Army College Fund (ACF)

The Army College Fund (ACF) is an enlistment benefit that may be added to either the Post 9/11 GI Bill or the Montgomery GI Bill.

In order to qualify for the ACF, you must participate in one of the two GI Bill programs. The ACF adds to the monthly benefits of either GI Bill.

As an example, in 2009, the active duty Montgomery GI Bill is worth $47,556, distributed in 36 monthly payments $1,321 for a full-time college student. In 2009, the maximum Army College Fund is $87,756 (this is the amount of the MGIB and the ACF combined). Therefore, if you enlist with the maximum ACF and attend college full-time under the MGIB, you receive $2,437.66 per month for 36 months of education.

For 2009, the maximum ACF (which includes the ACF and the MGIB) is:

• 2-year enlistment – $44,028
• 3 years – $63,756
• 4 years – $70,956
• 5 years – $78,156
• 6 years – $81,756 (the maximum)

These benefits change with the Post 9/11 GI Bill due to the Post 9/11 GI Bill’s variability based on state.

The Army restricts the ACF only to enlisted jobs that are experiencing shortages. This list of jobs, and the amount of ACF offers, changes all the time based on the needs of the Army. Usually, if one accepts the ACF, this will decrease the amount of enlistment bonus that may be offered for enlisting.

One must contact an Army Recruiter or the Army jobs counselor at the Military Entrance Processing Station in order to find out current amounts, and which enlisted jobs the Army is offering the benefit to.

The Army College Fund was approved by Congress as a test-program by Public Law 94-502, in Fiscal Year 1979. The Army and Navy adopted the programs in Fiscal Year 1981. The Air Force does not have ACF.

The ACF is not a program for which an individual becomes eligible after entry on active duty. It must be included in the initial enlistment agreement. The program is not authorized for officers.

Soldiers offered the ACF as an incentive to enlist should have received documentation verifying entitlement to ACF on Department of Army (DA) Form 3286-66. This is part of the enlistment contract. Only certain enlisted jobs are authorized the ACF. The ACF is available for 2 year, 3 year and 4 year enlistments. Soldiers who enlist for greater than 4 years with the ACF option receive the 4 year ACF.

ACF must be earned. It is accrued monthly as long as the servicemember obtains and remains qualified for the enlisted job for which originally enlisted.

Eligibility Requirements

The ACF is an enlistment incentive. Anyone offered the ACF must meet the eligibility criteria listed below:

• Have no prior service
• Enlist in the active Army from July 1, 1985 to present.
• Have a high school diploma at time of entry to active duty.
• Have an Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT) score (See ASVAB article) of 50 or higher.
• Enlist in a specified MOS designated under the ACF program offered at the time of enlistment.
• Enlist with ACF as part of the enlistment agreement.

Forfeiting the ACF

Servicemembers forfeit ACF eligibility for:

• Failing to obtain and remain qualified in the MOS for which individual enlisted.
• Failing to complete the minimum time-in-service requirements.