For Vocational & Technical Certificates, Computer Certification, and Trade School, the following programs apply.

For Associate Degrees and Baccalaureate Degrees, the following programs apply.

For Masters Degrees, the following programs apply.

For Professional Degree (Architecture, Certified Public Accountant, Podiatry (D.P.M.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Pharmacy (D. Phar.), Law (J.D.), and Theology (M. Div or M.H.L.), the following programs apply.

For Vocational & Technical Certificates, Computer Certification, and Trade School, the following programs apply.

For Associate Degrees and Baccalaureate Degrees, the following programs apply.

For Masters Degrees, the following programs apply.

Army National Guard (ARNG) Federal Tuition Assistance Program

The Utah Army National Guard is scheduled to receive $350,000 in Army National Guard (ARNG) Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) in fiscal year 2005 to help our soldiers pursue their civilian education goals. ARNG FTA can be applied to a course or program taken at a regionally or nationally accredited, public or private college, university, vocational, technical or trade school located inside or outside the State of Utah.

Soldiers may receive up to $250 per semester hour. This amount cannot exceed 100% of the tuition cost for a course. The total amount of ARNG FTA each soldier is entitled to receive in FY05 will not exceed $4,500 per year.
The ARNG Federal TA program may also fund clock hours for vocational and technical training courses and certificates offered by non-degree-granting accredited institutions. A formula is used to convert the clock hours to credit hours and the semester hour spending cap and annual caps are applied.

Soldiers can also receive ARNG FTA for distance learning courses.

Soldiers may use ARNG FTA to receive one credential from each of the following levels: 
    1). Secondary School (High School) Diploma or its equivalency (GED);
    2). Certificate (undergraduate, graduate, vocational, technical, licensure);
    3). Associate degree;
    4). Baccalaureate degree;
    5). Master's degree or First Professional Degree.
Note: Only soldiers who have not obtained a Master's degree are eligible to use ARNG FTA for a first professional degree. Examples of first professional degrees include: Architecture, Certified Public Accountant, Podiatry (D.P.M.), Dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), Medicine (M.D.), Optometry (O.D.), Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.), Pharmacy (D. Phar.), Law (J.D.), and Theology (M. Div or M.H.L.).

Doctoral degree programs cannot be funded by ARNG Federal TA.

Applying for Federal Tuition Assistance

Enclosed are forms and instructions for the Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program.  Although you may have used FTA in the past, please read all instructions thoroughly.  Any incorrect or incomplete applications will be returned.

Upon completion of enrollment, student must log on to virtual armory. 
 www.nationalguardbenefits.com

Federal Tuition Assistance is an "up front" payment program.   Applications must be received in the ESO prior to the course start date.   Applications will be processed on a "first come first served" basis due to the availability of funds.

Soldier must provide the Education Service Office a grade report within 30 days following the completion of the school term.

Can I mail the application packet?
No. You must use virtual armory to submit your packet. Money is allocated based on the number of applications submitted thru virtual armory; therefore, it helps Utah to receive more education funds by submitting your application via virtual armory.
 www.nationalguardbenefits.com

Can I use ARNG FTA and Montgomery GI Bill benefits for the same courses?
In FY04, beginning on 1 October 2003, soldiers who are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve, Chapter 1606 (and/or the MGIB Kicker Program) may receive ARNG FTA up to the current authorized levels provided the student is enrolled at least 1/2 time or more. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines 1/2 time as enrollment in between 6 and 8 credits or semester hours, which is generally considered to be enrollment in two classes at the same time. In this case, ARNG FTA, the MGIB-SR and the MGIB Kicker Programs may be combined and may exceed 100 percent of tuition costs.
Soldiers eligible to receive the MGIB-Active Duty, Chapter 30, the Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (VEAP), Chapter 34 or Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), Chapter 35 are eligible to receive ARNG Federal TA simultaneously for the same course and exceed 100 percent of tuition costs provided they have not contracted for a MGIB Kicker in the ARNG. Soldiers eligible to receive the MGIB-AD, VEAP or DEA who have contracted for a MGIB Kicker in the ARNG may only use ARNG FTA for course(s) that are beyond what is considered full-time enrollment by the school. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines full-time enrollment as 12 or more credit or semester hours.

