Online Learning Programs for Military Members

Members of the Military community enjoy unique traits that few others in the workforce do – they are trained to use some of the most advanced technologies in the world and many have seen tense combat action none of their fellow civilian applicants could imagine. However, when they are in the lobby of the company to which they are applying, all that matters is their résumé, and if that doesn’t match the job description, then their once-in-a-lifetime Military experiences won’t put them any closer to getting hired. So if the Military community may not be able to transfer their backgrounds in a way that will help them in the civilian world, then what are they to do?

For many Military members, the answer is to return to school, and they should know one thing before applying anywhere: there is a world of federal funding available for them to get an education.

The below education benefits for Military members are all available to those who qualify (requirements may go beyond what is listed), and some of the earmarked money may even be available to spouses and other non-servicepersons:

·        Post 9/11 GI Bill^® – Created for those who served 90 or more consecutive days on or after Sept. 10, 2001. The benefit offers as much as 36 months of educational funding, and is good for up to 15 years after service requirements have been completed[1].

·        Montgomery GI Bill^® – This program is for both Active Duty and Selected Reserve Service Members in the Armed Forces. Active Duty applicants pay $100 a month for a 12 month period, and then receive a monthly grant after finishing their minimum service obligation. Additional funding is available for Selected Reserve applicants who are actively drilling[2].

·        Yellow Ribbon Program – The Yellow Ribbon Program is a subset of the Post 9/11 GI Bill^® and was created to ensure that those benefits do not run out. The funding may be used for either public or private schools, though learning institutions must first elect to become part of the program. Neither Active Duty applicants nor their spouses are eligible for Yellow Ribbon funds, though in certain conditions, their children are[3].

·        Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Service (VR&E) – This benefits program helps Veterans and Service Persons receive job training, career counseling, résumé development and more. Services are also available for the severely disabled and those who wish to start their own businesses[4].

The above are just a brief summary and small sample of the benefits available to the Military community. Additional programs include the Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance Program, Reserve Educational Assistance Program, Workforce Investment Act and more.

GI Bill (R) is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Website at www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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[1] VA.gov, Education and Training. http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp (Date: March 18, 2014)

[2] VA.gov, Montgomery GI Bill. http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/montgomery_bill.asp (Date: Nov. 29, 2013)

[3] VA.gov, Yellow Ribbon Program. http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/yellow_ribbon.asp (Date: Jan. 27, 2014)

[4] VA.gov, Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment. http://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp (Date: March 18, 2014)