Military Education News And Info

What is the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account?

2009-11-04T15:41:00.000-08:00

One of the benefits military spouses can use for the purpose of working toward their educational and career goals is assistance from the Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts Program (MyCAA). Those who are eligible for the program can receive $6,000 of financial assistance per year to pursue college degrees, credentials, and skills which will prepare them for attaining employment in Portable Career Fields.

Here's a basic overview of the program:

Eligibility

Spouses of Department of Defense Active Duty members and activated members of the National Guard and Reserve Components qualify for MyCAA assistance. For spouses of Guard and Reserve members, the period of eligibility is from the date of the Alert or Warning Order for Military Recall or Mobilization, through activation and deployment until a total of 180 days following De-Mobilization.

Click to view Military Spouse Career Advancement Account?

Any military spouse who is legally separated, by state law or court order, does not qualify. Also, spouses who are Active Duty or activated Guard or Reserve members themselves are not eligible, as they have their own programs for assistance. (Unfortunately, under Public Law 110-417 Sec 582, spouses of Coast Guard members are not allowed to receive education benefits from MyCAA.)

Expenses Covered

MyCAA Financial Assistance (FA) pays for education and training programs, tuition costs, and licensing/credential fees. Basically, this encompasses degree programs (i.e. associates, bachelors, masters, doctoral), continuing education classes (including those offered through professional associations), Bar, CPA and similar exams, and state certifications for licensed occupations such as medical professionals and teachers.

If the cost includes books, supplies and special equipment essential for certain jobs, such as cosmetology or masonry, MyCAA will pay these expenses if included on the bill. The program also covers High School Completion courses, GED exams, and English as a Second Language (ESL).

MyCAA will not pay the costs for:

- Computers (including laptops)
- Applicant, graduation or membership fees
- Student activity cards
- Child care
- Parking/transportation
- Medical services

If a student enrolls in a course without an approved MyCAA Financial Assistance document, he or she will be held responsible for paying all the costs. Keep in mind that MyCAA doesn't offer reimbursements of any type.

How MyCAA Financial Assistance Works

A military spouse can request financial assistance from MyCAA for all approved courses listed on his or her Career and Training Plan. This plan includes the spouse's Portable Career Field, name of school, and all course information. If information provided is not accurate, the request will be denied during the school invoicing process and the spouse will be responsible for payment.

It's crucial that the spouse input correct information to prevent any billing problems. Before putting in a request for MyCAA financial assistance, it's a good idea to have the information confirmed by school officials.

Since schools may have different rules for adding/dropping a class, it's advantageous for students to be aware of these policies.

*This article is based on publicly-accessible information and has not been reviewed or approved by any military branch.

Army Tackles G.I. Bill Questions

2009-10-28T09:09:00.000-07:00

In response to the Post-9/11 GI Bill which went into effect on August 1, Soldiers in the Army's Enlisted Policy Division have been flooded with questions from the field, often up to 100 inquiries per day. The Army's G-1 recently launched a new GI Bill Web as a resource for finding answers to frequently-asked questions as well as to obtain the latest updates regarding the Bill (www.armyg1.army.mil/post911gibill.asp).

Under the Post-9/11 Bill, eligible soldiers can apply to use their benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (www.gibill.va.gov). Since it does not replace any existing VA education program, be sure to explore your options before deciding which program is best for you and your family.

One of those most commonly asked questions, according to Lt. Col. Thomas Erickson, chief of G-1 Enlisted Professional Development, is "How do I transfer benefits?"

All requests to transfer benefits to a spouse or child are handled by the Department of Defense on the official DOD Transferability of Education Benefits (TEB) web site at www.dmdc.osd.mil/TEB. Once the application is submitted electronically, processing should be complete within 48 hours. Since e-mail notifications are not sent out, soldiers will need to go back to the web page to find out whether or not their request has been approved.

In order to receive benefits, the service member must be on active duty or in active reserve at the time. Regarding children, they must be dependents on the date the benefits are transferred and can then use it up until the age of 26. Following approval of the requested transfer, dependents between the ages of 18-26 can sign up for GI Bill benefits on the VA Web site.

After a soldier submits his or her application for benefits to the VA, explains Erikson, they need to notify their career counselors at battalion or higher level since they are the service-certifying officials for the active-duty applicants.

One of the issues addressed on the newly launched web page is how opting for the Post-9/11 GI Bill affects benefits under the old Montgomery GI Bill or the Veterans Educational Assistance Program (VEAP). In short, while soldiers can qualify for multiple programs, they may only receive benefits from one at a time.

Key benefits of the Post-9/11 Bill:

- Provides for tuition and fees up to the highest in-state undergraduate tuition at a public higher education institution in the state where the student will attend school. (If the benefits are used while a soldier is serving on active duty, the full cost of tuition is covered even if attending a private graduate school. While this is also applicable to spouses who utilize transferred benefits while the soldier is on active duty, it does not apply to dependent children.)
- Monthly housing payments equal to the military's basic allowance for someone at the E-5 rank with dependents, adjusted to the cost of living in the area where the soldier or family member is attending school.
- Up to $1,000 annually for books and supplies.

Who Can Use the Post-9/11 GI Bill?

Any soldier who has served on qualifying active duty service on or after September 11, 2001, may be eligible. Spouses and children may also be eligible to receive transferred benefits under certain conditions. However, G-1 experts strongly recommend that soldiers consider and weigh the benefits of GI Bill programs carefully before making a decision to change.

Preparing for a Military Transition? EC Says it Starts with Utilizing Your Military Education Benefits

2009-10-27T09:56:00.000-07:00

Chris Hodges, an Education Coordinator (EC) at Allied Schools, brings real-world experience and knowledge to his career counseling and helping service members with their education options. With almost ten years of military service behind him, he knows first-hand what service members need from their career training. He can assist with their military education benefits - including military tuition assistance, GI Bill and military spouse scholarships - as well as help them get the career training to advance their civilian or military careers.

When students partner with Allied, they have access to staff members who understand what it means to an active-duty service member - and Chris Hodges is a prime example. He works with service members to understand their benefits and helps them realize the full potential of their future career. What could be better than being fully prepared for your military transition?

Here's what Chris has to say:

Q: In what branch of the military did you serve?
A: Navy

Q: How many years did you serve with the Navy?
A: Nine

Q: Where were you deployed?
A: The Persian Gulf, Tunisia, Bahrain and Sri Lanka (tsunami relief)

Q: When and why did you decide to transition to civilian life?
A: In 2008, I had accomplished what I wanted to in the Navy and wanted to focus on my family.

