{"id":116576,"date":"2018-09-11T21:01:41","date_gmt":"2018-09-11T21:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/uncategorized\/2018\/09\/11\/new-policy-makes-gi-bill-transfers-easier-than-ever-for-wounded-warriors\/"},"modified":"2026-08-08T14:07:31","modified_gmt":"2026-08-08T14:07:31","slug":"new-policy-makes-gi-bill-transfers-easier-than-ever-for-wounded-warriors","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/militarytimes\/veterans\/2018\/09\/11\/new-policy-makes-gi-bill-transfers-easier-than-ever-for-wounded-warriors\/","title":{"rendered":"New policy makes GI Bill transfers easier than ever for wounded warriors"},"content":{"rendered":"
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What, exactly, are the changes? And who is \u2014 and is not \u2014 affected?<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n

While the Pentagon has placed new, stricter restrictions on GI Bill transfers for most active duty service members, in recent days it\u2019s actually made transferring GI Bill benefits easier than ever before for wounded warriors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Active-duty troops who have earned a Purple Heart for wounds in combat are now allowed to transfer their Post-9\/11 GI Bill benefits<\/a> to their family members whenever they want.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As of Sept. 5, there\u2019s no more six-year waiting period or requirement that they serve in the military for an additional term \u2014 changes that have advocates for wounded warriors thanking the Pentagon and Defense Sec. Jim Mattis, a former Marine general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cThis change is consistent with Sec. Mattis\u2019 longtime support of our nation\u2019s combat wounded,\u201d Ren\u00e9 Bardorf, senior vice president of government and community relations at Wounded Warrior Project, said in an email.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DoD announced the new policies for wounded warriors in the face of blistering criticism of its new GI Bill transfer policy<\/a>. That policy, announced in July, will end transfer eligibility for service members who have been in the military longer than 16 years, beginning next year. In addition, it immediately barred troops who were unable to sign on for another four years from transferring their benefits. This included service members who could not continue their military service for medical reasons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DoD\u2019s new wounded warrior policy not only exempts the group from those changes \u2014 it also removes a long-standing requirement that they serve at least six years before transferring benefits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the right thing to do by our wounded warriors,\u201d American Legion spokesman Joe Plenzler said in an email, adding that the group had discussed its concerns with the Pentagon and is encouraged to see the change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That\u2019s a notable contrast from the American Legion\u2019s reaction to the initial policy. The group criticized the Pentagon<\/a> for implementing a major policy change without consulting the Legion or other advocacy groups.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Legion was far from alone in its disapproval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The July GI Bill transfer restrictions have been hotly contested by lawmakers and veteran advocates. In a letter to Mattis<\/a> last month, dozens of House representatives from both political parties called the policy \u201cunacceptable\u201d and called on the secretary to \u201cswiftly reverse\u201d the decision.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Upon announcing the exemption for Purple Heart recipients Wednesday, the Pentagon emphasized Mattis’ commitment to wounded warriors. Stephanie Miller, director of accessions policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, said in a statement, \u201cSec. Mattis has been clear, we must recognize the sacrifices these service members have made.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\t