The special challenges and opportunities related to the education and training needs of the armed forces is much different than other communities. Education and training benefits funded by the Military serve as a strong incentive for many people entering the military. A vast network of programs and initiatives exist to support active duty, and veteran service members and their families. Some programs are offered directly by the various branches of the military, others through the Department of Defense and the Department of Labor, and still more by states and individual institutions. Recognition of military mobility issues rests at the core of crafting successful academic and career pathways for service members. Education and training providers can do their part by making transfer credit and academic credential portability a priority for their institution.
The military itself has a strong incentive for promoting their education and training programs since they provide for increased effectiveness, leadership and decision making skills. States and regions support active duty, reserve and veteran service members in order to facilitate regional workforce and economic development initiatives as well as ease transitions from military to civilian life.
State and local governments, as well as education and training providers, can be more responsive to the unique needs of the military and their families in support of their academic and career pursuits by becoming more accessible and flexible in their policies toward military learners. This is especially relevant during the current climate of increased military deployments. Deployments directly impact the service member's ability to participate in education and training programs. Additionally, deployments cause disruptions in the support networks that spouses and families rely upon to participate successfully in education and training pursuits.
The military education and training establishment have multiple guidelines for colleges and universities, which are part of the
Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (a consortium of over 1800 colleges and universities that provide educational opportunities for service members and their families). These guidelines serve as a good start for any education and training provider wishing to successfully connect with the armed forces and their families. Recognizing the special challenges imposed by frequent moves, uncertain schedules, and shifting support networks, SOC member schools make it easier to obtain college degrees rather than just accumulate course credit by:
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Limiting the amount of course work students must take at a single college to no more than 25% of degree requirements
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Designing transfer practices to minimize loss of credit and avoid duplication of course work
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Awarding credit for military experience
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Awarding credit for tests such as CLEP (College Level Examination Program), ECE (Excelsior College Examinations) and DSST (formerly known as DANTES Subject Standardized Test) national testing programs.
Other programs that are well versed in mobility, transfer of credit and the career credentialing needs of the armed forces and their families include:
- DANTES (Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support)
The mission of DANTES is to support the off-duty, voluntary education programs of the Department of Defense thereby supporting lifelong learning for service members.
- Key to Career Success
The Key to Career Success campaign connects veterans and transitioning service members with high quality career planning, training, and job search resources. The web portal also includes links to support networks for military families and spouses. The project is supported by the Department of Labor. Learn more about Key to Career Success at here and here.
- ACE Military Guide Online
The American Council on Education provides an online directory that serves as the standard reference for recognizing learning acquired in the military. The guide includes recommendations for credit of formal courses and occupations offered by multiple branches of the armed services.
There are multiple strategies for education and training providers to cooperate with members of the armed forces and the above referenced programs to successfully engage military affiliated learners. Taking the time to research and implement innovative, best practices for working with the armed forces will result in favorable outcomes such as increased degree attainment, career credentialing for high growth jobs and advancing your region's workforce and economic development goals.