On October 1st the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill education benefit changes took effect for all veterans. The new benefits are designed to provide support for short-term vocational training in addition to the traditional college-degree programs. This means that flight training is once again covered by the G.I. Bill benefit program.
According to an AvWeb article on the changes the benefits will pay up to $10,000 per year to cover flight-school fees and tuition. The bill also provides some housing subsidies and pays tuition for some online courses as well. An excellent article covering the new benefits can be found in this Army Times article dated September 27, 2011.
The guidelines to qualify for the program are complex, but in general, only those who served in active duty on or after Sept. 11, 2001, are eligible. The bill provides up to 36 months of education benefits, which generally can be used up to 15 years after release from active duty. Some veterans also may be able to transfer their benefits to dependents. More details can be found at the Department of Veterans Affairs website.