Military Education Benefits: An Overview for Military Men and Their Spouses

Military men only deserve to get the best out of the life they will be returning to, after shedding their sweat, blood and tears for serving and protecting the country. But for some of these military men the transition can be frustrating. The changes in lifestyle and environment could also overwhelm them and prevent them from enjoying life to the fullest.

Some military personnel would still pursue military service as a lifelong career. Others may use their military experience as a springboard to a civilian career or entirely new career path.

Should army men wish to pursue a new career path or continue their educational goals, they can benefit from the government’s tuition assistance program. This benefit allows military personnel to obtain their degree or training certifications for free.

Military scholarships aren’t just limited to army personnel. The spouses of military personnel can also take advantage of military education benefits with what’s called a MyCAA program. MyCAA, which stands for Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, has been relaunched in 2010 by the US Department of Defense, and offers up to $4,000 in tuition assistance. This allows military spouses to register for MyCAA-approved courses from career training providers like Meditec.com for a fraction of the cost.

Eligibility requirements are as follows:
•    Should be a spouse of active duty service members, guards and reserve members who belong to the E1-E5, W1-W2, and O1-O2 ranks. 
•    Spouses of guards and army reserves should begin and complete their courses while their sponsors are currently in service.
•    The program is restricted to associate degrees, licensures and certifications.
•    As a general rule, military spouses should complete their chosen program within three years.
•    Coast guard spouses are not eligible for the MyCAA program. 

What’s great about these career training programs is that you can take them literally anytime or anywhere you want! You’re just one click away from completing a degree or certification.

By putting your military funding assistance into good use, you can create a new life for yourself and your family, while building a career along the way.