Many states provide tuition assistance or free tuition to it's veterans as well. I don't know what the situation is in Minnesota, but in my home state (Texas) if you enlisted in military on the state of Texas and are a veteran of an armed conflict...such as Iraq...you can qualify for free tuition at a state university or college.

Bottom line there are already a great many programs available to the veteran...but there is also a lot of ignorance about what's out there and how to get it.

"In fact, while it's undeniably a great benefit, the system is designed to deny that benefit to as many people as possible."

Greyhawk, that seems to be a bit harsh. I know my son (USAF TACP) and his friends (Marines) were all encouraged to sign up for it. In any case, I'm hoping the proposed legislation to remove the initial payment will come to fruition.

It's not a bit harsh. Single guys with few expecses, living in dorms can afford it - others can't. All are indeed encouraged to take it - those who can't afford it - along with those who don't want it - are then forced to sign a document claiming they were encouraged to take it but don't want it and understand they'll never get a chance for it again.

I could endlessly encourage you to buy something you haven't got money for based on the argument that it's a good bargain and will benefit you, but that doesn't change the fact that you can't afford it.

I see your point -- I’m a little in the dark because all of the kids I know enlisted young and single, and I have no idea of what the enlistment rates are for those with families. Do you have any idea what the percentage is of enlistees who decline it?

Sorry, it should be VERY simple for them to change this but it is just another indication of the Bush administration using and abusing its soldiers.

Example: In 1992 when the "great drawdown" started, they instituted a VSI/SSB program to provide people benefits as they left the military. One of those was the GI Bill. A few things they did:

1. Opened it up to West Pointers and ROTC scholarship students who previously were prevented since their undergrad was already paid for. They could use it for MBAs etc.

2. Allowed you to pay in "one lump sum". So, even if you never contributed, as you walked out you gave them $1,200 and immediately were eligible for something like $15K in benefits.

3. You became immediately eligible the second you left.

So, this was all passed and implemented in one year. Don't tell me it is too hard or complicated. That is bureaucratic BS. For soldiers at war, they should do this in 3 seconds and shame on any senior officer who does not work diligently to get this for his/her soldiers.

The Bush admin doesn't control Congress, but Congress controls this.

Your item 2 is no longer accurate - at least for Active Duty troops,.