The Montgomery GI Bill has helped so many veterans re-start their lives after serving our country. The Iraq Occupation creates a new dynamic for the Reservists and National Guard troops who constitute a large percentage of the forces seeing action. These troops are not eligible for the education benefits provided for by the bill. Reservists and Guard troops who have been sent to war in Iraq and Afghanistan don't get the same benefits as active service members. Under the law reservists and Guard troops are veterans for every benefit except education. Many groups were working to get corrupt, rubberstamp Congress to provide more equality in education benefits for citizen soldiers in what it is calling the Total Force Montgomery GI Bill. It would allow reservists to earn education credits while mobilized, just like active-duty troops do, and then use them after they leave the service. They can collect only if they remain in a Guard or Reserve unit. If they go into the inactive Reserve or are discharged, they no longer are eligible for education benefits.
The Democratic Party is looking for the right way to start its role as the Majority in Congress. There is no better way to start it off than by giving the education benefit to those Reservists and Guard troops coming back from service in the Occupation. Such a proposal would send the message to America that the Democratic Party truly supports the troops while the Republican Party throws the troops away once they return from service. It would also underscore the importance of education. I can't think of anyone who would object to giving the education benefit to the Reserve and Guard troops who put their lives on the line for our country, bogus intelligence and trumped up reasons for the invasion notwithstanding!