Saturday, March 23, 2024

Does The Gi Bill Cover Police Academy

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Prepare For A New And Different Training Experience

My GI Bill Story | Rachael

Military veterans often enter into police training ahead of the curve. As a veteran, youll bring a degree of experience working within a regimented code of conduct, under a chain of command, and in service to the public, all of which translate directly to your work in law enforcement. However, there are numerous aspects of the job are quite different, and will require you to shift your approach. PoliceLink points to a few common hurdles for military veterans, most particularly the experience of starting as a rookie after earning advancement within the military. You will be starting from the bottom in your training, and working your way back up. Be prepared to unlearn some of the tactics of aggression and occupation that apply only in military contexts. Also be prepared to learn new tactics specific to policing, including conduct during routine non-criminal encounters, adherence to constitutional rights, and the parameters for use of forceeither lethal, less-than-lethal, or non-lethal.

Future Of The Gi Bill

How would you like to see the GI Bill expand in the future? Where do you think we can go from here?

Maggi: I think the GI Bill is a very rich benefit. The GI Bill benefit itself doesn’t need to be expanded, but I think it needs to be streamlined, both the approval process and the ease of use for veterans. Probably about a third of the veterans that I talk to in working on the GI Bill on a day-to-day basis aren’t familiar with their benefits and they don’t know how to use the GI Bill, what it provides, and how to access it. So those veterans are sitting on a benefit that can be worth $200,000 over a three-year period. And if they don’t know how to access and use it smartly, and if there aren’t good training providers approved where they can use it, then it’s a wasted benefit.

Thanks so much to Erin, Eric, and Maggi for joining the podcast today. I have personally learned so much about the GI Bill and I feel like we got so many great perspectives. Any final advice?

Eric: I feel very lucky in that I wouldn’t have done anything differently. I enjoyed the school that I went to. It was very challenging. I was able to get a great first job out of Turing which led to a great second job. I wouldn’t have done anything differently.

Companies Who Have Participated In The Apprenticeship Program

Here is a list of well-known companies who have participated in the VA’s Apprenticeship Program in the past:

  • Pirelli Tire Co.
  • Local unions
  • Pratt and Whitney Engine Co.
  • Law enforcement
  • Dept. of Corrections
  • Local fire departments

You may be eligible if you are eligible for the GI Bill and:

  • You are no longer on active duty
  • You were recently hired or promoted
  • You are still eligible for the GI Bill, or
  • You are currently a member of the Guard or Reserve

So, if you are qualified for the GI Bill and you have started a new job or apprenticeship program, you should apply for this little known GI Bill benefit. In some cases, the VA will even pay retroactively for OJT from the past 12 months.

Note: You may not receive GI Bill OJT benefits at the same time you receive the GI Bill education benefits.

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Veterans To Law Enforcement Program

VETERANS TO LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM

The Commission on Law Enforcement Standards and Training and the Black River Technical College Law Enforcement Training Academy are happy to providing assistance to qualified Military Veterans that are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement. The application process consists of the following steps:

  • Military Veterans interested in applying for the program should contact Director Steve Shults for information regarding the program and to begin the application process.
  • The candidate for the program will be required to complete and submit an application packet to LETA. The packet will consist of the following forms/documents.
  • A short essay prepared by the applicant in which he/she explains why they are interested in becoming a law enforcement officer and lists the qualifications and experience they possess that would help them in that endeavor.
  • A physical examination conducted by a physician. Physical Training Form
  • A psychological evaluation conducted by a psychiatrist or psychologist. Form F2b
  • A physical fitness test administered by LETA.
  • for a list of additional documents required.
  • An ACIC/NCIC Criminal History Check will be conducted on all applicants upon receipt of the completed Personal History Statement and Waiver forms. The application will be reviewed to verify that the applicant meets the qualifications specified by CLEST Rules and Regulations.
  • BRTCs Veteran Affairs page has information on applying for the GI Bill®.

    Police Academy Training Program

     Does Gi Bill Cover Police Academy

    For more information please visit the Police Academy page!

    During the application process the Police Academy will not have office hours to accept applications. All applications will be submitted via email as stated in the instructions document STEPS TO APPLY. If you have any questions about the Police Academy or Requalification Course, please do not hesitiate to email us at swcpoliceacademy@swccd.edu

    Please scroll down to “Police Academy Training Navigation” for information on Police Academy Programs.

    Southwestern Community College/Police Academy/Otay Mesa HEC 8100 Gigantic Street San Diego, CA 92154

    Office Hours: : Monday 7:30am to 4:30pm and Tuesday – Friday 7:30am to 4:30pm. Office days and times are subject to change.

