Loan Repayment Under the National Call to Service 

One program of the U.S. government is specifically geared toward those who want to serve a shorter time in the military because their ultimate goal is college is the National Call to Service. Compared to the traditional three, four, five or six years of active duty, participants in the National Call to Service are on active duty for 15 months. In exchange for the short enlistment period, participants get a one-time cash benefit, loan repayment or entitlement to payment under the GI Bill allowance. 

How it Works

Individuals must serve on active duty under a service designated by the Secretary of Defense for 15 months. The 15 months of active service does not count any initial-entry training or school required by the service. Each service has their own enlistment criteria so it is important to check with the specific military branch that you are interested in for their full requirements under the National Call to Service program. 

The Navy, for example, requires that their members to complete NavySchool, which can run anywhere from three to 18 months. After 15 months of active duty, you must reenlist for an additional period of active duty or transfer to 24 months in the Selected Reserve without a break in time.

You must then serve, again without a break in time, the remainder of the obligated service period specified in the agreement either as a Selected Reserve, Individual Ready Reserve, active duty member or participate in the AmeriCorps or other national domestic service program.

For the Navy, this means that the last step for individuals is to remain in the Selected Reserve or transfer to the Individual Ready Reserve for eight years' national commitment. Time spent in AmeriCorps or another national domestic service program will count toward the eight years' commitment.

Again, each service, such as the Air Force, Marines and Navy, has their own enlistment requirements so you need to check with each one to verify the actual time you will need to serve. Each service has a limit on the number of participants under their National Call to Service agreement. Participants must usually pass more stringent requirements than those joining under traditional service. 

Upon completion, you can either get a cash bonus of $500, repayment of a qualifying student loan up to a maximum of $18,000 or entitlement to 12 months of full or 36 months of half the education allowance provided for under the GI Bill. 

Sources:

National Call to Service Program. (2010) U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. 

National Call to Service Program Announced. (2003) United States Navy. 

Find a School