Military Education Benefits: 4 Unique Benefits For You And Your Family

by Lynnette

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Joining the military can provide you not only with a stable career and attractive income but with an opportunity to continue your education.

As a veteran or active military member, there are many resources available to assist you.

If you’re considering a career in the military, knowing these 4 educational benefits may help you decide whether or not to serve.

Scholarships For You

A military scholarship can make what once seemed impossible possible. If you delay seeking a college degree because you can’t afford the tuition and enlist in the military instead, you can count on receiving financial assistance once you return to school. There are government programs, such as the G.I. Bill, that provide financial assistance, and there are also private scholarships provided by independent schools and organizations intended to recognize your service.

With the combined aid of multiple sources, you can greatly reduce or even completely eliminate your out-of-pocket expenses. So not only will you be able to earn a living and start saving for your future while in the military, you won’t have to spend those earnings to attend school once you’ve served. There are programs that allow you to start higher education while still on reserve, too.

Scholarships For Your Family

You’re not the only one who can enjoy educational benefits from your service. If you’re married and/or have dependent children, your immediate family members can qualify for scholarships and federal aid for their tuition. Whether they’re pursuing an associate degree, a bachelor’s degree, licensure or accreditation, private scholarships and/or military aid can lessen or eliminate the burden of tuition.

If you’re not going to use the full benefits for yourself, your immediate family can make use of what’s left over, or they can use the entire maximum benefits. Military financial assistance can help your spouse attend school, have better career opportunities, and provide for themselves as well your children. This financial assistance can lessen or eliminate the amount you have to spend to send your kids to college.

Learn On-the-Job Skills

Military service provides opportunities to learn real, in-demand skills that span a variety of career fields. If you have an interest in the medical field, you may be able to work on a military medical team. Similarly, an interest in information technology could lead you to working with machinery and computers while on active duty.

The kind of on-the-job training you receive in the military is matched by few other places, and the military hires you regardless of prior job experience, something that few other employers are willing to do. You can’t find a better entry-level career with greater opportunities to educate yourself on the job.

Free Tutoring

Whether you’re studying during your down time while deployed or are enrolled in higher education courses while on reserve or as a veteran, you’re going to be able to complete your studies, even if you start to struggle. Many organizations, both private and sponsored by the military, offer free or discounted professional tutoring for both active military members and veterans. You could get tutored on a campus, at a tutoring center or even online, which is convenient if you’re stationed overseas.

Your immediate family can benefit from free or discounted tutoring, too. Even if your children are still in elementary school, they may qualify.

There are many educational benefits of joining the military, including qualifying for military scholarships for you and your family, learning on-the-job skills through training and free tutoring services.

Don’t forget that a period of service looks great on any resume, regardless of the skills you learned or the job for which you’re applying because it demonstrates your ability to work hard, work with a team and give of yourself to others.

Rudy Pasha is a U.S. military veteran. He currently works as an academic tutor at a small liberal arts college.

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