Q: Were you aware you had military TA benefits? If so, why did you choose not to use your benefits?
A: Yes I was aware that I had military TA available to me. I never used my TA benefits because no one really explained the whole process to me and I didn't have a firm grasp on how to take advantage of those military education benefits.

Q: Did you ever consider using TA to enhance your chances for a military promotion?
A: No

Q: Did your spouse utilize her military spouse scholarship? If so, what was her experience? If not, was she aware that she had military spouse education benefits available to her?
A: No, my wife had no idea that there were military spouse scholarships available to her for being a service member's spouse.

Q: Was your transition to civilian life difficult without the help of your military TA?
A: Yes, I found out the hard way that military experience will only take you so far. I was told so often that my experience would have employers beating down my door to hire me. That wasn't the case at all. So many employers want to see that you have some sort of education behind you.

Q: Do you think your military transition would have gone differently had you utilized your TA? If so, how?
A: I believe that it would have definitely helped me secure a job faster if I would have used my military TA to get an education. Having an education would have opened up so many more doors for me.

Q: What advice do you have for active duty military service members who are ready for their military transition?
A: Use your military TA benefits to get your self ready for your post-military career. It is a lot different than the military. A lot of employers don't care what you did in the military if you don't have education to go along with it.

Q: Knowing what you know now, where can active duty service members go to learn more about military scholarships and military friendly schools?
A: They can use their education service office on base, or any of the services military websites (AKO, NKO, etc.)

Q: When should active duty service members start planning for their civilian futures?
A: "Right now", "ASAP," "Immediately," "Right Away," etc. I cannot stress enough how important it is to utilize your military TA benefits, and with distance education available, it is super convenient.

Allied Reconnects with Soldier and Past Student at Yellow Ribbon Event

2009-10-19T15:55:00.000-07:00

Allied Schools was honored to receive an invitation to participate in a DoD Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program event in Las Vegas, Nevada on September 12, 2009. With more than 1,300 Yellow Ribbon events held annually throughout the U.S., over 133,000 reservists and their families can learn about valuable support services available to them throughout all phases of deployment, such as using TA for online career training programs.

Curtis Gillhouse, a soldier who served in the National Guard for six years as a parachute rigger supporting joint task missions, attended the event as one of Allied's Educational Support Representatives.

"I was happy to see the Family Readiness groups increasing their efforts to provide support to the soldiers, their families and keeping them involved as much as possible," said Gillhouse. "While serving and going through deployments, I have never seen any kind of effort like this to support the soldiers and their families."

A moment that stood out for Gillhouse was his conversation with an LTC who wanted to express his appreciation not only for Allied's participation in the event, but also for touching his life personally as a former student. Allied helped him prepare for his current civilian career with an online contractor course. Now, a few years later, the soldier turned licensed contractor is the boss of his own construction company. The soldier summed up his Allied experience to Gillhouse by stating, "You guys changed my life!"

As a member of the Allied family, Gillhouse is dedicated to sharing his personal experiences with active duty service members. "I personally missed out on all my education benefits and I am very passionate about making sure soldiers do not miss out on them like I did," said Gillhouse. "Allied has great civilian career training programs that can help supplement a Military Families' income. I think it's pretty amazing when you can sell something you believe in. Education."

Marine Tuition Assistance's Eligibility Requirements

2009-10-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

The Marines offer several programs designed to support the educational goals of its members.

The Marine Corps provides up to 100 percent of the cost to service members who elect to pursue off-duty or voluntary education. This would include all active-duty and Reserve enlisted Marines on continuous active duty attending accredited colleges and universities.

Officers who are on active-duty are eligible to receive Marine Corps Tuition Assistance if they commit to staying on active duty for two continuous years after completing the course funded by the program.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and elect to enroll in courses toward a degree may not exceed $4,500 in tuition-assistance funds per fiscal year. Funding is limited to $250 per semester hour or the equivalent in undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical classes, independent study and distance-learning programs.

Marine Corps College Fund - Marines who demonstrate a potential for academic excellence and are listed on eligible Marines' contracts during their initial enlistment into the service may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through this fund.

Montgomery G.I. Bill – At the time of their initial enlistment, service members can sign up for the Montgomery G.I. Bill. During the first year, a monthly deduction of $100 is taken out of the participant's paycheck. After that, a marine can use the Bill at any time for up to 10 years following the time of honorable discharge. Those on active duty can use is in conjunction with tuition assistance.

Marine Corps Family Education Programs and Scholarship Opportunities

2009-10-13T15:01:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the Marine Corps Family Education Programs and scholarship opportunities offered to military spouses in this branch of the armed services:

SOCMAR (Service Member's Opportunity Colleges (SOC) Degree Program): This is a network of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or within close proximity to Marine installations worldwide. Each college in the group accepts credits from the others. SOCMAR guarantees that you can continue working toward completion of your degrees even if the Marine Corps transfers you several times. Distance learning, which requires no classroom residency, is also available.

STAP (Spouse Tuition Aid Program): The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers this assistance to spouses of service members who are on active duty and stationed overseas. The spouse can be a full or part-time student working toward a vocational certificate or college degree.

Undergraduate level: a maximum of $300 per semester/$1,500 per year.
Graduate level: a maximum of $350 per semester/$1,750 per year.

VADM EP Travers Scholarship and Loan Program: Applicants must be married to an active duty member and be enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university. A total of 1,000 grants in the amount of $2,000 are awarded each academic year. Those who apply are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan up to $3,000. The application deadline is March 1st of each year. Late applicants will not be eligible for scholarship consideration but will be evaluated for a loan.

Post-9/11 GI Bill Transferability: According to a special provision of the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, education benefits are offered to spouses of service members. Under the new law, individuals with a minimum of six years of service in the armed forces who agree to serve at least four additional years are able to transfer unused GI Bill entitlement to their spouse. In fact, when the service member reaches their 10th year, they have the option of transferring the benefit to their spouse or other dependents.

Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MYCAA): This program was designed to provide assistance to spouses trying to obtain the skills and credentials they need to begin or further their careers. Through these accounts, the costs of training and education are covered, giving participants the chance to get a degree or credential in portable fields that are in demand across the country. MSCAA can be used to pay up to $3,000 in fees for one year and may be renewed for an additional year for a two-year total of up to $6,000.

Spouse and Dependents Education Assistance: This program offers up to 45 months of education benefits to eligible dependents which can be used for degree and certificate programs, apprenticeship, and on-site training.

Military Spouse Scholarships: Allied also offers in-house military spouse scholarships that allow military spouses to enroll in a career training program who are not eligible for MSCAA.Military spouses can get their tuition waived when they train at Allied Schools. Military spouses pay nothing out-of-pocket for training that will prepare them for careers.

