Turning military service into college credits?

Hi, I'm currently in the military and considering going back to college after service. I've heard it's possible to convert military service into college credits. Does anyone know the process, or where I should start?

Absolutely, using military service for college credits is a quite common and encouraged practice. Many colleges and universities offer academic credit for military training and experience, which can be a significant boost for veterans and active duty military personnel. In general, here's a process you might follow:

1. Military Transcripts: The first step is to obtain your military transcripts. These are official academic transcripts provided by the military. Depending on the branch of service, different organizations handle these transcripts. For example, the Joint Services Transcript (JST) is used by the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, while the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) provides them for the Air Force. These transcripts will list your military coursework, occupations, and skills, analogous to a traditional academic transcript.

2. Organizations Evaluating Military Credit: There are a few key organizations that evaluate and convert military training into college credit recommendations. The most widely recognized one is the American Council on Education (ACE). ACE reviews military training and duties, then translates them into recommendations for college credit.

3. Institution's Policies: Every college and university will have its own policies on how they award credit for military experience, so you would need to reach out to the institutions you are interested in to inquire about their policy. It typically falls under the 'Prior Learning Assessment' section. Schools can choose whether or not to follow ACE's recommendations, so it's important to consult with the institution's admissions office or registrar.

4. Degree Planning: Lastly, once you know your institution's policy, you can meet with an academic counselor to decide how to apply these credits toward your degree.

Remember to take advantage of the educational services offices of your military branch. They can provide invaluable assistance in navigating this process. Good luck on your academic journey!