For years citizen soldiers were told by the DoD that they would lose their GI Bill benefits once they stop drilling. However, according to recent Congressional testimony, the DoD has changed its interpretation of the so called "non-portability" policy.
This change means that eligible members of the National Guard and Reserve are now able to use the Montgomery GI Bill for Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR) after they separate from military service for the number of months they were activated plus four more months. They may also add multiple periods of activation to further increase this extension, or portability.
Additionally, those who qualify for the Reserve Education Assistance Program — also known as "REAP," are eligible to revert to the original "MGIB-SR" upon discharge from paid drill status.