Can I use my Pell Grant and Federal Tuition Assistance together?
Yes, in the case where a soldier is eligible for both Federal Tuition Assistance(FTA) and a Pell Grant, FTA will be used first to pay tuition cost.   This allows the Pell Grant to be used for other necessary expenses.  

Is funding guaranteed?
The viability of the ARNG FTA program hinges upon the amount of funds provided to the Utah Army National Guard by National Guard Bureau each fiscal year. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that a soldier will receive tuition assistance under this program. ARNG FTA is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Soldiers must apply for ARNG FTA prior to the beginning of ths school term.

Do I incur a service commitment if I accept ARNG FTA funding?
Enlisted soldiers and warrant officers must have sufficient time remaining before their current service obligation/Expiration Term of Service (ETS) to complete the course unless involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge.

Selected Reserve - Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606

The Selected Reserve - Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 1606 provides educational assistance in the form of monthly payments for qualified soldiers enrolled in VA-approved education and training programs. Eligible soldiers can receive up to $9,936 of educational assistance under this program.

To view the newest monthly rates click here.

IMPORTANT  --  Effective August 1st, 2002 all students who are receiving either the Montgomery GI BILL Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) or Active Duty (Chapter 30) MUST now verify their enrollments monthly to receive payments.  This verification can be done either by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) application on or by using an automated telephone system at 1-877-823-2378 and follow the prompts.

A date of eligibility for Chapter 1606 is automatically established when the following criteria are met:

• Have a six-year obligation in the Selected Reserve (National Guard or Reserve),
• Have a high school diploma or GED,
• Complete Initial Active Duty Training, and
• Serve in a drilling Army National Guard unit and remain in good standing.

Soldiers have only 10 years to utilize their Montgomery GI Bill benefits from their date of eligibility.

In additional to college and university programs, Montgomery GI Bill benefits can also be used for VA-Approved distance learning programs, Flight Training programs, and Apprenticeship & On-The-Job-Training programs, such as: Welder, Painter, Maintenance Mechanic, Machinist, Cook, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Plumber, Roofer, Electrician and other qualifying fields.

How do I request eligibility paperwork?
The Notice of Basic Eligibility, DD Form 2384-1 is the document you must present to the VA Certifying Official (sometimes called the VA Rep) at your school. The form is commonly referred to as the NOBE (pronounced: “no bee”).

If you meet the eligibility criteria, you should ask your full-time Readiness NCO to request the NOBE from this office.  We will process the paperwork for you, then send it to your unit for your signature..

If I am an Officer or Warrant Officer how do I gain eligibility for this program?
Officers and warrant officers that did not meet the eligibility requirements during their enlisted service time may complete an Officer Service Agreement (OSA), DA Form 5447-R in order to gain eligibility for the program. The service agreement adds 6 additional years to any other service commitment.

       View and print a blank copy of DA Form 5447-R (OSA) as a PDF document.

IMPORTANT: Officers and Warrant Officers trying to determine their eligibility for this program are encouraged to contact the Education Services Office directly at educationUT@ut.ngb.army.mil . It may be necessary for us to research your prior enlisted time in order to determine your current eligibility status.

Active Duty - Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30

The Active Duty - Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 30 provides educational assistance in the form of monthly payments for qualified soldiers enrolled in VA-approved education and training programs. Eligible soldiers who served on Active Duty and contributed $1,200 from their base pay can receive up to $32,400 of educational assistance under this program.

To view the newest monthly rates and to obtain complete eligibility and program information visit http://www.gibill.va.gov.

