By Jeff Goldberg and Brenden McMahon

America’s all-volunteer force depends on the dedication of those who answer the call to serve — whether through active duty service or as part of the National Guard and Reserve.

While each component plays a distinct role, when deployed, members of the Guard and Reserve often take on the same missions and risks as their active
duty counterparts.

The Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act (S. 649) would address a long-standing inequity by ensuring all qualifying service — including certain types of active duty performed by Guard and Reserve members — counts toward
Post-9/11 GI Bill eligibility.

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This bipartisan legislation recognizes the contributions of those in the reserve component and removes barriers that have limited their access to earned education benefits. MOAA strongly supports this measure as a necessary step
toward fair treatment for all who wear the uniform.

Why It Matters

MOAA has long championed efforts to bring parity to Guard and Reserve benefits, in the belief that every day of qualifying service should count. The current structure of the Post-9/11 GI Bill overlooks many forms of service performed by the reserve component — creating an uneven standard for those who stepped forward when called.

Modern service demands flexibility and commitment across all components. Recognizing the full value of Guard and Reserve contributions is not only a matter of fairness but also a necessary step in strengthening the long-term viability of the all-volunteer force. Enhancing education benefits attracts new talent, supports those currently serving, and encourages active duty servicemembers to continue their commitment through reserve service.

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Legislative Solutions

The act makes key updates to ensure Guard and Reserve members receive the education benefits they’ve earned by:

• Expanding eligibility for Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to include certain full-time National Guard duties, retroactive to Sept. 11, 2001.
  
  
• Covering all types of federal activation, even without a presidential emergency declaration.
  
  
• Including full-time National Guard service for training and other assigned duties.
  
  
• Counting drill weekends (inactive duty training) toward benefit eligibility so guardmembers training alongside active duty troops are treated equally.

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The Need for Action

MOAA urges Congress to pass the Guard and Reserve GI Bill Parity Act without delay. This legislation not only acknowledges the service performed by Guard and Reserve members alongside active duty counterparts, but it also alleviates a burden that has denied them access to the full measure of education benefits they’ve earned.

Passing this bill is more than a policy correction; it’s a signal of respect for all who serve.

Jeff Goldberg is MOAA’s director of Government Relations for veteran and retired affairs. Brenden McMahon is MOAA’s associate director of Government Relations.