DC TA is the Major General David F. Wherley, Jr. District of Columbia National Guard Retention and College Access Program. It provides financial assistance for eligible DCNG Service Members (and in some cases their spouses) to pursue higher education, certifications, licensures, and professional development courses. 

You must: 

• Be a current member of the DC National Guard. 
• Have at least two (2) years of service remaining from the last day of the funded course. 
• Be in good standing (verified via the MOGS checklist). 
• Have no SFPA, UIF, or pending adverse actions. 
• Meet readiness, administrative, and conduct standards (fitness test, security clearance, medical/dental readiness, evaluation compliance, DTS/GTC status). 
• Spouses of eligible Service Members may use DC TA (only one user per household at a time). 
• Eligible immediately upon enlistment (before IET), as long as classes don’t conflict with training. 

Maximum: $25,500 per Fiscal Year. 

• Up to $25,000 for tuition. 
• Up to $500 for authorized fees (books, lab, technology, program-specific fees). 
• If your school is not on the DoD MOU list at dodmou.com, your max is reduced to $21,000/year. 

A: Authorized: 

• One credential per degree level: Associate, Bachelor’s, Master’s, Doctorate. 
• Pre-requisite courses at any degree level. 
• Academic certificates from accredited institutions. 
• Licensure programs supporting professional development/career advancement. 
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) that enhance professional competencies. 

Not Authorized: 

• Lateral or lower degrees previously funded by DC TA. 
• Recreational/personal interest courses unrelated to professional development. 

Yes: 

• Must be DOE-accredited (regional/national). 
• Must be registered in the DC Government Vendor Services Portal. 
• Should have a current DoD MOU (non-MOU schools get reduced benefit). 

Submit a complete application at least 30 days before course start date via the DC TA website.  
Required documents: 

• DC TA Application Form. 
• Signed SOU (Enclosure 1). 
• Signed MOGS (Enclosure 2, completed by your commander). 
• Degree Plan. 
• Itemized Cost Verification from school. 
• Federal TA Award/Denial documentation. 

• Submit ETP no later than 5 business days before course start. 
• Must include justification and commander endorsement. 
• Route through ESO to G1/MILPO. 
• Approval is not guaranteed. 

• Application: 30 days before course start. 
• Course changes: Notify ESO/DC TA Program Manager within 5 business days. 
• Grades: Submit within 30 days after course completion. 
• Payment documentation: Submit all required documents by 15 August annually to ensure processing before FY closeout. 

Yes – you may combine DC TA with Federal TA, GI Bill, Pell Grants, and loans, but total aid cannot exceed 100% of tuition and fees. 

You may face: 

• Recoupment of DC TA funds. 
• Suspension from the program. 
• Possible administrative action. 

A commander-certified checklist verifying your compliance with all readiness, conduct, and participation standards. 

• All items must be marked “Yes” or explained in commander comments. 
• Required for every DC TA application. 

• Army: ng.dc.dcarng.list.per-edu@army.mil 
• Air: angel.holley@us.af.mil