Most servicemembers initially came into the Army searching
for education and training. Many were enticed by promises
of numerous education benefits aimed at encouraging bright,
ambitious college-capable young people to enlist in the Army.
Since 1985, the vast majority of enlistees have enrolled in
the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) for education benefits that
now range up to $27,000. If a servicemember enlisted in the
Army in specific specialties, then they may have up to $50,000
additional educational benefits through the Army College Fund.
Others may have joined the Army as a ConAP soldier, who were
already admiteed to a college.
Now is the time to collect on these benefits and go to college.
Here are the current MGIB
rates as of January 1, 2003.
You probably have some questions regarding whether or how
college credits earned while on active duty can be used. For
answers, find a Veterans Counselor at your college. If on
or near a military installation, check out the local installation
Education Center; talk with a counselor or education specialist.
Contact the registrar or admissions office at your college
or universtiy; ask questions; get the college catalog and
read it carefully. If you need further information about Servicemembers
Opportunity College or about SOCAD,
call SOC toll-free at (800) 368-5622.
If your local college is a SOC, it will award credit for
your Army service school courses based on the American Council
of Education guide. It may also award credit for your Army
experience as listed in the same guide. Be sure to request
your AARTS transcript. Present the AARTS transcript (along
with your other forms) to the college's admission office for
the college to determine credits you'll be awarded based on
learning achieved through your Army training and experience.
See Use Your AARTS To Obtain
College Credit for more information.
If you are attending a SOC college, be sure to complete all
the academic residency requirements of your "home college".
Some colleges have a time limit on degree completions. Be
sure to check with your "home collge" to ensure
that you understand your requirements and limits regarding
your SOC Student Agreement.
If you are a ConAP Army veteran, your admissions agreement
with your SOC college is in effect for two years following
completeion of active milityar service, or, for Army Reserve
soldiers, two years after completion of initial active duty
for training. As a ConAP soldier, you were admitted either
on a full or provisional basis. "Provisional admission"
means that a student may be required to take certain developmental
courses or undergo other academic preparation.
In summary, seek out a SOC college or university. Use the
education benefits that you have earned. Education opens many
doors to you for employment and provides a foundation for
the rest of your life.
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