IMPORTANT  --  Effective August 1st, 2002 all students who are receiving either the Montgomery GI BILL Active Duty (Chapter 30) or Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) MUST now verify their enrollments monthly to receive payments.  This verification can be done either by using the Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE) application on or by using an automated telephone system at 1-877-823-2378 and follow the prompts.

In additional to college and university programs, Montgomery GI Bill benefits can also be used for VA-Approved distance learning programs, Flight Training programs, and Apprenticeship & On-The-Job-Training programs, such as: Welder, Painter, Maintenance Mechanic, Machinist, Cook, Police Officer, Fire Fighter, Plumber, Roofer, Electrician and other qualifying fields.
Veterans Affairs Education Toll-Free Phone Number: 1-888-GI-BILL-1 (442-4551)

Veterans Affairs Regional Office - Boston: 1-800-827-100

Selected Reserve
Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program
Eligible soldiers can receive up to either $7,200 or $12,600 in educational assistance under this program.
The purpose of the Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program is to encourage enlistment and retention of soldiers in the Massachusetts Army National Guard and create an additional incentive for participation in commissioning programs.  The Kicker is an incentive not an entitlement; therefore soldiers must apply for and be approved to receive this incentive.

A $200 monthly rate is available for: 

• Non-Prior Service (NPS) applicants,
• Prior Service (PS) applicants,
• Current ARNG soldiers,

A $350 monthly rate is available for Officer Candidates, Simultaneous Members, and Newly appointed Second Lieutenants who meet the following criteria:

• Officer Candidate School (OCS). State OCS candidates are eligible to extend their enlistment and sign a MGIB Kicker contract after completing Phase I (the first 2 week training period) of the State OCS Program. Newly appointed Second Lieutenants are eligible to sign a $350 MGIB Kicker contract up to 90 days after accepting their commission in the ARNG. OCS graduates who apply for the MGIB Kicker after 90 days from course completion will be categorized as a 'Current ARNG Soldier'.
• Warrant Officer Candidate School (WOCS). Warrant Officer Candidates are eligible to extend their enlistment and sign a MGIB Kicker contract after they have been appointed on orders as a Warrant Officer Candidate.

AARTS Transcript
Earn College Credit for Military Experiences

If you are currently pursuing or plan to pursue an undergraduate college degree and you have NOT received college credit for your military occupational specialty and military schooling the following information could save you time and money.
The Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System, commonly referred to as AARTS, is a computerized transcript system that produces official military transcripts for eligible soldiers upon request by combining a soldier’s military education, training, and experiences with course descriptions an college credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education.

You are eligible for an AARTS Transcript if you have served as an enlisted soldier in the Army National Guard, Army Reserve or Regular Army.

AARTS transcripts are available in two formats.

1. A Web-based “unofficial” transcript (designed solely for personal use); and
2. An “official” transcript; which can be sent to colleges, universities, and potential employers.

How do I obtain or forward copies of these two types of AARTS Transcripts?
Your personal “unofficial” Web-based AARTS transcript is available on the AARTS Operations Web site at http://aarts.army.mil/
To obtain or forward an “official” copy of your AARTS Transcript (which can be sent to a college, a potential employer, or your home address) you must complete, SIGN and submit DA Form 5454-R to the AARTS Operations Center.

MAIL TO: AARTS Operations Center, Fort Leavenworth, Kansas 66027-5073
FAX TO: AARTS Operations, Commercial (913) 684-2011, or Autovon (DSN) 552-2011 (this number works only from military installations).

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges
A consortium of colleges that are more likely to award credit for military learning experiences

Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) function in cooperation with the Department of Defense and the Military Services including the National Guard and the Coast Guard to help meet the voluntary higher education needs of Service members.


The SOC Principles and Criteria
To achieve its objectives SOC is founded on principles and criteria agreed to by the SOC Advisory Board. Institutional members of SOC pledge themselves to support the SOC Principles and Criteria. 

The principles and criteria most useful to Servicemembers include:

• Awarding college credit for military training and military occupational experience, and for learning in nonacademic settings.
• Designing transfer practices that minimize loss of credit and avoid duplication of course work.

