With top-notch training and military benefits like the GI Bill, off-duty education, and service education, there are thousands of possibilities for a servicemember's second career. Some of the most common post-service careers are civilian positions that make use of military training and discipline, such as law enforcement, health care, and computer support and development. What's more, some human resource leaders actively seek veterans' resumes for open positions.
If you're stuck on which door is right for you, ask yourself what you would enjoy the most and what you want to accomplish in your life. Even the popular careers listed above have numerous subsets of occupations you can explore. Whatever you decide, take advantage of your military benefits and further your education. Education is the easiest way to give yourself career options in the future as industries and personal goals change.
GI Bill vs. Tuition Assistance
With so many benefits available to servicemembers, it can be difficult figuring out which ones to use and when to use them. Two benefits that are often confused are tuition assistance and the GI Bill.
The GI Bill is probably the best education benefit available to active duty servicemembers, veterans, and their families. The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides benefits for up to 15 years after leaving the military, and those benefits can extend to immediate family members.
Tuition assistance programs are for active duty service members, and pays up to $250 per credit hour for tuition and fees, with an annual maximum of $4,500 per year. During off-hours, servicemembers can work on their undergraduate degree and be well on their way to completing it while completing their mission as well. Servicemembers can pursue educational opportunities while on active duty with tuition assistance programs before using GI Bill benefits.
Transferring Your Military Benefits
Military spouses often sacrifice their own career ambitions to be a "force multiplier" for the military. But eventually it might make sense to go back to work, and re-entering the workforce is easier with a degree, or at least some career training to update skill sets.
Servicemembers and veterans have numerous education benefits and programs, but what about spouses? It turns out that the military has funding for them, as well.
The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides education benefits for immediate family members of eligible servicemembers. If a servicemember or veteran has unused GI Bill benefits, his or her spouse may be able to use them to pay for an education. Also, check with your local education office about other funding sources, such as interest-free loans and grants that may exist through your branch's official non-profit organization.
Spouses also can take advantage of the Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA) program, which provides funding to obtain the skills required for a portable career. Portable careers are well-suited for spouses who need to be able to pack up their career along with their belongings when it's time to relocate.
GI Bill: Is It for Part-Time Students?
It's a smart move to take advantage of your military benefits and pursue career training or a degree, but it's not always possible to become a full-time student. Whether you have family obligations or you have post-traumatic stress disorder and need to ease into student life, the GI Bill covers part-time attendance.
Starting with a light course load is a good way to transition into civilian status, and if you suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder, check with your counselor about taking courses with fellow veterans, which can provide a source of support and feeling of community.
Online Courses and the GI Bill
You hear about online colleges at every commercial break, but does the GI Bill help pay for online courses? If you are eligible for GI benefits, you can receive benefits for courses taken at online, accredited institutions of higher learning just as you could with resident courses. One exception: the GI Bill does not pay a housing allowance for online courses.
Unit education offices can help you determine your individual benefits based on time served.
Tally: Online Education GI - June 2010
| Posts: 5 | Top Rated Post: Can I Use the Post 9-11 GI Bill to Complete My Degree? |
| Comments: 0 | Most Commented: N/A |
| Reviews: 5 | Most Liked: N/A |
| Facebook Likes: 0 |
Top Online Schools - June 2010
 DeVry University Combine the flexibility of online coursework with classroom learning at DeVry University. |
 University of Phoenix Whether you're seeking an associate's, bachelor's, master's or doctoral degree, University of Phoenix can help you reach your goal much sooner than you might expect. |
 Walden University Online - United States Earn a respected bachelor's degree, master's degree, or Ph.D. online at Walden University. |
Top 5 GI Posts - June 2010
ShareThis
Stumble!
1)
GIs have the discipline to succeed, but with 1,000 doors to consider and military benefits like the GI Bill and off-duty education, what are some of the most popular post-service careers? Find out what careers most servicemembers pursue and how to decide which door is right for you.
2)
Servicemembers are eligible for so many military benefits that it can be hard to figure out which ones to use! What's the difference between the GI Bill and tuition assistance, and what about online classes during off-duty hours?
3)
Will your military benefits pay for your spouse's education? The GI Bill includes provisions for the 'force multipliers' of the military.
4)
The GI Bill doesn't require that you go to school full-time. One servicemember with post-traumatic stress disorder seeks an education, but needs a lighter course load.
5)
Don't be embarrassed if you don't understand your military benefits! Get the facts and learn about how you can complete your degree online.
