38 U.S.C. § 3301: Definitions

In the case of members of the regular components of the Armed Forces, the meaning given such term in section 101(21)(A). In the case of members of the reserve components of the Armed Forces, service on active duty under a call or order to active duty under section 688, 12301(a), 12301(d), 12301(g), 12301(h), 12302, 12304, 12304a, or 12304b of title 10 or section 712 1 of title 14. 1 See References in Text note below. in the National Guard of a State for the purpose of organizing, administering, recruiting, instructing, or training the National Guard; or in the National Guard under section 502(f) of title 32 when authorized by the President or the Secretary of Defense for the purpose of responding to a national emergency declared by the President and supported by Federal funds. The term “emergency situation” has the meaning given such term in section 3601 of this title . In the case of members of the Army, Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training or One Station Unit Training. In the case of members of the Navy, Recruit Training (or Boot Camp) and Skill Training (or so-called “A” School). In the case of members of the Air Force or the Space Force, Basic Military Training and Technical Training. In the case of members of the Marine Corps, Recruit Training and Marine Corps Training (or School of Infantry Training). In the case of members of the Coast Guard, Basic Training and Skill Training (or so-called “A” School). The term “program of education” has the meaning given such term in section 3002, except to the extent otherwise provided in section 3313. The term “Secretary of Defense” means the Secretary of Defense, except that the term means the Secretary of Homeland Security with respect to the Coast Guard when it is not operating as a service in the Navy. The amendment made by subsection (a)(1) [amending this section] shall take effect on August 1, 2009 , as if included in the enactment of chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, pursuant to the Post-9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 (title V of Public Law 110–252 ) [see Short Title of 2008 Amendment note set out under section 101 of this title ]. However, no benefits otherwise payable by reason of such amendment for the period beginning on August 1, 2009 , and ending on September 30, 2011 , may be paid before October 1, 2011 . The amendment made by subsection (a)(2) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [ Jan. 4, 2011 ]. The amendment made by subsection (a)(3) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act, and shall apply with respect to individuals entering service on or after that date.” to the maximum extent possible, all original and supplemental claims for educational assistance under chapter 33 of title 38, United States Code, are adjudicated electronically; and rules-based processing is used to make decisions with respect to such claims with little human intervention. Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [ Aug. 16, 2017 ], the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a plan to implement the changes and improvements described in subsection (a). Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Veterans Affairs shall submit to Congress a report on the implementation of the changes and improvements described in subsection (a). There is authorized to be appropriated to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs $30,000,000 to carry out this section during fiscal years 2018 and 2019.” On September 11, 2001 , terrorists attacked the United States, and the brave members of the Armed Forces of the United States were called to the defense of the Nation. Service on active duty in the Armed Forces has been especially arduous for the members of the Armed Forces since September 11, 2001 . The United States has a proud history of offering educational assistance to millions of veterans, as demonstrated by the many ‘G.I. Bills’ enacted since World War II. Educational assistance for veterans helps reduce the costs of war, assist veterans in readjusting to civilian life after wartime service, and boost the United States economy, and has a positive effect on recruitment for the Armed Forces. The current educational assistance program for veterans is outmoded and designed for peacetime service in the Armed Forces. The people of the United States greatly value military service and recognize the difficult challenges involved in readjusting to civilian life after wartime service in the Armed Forces. It is in the national interest for the United States to provide veterans who serve on active duty in the Armed Forces after September 11, 2001 , with enhanced educational assistance benefits that are worthy of such service and are commensurate with the educational assistance benefits provided by a grateful Nation to veterans of World War II.”