The intent of this petition is to advocate for a policy exemption under 38 U.S. Code §3319, allowing service members with 10 or more years of honorable service to transfer their unused education benefits without being required to obligate an additional four years of service. As the regulation currently stands, even a service member who has completed 20 years may be deemed ineligible to transfer benefits unless they agree to extend their service—an expectation that is both unreasonable and inequitable for those who have already surpassed a decade of commitment.

While the original purpose of this provision was to serve as a retention tool for those in their initial enlistment, applying the same requirement to seasoned service members undermines that intent. A 10-year veteran has clearly demonstrated dedication to the mission and should not be penalized or burdened with further obligations in order to provide educational opportunities to their family.

Here is a link to the current law, and I’m referring to Paragraph 3, subparagraph 1.

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/38/3319

Thank you for your time and consideration.