Customer Reviews

The Military Advantage: A Comprehensive Guide to Your Military & Veterans Benefits

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(7)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

From the first to the last chapter, I was surprised at how easy this book was to read. The information was 'broken-down' from the usual bureaucratic jargon, to clear and understandable English, making it extremely user-friendly. As I studied through the military benefits that were outlined and then explained, I was amazed at the massive wealth of information and resources contained within the covers. To top it all off, the author provides margin notes throughout with 'Take Advantage' hints and contact information of key agencies and offices, which in itself helps cut down the red tape. This is a MUST HAVE for anyone who is now in the military or is a veteran. Dare I say, this is the closest thing to a 'Military Benefits Bible' that I've ever seen.

I was lucky enough to get an early copy of the book. It makes sense all of the complexity of military benefits in a way I've never seen done before. I can go right to sections that break it down so I can understand it easily. The side tips are especially helpful call-outs. Surprised at how many benefits are out there for the military. The VA loan and medical benefits sections are a must read. I'm buying a copy for my relatives who've served for sure!

Chris Michel really does "cut the red tape" in this handy book. Make no mistake: This information is not available as understandably anywhere else. Why do the detective work when Mr. Michel has done it for you? I just got the book a few days ago and I've already uncovered some benefits I never knew about.

This book is a "must read" for active duty members and veterans. Unsure what to get that military friend for Christmas or a birthday? This book would make a thoughtful gift.

Thanks to Chris Michel for creating an amazing resource.

The book is bursting with all kinds of hard-to-get-at facts and figures that would take months of phone calling and web clicking to find out. Yeah, it's probably a little dry at times. But it's not like you're gonna read it front-to-back. And it sure beats trying to yank information out of some bureaucrat.

IN A NUTSHELL: "THE" GUIDE TO MAKING THE MOST OF ONE'S BENEFITS

This is a necessary guide for anyone that needs and is qualified for the plethora of benefits that are due any member of our armed forces, past or present.

Ordinarily, to access the information that you need or even to determine if you are eligible for "Something" just gets you bogged down to the point of just throwing your hands up in disgust. This book offers both insight and quick short-cuts to determine what is out there in the way of programs and how and if you may qualify or apply. The medical benefits section is the most concise and easily understood rendering of the massive and convoluted maze of benefits and programs that altogether form the medical benefits package.

As of today, April 30th 2007, the above listing is incorrect. The 2007 version is now available, with updated benefits information and a foreword by retired Army General Norman Schwarzkopf.
Some of the negative reviews below were written over a year after the 2005 version was released, so the information had been outdated. This new version has up-to-date information for servicemembers and veterans.

I was somewhat disappointed by this book. A veteran of three military services (but not retired), I had hoped to find some information about Veterans' programs. Instead, I found about 90% of the book to be useful only for currently-serving personnel or young men contemplating a military career. For those individuals, this book is great. For those not currently serving, I found it lackluster and loaded with information any military man could find on base with little trouble. Would I recommend this book? Not really. Would I recommend the military as a career to most young men? Absolutely. Save your money. Enlist and talk with the on-base career advisors instead for much more current information.

Easy reading and very beneficial for anyone retiring from the military. I have pickup on three or four "key requirements" from just reading the first few chapters. More informative than those week long "Retirement Classes" we are required to attend.

For years I've been looking for a book that made sense of our military way of life. THIS IS THE ONE! It is full of answers and information. Also of special interest is the Military Spouse Career Center...it's a must see. It is the best thing since sliced bread! It offers: a Job Search; lists of Spouse-friendly employers; information on the Military Spouse Preference and Spouses to Teachers Programs; Resources for childcare and so much more. A must for every military spouse.

It is said that knowledge or information is power.

That is certainly true in the case of this book. This book would be an excellent issued addition to the belongings of any graduate of any military accession point (recruit training, military academies or officer candidate school), or a great gift for a servicemember at any stage of their career (including retirees and separated personnel).

Starting with a informational table of contents (chapters including The Money Advantage, The Pay Advantage, The Health Care Advantage, The Benefits Advantage, The Education Advantage, The Career Advantage, The Transition Advantage and the Family Advantage), the book is a wealth of information.

There are literally thousands of web links, telephone numbers and addresses to help the service member reach out when any conceivable information or help is needed. There are also several informational appendixes, and finally a great index to help pinpoint any single topic a service member might be looking for.

One of the features of this book that I really liked was the "Take Advantage" sidebars and the "Military Matters" sidebars on nearly every page. These features are chock full of expanded information, or "insider's tips" if you will, on every subject in the book.

This book is a great resource.