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It seems terribly incongruous, even unjust!
Military reservists called up for lengthy deployments generally aren't eligible for the same post-service education benefits as regular military personnel, even though time served is about the same.
Frankly, it's more than unjust. It's downright wrong! And it is why a bill introduced a couple of years ago by Representative Jim Matheson ought to finally be enacted when Congress gets back to work in Washington.
The Resuming Education After Defensive Service Act is all about fairness.
As currently written, a soldier can qualify for certain education benefits by serving 24 consecutive months on active duty. Reservists often serve 24 months; however, they get time off between deployments, so their service isn't consecutive. Because of this loophole in the law, the reservists don't receive the same level of education support.
Matheson's bill would change the criteria for GI Bill eligibility to include at least two years of cumulative active duty service over a period of five continuous years.
The measure has been stuck in committee now for almost a year. It is time to give it priority consideration.
In KSL's view, fairness demands that reservists who serve lengthy deployments should be eligible for the same education benefits that are available to full-time GI's.
