Congress has given each branch of the military the ability to grant TA benefits, even up to full coverage of fees and expenses, to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria to determine such factors as eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions.

Here’s a brief overview of programs available through each branch of the Armed Forces:

Air Force Tuition Assistance – Candidates must apply online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center (www.my.af.mil). There are a total of six steps to complete the process.

The Army Continuing Education System has introduced a new automated service that enables active duty soldiers to request TA and also sign up for courses online. This method expedites the enrollment process and decreases the wait time at Army Education Centers.

The Navy Tuition Assistance Program: After obtaining educational information from your Navy College office, which is where you will also complete your application, you can determine which courses will be requested for TA funding. To enroll in classes, you will need a signature from your commander.

Marine Tuition Assistance: Prior to using tuition assistance, first-time students are required to complete a TA orientation class. Marines at remote locations can access the course online. All others should visit their Lifelong Learning or Education Office at your local base. You must apply for and receive written authorization for assistance before enrolling.  Education4military.com offers military tuition assistance.

The Coast Guard: After approving the TA application, the Coast Guard Institute (CGI) inputs all the data into the Navy’s computer database and issues the TA Authorization form. The applicant then takes the form to the school at the time of registration, and that particular institution will bill the Navy for the government’s portion of tuition assistance. It’s important to note that the Coast Guard only approves academic credit programs for TA. For questions and further assistance, contact the CGI.

National Guard Tuition Assistance: The Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance (ARNG FTA) has a limited budget and therefore can not guarantee benefits to its members. Instead, it is offered on a “first come, first served” basis. For on online application, visit the National Guard Virtual Armory website.

Although not all states offer payment of TA to member of the Air National Guard (ANG), many have additional tuition incentives which are available in various amounts. To find out what benefits your state offers, visit the Air National Guard ANG Benefits website.

Air Force Tuition Assistance for Activated Guard and Reserve: Quite simply, if activated, you will become eligible.

Finally, remember that TA is not a loan. Look at it as money you have earned, just like your base pay.

For additional information about military tuition assistance, please visit http://www.military.com/money-for-school/tuition-assistance/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.

The below chart shows the current reenlistment bonus multipliers authorized. The rates are effective as of November 2009.

Reenlistment bonuses are subject to change. For updated information, see your local Military Personnel Flight (MPF) or unit career advisor. Reenlistment Bonus Cap is $90,000.

Zone A – The muliplier shown in the “Zone A” column is for those who reenlist when they have between 17 months and six years of active service.

Zone B – The multiplier shown in the “Zone B” column is for those who reenlist when they have between six and 10 years of active service.

Zone C – The multiplier shown in the “Zone C” column is for those who reenlist when they have from 10 to 14 years of active service.

Zone E – The muliplier shown in the “Zone E” column is for those who reenlist when they have from 18 to 20 years of active service.

The amount awarded for an SRB is computed as follows:

The member’s base pay multiplied by the indicated bonus multiplier, times number of years (or fraction of year) reenlisting for.

50 percent of the re-enlistment bonus is paid in a lump-sum at the time of re-enlistment. The remainder is paid in annual installments during the re-enlistment period. Re-enlistment bonuses are subject to Federal income tax, unless the member re-enlists in a designated combat zone. In that event, the entire bonus is tax-free. Whether or not the re-enlistment bonus is subject to state tax depends on the laws of the state that the military member has selected as his/her legal residence.

Source: http://usmilitary.about.com/od/airforcebonuses/l/blreenbonus.htm