Thank you for visiting the Retention Office Manager's page! Your question is important, so we look forward to serving you at our first opportunity. All inquiries for assistance should be routed to 171ARW.Retention.Org@us.af.mil .
If this is your second inquiry and it is urgent, please call 412-776-7636 so we may appropriately re-prioritize your issue.
While you are waiting for a response, perhaps some of these resources will provide you some answers!
Incentive Payments:
Payments are not automatic. Incentive payments must be submitted to Finance NLT 60 days after the anniversary date that payment is due. Most members can expect payment within 30 days of their anniversary date. Paying members in advance of the 60 day timeline is a priority for me. If it has been 30 days past your anniversary date and you have not been paid, please call me directly at 412-776-7636.
EAP:
If you have made a 6-year commitment to serve in PA, you are eligible to use our State Educational Assistance Program, which will pay a maximum of $4,097 per semester if you are attending school full-time. To receive this benefit, you must be a member in good standing at the start of the semester and apply for the funding BEFORE the end of your semester, and the money is paid directly to the school about mid-way through the semester. Application deadline is 30 June every year for the following school year. Late applications will be accepted as long as funding is available. Application for this program is completed by the member (you) online.
Apply here: www.aessuccess.org
MFEP:
If you have fulfilled your first term of service with the PAANG and have made a subsequent 6-year commitment to serve in PA, you are eligible to use our Military Family Educaiton Program, which will pay a maximum of $4,097 per semester to your dependents if they are attending school full-time. To receive this benefit, you must apply for the funding BEFORE the semester begins, and the money is paid directly to the school about mid-way through the semester. Application deadline is 30 June every year for the following school year. Late applications will be accepted as long as funding is available. Application for this program is first completed online.
Apply here: www.aessuccess.org
GI Bill- Selected Reserve:
If you have been awarded a 3-skill level, and are a Drill Status Guardsman or Technician, you are eligible to use these benefits. This is a Veterans Administration (VA) program, so application for the funding is made through them and the money is paid directly to you each month that you are attending school.
Apply here: www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
After your application is approved, remember, you must verify your school attendance each month to receive your payment!
Post-9/11 GI Bill – If you have 6 consecutive months of active-duty service or more, you may be eligible to apply for the Post-9/11 GI Bill. Apply here: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
What does the GI Bill pay? Is your school covered? Learn about and compare your GI Bill benefits at approved schools, employers, and VET TEC provide: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
Thank you,
MSgt. Alex J. Wagner
Retention Office Manager
171st ARW Strength Management Team
Raven #2478
Here are also some web pages that you might find useful.
GI BILL INFORMATION: www.gibill.va.gov
APPLYING FOR POST 9/11: https://www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/
TRANSFER OF EDUCATION BENEFITS (TEB) REQUESTS: https://milconnect.dmdc.osd.mil/milconnect/
GI BILL COST COMPARISON TOOL: https://www.va.gov/education/gi-bill-comparison-tool/
WEB AUTOMATED VERIFICATION OF ENROLLMENT (WAVE): https://www.gibill.va.gov/wave/index.do
VISIT US AT: http://www.goang.com/
INTRODUCTION TO THE ANG: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OqJ7Jv9QZM
SHAREPOINT: https://usaf.dps.mil/sites/171ARW/SitePages/Home.aspx (DOD Computer only)