Like every branch of the military, the Marine Corps wants to help you, the military spouse, pay for your education. You'll likely find one or more programs that will meet your needs.

How to Make Your Military Resume Civilian Ready

2009-10-07T16:38:00.000-07:00

As a service member preparing for a military-to-civilian transition, there are steps you can take to make your military resume civilian ready. Prepare to more effectively reach prospective employers and broaden your post-service opportunities by making a few simple adjustments to your resume.

Since most civilian employers don't know how to apply military skills to civilian work, you will need to do it for them. Bridge the military and non-military gap by translating your experience and personal qualities to language that they can understand.

Follow these steps to make your resume ready for the civilian workplace:

1. Change the Tone - Oftentimes, military resumes are too lengthy, too broadly focused, and packed with military jargon and terminology. Since all of those acronyms only serve to emphasize that you are coming from a very different background, it's best to strike them out and replace them with clear job descriptions that are more easily understood.

2. Include a Summary and Objective - While the majority of job seekers choose to begin their resume with either a career summary (what you have to offer) or an objective statement (what you want), applicants leaving the military may want to include both. Write your summary based on the job you are looking for and state the objective that you wish to transition your relevant military skills to that position.

3. Eliminate Unnecessary Information - Omit information that is not pertinent to your goal, such as long lists of unrelated military awards and training. For example, the medal you received for rifle marksmanship doesn't belong on a civilian resume. However, you may want to bring a list of those distinctions to the job interview and include in your cover letter that if the employer wishes, you will be glad to discuss your military commendations.

4. Simplify the Text - Include a short paragraph describing positions you have held with a bullet-point list of accomplishments, worded in a way that the average civilian can comprehend the importance and measurable outcomes of these achievements. For each one you cite, ask yourself, "Why might this employer care about this experience?"

As you begin to make the transition to a civilian career, a military background is invaluable testimony that you have the qualities desirable to prospective employers, such as discipline, self-motivation, and the ability to learn. Show prospective employers that you are the ideal candidate with a resume that speaks for both your military and civilian career skills.

Join Allied Schools at SpouseBUZZ Live Saturday, September 26th!

2009-09-21T16:13:00.000-07:00

We Understand What You Need From Your Education - Visit Our Booth At SpouseBUZZ Live on Saturday to Learn More!

Join the exciting military spouse celebration, SpouseBUZZ Live, at Camp Pendleton this Saturday, September 26, 2009. It's a great opportunity to connect with other military spouses and share your unique experiences.

Where:
South Mesa Club
202850 San Jacinto Road
Camp Pendleton, CA

When:
Event Hours: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Click here to register today!

We are very excited to be part of this event this year! Please take the time to visit our booth and learn about the family-friendly high school, career training, certificate and degree programs offered by our different divisions. With 100% online courses, live student support and 24/7 access to course materials, fitting school into your busy schedule is even easier than you think.

And with MyCAA, you may be able to return to school with no out-of-pocket costs. Want to learn more? Please stop by and see us at SpouseBUZZ Live or call (888) 501-5221 today.

We look forward to seeing you on Saturday!

Active Duty Service Members May Benefit from an Education in Renewable Energy

2009-08-27T09:19:00.000-07:00

The U.S. Military is pursuing cost-effective renewable energy solutions. In fact, the National Defense Authorization Act of 2007 mandated that the Pentagon produce or procure 25% of its electrical consumption from renewable sources (source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists).

Active duty service members who are interested in taking their military career to the next level may benefit from pursuing their education in renewable energies. Take a look at how different military branches are making progress towards integrating cleaner, more economical energy sources:

-The Naval Air Weapons Station at China Lake, California, uses a geothermal energy plant (built in the 1970s) and is a net contributor to the local commercial electric grid (Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)

- A report in U.S. News and World Report notes that Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada currently has 70,000 photovoltaic panels working on 140 acres of land. The solar installation has reportedly allowed the base to realize $83,000 a month in solar energy savings with "trackers," panels that follow the sun's movement

-The army is developing hydrogen fuel cells and renewable energy hybrid-electric generators for use at forward operating bases and remote locations
(Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)

-Defense and the Energy Department are working together to develop, test, and certify jet fuels derived from coal and natural gas and oil shale (Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)

Fuel-saving technologies under development include:

-The army's foam-insulated tents and biodegradable domes that take less energy to heat and cool
-The air force's synthetic fuels and on-site biomass and waste energy projects
-The navy's research into using nuclear power throughout the fleet
(Source: Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists)

Have You Signed Up for the New G.I. Bill?

2009-05-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Make the most of your service -- the new military G.I. Bill pays more and lets you transfer benefits. The VA is now accepting applications for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill. This new educational benefits package, known as Chapter 33, offers additional benefits beyond paying for tuition -- including a new housing stipend.

The Post-9/11 G.I. Bill goes into effect on August 1, 2009. You are eligible if you served a minimum of 90 days on active duty after September 10, 2001. You don't have to pay into this benefit each month; and you can transfer your benefits to your spouse or children.

What You'll Get

- Full tuition and fees
- Monthly housing stipend*
- Money for books and supplies
- Transferability of entitlement
- Kicker -- if you receive it now, you'll still get it with the new benefits

The amount paid under the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill will vary depending on your state of residence, number of units taken, and amount of post-9/11 active-duty service.
Here are the percentages that are available:

Percentage of Payment -- Amount of Military Service
100% -- 36 or more months
100% -- 30 or more consecutive days with disability-related discharge
90% -- 30 total months
80% -- 24 total months
70% -- 18 total months
60% -- 12 total months
50% -- 6 total months
40% -- 90 or more days

The Department of Veterans Affairs started accepting applications on May 1, 2009. If you are already enrolled in the Montgomery G.I. Bill and also meet the criteria for the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill, you have the option to transfer your remaining MGIB benefits to the new program. Although the new bill offers comprehensive benefits, you may find that the original Montgomery G.I. Bill better suits your needs.

One of the biggest additions of the Post-9/11 G.I. Bill is the option for service members to transfer their benefits -- if you are an active-duty service member with at least six years of experience, you can shift your G.I. Bill benefits to your spouse or children if you commit to at least four additional years of service.

You can enroll online at www.gibill.va.gov or call (888) 501-5221 to learn how you can make the most of your new benefits. Your educational options just got better -- enroll in a certificate program without paying anything, plus receive additional benefits.

