Consider the impact on the military and veterans who were allowed to seek a reasonable college degree if President Biden decides to forgive student loan debt.
Military service was a purely patriotic decision for the vast majority of veterans. However, it was also about gaining financial aid to pay for education for many. They had to sacrifice years of their life by serving in hazardous conditions. Veterans and active-duty members are being left out of the conversation in the current student loan discussion.
Seventy-seven percent of veterans polled by Mission Roll Call were against student loan forgiveness, which may explain this finding.
The cost of a college education is skyrocketing, and this trend is expected to continue. However, the fact that a bachelor’s degree is required for most professional employment paths means that most students believe they have no choice but to get one. Debt-ridden young adults may be unable to buy a home or start a family because of educational loans that aren’t eliminated in bankruptcy.
However, there has always been a method to get a college degree for nothing. As a result of military service and the G.I. Bill, many Americans have been able to attend college for free or almost free for over 80 years. With the federal government’s support, you may pursue your dreams without the weight of debt if you join the military.
Are you already a student at a four-year institution? Become a member of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Are you a veteran looking to take advantage of the GI Bill to further your education? You can take advantage of financial aid to pay for school. Still undecided about your post-secondary plans? Earn the GI Bill by enlisting. What if you already have a college degree and want to join the military as a full-time employee? Use your children’s education benefits by passing on your GI Bill.
I enlisted in the Marines two weeks after graduating from high school, served in Afghanistan, and used the Post 9/11 GI Bill to get my degree. Because of my military background, I am acutely aware of the price paid for this privilege. All of them made a decision. Joining the military usually meant a generous GI Bill and the opportunity to attend college for little or no expense. They worked hard to get the chance.
The military in the United States is made up entirely of volunteers, and the number of people on active service represents less than 1% of the overall civilian population. Many Americans are given the GI Bill as a reward for their military service each year. It’s not something that’s given out for free, and no one in the general public has any right to expect it.
Policies that eliminate student loan debt diminish the efforts and experiences of veterans and active military who wish to seek a debt-free education via honorable service.
A debate is warranted on the merits of canceling student loans. However, like with many broad initiatives, the veteran community may suffer unexpected repercussions.
The military isn’t the only way to go to college, but it’s an essential alternative for service members who don’t want to be saddled with tens of thousands of dollars in student loan debt. Those who opted out of military service had every right to pursue other possibilities, but this should not be done at the expense of those who served our country.
Commitment and courage are required to serve in the military. We also hope that, while our nation’s leaders debate student loan forgiveness, they consider the life-altering decisions made by our country’s service members and pay tribute to their service.
That it does not assist, anyone is a smack in the face. It’s a fact of life that most of us face financial difficulties. Helping a chosen few and charging everyone else for it is entirely unacceptable. They could not have made a worse decision since it would only serve to raise prices.
