I have not gone through this entire list....but here is my factual experience.
As
vietnam vet . after discharge from active duty, I used the GI bill to gain a career in aviation. I do not know what they cover as far as Maritime
training, but call them and ask.
Here is how it worked for me, and it was easy. i wanted to fly, I was working in high explosives with in 3 days of my discharge. I had been doing that for about a year when I heard the GI bill paid for 90% l of my flight training, but I had to get my private on my own. In those days my cost was $ 720.00 for private ground school, book, plotter, computer ( whiz
wheel ) and the dual and solo flight hours. ( down to the bank and took out a loan ).
After I attained my private, Uncle Sam did what he claimed. He paid 90% of my
commercial pilor and , instrument rating, multi
engine rating, and CFI ( Certified FAA Flight Instructor. It was about 2.5 years or more for me to finish all of that...and my flying career for compensation or hire began.
The lessons all began in Dec of 1967. Today I have 6500 hrs total time, as a flight instructor,
charter pilot and corporate pilot, with the last 17 years as an instructor pilot for Air Combat
USA flying the fighters.
To get all of this in motion, in 1967, I drove out to Fullerton
Airport, Ca. walked into the flight school and asked them if they were qualified to train with the GI Bill......I filled out the short few pages of the request, and that was that. My first flight lesson began a few days later.
The VA process was nt hard at all, I kept everything easy, but I knew what I wanted to do.
I also had a long career, kind of simultaneously in maritime, but I did not use the GI bill . I ammased 720 days at sea documented time ( that took 5 years ) as a sailing and
power vessel instructor and
charter skipper, , paid for a U.S.C.G prep class, and passed the test for my 100 ton master lic.
I had to renew the lic. every 5 years. The last renewal , 5th issure, the U.S.C.G. upgraded the 100 ton, to 500 tons near coastal.
You do not need a physical to take a U.S.C.G. preparatory school class. These are civiiian companies.
As to the U.S.C.G license I do not remember any problem with a physical.
And prior to the
service I was in a very serious auto
accident, skull fracture, concussion, pretty much destroyed nose and face, broken legs, and the last rites.
That did not slow me down, I volunteered and joined the Naval Air . As all worked out I had two marvelous careers of flying and sailing until I was
66 years old.
Now at 76, we are still sailing, not for hire, but just for pleasure and will be heading back down to the
BVI in a few months for two weeks of bare
boating a 36i sailing vessel, just Erica and I.
Point being, you just need to figure out what exactly it is that you wish to do, and hopefully it is something that you have a passion for. Check with the VA GI Bill program and their training school programs, and done deal. You have many years ahead before you take off sailing the planet. However, I am thinking that they are really trying to help vets in a post military career.
Boat
maintenance , construction, sail making, etc, might just fit the bill.
I strongly feel, that each individual needs to plan their own future, and if they can work at something that they love and enjoy, life is going to be a marvelous trip. But, I cannot tell what to study or do . That choice is up to you.
All, I can speak of is how I handled using the GI Bill, and how much I have totally enjoyed my travel through life. I loved what I made a living at and have gained marvelous friends, and the lady love of my life, lots of adventures at sea through-out much of the world, as well as professionally flying for over 40 years especially the last 17 years as an instructor pilot flying air combat ( 5 and 6 G dogfights) with paying customers.
Thank you uncle sam for aiding much of that. Neat to be blessed with an amazing and adventurous life...still ticking at 76 yrs .
check with the VA and find out what type of training , and or schooling that they cover. It probably has changed from the
Vietnam GI bill, but from what I hear, it is still awesome .
It appears that you have a marvelous life of seagoing adventure on the horizon.
Good on ya, lad.
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