Certain unemployed veterans are eligible for paid education/job assistance through the fed gov.
I did a search on VRAP and didn't see where this has been posted yet.
The Dept. of Veterans Affairs is offering the Veterans Retraining Assistance Program (VRAP). It looks like a great deal for those who qualify. It could be worth up to $17,676.
The VRAP offers 12 months of training assistance to Veterans who:
Are at least 35 but no more than 60 years old
Are unemployed on the date of application
Received an other than dishonorable discharge
Are not be eligible for any other VA education benefit program (e.g.: the Post-9/11 GI Bill, Montgomery GI Bill, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Assistance)
Are not in receipt of VA compensation due to unemployability
Are not enrolled in a federal or state job training program
http://benefits.va.gov/vow/education.htm
= new reply since forum marked as read
I think I qualify. The list of "High Demand Occupations" is ridiculous, if you haven't checked it out. 
"Bicycle Repairers"
"Athletes and Sports Competitors"
"Photographers"
"Gaming Dealers"