Reimbursement Testing Program
A great way to save time and money in pursuit of an undergraduate college degree. 
NOTICE: This program has been discontinued effective 1 NOV 02 due to lack of participation nationwide.
The new policy/program will be released shortly.

The Reimbursement Testing Program provides members of the Utah Army National Guard with the opportunity to take college-level credit-by-exam tests free-of-charge at colleges and universities that serve as National Test Centers.
Many colleges will award up to 30 semester hours of college credit for successfully passing credit-by-exam tests. Each test is worth between 3 and 12 college credits.

The program reimburses the cost of the following three credit-by-exam programs:

• College-Level Examination Program (referred to as CLEP)
  
• DANTES Subject Standardized Testing Program (referred to as DSST) and the;
  
• Excelsior College Examination Program (referred to as ECP). ECP exams are administered through Prometric Testing Centers in Utah.

National Test Centers charge a fee for each test administration. This fee is also reimbursed. Test fees and administration fees are reimbursed regardless of the score achieved on the exam.

How do I schedule a test?
STEP 1: Locate the nearest National Test Center:
For CLEP, visit the following Web site http://www.collegeboard.org/clep/clepstud/html/stud001.html and click the “CLEP Test Centers” option. Search by state and city.

For DSST, visit the following Web site http://www.getcollegecredit.com/students.htm and click the “DSST Directory of Colleges” option. Search by state.

For ECE, visit the following Web site http://www.excelsior.edu/exold/828.htm. Refer to STEP 3 for registration and scheduling information.

STEP 2: Once you have decided on the specific test, obtain the corresponding study guide:
CLEP Study Guides and Sample Tests are available in your local bookstore or can be purchased from online booksellers. You can download the test descriptions from the CLEP Web site link listed in STEP 1.

DSST Facts Sheets are available on the following Web site http://www.getcollegecredit.com/materials.htm.

ECE examination content guides can be downloaded from the following Web site http://www.excelsior.edu/exold/804.htm#esg.

STEP 3: Register and pay for the test.
For CLEP and DSST exams, schedule testing at the National Test Center nearest to you, pay administration fees and test fees. Obtain receipts for the fees paid.

For Excelsior College Exams, register and pay test fees directly to Excelsior College. Schedule testing at the nearest Prometric Test Center. Both of these actions can be done online at the following Web site http://www.excelsior.edu/exold/099.htm .

How do I apply for reimbursement?
STEP 1: Once the test results are received examinees will complete and SIGN the Credit-by-Exam Reimbursement Form:

View and print a sample copy of the Credit-by-Exam Reimbursement Form as a PDF document.

View and print a blank copy of the Credit-by-Exam Reimbursement Form as a PDF document.

STEP 2: Complete and SIGN the Direct Deposit Form (Standard Form 1199A) and attach it to the reimbursement form. NOTE: If the account is already set up for direct deposit there is NO need to have the bank representative sign this form.

View and print a sample copy of the Direct Deposit Form (Standard Form 1199A) as a PDF document.

View and print a blank copy of the Direct Deposit Form (Standard Form 1199A) as a PDF document.
* You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access these forms.

STEP 3: Obtain a copy of the test score report and a copy of receipts for the test fee and test administration fee and attach these copies to the reimbursement form.

STEP 4: Mail the paperwork discussed in STEP 1, STEP 2 and STEP 3 to:

Massachusetts Army National Guard
Education Services Office
50 Maple Street
Milford, MA 01757-3604

STEP 5: Upon verification of the soldier’s eligibility for reimbursement a member of the Education Services Office staff will sign the reimbursement form and mail it, along with the other documents mentioned above, to the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES). Expect payment directly to your bank account in 4-6 weeks.

