What is USERRA and its connection with Military College Education?

Hey guys, I came across this term 'USERRA' relating to military college programs. Can someone shed some light on what it is and its significance to military education?

USERRA stands for the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. This federal law, enacted in 1994, provides certain protections to individuals who voluntarily or involuntarily leave employment positions to undertake military service.

While one might not see an immediate connection between USERRA and military college education, it plays a crucial role in providing job security for servicemembers pursuing higher education. Here's how it's relevant:

1. Reemployment Rights: If you leave your job to fulfill military obligations (including service-accredited education), USERRA guarantees your right to be reinstated in your civilian job after completing your obligation. This can be a significant relief for military students knowing they can go back to their job after completing their studies.

2. Protection from Discrimination: Service members are protected from discrimination when they seek to obtain or maintain employment or pursue education opportunities. This protection applies even if the military commitments interfere with the employer's (or university’s) operations.

3. Health Insurance: If a service member has health insurance coverage through their employer, USERRA states that the individual has the right to elect to continue that coverage for up to 24 months while in the military, which also covers military students.

Essentially, USERRA helps to ensure that individuals serving in the armed forces can pursue higher education without worrying about job security and benefits. It provides those protections so military personnel can focus on their educational journey before, during, and after their military service.