The National Guard supports your civilian educational dreams and goals and can help you pay your tuition. FTA – as opposed to State Tuition Assistance (RIRP) – is available through ArmyIgnitED: https://www.armyignited.army.mil (CAC login required). To establish an account, go to ArmyIgnitED, click the “Get Started” link and follow the instructions. Make sure to complete necessary training as listed in ArmyIgnitED.
NOTE: FTA requests MUST be submitted eight days prior to the class’s start date. All approved FTA will be paid directly to your school. For assistance, contact your state Education Services Specialist, Ms. Kelly Houghtaling, at kelly.a.houghtaling2.civ@army.mil.
FTA will pay up to $250 per credit hour for up to 18 credits per fiscal year. The cap for the total amount of FTA is $4,500 per fiscal year. That amount resets every 1 October.
FTA, GI Bill benefits and State TA are all separate from one another and may be combined in most cases.
Soldiers are eligible for FTA as soon as being issued a Common Access Card (CAC) and must be in good standing. Soldiers should be accepted into a college program and have a School ID before applying for FTA.
All applicants, regardless of rank, must receive approval from his or her commander or commander’s designated representative for all FTA requests.
Soldiers with two recoupment actions in the same FY will be suspended from requesting FTA for 12 calendar months.
