GI Bill while at Academy?

[Atomic Donut]

Has anybody used their GI Bill while attending the Law Enforcement Academy as a hired member? I'm doing research on it and looking to see if anybody has first hand experience with it. Thanks in advance

[hitman13]

I did, in AZ. HR chick at my dept filled out and faxed the form to the VA and then I just called on the first of every month and verified I'm still in training. You can use it on FTO as well.

Good luck.

ETA: my brother did it in CA as well.

[Tacit Blue]

At my local academy. One of my buddies in the academy went to the V.A. office at the community college that dealt with veteran's, they got his G.I. bill to pay for almost everything in the academy.

[Eric B]

I got it all through the academy and FTO counted as OJT. It was a nice bonus every month. The FTO unit took care of all the details, I just signed the paperwork.


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[Garrett128]

The VA will pay for up to 2000 hours of on the job training (OJT). This would include the academy, field training and extended training (if necessary). Basically, any "training." Once you're off field training, that's it. There's paperwork the agency will need to submit. It's a great benefit for those that served. PM me if you have any questions.

[CBR_rider]

If you are eligible for GI Bill benefits and want to get into law enforcement, it is a great option for you. It's especially nice if you are considering attending (or at least starting) an academy as a non-sponsored cadet. LEO jobs are starting to open up around the state; now may be a good time to get your academy done and start applying.

[34marine]

Has anybody used their GI Bill while attending the Law Enforcement Academy as a hired member? I'm doing research on it and looking to see if anybody has first hand experience with it. Thanks in advance

I used it, but was only able to apply after I finished probation, or maybe break-in training. Got paid for academy and OJT in break-in. Only problem was, the LT at my first office was the VA liaison and apparently did not know that. I submitted my paperwork upon completion of training but for some reason it did not make it to VA for a few months so I lost a couple months of payback.

[Mason McDuffie]

I did. Helped out so much. Also, on a side note being a veteran helped out immensely as well.

[Atomic Donut]

Thank you very much for the responses. I'm currently using the GI Bill at my CSU, however if given the job opportunity i will be switching it from the CSU to the SO Academy. I just wasn't sure if being hired on took away the "Student" aspect of the GI Bill.

[SimonBirch]

yup

Yup. Got a nice chunk of change. Used it after completing probation of one year. Got about 10 grand. Academy and probation together close to 20k

[Lafferty Daniels]

After the academy see if your department is certified for OJT

http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/searchInst.do#content-area

If not you can contact CalVet in Sacramento and they'll help you get the ball rolling for your dept. If your dept is registered you can use it through FTO and probation.