*Restrictions apply

Vocational Rehabilitation for Veterans

2009-05-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

When we think of war veterans, many people picture graying old men who fought in Europe during World War II or in Korea. Yet nowadays we must remember that there are thousands of young men and women in America who are veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

These younger veterans often have service-related injuries that hamper their efforts to find and hold good-paying jobs. To help these men and women, the Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA) offers veterans a vocational rehabilitation program known as Chapter 31.

What services does the DVA provide for this special group of veterans?

Rehabilitation evaluation to assess a person's skills
Counseling and rehabilitation planning
Job finding skills like resume help and interviewing
Help finding and keeping a job, including the use of special employer incentives
On-the-Job Training (OJT) and apprenticeships
Post-secondary training at a college, vocational, technical or business school
Case management, counseling and referral services

Who can take advantage of this program?

an honorable discharge
a service-connected disability rating of at least 10%
completed an application for the program

The DVA then sets up appointments with vocational rehabilitation counselors who will interview the veteran and determine whether the veteran can receive services. The counselors will look at the veteran's disabilities and consider how they will impact the person's skill set.

Once the DVA has a good handle on a veteran's situation, they will set up a rehabilitation plan which will lay out a strategy for getting that individual retrained, if necessary, and ready to secure a new position.

If veterans need career retraining, one option that counselors and veterans can look at is online vocational schools with vocational rehabilitation training programs. A veteran can enroll in an online program and train for a career as a real estate agent, medical coder or a pharmacy technician, for example, and all from the comfort of their home with 100% online courses.

This distance education option often solves a lot of problems for veterans like commuting to a campus, securing reliable transportation, as well as finding babysitters or family friends who can help with children. 100% online career training is a great way for veterans to retrain and prepare themselves for a new career.

Online schools normally offer student support representatives that veterans can call during business hours if they have any questions about their course or are experiencing any technical difficulties.

When looking at online vocational rehabilitation schools, veterans and their counselors should make sure that the school is nationally accredited by an accrediting body such as the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC).

Veterans should also speak with a school's admissions representative and ask how long the school has been in business, and whether they accept state or federal vocational rehabilitation training vouchers.

And of course there is nothing like "word-of-mouth" information; veterans should ask fellow disabled veterans for a school recommendation – there's nothing like an endorsement from someone you trust!

A Transition in Your Future? Plan Ahead for Your Civilian Career

2009-04-09T16:02:00.000-07:00

Each year over 250,000 military personnel and families leave their respective service and enter civilian life. While some decide to retire, most people intend to start a new career. The goal is to make a smooth transition from your active-duty military career to a new career in the civilian world.

The Transition Plan

A military transition plan will give your civilian career direction, and help alleviate any overwhelming or confused feelings you may have about your future. The military provided you with a strong skill set and favorable job traits. A transition plan can arm you with the extra training you need to become a professional in the civilian workplace.

Career Training

Be confident that many of the managing, motivating and maneuvering skills you learned in the military are applicable to the civilian workplace. With this solid skill set in place, it's just a matter of building on this foundation and getting new job skills. Here's how you can plan ahead:

1. Make a list of your military skills -- Write down your job title and duties from your military service. Include detailed tasks that you were required to perform. Be specific. Incorporate skills, qualifications, experience, awards, education and anything that is relevant to your military career.

2. Determine how those skills translate to the civilian workplace -- Match your military skills to jobs or professions outside of the military. You can use a military occupational classification (MOC) guide to help you identify these jobs. This information is readily available via the Internet, resource guides and books.

3. Get the extra skills you need -- You can acquire the additional skills that will make you marketable in your post-military career. Choose something with long-term potential, such as a real estate salesperson, home inspector, small business owner, or medical billing specialist. Your military training and new career skills will make you a well-rounded addition to the civilian workforce.

Job Preparation

Once you complete your career training, you need to focus on your job search. This is a vital part of the transition process when you bridge your military career with your new civilian career. Find a school that offers job assistance to make your transition easier. You'll learn how to:

-Create an effective cover letter -- This is the first impression you provide to a potential employer. Provide a concise description of how your skills will apply to a particular position in a company. Make it clear how your military experience is applicable to this job and what unique experience you can bring to a company.

-Write a stand-out resume -- This is a culmination of your work experience. Create an effective summary of your job history by listing all of the relevant work you have performed. Try to avoid using military terms, jargon and acronyms that employers will not know. Make your resume reader-friendly. Incorporate any awards, recognitions and achievements.

-Conduct a successful interview -- If you create an effective cover letter and resume, this will be the next step. Make sure you are prepared by practicing your answers to common interview questions. Dress in appropriate attire and conduct yourself in a professional manner.

You've had a successful military career. Now is the time to take the next step and mobilize your talents. Making the transition from military to civilian life doesn't need to be difficult. With careful strategic planning and preparation, you can successfully move into the next phase of your career.

Click here to learn more about Military Education.

The G.I. Bill Kicker Program May be Just What You Need for Your Military Education

2009-04-09T15:08:00.001-07:00

If you are currently a service member or considering joining the military, you've probably heard about the G.I. Bill, but what you may not be familiar with is the G.I. Bill Kicker Program -- also known as the Army, Navy College or Marine Corps College Funds.

The G.I. Bill Kicker, offered by the Department of Defense through each service branch, is an educational benefit that is added to the G.I. Bill. It is an additional amount of money that increases your basic monthly benefit and is included in your monthly G.I. Bill payment from the VA. Think of it as extra money for your education.

College funds are only made available when you first enlist as a service member or as part of a re-enlistment contract. The amount that is received is determined by a number of factors, such as when you enlisted, length of enlistment contract, service that was joined, the job that was chosen and specific location.

The good news is that these kickers can increase your monthly GI Bill payment rate by hundreds of dollars a month -- putting your military education within reach. This means that you can actually boost your regular G.I. Bill benefit value and earn even more for your education.

The G.I. Bill Kicker Program is an incentive, not an entitlement; therefore you must apply for and be approved to receive it. There may be specific qualifications according to your branch -- contact your military education office for details. The VA does not determine eligibility of this additional benefit; each service branch determines who receives the G.I. Bill Kicker and the amount received. Remember, you can't get your GI Bill Kicker money without receiving the GI Bill -- it isn't a separate benefit, but an add-on to your GI Bill benefit.

The GI Bill Kicker is also available if you choose to join the reserve. You must meet the current requirements and accept the Reserve GI Bill to qualify.

If you think that career training is out of reach, think again. Combining the G.I. Bill Kicker with your G.I. Bill can cover 100% of the cost of your military education. This program is an ideal way to receive the maximum benefits and build up your education fund -- making career training possible. Use these funds to enroll in an accredited online career training program today and study anywhere, any time for a high-demand career.

