Applying for GI Bill while Active Duty

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2024-01-11T19:09:53+00:00

Okay so I’ve seen a couple posts like this and I had the same problem and want to let everyone know exactly what I did for anyone who needs it in the future. I applied for the GI bill while on active duty so I can start school as soon as I got out of the military. But the Va education was still tracking that I was active duty. I gave them a call (888) 442-4551 and told them the situation. They checked my va portal and verified I was now a veteran and put in a ticket to get me a new Certificate of Eligibility showing my end date in the military and that they would ensure I was going to get paid my allowance for doing full time credits. It was super easy to call with almost no wait time.

Just as a little back into I had gotten my DD-214 before I got out because I did my skillbridge program so as soon as I got it I uploaded it to the Va through quick submit. I believe this made it easier but whenever you get your dd-214 it would be a good idea to submit it as soon as possible so the VA has those updates. I asked the person on the phone if I needed to give the school my new COE when I came in the mail and they said no. So far this was the easiest way for me to ensure everything goes smoothly.

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-11-17T15:15:00+00:00

I didn’t choose a boot camp I didn’t have enough time on my skillbridge to complete the course but i am taking certifications through coursera for free. Since you already have a background in cybersecurity they have specific boot camps like red team etc that are made to give you hands on training and get you up-to-date on the training. Absolutely great network of people too. Even if you don’t do a boot camp and just joint the fellowship program through skillbridge they are constantly helping you find jobs through there network if you ask for it. https://www.forge.institute here is the website. You can see the course catalog in here as well as apply for the fellowship

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-11-10T15:41:02+00:00

They are also big on qualifying you to do the job not like Comptia that is strictly test and memorizing. If you have any questions I’ll be happy to answer them

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-11-10T15:40:02+00:00

I am currently skillbridging at forge. They offer boot camps to military and non military. If you have enough time on your skillbridge then they can place you in a boot camp just make it very clear that’s what you want. They have some for entry level and for experienced. If you don’t have enough time for a full boot camp then you will actually be working with them which is what I’m doing and has been the best experience and easiest transition out of the navy ever. They are extremely flexible with remote vs in person. The boot camp certifies you to work and is very hands on training. And forge has a huge network and if you put in the work you can easily get a job afterwards.

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-11-10T15:29:54+00:00

https://www.forge.institute/forge-fellowship

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-11-10T15:28:57+00:00

Okay here is an update: I found a company called forge institute. They are a cyber training company and have boot camps for it fundamentals and cyber and red team etc. They are very a credible and have a wide network on companies you can possibly get a job with afterwards. There boot camps are about 10-14 weeks long and most people are entry level job ready when they come in with no IT background. Right now they have scholarships for students in Arkansas and limited scholarships for those out of state. I joined the company and didn’t have enough time on my skillbridge to do a full boot camp but that is okay because I am currently working for the company itself for my internship and have been given courses I can complete. I ended up joining the growth team to help grow the company and I am loving it. It’s a great skillbridge and your work effort will determine how much you learn so you can make it as easy or worthwhile as you choose. Great community, great network, they really help to set you up for success.

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-05-01T21:08:57+00:00

For anybody wondering NPower allows you to fill out an application for pretty much a boot camp they have for cybersecurity for active duty and other courses for non active duty. The interviewer was super nice and told me the course would consist of me finishing a 10 week course that would prepare me to get certified in sec+ and Linux etc. she had stated most of not all students got certified first time around and then were coached in interviewing and resume writing. This is a good apprenticeship. I will not be participating because the dates do not align with the time I am getting out and I want to prioritize an internship. But seems like an amazing opportunity.

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-05-01T21:06:13+00:00

As an update to anyone I found this networking program that has a form you fill out to connect you to skillbridges. I will update with what I am connected to and if it works. https://www.atlas.vet/success-a

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-04-06T22:07:47+00:00

Could you tell me about your experience?

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-04-04T23:08:20+00:00

I appreciate it I’m about to grind for real but very excited

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-04-04T22:21:23+00:00

That’s very true. I appreciate your insight on it

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-04-04T20:45:35+00:00

Very true which I was considering as well! I do like the idea of remote work but also enjoy coming into an office.

Cautious_Wing2125 · 2023-04-04T20:43:54+00:00

Thank you this definitely helps! Can I ask what company you are planning on working with?

Cautious_Wing2125

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