Education and Training

At Mission to Commission, we understand that continuing your education and gaining new skills are crucial steps in transitioning from military service to civilian life. Whether you’re looking to pursue higher education, vocational training, or professional certifications, we offer resources and guidance to help you make the most of the educational benefits available through the DoD and the VA.

 

Maximizing Educational Opportunities

Continuing your education can significantly enhance your career prospects. Below, we provide detailed information on various educational programs, benefits, and resources available to service members and veterans.

GI Bill Benefits

The GI Bill offers comprehensive educational benefits that can cover tuition, housing, and other educational expenses.

  • Post-9/11 GI Bill: Covers full tuition and fees for in-state public institutions or up to a national maximum rate for private institutions. Additionally, it provides a monthly housing allowance and an annual book stipend.
    • Eligibility: Service members who served at least 90 days of aggregate active duty after September 10, 2001, or those discharged with a service-connected disability after 30 days.
    • Application: Apply online at VA.gov.
  • Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB): Provides up to 36 months of education benefits for veterans and service members who have completed at least two years of active duty.
    • Eligibility: Active duty members who have served at least two years and meet other requirements.
    • Application: Apply online at VA.gov.
  • Yellow Ribbon Program: Supplements the Post-9/11 GI Bill by covering tuition costs that exceed the GI Bill limits. Participating schools agree to contribute a portion of the tuition costs not covered by the GI Bill, which the VA matches.
    • Eligibility: Veterans eligible for the Post-9/11 GI Bill at the 100% benefit level.
    • Participating Schools: Find participating schools at VA Yellow Ribbon Program.

Tuition Assistance Programs

Service members on active duty can take advantage of Tuition Assistance (TA) programs offered by the DoD.

  • DoD Tuition Assistance: Covers up to 100% of tuition and fees for courses taken by active duty service members.
    • Coverage: Typically covers up to $250 per semester credit hour and up to $4,500 per fiscal year.
    • Application Process: Apply through your respective branch’s education portal.
      • Army: GoArmyEd
      • Navy and Marines: Navy College Program
      • Air Force: Air Force Virtual Education Center (AFVEC)
      • Coast Guard: Coast Guard Institute

Vocational Training and Apprenticeships

Vocational training and apprenticeship programs offer hands-on training in various trades and professions.

  • Veterans Technology Education Courses (VET TEC): Provides training for high-demand technology careers to veterans who qualify for GI Bill benefits.
    • Eligibility: Veterans with at least one day of unexpired GI Bill entitlement.
    • Application: Apply online at VET TEC.
  • Veterans Rapid Retraining Assistance Program (VRRAP): Offers education and training for high-demand jobs to veterans who are unemployed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Eligibility: Veterans who are unemployed due to COVID-19 and do not qualify for other VA education benefits.
    • Application: Apply online at VRRAP.

Certifications and Licensing

Obtaining professional certifications and licenses can significantly boost your employability.

  • GI Bill for Certifications: The GI Bill can reimburse you for the cost of certification and licensing tests.
    • Coverage: Up to $2,000 per test, with no limit on the number of tests.
    • Application: Apply online at VA.gov.

Educational Counseling

Navigating your educational path can be complex. We provide resources to help you make informed decisions.

  • VetSuccess on Campus (VSOC): Offers on-campus counseling and support services for veterans.
    • Services: Academic and career counseling, referral to VA benefits, and other services.
    • Participating Schools: Find participating schools at VSOC.
  • Education and Career Counseling (Chapter 36): Provides personalized counseling and support to help you achieve your education and career goals.
    • Eligibility: Transitioning service members within six months of discharge and veterans within one year post-discharge.
    • Application: Apply online at VA.gov.

 

Additional Resources

Military OneSource

Offers free resources and support for service members and their families, including educational counseling and tutoring services.

CareerOneStop

A resource sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor that provides information on career exploration, training, and job searches.

  • Website: CareerOneStop

 

Contact Us

For more information or personalized assistance with your education and training options, please contact us at [email protected] or call 877-622-7473. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.