The Benefits of an Online Education for Military Personnel

Enrolling in an online degree program could be the answer for military personnel who move around a lot as part of their normal working life. With the advent of the Internet and online distance-learning formats, gaining a qualification is a real possibility, even for those in full-time employment. Anyone with access to a PC with Internet capability and the drive, determination, and discipline to manage their time efficiently can choose to pursue a bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree at an online school. Many online schools have specialist sections for the military, including incentives such as reduced fees, and help with financing a study program. Some schools even have counseling schemes to help you make the most of benefits available from government and military programs, and the university itself.

Veteran Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) and Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB)

There are a number of programs designed to give help and support to military personnel and veterans, including provision under VEAP (Veterans Educational Assistance Program) and the MGIB (Montgomery GI Bill). These provisions will help pay tuition bills, and give some additional support for ancillary costs. In addition, students can gain full-time status on an online program by taking just one class at a time. This can mean eligibility for financial aid on top of military benefits.

Education Credits

Previous study and relevant experience may be taken into consideration as education credits, which count towards your new qualification. In many cases, DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support) can perform the evaluation of service school records and military training experiences and equate them to academic courses. Based on these evaluations ACE (American Council on Education) may recommend that colleges and universities award education credits. Of course, when relocating for the military, you do not have to relocate your online course, so credits do not have to be transferred. With the Internet as the classroom, study can be completed whenever and wherever is convenient.

Promotion Prospects

Higher education will almost certainly improve your promotion prospects within the military. In the middle tier of enlisted army ranks (including E-5 through E-6) up to 12.5% of the maximum total points can depend on civilian education. This includes college degrees and 'educational improvement'; education completed while on active duty.

Post-Military Career

A degree qualification will also transfer to a civilian career after completing military service. A successful higher education is proof of something in addition to military expertise. Formal qualifications are often a prerequisite for entry into managerial positions and a degree will greatly enhance opportunities for a smooth transition from military life to civilian life into a career. The demand for science and technology is at least as great in industry as in the military, and business degrees are recognized the world over. A degree is likely to improve your income graduates earn an average of 40% higher incomes than non-graduates and interaction with fellow students and professors during the study period will result in a network of professional contacts outside the military. This can prove useful both in the post-military job-hunt and for career progression in the future.



About the Author

A freelance writer, Mary Hobson is a consultant for technology start-ups in Russia. She has also worked as an executive officer in a defense facility and as a university lecturer in computer science and management information. Mary earned her first degree in textile marketing and subsequently studied education and computer science at a Master's degree level.