A Mixed Methods Case Study of U.S. Marines Transferring Post-9/11 GI Bill Educational Benefits to Family Members

Francis Bergmeister

Advisor: Jan Arminio, PhD, Higher Education Program

Committee Members: John O'Connor, Julie Owen

Enterprise Hall, #418
April 10, 2014, 10:00 AM to 07:00 AM

Abstract:

This mixed methods case study examined 34 U.S. Marines who completed an online survey after transferring their Post-9/11 GI Bill educational benefits to spouses and children.  Interviews were conducted with participants to ascertain the role of personal demographics and perspectives of experiences in the information seeking environment with informal – spouses, peers, and non-governmental organizations and formal – (Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), Department of Defense (DOD), and the U. S. Marine Corps (USMC) sources.

  The results indicate a military base Voluntary Education Center (VEC) is an invaluable asset in providing members of the armed forces and their families with assistance for understanding the context and consequences connected with the educational benefit transfer decision.  The VEC staffs currently serve as stewards for the VA educational programs and the DOD’s military services through counseling to family members on the Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer of educational benefits.  The VEC staffs, however, are not identified through formal guidance from the VA and the DOD’s military services as referenced partners for providing information to owners of the Post-9/11 GI Bill and their families.  The VECs on military installations should formally be endorsed by the VA and the DOD as trusted and approachable resources for expanding and enhancing knowledge for military families regarding the Post-9/11 GI Bill transfer of educational benefits.