GI
With the recent government shutdown, there may be an additional delay in GI Bill processing.
Helpful links and additional information: To transfer your post 9-11 GI Bill to your dependants: https://www.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/faces To apply for the GI Bill see the VA website: http://www.gibill.va.gov/ Check your military records on iperms:
Knock out some
https://iperms.hrc.army.mil/rms/login.jsp
credits with CLEP or DSST!
Apply for the MN GI Bill: http://www.getreadyforcollege.org/gpg.cfm? pageid=1803 For more information, contact your state GI Bill Manager at: nicholas.g.gauwitz.mil@mail.mil Or call 651-282-4590
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State Tuition Reimbursement Changes All recent changes to State Tuition Reimbursement (STR) can be found in the MN National Guard Circular 621-5-1. New Rates: STR will reimburse up to 100% of the tuition charges, up to the University of Minnesota (U of M) semester hour rate for undergraduate programs.
$13,000 per fiscal year for undergraduate coursework
$22,000 per fiscal year for graduate coursework
Undergraduate rate: $463.85 per credit; Graduate rate: $1250.67 per credit
STR for Spouses is open to all ranks as long as all other eligibility criteria is met.
This is a peak time of the year for STR requests. Tuition Reimbursement requests are paid approximately 45 days from the time the requests are submitted by unit personnel. If you want to know about the status of your State Tuition Reimbursement payment, contact their full-time unit personnel. Do NOT contact Education Services directly.
Unit personnel can check payment status any time using the State Tuition Reimbursement database available at http://ngmnc2-j6ops-a1/Incentives/StateTuition/STR_Unit_Admin.aspx
Please verify that your bank account information is current. If it has changed send an updated State direct deposit form to Phyllis Lindstrand at phyllis.lindstrand@us.army.mil. To avoid any delays in your payment, you must submit this to be processed before requesting your payment.
NOTE: If the your banking information is not current, the payment will be sent by paper check. Please verify that the address is current. This address should be good for 60 days after submitting the STR request. The post office will NOT forward any checks to a new address.
The Joint Services Transcript (JST) Replaces AARTS Save time and money by applying your military experience and training to your degree. AARTS has transitioned to the Joint Services Transcript (JST). The JST will produce a uniform transcript of all military training and experiences to Service members of all branches. This new electronic transcript service, effective 1 January 2013, will include Army Officer and Warrant Officer training, NCOES, joint military training conducted by other services, and DANTES funded test scores. Personnel data should be reviewed for accuracy and ensure that completed training is documented in the Army Training Requirements and Resource System (ATRRS). You can also update your transcripts with your most recent military schools **If you are plan on using Federal Tuition Assistance (TA) this is a requirement.** To take a look at your military transcripts or request an official copy go to the JST systems page at: https:/jst.doded.mil/
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www.awfdn.org
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VFW “Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship” VFW and one of its major supporters, Sport Clip Haircuts, have partnered to help veterans and their families. As another “Thank you” to the troops, the VFW “Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship” will provide Service Members and Veterans the financial assistance they need to complete their education. Details:
Scholarships of up to $5,000 are available, paid directly to your school for tuition.
Scholarships are limited to one per family.
Scholarships must be used by the end of the school year for which the Veteran or Service Member is applying for.
You can apply once per academic year.
To be Eligible you must:
Be a U.S. Citizen;
Be retired, honorably discharged, active duty, or an serving member of the National Guard or Reserve;
Have completed Basic Training and IADT;
Be an E-5 or below;
Demonstrate a need for financial assistance;
Be enrolled in or accepted to attend a VA approved post-secondary program;
And submit an application for FAFSA and be accepted.
