One thing that many parents and spouses of United States Marines in infantry specialties are concerned about is what their Marines will be able to do for employment in the civilian sector after they have their EAS (end of active service) from the military. While most infantry jobs aren't typically considered to be easily transitioned into the civilian sector, the training and experiences can be transitioned into college credits. Also, during enlistment Marines are able to obtain 100% tuition assistance, provided that they meet the requirements.
However, there is a small window that Marines are given during an initial enlistment in which they are able to use tuition assistance and attend an online college no matter where their permanent duty station is. Here are a few of the requirements your Marine will need to meet in order to receive tuition assistance.
Timing Is Everything
Your Marine will not be able to receive tuition assistance until after they have served 24 months on active duty. He or she will also need to still be on active duty 60 days after the completion date of the college course they want to enroll in. If your Marine enlisted for two years, he or she will not be eligible unless they reenlist. If they enlisted for three years, he or she will have to enroll in tuition assistance as soon as possible after they've met their 24 months of active duty requirement.
Physical Fitness Assessment
Physical fitness is crucial for all Marines in order to maintain a high level of readiness. One of the requirements that needs to be met before tuition assistance can be granted is that Marines need to pass their most recent physical fitness assessment or to have obtained a waiver.
Financial Management Course
Another requirement that your Marine needs to fulfill is to have completed the Marine Corps' personal financial management course. This course is completed online at educational centers that are located on most military bases. The course is designed to help Marines achieve and sustain financial readiness in their military lives as well as to help them prepare for transitioning into the civilian sector. This coursework teaches Marines money management skills, estate planning, and financial planning. It also teaches them what their protections are under the Military Lending Act and the Service Members Civil Relief Act, which is important if he or she is at risk of deployment while taking college courses.
In conclusion, speak with your Marine about the importance of these requirements so they can be ready to apply for tuition assistance for military personnel as soon as their window of opportunity opens.
Share28 August 2018
When I started college, I was laser focused on finishing my degree. I didn't care much about what I graduated in, as long as I finished soon. Unfortunately, that attitude really caused problems later when I realized that I had spent a lot of money on a degree that didn't matter. I had to go back to school and find my passion in order to really flourish. Also, I had to take deeper, more advanced classes to develop the kind of strong education I really wanted. This blog is all about learning how to learn, because the art of being good at school doesn't come naturally to everyone.