has anyone read the new email put out about mycaa? I just got off the phone with them, and it looks like if your husband is over e-5 you are getting the boot from the program in October. 

This is what I got in an email



A Message from DoD:
DoD will resume the MyCAA program. The Department Of Defense has completed the program review and will be making the necessary adjustments to resume the MyCAA program beginning in October 2010.

Starting 8 a.m. (EDT) Monday October 25, 2010, Military OneSource career and education counselors will have a much more active role in supporting military spouses. In addition to understanding resources available via DoD’s financial aid support, they will provide support and assistance to identify and gain access to other federal, state and local programs. All military spouses of active duty service members will be eligible for career counseling and support.

New financial assistance guidelines. With a focus on the original intent of the program, the Defense Department’s financial assistance program will:

* Be available to spouses of active duty service members in pay grades E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2
* Offer a maximum financial benefit of $4,000 with a fiscal year cap of $2,000. Waivers will be available for spouses pursuing licensure or certification up to the total maximum assistance of $4,000
* Require military spouses to finish their program of study within three years from the start date of the first course
* Be limited to associate degrees, certification and licensures

These new guidelines reflect a return to the original purpose of the program – to assist spouses of service members achieve portable careers. These changes also align the program with responsible fiscal planning by the Defense Department to help sustain the program. Additional program details will be posted on this Web site when they become available. We encourage you to check the site often.

Spouses who currently have an active account will be allowed to request financial assistance until Thursday, October 21, 2010. And beginning September 1, 2010, spouses may request financial assistance for classes that have a start date up to January 15, 2011. To ensure adequate time to plan for courses, no career plans will be accepted after August 31, 2010. All currently approved financial assistance documents will be honored.

Additionally, the review revealed that National Guard and Reserve members must be on active duty for their spouses to receive the MyCAA benefit. Spouses may no longer use the MyCAA benefit when the service member is in an alert or demobilization period. The new eligibility rule takes effect immediately.

The program will be closed from Friday, October 22 to Monday, October 25, 2010, so that we may ensure the infrastructure is in place to implement the new program.

Military spouses are the backbone for military families, displaying strength of character to be admired by this nation. The Department of Defense remains committed to investing in military families, and appreciates the sacrifice of those who also serve. 

I just hate having my funding keep on getting pulled. 

I'm not surprised, really. 

If they are cutting off e-6's then why are they allowing o-1 & o-2?

What is w-1 & w-2? I thought warrant officers were cw-1, etc? 

because to some, O-1/2 is pretty equal to E-3s.

Warrant Officer 1, they don't become 'Chief' until later. I thought it was 2, but maybe not. Something like that, anyways. 

It's just weird to me. An O-1 with less than 2 years of service makes about $20 less than an E-5 with over 8 years of service. Oh well! Nothing is ever equal! 

lol Vanessa, don't even try to figure it out. It will only make you crazy. ;) 

okay I'm new to this whole myCaa thing so clue me in please?

I have started anywhere yet(college). But do I need to apply to CCCC before I try to get the myCaa. Is it even worth it?
my husband is an E-3. 

I think it's worth it. It helps reduce the financial strain of education costs. You can also apply for FAFSA at fafsa.gov for a pell grant which you don't have to repay as long as you maintain your GPA. 

o okay thanx :) 

Another question ... I know you have to go like so many hours to get the pell grant. Do you have to go so many hours with mycaa or can u just take a class or two at a time? 

MYCAA 

The Federal Pell Grant is generally awarded to undergraduate students with financial need, who have not already earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. A student’s EFC will determine whether or not he is eligible and how much he will be awarded. A student’s semester hours will determine the amount that will be disbursed, and the Pell Grant can generally be paid for full-time enrollment (12 or more credit hours), three-quarter time (9-11 credit hours), half-time (6-8 credit hours), and less than half-time (1-5 credit hours).