Questions? Contact the VFW at HelpAHero@vfw.org To apply or for more information, see the link below. http://www.vfw.org/Assistance/VFW-Sport-Clips-Help-A-Hero-Scholarship/
Checkout Our Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/ educationandincentives
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YOU CAN NOW RE-ENLIST FOR A BONUS WITH UP TO 13 YEARS TIME IN SERVICE
Six Year Re-enlistment Bonus (REB) Rate
Three Year Re-enlistment Bonus (REB) Rate
REB Extension Eligibility Period
Extend 365-91 Days Before ETS
Extend 90-1 Day (s) Before ETS
REB Extension Eligibility Period
Extend 365-91 Days Before ETS
Extend 90-1 Day (s) Before ETS
Less than 13 Years Time in Service
$10,000
Not Eligible $0
Less than 13 Years Time in Service
$5,000
Not Eligible $0
New re-enlistment bonus contract changes effective 01 January 2013: Soldiers may now re-enlist for a 3 or 6 year bonus. Soldiers MUST be E7 and below and have no more than 13 years time in service at the time of current ETS. See your Retention NCO or Full Time Staff for more information.
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Uncle Sam’s Intel... The Minnesota GI Bill
DEED
Looking for employment or maybe a career shift? Search sota GI Bill can fund up to $1000 per semester or $3000 for jobs or post your resume on Annually with a $10,000 lifetime cap. On the Job Training Positively Minnesota. The Deand Apprenticeship funding is available for $2000 per partment of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) fiscal year and $6000 lifetime. wants to help you find a career. Eligibility Requirements Need more funding for tuition? The Minne-
You must be a Minnesota resident enrolled at Minnesota institutions who is a: Veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch of the United States armed forces at any time on or after September 11, 2001, or;
Click here and go to the website
Non-veteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September 11, 2001, or; Spouse or child of a person who has served in the mili tary at any time on or after September 11, 2001, and who has died or has a total and permanent disability as a direct result of that military service. For more information or to apply follow this link: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/
View upcoming events like Minnesota Veterans career fairs; Search for jobs; Find Green jobs; Explore a career you’re interested in; Identify Veterans friendly employers; Find your local Workforce Center location.
http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/index.aspx
Upcoming Job and Career Fairs 13 NOV - Express Employment Professionals Career Fair, 9am, 113 Monroe Ave, North Mankato Every Thursday - Weekly Job Fair at the MN Workforce Center in Bloomington For information on these and other job fairs, or to submit your resume, go to: http://www.positivelyminnesota.com/Calendar_of_Events
Are you applying for a job? Looking for a career shift? Check out this military skills translator provided by United Health Group. Write a solid resume. Enter you branch, rank and MOS to see what your civilian equivalent would be. Find out what jobs are available through United Health Group. http://careers.unitedhealthgroup.com/ Getting-Hired/Military-Skills-
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&
Links
Resources
MNARNG Education— http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/education/ — Contains many useful documents about education benefits Scholarships—http://www.minnesotanationalguard.org/education/scholarships/index.php— Check out what is available! My Military Education—www.mymilitaryeducation.org —A great resource to have in your cargo pocket. Sponsored by the Higher Education Veterans Program, for current military members and veterans, and their families. The Pat Tillman Foundation—http://www.pattillmanfoundation.org/tillman-military-scholars/ apply/ “The Pat Tillman Foundation is a national leader in providing resources and educational scholarship support to veterans, active Service Members and their spouses. The Tillman Military Scholars program aids all veterans, specifically the ever-growing population of veterans of Post-9/11 conflicts.”—www.pattillmanfoundation.org/ Minnesota Association of County Veteran Service Officers—http://www.macvso.org/ Your Point of contact for Federal, State, and Local Veterans benefits. Go to the website to find out who you County Veteran Service Officer is today. Army Cool—Credentialing Opportunities On-line—https://www.cool.army.mil/index.htm COOL helps Army Soldiers find information on certifications and licenses related to their MOS. It explains how to meet civilian requirements and provides numerous links.
Back by Popular Demand The Microsoft Home Use Program (HUP) is back and available again for all Army Users. The HUP has not been a benefit since April 2009. The new HUP now allows Army, Air Force, and DISA employees to purchase Office 2013 Professional Plus for only $9.95 and install it on their personal computers. Office 2013 includes: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Access, Publisher, InfoPath and Lync. Great software to have use for school. Click here to purchase: http://www.microsofthup.com/hupus/ chooser.aspx?culture=en-US. You can enter either your AKO email address or your DoDEE email address. Either one will work.