    Follow the link above for GI Bill®

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    Military Veterans At Tpd: Serving Country And Community

    • Pursuant to Section 15 of Article 12 of the Colorado State Constitution, veterans may be eligible to apply Veterans’ Preference credits to their eligibility list score. In order to add these points an applicant must:
      • Submit a DD214
      • Active duty military personnel who do not yet possess their DD214 shall provide Human Resources with a letter from their base commander indicating their end of service date and anticipated type of discharge. Once discharged, an applicant will provide their DD214 showing an honorable discharge.
    • Military Leave with pay in an amount not exceeding 15 days in a calendar year.
    • Eligible for GI benefits compensation for on-the-job training while in the Police Academy, Recruit Academy and during Field Training.
      • Chapter 33 Post-9/11 G.I. Bill Benefits
      • For the Chapter 33 Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefits a Basic Housing Allowance is paid each month throughout the duration of the Police Academy, the Recruit Academy and Field Training. The benefits will not exceed 43 weeks.
      • The current rate for the BAH is $2169.00 . The rate of benefits is the same for the 1st six months but thereafter the amount will decrease by 20% every six months.
      • The veteran will also receive a books and supplies stipend of $1000 annually. This money may be used to purchase your service weapon.
      • Chapter 33 Post-9/11 G.I. Bill benefit pay rates are determined by service time.

    If I Work For An Agency And They Want To Sponsor Me Through The Academy What Is Required Prior To Aj 094 Orientation Class

    Law Enforcement agencies wishing to sponsor students into the program should contact the Academy office to reserve seats in the next available class. 209-954-5258 or . Agencies should send us a list of students with student id numbers. Also, a Sponsorship Verification Letter explaining the extent to which the agency will be providing financial support up to and including full financial sponsorship.

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    Creative Ways To Use Your Benefit

    Using your GI Bill doesnt have to mean 4 years of sitting in a classroom, memorizing facts, and taking tests. There are a lot of other ways to take advantage of it. You can use it for vocational school, professional certifications and licenses, college certificate programs, flight school, on-the-job training, distance learning, and many other educational programs. Here are a few ideas to get the wheels turning.

    Start Your Own Business

    Think about your school or training as a ticket to independence. What skills can you learn that you could turn into a business?

    One great example Ive heard of this entrepreneurial approach is a retired Marine Corps pilot who is in Gunsmith school. He plans to open his own shop when he graduates.

    Find something that interests you that someone else would pay for, and research how to become an expert!

    If you already have expertise that you want to turn into a business, use your GI Bill to help you learn the nuts and bolts of entrepreneurship. You can take business classes in important topics like marketing and financial management, or you can do an entrepreneurship training program offered by the Small Business Development Center .

    Learn New Skills for a New Career

    Ive heard several examples of veterans using their GI Bill for training at the police academy.

    Many other vocational and professional programs could equip you with skills and certifications that would come in handy for future job opportunities.

    Pursue a Hobby

    Study or Live Abroad

    What Happens If I Fail Out Of The Academy

    General Policy | Q& A with GI Bill Leadership, Part 7

    Cadets who fail out of a Module may inquire at the Academy office about the possibility of dropping-in at the next available open space for that module.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at

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    A Closer Look: Advantages Of A Criminal Justice Education

    Most criminal justice jobs require some sort of post-secondary education. At a minimum, on-the-job training or certification is required, while earning an undergraduate degree can open more job options, and advanced degrees can lead to supervisory or managerial positions in criminal justice. Most veterans can enter a criminal justice training program with some transferred credits from their military experience, not only reducing the time needed to earn a credential but also conserving GI Bill® entitlement for future education.

    Criminal justice professionals work in almost every industry, both public and private, and job openings are on the rise and expected to continue growing. Veterans who earned a degree before serving in the military can move on to job-specific training to launch their criminal justice careers. Those who seek additional education post-military can use their GI Bill® benefits for college or job training such as police academies. The milestone map below outlines potential career and educational paths for veterans in various criminal justice careers.

    GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . More information about educational benefits offered by the VA is available at the official U.S. government website.

    To get a better idea of how to achieve a criminal justice career, below are four sample career fields and the six potential milestones for each one needed to achieve that career choice:

    How Do I Know If A Police Academy Is Va Approved

    First of all, it is important to note that the VA approves education and training programs instead of schools. Therefore, a school or training facility may have both approved and non-approved programs.

    If you want to know whether the academy you plan on attending is covered by the VA, visit the WEAMS database with this link.

    Otherwise, you can also inquire directly at the academy in question by reaching out to the administrative officer in charge of veterans matters. You should quickly be able to access if it is approved for the GI Bill or not.

    You can also call the GI Bill hotline at 1-888-GI-BILL1 anytime from Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm, and ask to speak with an education case manager for all your related concerns.

    Note:

    If a school, training facility, or program is not on the list of those approved by the VA, you or the facility can reach out to the State Approving Agency. You may need to submit the VA Form 22-1995 or the VA Form 22-1999 . You can get these forms here or at the nearest VA regional processing office.

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    Now Accepting Applications For Basic Class B

    The next basic class will be conducted January 2, 2022 through March 25, 2022. Gear list for the upcoming class is found on this site under Training Packets.

    NMLETC is a Class I State Accredited Academy by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training to offer all levels of training to law enforcement personnel through the North Mississippi region and throughout the State of Mississippi.