Ring in the New Year with Thanks to Our Guard Members

2009-03-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

No matter where you grew up in the United States, you probably at one time or another watched the ball drop on New Year's Eve in New York's Time Square. Dick Clark has long since been replaced by new MCs, but there's still something special about the celebration.

After the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, there have been annual concerns that such a large gathering of people in New York is a tempting target for terrorists. The good new is that eight years later, thanks to federal police agencies, the New York Police Department and members of the New York National Guard, another end-of-year celebration has come and gone safely.

This past year New York Gov. David Paterson sent members of the New York Army and Air National Guard to assist city authorities with security, as well as standing by in case any emergency situation arose.

Guard Soldiers and Airmen conducted increased security operations at Penn Station, the PATH terminal, and LaGuardia and JFK airports, in conjunction with Port Authority personnel from both New York and New Jersey.

One of the units that were ready to respond was the National Guard's 2nd Civil Support Team, a full-time rapid response element that detects chemical, biological or radiological hazards. The 22-man detachment from Schenectady, N.Y., has worked with counter terrorism elements in the New York PD since 2000.

At the New York National Guard headquarters in Latham, N.Y., staff representatives manned and operated the National Guard's Joint Operations Center over the New Year to ensure that all was peaceful. The Guard also provided liaison officers to the NYS Emergency Management Office and the New York City Police Departments.
And while party-goers dancing among the confetti and rock music may have not appreciated all the security precautions that the New York Guard and NYPD provided, the men and women who provided that security got their "thank you" in the form of a joyful end to 2008 and peaceful beginning to 2009.

And it is important for Americans to appreciate that during the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Guard Soldiers and Airmen have paid a high price in both lost lives and time away from family and their civilian careers.

While the help the Guard personnel provided for the people of New York on New Year's Eve is more a traditional Guard role (i.e. responding to the needs of the Governor), Guard members have been deploying to combat zones at the behest of the federal government in numbers not seen since the wars in Vietnam and Korea.

While Guard members certainly understand that there is always the potential to be "activated" and sent overseas on 12-month deployments, this sacrifice has been asked of Guard members more and more frequently as the Wars in the Middle East continue. Many Guard members have sacrificed their civilian careers and time with growing families to serve their nation abroad.

During this New Year, Americans should be particularly grateful for both the domestic, as well as the international service, that Guard members have given the people of the United States since 2001.

Pilot Program Has Navy Officers Working from Home

2009-03-03T09:52:00.000-08:00

When most people think of service in the Navy, they think of sunsets at sea or duty stations in exotic ports like Hawaii or Japan, but for a select group of Navy officers they will soon be working from the not-so-exotic location of their homes.

The initiative is part of the Navy;s Virtual Command Pilot Program, which allows a select group of officers to work from home.

"This program will allow officers to fill career-enhancing billets without necessarily having to transfer to do so," said Capt. James Oakes, in the office of the chief of naval personnel (CNP) where the jobs will be located. "The pilot offers the opportunity to reduce permanent change-of-station costs for the Navy while providing stability for Navy families. It's a win, win."

The test program will initially be open to eight officer billets. The officers selected for these billets should be self-starters, capable of working independently and maintaining open lines of communication with their supervisors via phone and email. They must be able to travel periodically to their parent commands.

"It offers individuals the opportunity to work in high-impact positions while maintaining geo-stability to support personal and family needs," said Ferguson.

While the new pilot program is open only to select group of naval officers, Navy enlisted personnel shouldn;t fret because they can study right now for a civilian career that will help them work from home or work independently instead of being tied to an office or permanent location all day.

Enlisted Sailors can take advantage of Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) to train for a number of vocational careers where they can work from home or be their own boss.

Sailors interested in a medical career can enroll in a medical transcription program and train to work at home as a medical transcriptionist. This is a true "work-at home" career that provides an important service to doctors and medical centers.

Another position that will allow a Sailor to be free from having to work in an office all day is that of a real estate agent. And while it;s certainly true that the real estate market is down these days, it;s a sure bet that it will eventually pick up. Why not position yourself to be in a position to take advantage of it when it does pick up?

Sailors can also use Tuition Assistance to train for a career as a home inspector. These days very few people buy homes without hiring a home inspector – you can be the person that home buyers and real estate agents turn to when they need expert help.
Home inspectors work in the neighborhoods of America, meeting new people in a weekly basis and participating in an industry that affects millions of Americans. A home inspection career is a great bet for Sailors who enjoy working with their hands and are comfortable with tools and enjoy learning about the parts of a house.

In addition to the careers mentioned above, Sailors can also look into training for jobs like medical coder, licensed contractor, pharmacy technician or private investigator.

Navy and Marine Society Changes Funding Policy for Overseas Spouses

2009-02-17T15:43:00.000-08:00

The recession continues to move on without missing a beat, leaving banks, retailers and now even a spouse education funding program in its wake. Stars and Stripes recently reported that the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) recently changed its Spouse Tuition Assistance Program for overseas spouses, going from grants to interest-free loans.

"We’ve taken a hit," NMCRS’s Melissa Thurber told Stars and Stripes. "So instead of handing out money for grants, we’re being more responsible about the money we can give."

The NMCRS is a nonprofit organization that has helped Navy and Marine families for over a century. The new program means that the active-duty spouses of Marines and Sailors overseas will now receive an interest-free loan of $3,000 for tuition, instead of a grant. The military spouses will have two years to repay the loans.

Loans must be repaid within two years after receipt of the money. Spouses can use the money to study part-time of full-time at an accredited school online or at a traditional campus.

While the global recession has made it harder for military spouses to get loans and grants for education, there are still a number of ways that military spouses can find funds for education. One way for a spouse to receive military spouse scholarship money is by joining together with their service member spouse who is using Military Tuition Assistance (TA) to enroll at a school.

Some schools offer discounts or military spouse scholarships to the spouses of those men and women who enroll in the school using their TA funds. TA is a free benefit to service members, providing them with up $4,500 a year in education funds. Military spouses should ask their service member spouse to contact the school they are attending, and learn if military spouses receive any kind of discount or scholarship.

Military spouses whose service members spouses are not taking advantage of TA funds to go to school, should make sure their spouses know about the benefit. TA money is not a loan or a reimbursement program – it is money that a service member has earned through his or her service to the country. And the really attractive part of TA is that the military pays the schools directly, so military families do not need to pay for anything out-of pocket.

When speaking with an admission representative from an accredited school, service members should ask about military spouse scholarships or discounts. There may be an opportunity for the service member and spouse to enroll in career training programs without paying tuition.