The Student Guide to Success

Free video, audio and CD courses specifically designed to enhance your ability to pass CLEP ad DSST examinations.
Members of the Army National Guard and their spouses can receive video, audio and CD courses free-of-charge that are specifically designed to prepare examinees to challenge CLEP and DSST examinations. Professional Development courses are also available free-of-charge.

Purchasing the associated textbooks and study guides is recommended. The cost of the textbook and study guides is the responsibility of the examinee and cannot be reimbursed.
The Student Guide to Success, which contains specific information concerning this program and detailed course descriptions, is available online in a PDF document format on the Coast Guard Institute web server. To view the document click here. * You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access the documents and forms on this page.

To view a condensed list of courses designed to help you pass college level examinations click here.
To view a condensed list of professional development courses click here. NOTE: There are no college-level tests associated with these professional development courses.
* Click the link to the Student Guide to Success on line catalog above for complete course information.

How do I order an audio, video or CD-ROM course?
To order a course soldiers must submit DANTES Form 1560/36R to the Education Office.

1. View and print a sample copy of the DANTES Form 1560/36R - Enrollment Form as a PDF document.
2. View and print a blank copy of DANTES Form 1560/36R - Enrollment Form as a PDF document.
3. To order a course mail DANTES Form 1560/36R to the following address:
   Utah Army National Guard
   ATTN: DCSPER-ESO
   P.O. Box 1776
   Draper, Utah 84020-1776

Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty ROTC Scholarship Program

The Guaranteed Reserve Forces Duty Scholarship Program provides soldiers with the opportunity to compete for scholarships worth up to $20,000 per year plus $600 annually for schoolbooks. Interested soldiers must meet the following criteria in order to compete for a GRFD Scholarship:
The soldier must be a member of the Utah Army National Guard,
        Be enrolled in the Simultaneous Membership Program,

        Be enrolled in a Reserve Officers Training Corps Program,

        Be a non-scholarship ROTC Cadet, and

        Be contracted as an MS III or MS IV Cadet.

GRFD Scholarship recipients will also receive:

• $300 monthly ROTC stipend (MS III) or,
• $350 monthly ROTC stipend (MS IV) and,
• $275 weekend drill pay (E5 pay grade or present grade, whichever is higher),

If the Cadet is eligible to receive a Montgomery GI Bill basic benefit such as,

• $276 per month (as a full-time student), Chapter 1606 Selected Reserve – MGIB or
• $900 per month (as a full-time student), Chapter 30 Active Duty – MGIB, he or she may contract for:
• The Montgomery GI Bill Kicker Program, $350 per month (as a full-time student).

That’s a total of between $575 and $1,775 per month, depending upon the benefits you qualify for, in addition to the GRFD Scholarship. Complete your degree, earn a commission and help lead the Army National Guard into the future!
Is there a service commitment?
Those soldiers selected to receive a GRFD Scholarship will incur an eight-year service commitment in the Army National Guard upon commissioning as a 2nd Lieutenant.

GRE and GMAT Testing Program

A one-time-only test fee reimbursement program for these two popular graduate admissions exams.
 
Many colleges, for admission into graduate level degree programs, require the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or the Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT). 

The GRE and GMAT Testing Program reimburses soldiers for the test fee cost of these computer-based admissions tests on a one-time-only basis.

Registration, rescheduling, cancellation, and “no show’ fees are not reimbursable.

Soldiers are responsible for scheduling the test and paying for the test fee cost up-front and must seek reimbursement within 90 days from the test date.

The GRE General Test and GMAT are available exclusively through Prometric Testing Centers and certain selective college and university test centers. This program does not reimburse the cost of GRE Subject Exams. 
How do I schedule a test?
For the GRE General Test: visit the Graduate Record Examination Web site at: http://www.gre.org. 

For the GMAT: visit the Graduate Management Admissions Council Web site at http://www.gmac.com and click on the “GMAT” option.

How do I apply for reimbursement?

STEP 1: Once the test results are received examinees will complete and SIGN the DANTES GRE General/GMAT Reimbursement Form:

View and print a copy of the DANTES GRE General/GMAT Reimbursement Form as a PDF document.

