Welcome, Space Force!
Founded in 2019, our sixth military branch,the US Space Force, is being launched this year. Have you looked at their new flag? Is there something familiar about it? Winner, winner, chicken dinner if you see a close copy of the famous Star Trek logo, right in the center! This new branch of service is the first since the September 1947 establishment of the US Air Force, which came out of the US Army Air Corps. Here’s one of the best kept secrets of active military service; join and get your college expenses paid or reimbursed!
Let’s take a moment to review the history of the military and higher education. First, the military has been a major path for millions going for higher education degrees over the past 70 years. The original GI bill sent hundreds of thousands returning WWII veterans to college. Since then, GI and veteran benefits have been modified and improved over the decades. Second, millions of active duty military have earned their bachelors’, masters’, and even doctorate degrees while serving. Finally, many have finished their education through veteran’s benefits programs. And, for many of them, it has been an affordable path to a college degree.
As I clearly state in my book, ENOUGH! The College Cost Crisis, Chapter 14, to get THE most up to date information, you must speak to a recruiter for one of the now six military branches (If you want Star Fleet, I mean, Space Force, see an Air Force recruiter). Each branch of Service has different positional openings every month, making recruiting needs very fluid.
Let’s go over the fundamental requirements, potential benefits, and basics right now. Then I will close out with some ideas for you to ponder.
A. Basic Military Entrance Requirements. From the www.military.com/join website, here are the four basic requirements to join:
You must be a U.S. citizen or resident alien.
You must be at least 17 years old (17-year old applicants require parental consent).
You must (with very few exceptions) have a high school diploma.
You must pass a physical medical exam.
Also, you will take the standard aptitude test, known as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, ASVAB. (Get used to alphabet soup. It is a hallmark of the military.) This will help them determine your best direction. Then, they try to match aptitude with positional needs.
B. When you commit to military service, you commit to the mission. The modern US military will try to accommodate desires and wishes, but military needs and mission outweigh any individual hopes. The military can send you anywhere, anytime, for any need. You don’t get a vote. Neither does your family. Most initial commitments are for four years, and of course, if you are doing a good job, they’d love you to stay in. While never guaranteed, there could be “re-up” bonuses if your work is critical and outstanding. If you stay in 20 years, you are eligible to receive 1/2 pay in retirement, and you are still a young 38-45. Second careers after service are very common.
C. They take people with college degrees AND COLLEGE DEBT! Here’s the punch line-The Army and the Navy currently offer up to $65,000 in college loan repayment, Coast Guard up to $30,000, and the National Guard up to $50,000. In general, the loans must be current and guaranteed by the Dept of Education. (Basically, not privately re-financed). Again, SEE A RECRUITER!
D. College tuition benefits while you serve, or when become a veteran! You can do college while serving in the military. It is usually free and online. When you become a veteran, you may qualify for paid college tuition and earn a monthly living expense stipend to attend your local university. Once again, see the specific Service Branch recruiter for the details as to how you would qualify. There is likely a longer service requirement to get this top-notch benefit. Transfer of benefits to a spouse or your children are available when specific conditions are met.
The military is not for everyone. Full disclosure- I was the daughter of an Air Force officer and we moved 14 times in my first 16 years. It was an amazing and challenging experience, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I have now enjoyed both the military family experience as well as civilian life and am glad for both perspectives.
IF you have a student who may have a bent in this area, take the time to check it out. From an educational point of view, it could provide college for free, or pay off a large part of your college debt. Either one might be the right ticket for your student. But, you won’t know until you get all the facts and all the information from the Service Branch recruiter. Remember -no one can make you sign up- after all, we have an all-volunteer military.
If this is not right for you, please pass this blog along to friends or family. A lot of families are reeling from furloughs or lost jobs this spring. The kids’ college funds may have been tapped to put food on the table during these challenging times. This could be a great idea for just the right student.
Next week we are back in the fray as major colleges and universities do an “about-face” on in-person college, no change in tuition pricing, or some blend of in person and online. At the same time, elimination of “outer edge” sports and coaches is happening just as I predicted earlier this spring. Don’t miss next weeks’ edition!
Until next time,
All my best,
Bonnie Burkett
