Who would be required to repay a portion of financial assistance in a loan/grant combination?

The correct answer highlights that repayment is specifically linked to those soldiers who receive a combination of a loan and a grant. In many financial assistance programs, grants are typically considered "free money" that does not require repayment, while loans must be repaid. However, when a soldier receives a combination of both, the expectation often is that the portion received as a loan will require repayment.

This means that soldiers who are awarded both types of financial assistance must be aware that the loan portion will have a repayment obligation, whereas the grant part will not. This understanding is crucial for managing future financial responsibilities.

The other options do not encompass this specific arrangement. For instance, soldiers on active duty, all soldiers applying for assistance, or only those in financial distress are too broad or misrepresent the criteria for repayment associated with the loan/grant combination scenario. Thus, the nuance in option D highlights the situation where a portion of financial assistance would indeed require repayment, aligning with typical practices regarding mixed financial aid.