* You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to access these forms.

STEP 2: Obtain a legible copy of the GRE General or GMAT test score report and a legible copy of the receipt for the test fee and attach these copies to the reimbursement form.

STEP 3: Mail the paperwork discussed in STEP 1 and STEP 2 to:
        Utah Army National Guard
        ATTN: DPCAPER-ESO
        PO Box 1776
        Draper, Utah 84020-1776

STEP 4: Upon verification of the soldier’s eligibility for reimbursement the Education Services Office will sign the reimbursement form and mail it, along with the other documents mentioned above, to Chauncey Group International/Educational Testing Service for processing of the reimbursement. 

Direct Credit Card Reimbursement: Soldiers that charged the test fee cost to their credit card and opt to reimbursement directly to their credit card can expect payment in two billing cycles from the date the Education Services Office receives the soldier’s reimbursement request.

Reimbursement by Check: Soldiers requesting reimbursement by check can expect payment in 8 weeks.

DANTES Distance Learning Program
No Time? No Problem!

Earn Your Degree At Home,
Receive Up to $2,000 in Army National Guard (ARNG) Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) per year.

The DANTES Distance Learning Program provides a wide range of education opportunities for Guard members who are unable to attend a classroom due to work and family commitments. All distance learning degrees are regionally or nationally accredited and are offered by institutions throughout the United States. Programs include certificate, associate, bachelors, and  masters degrees, in addition to a wide variety of trade school and vocational technical programs
.
Soldiers can receive up to $200 per semester hour in Army National Guard (ARNG) Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) for distance learning coursework. This amount cannot exceed 75% of the tuition cost for a course. Starting on 1 October 2002, soldiers are also eligible to receive up to $500 per year towards fees that are charged to all students for enrollment purposes or fees directly related to the instruction of distance learning courses. This amount cannot exceed 75% of the cost of authorized
fees.

The total amount (tuition and fees) of ARNG FTA each soldier is entitled to receive in FY03 will not exceed $2,000.

ARNG FTA for all Distance Learning coursework is provided on an Up-Front basis. 

A Three Part Program

The following three on-line catalogs contain complete degree programs, individual post-secondary and graduate courses, and vocational and technical degrees, certificates, and courses.

The DANTES External Degree Catalog contains degree programs from certificate to doctoral level from 67 accredited institutions. There are 70 certificate programs, 151 associate degrees, 164 bachelor degrees, 221 masters degrees, and 34 doctoral degree programs available. Most degree programs have NO residency requirements.

The DANTES Independent Study Catalog contains over 6,000 individual courses from high school to masters degree level from accredited institutions. Guardmembers may find these courses useful if they need specific courses to complete degree requirements, are wishing to meet personal growth objectives, or need specific skills for career advancement.

The DANTES Catalog of Nationally Accredited Distance Learning Programs provides a wide range of educational opportunities. Degrees and certificates in applied nutrition, emergency medical services, forensic science, health information technology, health sciences, military studies, religious studies, electronics, computer science, and many other specialized fields are available from 32 nationally accredited institutions. Vocational training opportunities span from paralegal studies, to gunsmithing, pet grooming, small engine repair, bar tendering, tax training, travel, and much more. In short, if it’s not in the other two on-line catalogs, it’s probably in this one.

How are courses delivered?

Institutions use an array of low- to high-tech delivery choices aimed at individual students worldwide. Although textbooks, pen, paper, and videos continue to be the workhorse of distance learning, advances in technology allow a variety of fast and efficient delivery systems. Many schools use email to submit and receive course lessons and papers or to communicate directly with instructors or admission offices. Others rely on computers for class interaction among students. Some use the Internet to deliver instruction on-line, and several rely on satellite or cable delivery methods.

How do I apply for funding?