Many people during a recession decide that additional education is a vital way to stand out in a crowded, competitive workplace. Military Tuition Assistance and related military spouse aid programs are a great way for military families to prepare for tough economic realities.

Military spouses should also check out the local military spouses/wives clubs at their local base. Many of these clubs, in an effort to promote military spouse educational opportunities, offer scholarships for the wives and husbands of active-duty personnel stationed at the installation.

A visit to the base ESO is a great place to start learning about the career and educational opportunities that are available for military spouses.

Allied is Approved Training Provider for New AVOTEC Pilot Program

2009-02-17T10:18:00.000-08:00

Allied has been tapped as a participating vocational school of the new Army Vocational/Technical (AVOTEC) Pilot Program -- making it 1 of 2 approved schools in California to provide education under the program.

Allied Schools worked directly with the Army, including an in-depth application process, to be added as an approved education provider. As a result, soldiers can now enroll in certificate programs under the AVOTEC program at Allied and benefit from 100% online real estate, medical and business career training programs.

"We are proud to serve the military community and provide a means for soldiers to get in-demand career training," said Steve Rathje, president of Allied Schools. "Online vocational courses make it possible for these men and women to create fulfilling post-Army careers and we are pleased to play a part in this beneficial program."

The AVOTEC Pilot Program enables soldiers to use up to $4,500 to get training for a smooth transition into their post-Army career. Their education must be finished in less than 18 months; and they must enroll before September 30, 2009 to be eligible.

Allied's career training programs are ideal for active-duty soldiers because it allows them to attend class from almost anywhere, even a remote country or location. They decide where and when to learn, according to their own schedule; course materials are available 24/7. Live student support is available throughout the duration of their program when they enroll. Job assistance is also available to help with their job search.

Additionally, soldiers can get a jumpstart on their college degree. With training from Allied Schools, they may be able to apply their vocational training to an Allied American University degree program. They can study worldwide with 100% online degree programs. Benefits include: a quick, complimentary transfer credit evaluation, weekly enrollments (52 starts per year), no fees, textbook grant and live student support.

Soldiers can call (888) 501-5221 to get started with an approved AVOTEC school. A short-term certificate program can give them the high-demand training needed to start a fulfilling post-Army career.

Pre-Deployment Checklist for Airmen and their Families

2009-02-10T10:38:00.000-08:00

It's human nature to put off addressing issues that are painful. Many men and women in the armed services are prone to procrastination when it comes to the emotions aspects of deployment. The reality that you may have to leave your family for a year or even more – is not something most people would relish. Yet, as all military families understand, it is a reality and families should deal with the issue prior to deployment.

The Air Force Crossroads website has some tips for Air Force families (which certainly apply to all military families) facing the deployment of a wife or husband. The Air Force emphasizes that talking about deployment within the family is an effective way to minimize the sting of deployment.

One of the particularly difficult issues for military families when facing deployment is a feeling that they have no control over events. Many members of the military are ready to deploy in the sense that they have their sea bag packed and their gear in order; they have their military life ready to go, but often this preparation doesn't extend to their personal life.

Air Force Crossroads emphasizes that service members can do a number of things to prepare themselves and their family for deployments. One of the best things to do is to make sure that your Air Force spouse is aware of the resources available to her through the Airmen & Family Readiness Center; knowing about resources may help ease stress by giving an Air Force spouse a place to go for answers during his or her spouse's deployment.

The next big issue is communication between husband and wife. Airmen and women need to spend a night with their spouse and discuss the deployment in detail, and how both feel about it. Then the couple should discuss how things should be handled at home in the case of emergencies or unexpected challenges.

Pilots should also go through the house and make sure their spouse knows how to deal with common task like working the lawnmower, turning off the gas in case of an emergency or changing a flat tire. If your departing spouse had been in charge of domestic tasks like cooking and handling the bills, make sure the procedures for these chores are clear.

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Airmen and women should also understand that when they deploy, a part of their spouse will go with them. Although your spouse may have dealt well with the ramp-up to the deployment, be sensitive that there may be a tendency on their part as well as yours, to put some distance between the both of you. Although this distancing is not ideal, it may occur and both you and your spouse should be aware of this reality.

Airmen and women also shouldn't be surprised if their spouse seems irritated or upset with the Air Force or its commanders. Although this is not a rational way to act, it's understandable that there is anger at those who have given orders which have lead to the disruption of family life. As with all things in marriage, the ability to put yourself in your spouse's shoes and to identify yourself with their situation is paramount. While you may acutely feel your sacrifice for the nation, your spouse and children are sacrificing much as well.

Transition into a Fulfilling Post-Army Career -- The New AVOTEC Pilot Program Will Cover Your Training up to $4,500!

2009-02-10T08:48:00.000-08:00

Active duty? Starting now -- as a soldier, officer or Wounded Warrior serving on active duty, including National Guard and Reserve Soldiers on extended active duty, funding is available to assist you with technical, vocational or advanced training and re-training through the Army Vocational/Technical (AVOTEC) Pilot Program.

This program is designed to help you acquire short-term training in today's high-demand careers. You may use up to $4,500 per fiscal year under the AVOTEC Program. Your education must be finished in less than 18 months; and completed through an approved institution. You also need to enroll before September 30, 2009 to be eligible.

Choose from these available certificate programs at Allied Schools:

- Real Estate Inspection Career Training Program
- Property Management Career Training Program
- Introductory Real Estate Career Training Program (CA, VA, GA, FL, TX or WA)
- Real Estate Appraisal Career Training Program
- Dental Office Assistant Career Training Program
- Medical Billing Career Training Program
- Medical Coding Career Training Program
- Medical Transcription Career Training Program
- Medical Administrative Assistant Career Training Program (Billing or Terminology)
- Medical Billing Specialist
- Entrepreneurial Business Career Training Program
- Professional Administrative Assistant Career Training Program
- Financial Accounting Career Training Program
- Microsoft Office Professional Career Training Program
- Professional Private Investigator Career Training Program
- Introduction to Computer Systems Career Training Program

The short-term pilot program is intended to provide training in high-demand career fields to help you find employment when you transition out of the Army. Comprehensive career training can give your post-military career an advantage. Take advantage of 100% online programs -- learn anytime, anywhere. Create a fulfilling post-Army career today!

The Marines New Parent Support Program

2009-02-05T10:05:00.000-08:00

Okay, Marines - listen up! You thought that recruit training was tough, well you've haven't been through anything until you've roughed it through "Dad's Basic Boot Camp" or "Mom's Basic Training."

