What college course could military services give me?
I asked this question because I'm interested in the military
#college #military #military-service
7 answers
David’s Answer
Hello. You can get a lot of college credit for your service. Many AIT's have deals with local colleges to provide credit for your specialized training. You can also get credits from basic for things like leadership, physical fitness, first aid, and marksmanship. If you go to military language school you'll earn a boatload of credits.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Introduction
The armed forces provide an array of college-level courses to their personnel, veterans, and occasionally, civilians. These courses can be pursued as part of a degree program or for professional development. The range of courses differs across military branches, encompassing both academic and vocational subjects.
Varieties of College Courses
Academic Courses
The military services offer a broad spectrum of academic courses, spanning from liberal arts to hard sciences. For instance, the U.S. Navy provides courses in English, history, mathematics, and engineering through its College of Continuing Education. Similarly, the U.S. Army's Virtual University offers college-level courses in areas like business, psychology, and information technology.
Vocational Courses
In addition to academic courses, the military also provides vocational courses that focus on specific skills required for military roles. These courses are especially beneficial for service members looking to progress their careers or transition to civilian roles post-service. Some examples of vocational courses include:
- Aircraft maintenance and repair
- Cybersecurity
- Electronics technology
- Welding
- Automotive Repair
How to Access College Courses through Military Services
Each military branch has its unique system for offering and managing college courses. Some prevalent programs include:
Tuition Assistance (TA)
Tuition Assistance is a program that offers financial aid to eligible service members for voluntary off-duty education programs. The aid varies by branch but can cover up to 100% of tuition fees, with a maximum amount per credit hour. To qualify for TA, service members must meet certain criteria and get approval from their chain of command. More details on TA can be found on the official websites of each military branch:
- US Army TA
- US Navy TA
- US Air Force TA
- US Marine Corps TA
- US Coast Guard TA
Joint Service Transcript (JST)
The Joint Service Transcript (JST) is a document that records military training, education, and experience in a format that civilian colleges and universities can easily understand. The JST is accepted by over 2,300 institutions and can help service members earn college credit for their military experiences. More information on the JST can be found on the DoD Voluntary Education website.
Additional Resources for College Courses through Military Services
Several organizations offer resources and support for service members looking to further their education through military service:
- Go Army Ed - The official online portal for the Army’s education programs, including Tuition Assistance and the Go Army Edge initiative for enlisted soldiers seeking professional development opportunities.
- Navy College Program - The official website for the Navy’s education programs, including Tuition Assistance and the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE).
- Air University Associate to Baccalaureate Cooperative (AU-ABC) - A partnership between the Air Force and civilian colleges and universities that allows airmen to complete associate’s degrees and transfer credits toward bachelor’s degrees in high-demand fields such as information technology, logistics, and engineering management.
GOD BLESS!
James Constantine Frangos.
Penny’s Answer
Hi, You can use the GI Bill for any course of study you are interested in pursuing.
Jason’s Answer
Hello. Short answer, anything you want. The military offers a wide range of skills that you can take with you for employment in the "real world". Now, if you are referring to the GI Bill (monies you put into as well as branch of service puts into) and college courses, again, anything you want. Perhaps look into ROTC, pursuing college and officer training as well.
James Constantine Frangos
James Constantine’s Answer
Earning College Credits via Examination Programs
As a military service member, you have the unique opportunity to gain college credits through a variety of examination programs, such as the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). These programs offer a wide range of subject exams, the credits from which can be utilized towards a degree program at numerous colleges and universities.
Converting Military Training and Experience into College Credits
The American Council on Education (ACE) provides an evaluation of military training and experience, converting them into college credit recommendations. These recommendations are derived from the ACE Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. The Joint Services Transcript (JST) offers a comprehensive description of your military schooling and work experiences, which colleges and universities use to evaluate and award credit.
Degree Programs Tailored for Military Personnel
A multitude of colleges and universities provide degree completion programs specifically designed to cater to the unique needs of military students, such as those deployed or with irregular schedules. Some institutions offer degree programs exclusively for military personnel, while others accept transfer credits from other institutions.
Financial Aid for Military Personnel
The Department of Defense provides several financial aid programs for military personnel, including tuition assistance, the GI Bill, and various scholarships. These programs can significantly reduce the costs of tuition, fees, and books for military students pursuing a degree.
Relevant Reference Titles:
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). “Test Descriptions.” College Board, 2021, https://clep.collegeboard.org/test-descriptions.
DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSST). “Test Information.” GetCollegeCredit.com, 2021, https://getcollegecredit.com/test-information.
Guide to the Evaluation of Educational Experiences in the Armed Services. American Council on Education, 2021, https://www.acenet.edu/news-room/Pages/Guide-to-the-Evaluation-of-Educational-Experiences-in-the-Armed-Services.aspx.
May God bless you,
James Constantine.
Crystal’s Answer
Go to college to study what you are most interested in learning. If you are currently in the military, the GI Bill may be available pay for a portion of your education. If you are interested in learning about military life take an ROTC course. ROTC is no obligation for one course, but there is high recruitment pressure to continue with the program. Try any service ROTC that is available at your college.