Military question on college application

I'm working on my college application and there's a section asking about military. I'm not sure what information they're looking for or why it's relevant. Can someone help clarify this?

They're asking about military service for a few reasons. First of all, colleges and universities often give consideration to veterans and active-duty military personnel during the application process. This could come in the form of specialized scholarships, additional support services, or even looser admission requirements in some cases.

Many schools are also interested in creating a campus environment that's diverse and representative of many different life experiences, including military service. Being a veteran or a part of the military can provide a unique perspective that can greatly contribute to the campus community.

Sometimes, a school might be interested in this information for federal reporting requirements. A higher education institution that receives funding from the federal government would need to report certain demographic information about its student body, and military service is often one of those factors.

It's also worth mentioning that if you are a dependent of a military service member, there might be benefits available to you as well, like certain scholarships or tuition assistance programs.

As for what information to include, it typically involves specifying whether you're currently serving, a veteran, or a dependent of a military member. You might also be asked to specify which branch of the military is relevant to your situation. Remember to answer this section honestly and to the best of your ability. If you're unsure of what specific details they're asking for, don't hesitate to reach out to the admissions offices of the colleges you're applying for. They’ll be more than happy to assist with any questions you have.