All joking aside, the Marine Corps is focused on helping new parents tackle the joy and challenges of welcoming a baby boy or girl into the family. The program is known as the "New Parent Support Program (NPSP)" and it is available to Marine families and military families from all service branches whom have an expectant mom or will soon be adopting a child.

The program is run by social workers, nurses and marriage counselors who are professionals in their fields and dedicated to helping Marine families. The special part of the program is that these professionals, are on call 24 hours a day to help Marine families with any questions or concerns.

These experts have a special understanding of the challenges that face military families, with a focus on the issues of deployment and family moves; they understand that Marine families are often hundreds of miles from their home town and friends.

The program aims to give families the skills to help them deal with the stresses that accompany the joys of being a parent; with a particular focus on how a parent can care for children while the Marine spouse is deployed. The experts also help families understand some of the basics of a child's growth and development, so they'll know what to expect as the child ages.

The program is also open to expecting parents who may already have children; it's not uncommon for families to have to adjust to having a small infant enter a growing family. The issues of new brothers and sisters learning to love and accept each other can often be helped with some skills and sound practices.

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The programs services are:

"Basic Training" - Expecting parents learn how to care for an infant and how to interpret the needs of a newborn
Parent Classes - Hands on information about how to parent toddlers and young children
Referrals - New to the Marine Corps? This will help you find the right Marine services for your family
Play Morning - Interactive play group that teaches parents how to play with their children at each stage of development; understanding the cognitive and motor skills of the child is emphasized
Home Visits - A child pro will come to your home and help you with any concerns or questions you have about parenting styles or your child

The program is also an excellent way to meet other Marine families, learn about Marine Corps services as well as develop a support system of people who can help during the ups and downs of life in the military. The NPSP is a service of the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS).

A NPSP team is located at all U.S. Marine Corps bases, including Hawaii and Iwakuni and Okinawa, Japan. To learn more about the program, visit http www.usmc-mccs.org

Children and Teen Programs in the Marine Corps

2009-01-30T09:57:00.001-08:00

The Marine Corps has established programs to make sure that the children of Marines get the educational, social and recreational opportunities to help them reach their potential. The programs are run by the Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) and are especially important right now while the Corps is on a war footing.

Military spouses have rightly received their due lately for the number of sacrifices they’ve made to support our nation’s armed forces; yet we must also recognize that children who go without a parent during a deployment are also making a great sacrifice.

Depending on the age, often children don’t fully understand why a parent has to be away from the family for a year, or even more. And while the service member is deployed, the remaining parent often has more stress and responsibility, further adding to the nervousness of children.

Just as any country rightly recognizes the family as the basic block of society, so does the Marine Corps appreciate that families support the individual Marine. Research indicates that the legacy of broken families ultimately has consequences for society; in this same vein the Marine Corps appreciates that a disrupted, hurting Marine family will affect the fighting ability of an individual Marine.

Child Development Centers: Children are cared for the whole day, for part of they day or even for one hour; they are staffed by trained caregivers who must meet the accreditation standards of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)
Family Child Care Homes: Child care is provided in housing owned or leased by the government and under control of the base commander. FCC providers are private contractors certified and monitored by the command.
Youth Activities: A variety of recreational activities are available for children, including centers with foosball, pool tables, video games, etc., for the benefit of Marine Corps children; there are also computer labs for student homework and skill development classes.
The Marine Corp has also teamed up with the Boys and Girls Club of America to expand youth and teen programs. The partnership with the Club provides materials and services for health, social, education and character development programs.

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None of these programs are a substitute for the principal role played by a mother and father, but they can be a helpful augmentation to the family’s role – particularly during times of deployment when one parent may be away.

While the Marine Corps has a variety of services to help Marine families, many families may be new to the Corps or a particular installation and not familiar with the wide-range of services they can tap into. Marines should always communicate with new Marines and their families and make sure they’re informed about the services offered by the Corps.

And with the news that 30,000 troops will be sent to Afghanistan in 2009, it’s a sure bet that their will be Marine families who will need to lean a littler harder on the Marine community and services that make deployment a little bit easier.

Companies Take Part in Army Spouse Employment Partnership

2009-01-16T14:36:00.000-08:00

In 2002, then Army Chief of Staff Gen. Eric K. Shinseki, created a special program called the Army Spouse Employment Partnership to create career opportunities for military spouses. The program is a partnership between the public sector and private corporations; over the last six years more than 41,000 jobs have been created for military spouses.

One of the latest private corporations to join the program is Converges,
a global leader in relationship management, who announced its plans to help Army wives and husbands find employment.

Convergys human resources will work with the program to reach out to Army spouse at Convergys' 81 contact centers. The company also plans to aggressively use the Web to inform spouses about the job opportunities at the company.

"Hiring military spouses makes good business sense and fits very well into Convergys' commitment to global talent management, and that's why we didn't hesitate to join Army Spouse Employment Partnership," said Clark Handy, Convergys Senior Vice President, Human Resources. "Military spouses represent a talented and diverse workforce of people who are often concentrated on or near US military bases around the world and whose exceptional work ethic and low attrition rate speak volumes about the high quality of work they can provide."

Convergys joins 27 other companies, along with Black & Veatch Corporation, EMC Corporation, Lowe's Corporation and West Corporation who signed up to help this past October. This past year approximately 8,000 Army spouses were helped with jobs, which is a significant contribution as the nation struggles through a recession.

Military spouses, because of the unique circumstances of the military lifestyle, have a harder time in general achieving the kinds of educational and career goals that civilians can. Military spouses, who are enrolled at a school near the base, may have to disrupt or discontinue their schooling when their military spouse is transferred to another duty station of state.

Although congress and state legislators have begun to address the issue, many military spouses who move to a new state are not eligible to receive in-state tuition rates, making the cost of education unaffordable. One important solution already available for military spouses is online education.

The advantage of distance learning for military spouses is that they can enroll in a program, and continue studying no matter where the military family is transferred. Many online training programs are also self-paced, which means that students often have up to one year to complete a course or program.

This would allow, for example, a military spouse to take two months off while he or she moves with their family to a new duty station in another state. As soon as the family is settled in their new home, the spouse can get right back online and resume studies.

In addition to eliminating the whole issue of in-state tuition rates, online education also allows military spouses with children to study without leaving the home. Military spouses can study during nap times, at night or on the weekend; distance learning allows military spouse to be both parents and students. Get military education with military tuition assistance from Allied Schools.com.

California Marine Families Get Christmas Surprise

2009-01-06T13:56:00.000-08:00

Christmas and the holiday season are a time of great joy for families, but for many military families with loved ones deployed overseas, it can be a time of stress and worry as well.
Marine families at Camp Pendleton and Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in southern California, however, got a boost to their Christmas spirits, when two charitable groups stopped by to distribute free Christmas trees to Marine families.

