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Post Military Education Opportunities And Resources

One of the greatest rewards of being in the military is the access to a free education, either while you are in the service or after you leave. With a connection to the Internet and a focus on learning, you can earn a degree wherever you are. Learn more about the ways in which you can take advantage of this amazing benefit through the TA program, the GI Bill and which jobs need a college degree.

In The Military -- Tuition Assistance Program

Eligible members of the service can take off-duty college courses toward a degree, even while on active duty, through the Armed Forces Tuition Assistance program (TA). You can earn an associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree and the government will pay 100 percent of your tuition expenses up to a semester hour limit.

Unlike a student loan that you have to pay back later, you earned the money that pays for your classes. If you do not sign up for courses, the money is wasted. The money covers the tuition, books, computers, labs and enrollment fees. Learn the rules for your branch of the military to make sure you do not have to pay for anything.

The best part is that you can work toward your degree no matter where you are. There are education centers for military personnel worldwide, including Afghanistan, Kuwait, Kosovo and Iraq. Online degree programs also let you do your work at a computer, regardless of your physical location.

Post-Military -- Montgomery GI Bill

Under the GI Bill, veterans can receive up to 36 months of education benefits. Use this for college courses, whether at college, technical or vocational school. You can also use it for licensing and certification tests. In order to qualify, you need a high school diploma or GED and to have been in the service for a certain time.

Earning A Degree Toward A Post-Military Career

Transitioning out of the service is already difficult, but looking for a job on top of it makes it even harder. By taking your experience and putting it towards earning an academic degree, you will be especially desirable to employers, since you will have military training and an education.

You can get a head start through the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) program, in which you can earn college credit from your military experience. Check out degree programs that can help you get jobs in certain post-military fields. Some of the best jobs for veterans after college include intelligence analyst, network systems manager and logistics manager.

Using your military benefits to further your education is one of the smartest things to do. Find the program that will help you out the most and head back to school to make the most of your military career.

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