Military College Requirement

When you're already in the military, are you expected to go to college as well? How does it actually work out?

The U.S. military doesn't require service members to attend college, but it highly encourages and supports it through various programs. Here's a brief overview:

1. Tuition Assistance Program: This program provides financial assistance for service members who wish to take college courses during their off-duty hours. The military usually covers up to 100% of the tuition expenses, although there may be annual limits.

2. GI Bill: The Post-9/11 GI Bill provides financial support for education and housing to individuals with at least 90 days of aggregate service or a service-connected disability. The benefits of this program can also be transferred to dependents.

3. Military Colleges: Not be confused with service academies. These are specialized educational institutions designed for military members, like the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) or the Army's American Military University (AMU).

4. Service Academies and ROTC: These are for individuals who wish to receive a college education before they serve. Service academies offer a full 4-year scholarship in addition to a monthly stipend in exchange for a commitment to service. ROTC programs offer scholarships in return for a service commitment after graduation.

5. College Credit for Military Training: In many cases, military training programs can be counted as college credit, reducing the amount of time and coursework needed to obtain a degree.

It's important to mention that any educational pursuits undertaken while serving may need to be balanced with your duties and responsibilities, which can pose a significant challenge. It's a personal decision and not a mandate, but certainly an opportunity for advancement both within and outside of the military universe.