Acquiring College Credit for Military Training: How do I get college credit for my military training?

I've heard that the training you go through in the military might count as college credit, but I'm not sure how that works. Can any military vets or current members out there share how to get college credit for military training? Are there certain steps to follow or documents to prepare?

Yes, it's not uncommon for military training to equate to college credit. The process is largely dependent on your training specifics and the college’s policies, but here's a general guide to follow:

1. Getting the Paperwork: The first step is to obtain a copy of your Joint Services Transcript (JST), which contains information about your military training and experience, as well as corresponding college credits recommended by the American Council on Education (ACE). You can request this transcript by visiting the JST website.

2. College Evaluation: Then, you will need to submit your JST to the college or university you’re attending or planning to attend. Each institution has a designated office or personnel (often the Registrar or Enrollment Services) that will evaluate your JST. Remember, the credits recommended by ACE are just that—recommendations—and it’s up to the individual colleges to determine how much, if any, credit they will award.

3. Following Up: After submitting the JST, it's essential to follow up with the college's administration to ensure they received it and have begun the review process. This might also be a good time to ask about timelines if they haven’t already been provided.

Keep in mind, that not all military experiences or training will translate directly into college credits, or they might not be relevant to your chosen major, so some might not be applied to your degree. But it’s definitely worth exploring, as this could help fast-track your progress toward a degree, lower your overall education costs, and allow you to make the most out of your military experience!