The "Trees for Troops 2008" organization stopped at MCAS Miramar in San Diego to distribute free trees to Marine Corps families, while at Camp Pendleton, the Christmas Spirit Foundation and FedEx joined forces with the National Christmas Tree Association to give away 1,000 Christmas trees to Marine families on the sprawling West Coast base.
Although it's nice to receive, the Marine Corps also understands it is better to give, and that's why the Marine Corps Reserve's "Toys for Tots Program" will once again be providing donated toys to deserving children across the country.

And when it comes to giving to Marine families, active-duty Marines have the chance to help their wives and husbands by taking advantage of military spouse scholarship programs that help marine spouses get the training and education opportunities they need to compete in a very tight job market.

Although every school's military spouse program is unique, many schools join a service member's enrollment to their military spouse education programs. For example, some schools will provide no-tuition courses to a military spouse when his/her service member spouse enrolls in the institution. This allows both husband and wife to get the training and skills they will both need to compete in today's work world.

Now when an active-duty Marine enrolls in a school using Marine Tuition Assistance, this means that he/she will pay nothing for tuition, and then if the program has a military spouse scholarship program, it's possible that they will both train without spending a dime.

Although many Marines and their spouses choose to work toward a degree, there are a number of vocational schools - many of them with online courses - which prepare military families for a number of career paths.

In the medical field, there are a number of medical office careers, including: medical coding, medical billing, medical administrative assassinating, dental office assisting and medical transcription. Medical transcription is a particularly attractive career for military spouses because it allows people to work from home.

Although the real estate industry is experiencing the pain that nearly every field is, it is inevitable that when the recession ends, real estate will rebound. Military families can get their real estate training now and be ready for the eventual rebound. And there's more to real estate than just selling homes, career paths in real estate also include positions like home inspector, property manager and even licensed contractor.

Solid business training programs like administrative assistant or small business management which train students to become independent business owners or provide support to others.

The good news is that these career training programs can all be found 100% online at schools that specialize in distance learning for service members and their families.

Top Ten Reason Service Members Make Great Police Officers

2009-01-05T11:09:00.000-08:00

Police departments look for many of the skills that come naturally to veterans of the armed forces. In many ways, protecting America's borders and interests abroad, is great preparation for protecting Americans in their towns and cities here at home. Here are ten reasons why service members make great police officers:

Discipline: It takes discipline to handle grueling police shifts patrolling city streets and responding to emergencies; service members understand the importance of discipline
Firearms: Experience handling firearms is a must for police officers and service members, particularly those in the combat arms, know how to handle weapons
Hierarchy: Service members understand how to take follow orders from their superiors - this structure and culture is very similar on the police force
Stress: Being a police officer is stressful and for service members who have been in combat, experienced long deployments or worked long hours in the military, stress is nothing new
Sacrifice: Veterans of the armed services understand that sacrifice is sometimes necessary for the good of the unit; police officers, who work unusual shifts and face real dangers, face this kind of sacrifice for the safety of the community
Vocation: You might say that people don't choice to be Soldiers or police officers, but that they're called to the career as a vocation. One doesn't join the force of the military to make money, but to serve
Teamwork: It's possible for a school teacher to work alone and follow his own vision, but not so for police officers or members of the military; veterans understand that if you don't work as a team, people can get hurt. There is nothing in the civilian world like the bond between police officers
Desk Jockey: Many people in the military enjoy the freedom of being out in the field instead of cooped up in an office. Police officers by and large are out in the communities meeting people and solving problems - desk jockeys need not apply
Training: Members of the military understand that to get the job done right, you need to rehearse operations endless times in training; sweating during training saves lots of bloodletting later. Police officers are on the same page!
Courage: Very few jobs ask an individual to put his life on the line day-in and day-out. Police officers and service members understand this expectation

Members of the military who are looking to pursue a career as a police officer should be sure to go after a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. Most police departments these days require their officers to have a four-year degree.

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While you serve in the military you can use your military tuition assistance benefits to study for a career as a police officer. There are even a number of online universities that offer criminal justice degrees specifically for members of the U.S. Armed forces who are on active-duty.

Marine Corps Training More Officers

2008-12-11T15:26:00.000-08:00

Marine Corps has set a goal growing the force to 202,000 Marines, which has been going smoothly on the enlisted side, but it is more time consuming to produce Marine officers, and the Corps has been trying to keep pace.

It takes about one year before a Marine officer can finish all their schooling and be assigned to the fleet as a 2nd Lieutenant in charge of a Marine platoon. The Marine Corps puts its officers through intense training to ensure they are ready to lead Marines.

Ground zero for training Marine officers is The Basic School (TBS) at Quantico, VA. TBS normally graduates about 1,600 lieutenants each year; right now they are on target to graduate 2,000 officers, which has not lessened the quality of the training, but has put a lot of stress on the NCOs who train the men and women.

The Corps is expected to reach its new size by looking to take on 2,050 officer candidates in 2009 and 2,108 by 2010. Despite the increased numbers, the goal of TBS is still the same: teach these new Marine officers the basics of weapons, tactics and how to manage small units like platoons and companies.
There are four ways for men and women to become Marine officers: Officer Candidate Course, Platoon Leaders Class, enlisted to officer programs and finally through graduating from the Naval Academy or the Naval Reserve Officers Training Corps. A full 64% of Marine officers currently come through the first two options.

The path into the Marine Corps is more direct for enlisted Marines. After graduating from a 12-week basic training known as "boot camp" they can officially call themselves Marines. From there they go to their advanced school to study whatever it is they will do in the Corps: artillery, infantry, intelligence, etc.

Once an enlisted Marine gets settled, he can then further his civilian educational training by using Marine Tuition Assistance (TA), which he can use at any accredited vocational school, community college or university of his choice.

And since many Marines are deployed abroad or are on Naval ships all over the world, they can also using their TA benefit at an accredited online school, so that they can prepare for their civilian career from anywhere in the world. And the best thing about TA is that Marines pay nothing-out-of-pocket – the military pays the schools directly.

Some schools also offer scholarships for military spouses of active-duty Marines. Some scholarships allow a Marine spouse to enroll in a training program at no cost when the Marine uses TA to enroll at that particular school.

Online schools for military come in all shapes and sizes, so Marines should make sure that the school is nationally accredited. The Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) is a government-approved accrediting body that many online schools look to.

Students should also look for live student support, so they can call up a school representative when they have questions about their course or program. Many online schools also work with service members on a consistent basis and can be very helpful with TA paperwork.