The JST in Earning College Credit

While researching about getting college credit for military service, I came across something called JST (Joint Services Transcript). Could someone explain how it works and how it relates to earning college credit?

The Joint Services Transcript (JST) is an academically accepted document that validates the professional military education, training, and occupation experiences of service members and veterans. This validated document makes it easier for colleges and universities to review and apply them to their degree programs where appropriate.

Here's how it generally works:

1. Military Experience: The JST outlines the individual’s military occupation(s), work experience, and training background. It provides descriptions, with learning outcome statements for each.

2. American Council on Education (ACE) Recommendations: Based on ACE reviews, the JST includes credit recommendations for formal courses and occupations. ACE is a trusted intermediary between the U.S. Department of Defense and higher education, translating military training and experiences into college credit recommendations.

3. College Credit Transfer: When applying to a college or university, a service member or veteran submits their JST for evaluation. Colleges review these transcripts and can award credit based on the documented military training and experience, and the relevant ACE recommendations. The decision of whether and how many credits get awarded ultimately lies with the specific institution, and it largely comes down to how closely the military training/experience aligns with the college's course offerings.

Overall, the JST plays a crucial role in recognizing the academic value of military training and experience, and facilitates the transition from military service to higher education by potentially reducing the time and money spent to attain a degree. It's worth noting, however, that the acceptance of JST credits can vary significantly between institutions, so it's essential to discuss this directly with the admissions office at the schools you're interested in.