What requirement must soldiers meet to be eligible for the new GI Bill?

To be eligible for the new GI Bill, soldiers must have paid a fee of $100 per month for the first 12 months of service. This requirement is designed to ensure that service members have a stake in their educational benefits, leading to a more substantial commitment to their military service. The payment contributes to the overall funding of the GI Bill, which provides education benefits to service members, veterans, and their families.

The emphasis on this monthly fee highlights the importance of investing in one's education and lessens the financial burden on the program and ultimately the taxpayers. This requirement reflects the government's intent to promote a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the benefits that service members will receive upon completion of their service commitments.

While other options may highlight various aspects of service, they do not align with the established criteria set forth for the new GI Bill, which specifically includes the monthly fee as a key eligibility factor.