The fiercest exchange thus far in the head-to-head presidential race between John McCain and Barack Obama concerned educational benefits for veterans. A bill seeking to expand those benefits was backed by Sen. Obama, but opposed by Sen. McCain. The rhetoric between the two got harsh. But beneath the dispute was a numbers debate. Opponents of the bill, including Sen. McCain, have said they oppose it because the sweetened benefits package — including an average tuition assistance of $1,700 per month — would induce more soldiers to leave active duty for university. To back this argument, they’ve cited a Congressional Budget Office study estimating that the bill would reduce retention rates by 16%, from a current rate of 42% to 36%.
What would be wrong with increasing the benefits for soldiers? If they allow you to attend college full time with pay at the end of your first enlistment then require a few more years of service shouldn't that satisfy all parties? There are so man different ideas that could be implemented that it is amazing that our lawmakers cannot get it right, or is it? What should the GI Bill benefits be increased to?
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I agree with John. I don't think there should be a ten year limit. You should have this benefit for as long as your alive and use it when you're ready to return to college. Many soldiers leaving the military have other priorities before making a full time commitment to return to college. Anyway, whats the purpose for a ten year time limit. Makes no sense! Lets do away with this rule/policy.
