Recent confusion among how DoD interprets the Reserve Education Assistance Program (REAP) law, leads to clarification of use.

National Guard and Reserve members had been told by some Pentagon officials that they would lose GI Bill eligibility benefits when they stopped their drill requirement. This policy was in contrast to the Department of Veterans Affairs interpretation of the eligibility laws. The confusion seems to stem from varying interpretations of REAP laws. Apparently, REAP recipients can revert back to the original Reserve GI Bill, upon discharge from paid drill status.

Further details about this issue may be found at the Military.com site.

GI Bill information may be found at www.gibill.va.gov/GI_Bill_Info/benefits.htm.

REAP is a Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the President or Congress. More about this program can be found at www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/REAP_FAQ.htm.