    The North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center, established in 1992 in Tupelo, Mississippi serves as a full service training facility. NMLETC offers certifications in a variety of law enforcement aspects. We currently offer the Mississippi Basic Law Enforcement Standards and Training Full Time certification course, Part-Time certification course, Full and Part-Time Refresher course, and numerous advanced training courses. NMLETC is composed of a highly qualified full time training staff that is supported by many well qualified adjunct instructors from the region. Our Instructors are held to a high standard of training proficiency which is maintained through Senior Instructor observation and class critique. We take great pride in the field of law enforcement training and constantly strive to provide the highest quality and up to date training available to our modern day law enforcement officers.

    We appreciate the opportunity to meet your law enforcement training needs.

    Why Dont Veterans Use Their Post

    Can I Use My Gi Bill For Police Academy

    There are several common reasons why veterans dont take advantage of their GI Bill. The ones I hear most often may sound like you.

    Maybe you already completed various degrees, certifications, and military schools while still serving and dont see a need for more course work. Or you never liked school, so you prefer to focus on getting a job ASAP after leaving the military. You might also be planning for one of your dependents to use it.

    To be sure, transferring your GI Bill to one of your dependents can save you a ton of money if you otherwise would have paid for their schooling. But there are restrictions on the transfer, and if you dont meet the criteria, the benefit is yours to use or lose.

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    Thinking About Your Transition

    Transitioning out of the militarywhether youve served 4 years or 20+is the perfect time to think carefully about what you want to do with the rest of your life. Not just about how you can pay the bills 6 months from now, but about your broader goals and personal dreams:

    • Do you want to be financially independent by a certain age?
    • Are there places you want to visit or things you want to experience?
    • Do you have a hobby or expertise that you could turn into a business?
    • Is there a skill/sport youve always wanted to learn?

    If you think hard, Im sure you will come up with something you want to do besides the same thing I did in the military for the past X years.

    Heres where your GI Bill comes in.

    Manage Your Mental Health

    As part of your community, and one armed with considerable power and responsibility, it is absolutely essential that you take steps to protect your own mental health. Policing demands level-headed and rational decision-making in the face of practical challenges, high-pressure situations, even dangerous confrontations. Your emotional stability will be one of your most important faculties as you move into this role. As a veteran, you are in a category of individuals who are uniquely vulnerable to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder , depression, anxiety, and substance abuse. It is essential that you take steps to manage these conditions so that you can better serve your community with sound judgment and safe execution of your duties.

    Begin by seeking support through the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA, and a host of related agencies, offer a spectrum of resources that are designed to help military veterans cope with mental health challenges and transition into various dimensions of civilian life.

    Among them:

    All calls, chats and text messages are confidential, and support is available immediately. Support is also available for deaf or hearing impaired individuals.

    Veterans Crisis Line advises that if you experience any difficulty connecting by phone with live support, to make contact through text or chat.

    Or you can jump directly to the Best Online Colleges for Military Personnel & Families and begin earning a degree on your way to a career in law enforcement.

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    Testing And Registering For Bpocs

    Academic Testing

    BPOC candidates must undergo a timed, four-part test covering basic mathematics, reading comprehension, basic grammar/spelling and writing skills. This test is administered at CAPCOG by RLEA staff on certain examination days which are scheduled for only one BPOC at a time. Each examination costs $50. If no examination registration page is listed, then the scheduled exam time has passed. Please check back for future exam opportunities however, there may be no new exam times for the most upcoming BPOC.

    Personal History Statement

    After passing the test, BPOC applicants will need to complete a Personal History Statement provided by CAPCOG before they can be enrolled. Completed Personal History Statements must be scanned and emailed to or mailed to: CAPCOG RLEA 6800 Burleson Road Building 310, Suite 165 Austin, TX 78744.

    History Of The Gi Bill

    History of the GI Bill

    So Maggi, let’s dive into the GI Bill for those who are unfamiliar. Could you explain what it is?

    Maggi: The GI Bill started in 1944 after World War II and it was originally called the Bill of Rights for GI Joe and GI Jane. That was shortened over time to the GI Bill. There were more than 15 million veterans that demobilized after World War II, and the GI Bill provided three major benefits:

  • An education benefit
  • Unemployment
  • Loans to either buy a home or business
  • Since the GI Bill started in 1944, it has changed considerably. Normally there are modifications after every conflict, and in 2009, the post 9/11 GI Bill went into effect. The post 9/11 GI Bill actually paid not only for tuition but it provided housing stipends so folks could go to school.

    I served in the Air Force from 1994 to 1998 and I use what was called Montgomery GI Bill. The Montgomery GI Bill only paid a flat rate per month but it didn’t provide any kind of housing allowance. In the newest bill, the Forever GI Bill, there’s something like 31 benefits and 31 changes that take effect over a two-year period. It provides additional funding for STEM, and it provides a pilot program for code schools to get additional funding. The GI Bill is really hard to navigate not only for code schools getting approved, but also for veterans who want to use their benefits.

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