Military credits relation to College Credits?

I was told that the education I receive in the military could later be converted into college credits. Can anyone provide more detail about how my military credits relate to college credits? I would love to hear from anyone who has gone through this process themselves.

Yes, it's true that the education and training you receive while serving in the military can potentially be converted into college credits. This is primarily done through the Joint Services Transcript (JST), a document that outlines your military coursework and training along with the corresponding American Council on Education (ACE) college credit recommendations.

ACE collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to review military training and experiences, and recommends equivalent college credits for those. For example, Basic Training is typically worth a few credits in Physical Education or Health. Technical training or military occupations could be worth credits in fields like management, engineering, communications, and many others. These recommendations are not universally accepted by all colleges, so it's important to speak with an advisor or registrar at your chosen institution about transferring these credits.

In addition to JST, you may also have opportunities to get credits for exams such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program) and DSST (DANTES Subject Standardized Tests), both of which are free for military service members.

Some service members also earn credits through military tuition assistance programs or the GI Bill, which can allow them to take classes at accredited colleges or universities either during their service or after completion.

In conclusion, the key is to work closely with your chosen institution's admissions office or registrar to ensure that your military experiences and training are appropriately recognized. Make sure to send them your JST and any transcripts for courses passed or exams taken. Often, schools employ specific admissions counselors who work with military-affiliated students, and they can be an invaluable resource in this process.