Serve at least two years on active duty. The Active Duty Montgomery GI Bill asks for a minimum commitment of two years in exchange for educational benefits worth nearly $50,000.
Agree to $100 monthly reduction in pay during the first year of service. The monthly reduction stops after the first year of enlistment.
Meet basic educational requirements. The GI Bill requires that you have a high school diploma or equivalent certificate before applying for benefits. Another alternative is to complete 12 hours of college credits. With these credits, you do not need to complete the high school diploma requirement.
Locate U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs-approved schools. Not all educational programs meet the qualifications set by the department. Ask the admissions counselor at each school if the school's programs meet the GI Bill requirements.
Send your applications for educational benefits to the Department of Veteran Affairs. Download Form 22-1990 from the Veteran Affairs website. Application review and processing times range from four to eight weeks.