ATTENTION: We will no longer be using the DANTES Distance Learning Enrollment Form and Up-Front TA Authorization Form. The new application procedures are as follows:

To apply for ARNG Federal TA  for distance learning courses soldiers must submit DA Form 2171-E (the horizontal version of this form), prior to the start of their course or the end of the late registration period, whichever is most advantageous to the soldier.
1. View and print a blank copy of DA Form 2171-E.
2. View and print a blank copy of the Soldier Statement of Understanding (SOU). The SOU must be read and signed by each soldier applying for ARNG FTA. The SOU must be attached to the DA Form 2171-E and forwarded to the Education Office. The SOU will remain in effect for the entire fiscal year in which it is signed.
3.  To apply for ARNG FTA for distance learning courses, mail DA Form 2171-E(s) and the 'Soldier Statement of Understanding' to the following address:

• Utah Army National Guard
  ATTN: DCSPER-ESO
  P.O. Box 1776
  Draper, Utah 84020-1776
  
  How is my ARNG FTA paid?

The procedures for FY03 (starting 1 October 2002 through 30 September 2003) are as follows:  
1.  Soldiers will submit DA Form 2171-E prior to the start of their distance learning course. 
2.  A 'Soldier Statement of Understanding' must be read, signed and attached to the DA Form 2171-E. This only needs to be done once during each fiscal year.
3.  The DA Form 2171-E must be signed by the Unit Commander or an Authorized Representative verifing that the soldier'is in  good standing prior to the approval of FTA funds.
4.  If and when funds are available, the Education Services Officer (ESO) will approve the DA Form 2171-E, then mail it to the soldier.
5.  Soldier sends the DA Form 2171-E along with his/her portion of the tuition and fees to the school.
6.  At the conclusion of the course, the SOLDIER WILL forward a grade report or transcript to the Education Office (see our mailing address above) that indicates the successful completion of the funded course(s).  This is a CRITICAL STEP in the process. The U.S. Government (through DANTES) will pursue collection/recoupment of ARNG FTA funds if a soldier fails to provide a grade report or transcript at the conclusion of his or her course(s).

Can I use ARNG FTA and Montgomery GI Bill benefits for the same courses?
The previous (FY02) caps for ARNG FTA and MGIB-SR have been removed . 
In FY03, beginning on 1 October 2002, soldiers who are eligible for the Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve, Chapter 1606 (and/or the MGIB Kicker Program) may receive ARNG FTA up to the current authorized levels provided the student is enrolled at least 1/2 time or more. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines 1/2 time as enrollment in between 6 and 8 credits or semester hours, which is generally considered to be enrollment in two classes at the same time. In this case, ARNG FTA, and the MGIB-SR and MGIB-SR Kicker Programs may be combined and may exceed 100 percent of tuition costs.
Soldiers eligible to receive the MGIB-Active Duty, Chapter 30, the Veteran’s Education Assistance Program (VEAP), Chapter 34 or Dependents Educational Assistance (DEA), Chapter 35 are eligible to receive ARNG Federal TA simultaneously for the same course and exceed 100 percent of tuition costs provided they have not contracted for a MGIB Kicker in the ARNG. Soldiers eligible to receive the MGIB-AD, VEAP or DEA who have contracted for a MGIB Kicker in the ARNG may only use ARNG FTA for course(s) that are beyond what is considered full-time enrollment by the school. The Department of Veterans Affairs defines full-time enrollment as 12 or more credit or semester hours. 

Is funding guaranteed?
The viability of the ARNG FTA program hinges upon the amount of funds provided to the Utah Army National Guard by National Guard Bureau each fiscal year. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that a soldier will receive tuition assistance under this program. ARNG FTA is provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Soldiers must apply for ARNG FTA prior to the end of the late registration period for their course(s).

Do I incur a service commitment if I accept ARNG FTA funding?
Enlisted soldiers and warrant officers must have sufficient time remaining before their current service obligation/Expiration Term of Service (ETS) to complete the course unless involuntarily separated with an honorable discharge.