Q: I heard about a program where I would not get deployed while I’m going to college. Is there such a Program? Andrea
 
A: Actually Andrea there is, but it does have some limitations. The program is called Education Career Stabilization (ECS) and is found in the Army Reserve.
 
How it works is when you enlist, you can get up to a four-year deferment from mobilization and deployment to Afghanistan. However, it does not defer you from being deployed elsewhere - the other part of the story a recruiter might not tell you.
 
But right now, your chances of getting deployed someplace are small, however, if we happen to get involved elsewhere in the world during your deferment, your deployment chances could go up – especially if you are in either a low density Military Occupational Specialty (MOS)or unit.
 
Incentives
 If you choose the ECS program, you still eligible for education incentives, such as:

• $345 per month in Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserves ( MGIB-SR) money
• $4,500 per year in Tuition Assistance
• $65,000 in student loan repayment
• $350 per month in MGIB Kicker money
• $200 per month in ECS pay.

And you would still get your monthly drill pay, which varies according to your rank.
 
Qualifications
There are some qualifications you must initially meet to get into the program and then some others to stay in:
 
* Initially

• Must be between the ages of 17-35
• A high school graduate or graduating senior
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident alien
• In good condition physically and mentally
• Score 50 or higher in the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB)Test Score Category I-IIIA

* To continue

• Remain in good standing by attending monthly drills and annual training periods
• Maintain enrollment with at least 12 semester credits( if attending school full-time) or at least 6 credits (if part-time)
• Enroll in either a two or four-year school, including community colleges and technical schools.
• Maintain at least a 2.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).

 
However, no program comes without a cost and ECS is no different. In return for your deployment deferment, you forfeit any enlistment bonus you may have otherwise qualified for and you have to sign up for an eight-year enlistment.
 
Once finished with school, you can qualify additional education benefits under the Post 9/11 GI Bill if you deploy on a Title 10 order. A one-year tour would put you at the 60% tier; three cumulative years gets you to the 100% level.
 
ECS is a great program that allows you to focus on your education while serving your country. And deploying after graduating earns you some additional education benefits you could use to work on an advanced degree. Secure you career future tomorrow’s by enlisting in the Army Reserves ECS program today.