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AS ONE OF THE OPTIONS AFTER HIGH SCHOOL, THE MILITARY CAN BE THE
MEANS TO LEARN A SKILL, PLAN A CAREER, BECOME MORE INDEPENDENT,
AND EARN AND SAVE MONEY TO FINANCE COLLEGE. ALL BRANCHES OF THE
MILITARY BOTH REGULAR AND RESERVE OFFER EXCELLENT EDUCATIONAL
TUITION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS CAN TRULY BE REGARDED
AS FINANCIAL AID OPPORTUNITIES FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE INTERESTED
IN SERVING OUR COUNTRY AND WHO WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE.
Representatives
from the different branches of the military will be invited to
Elder throughout the school year to give classroom presentations
or to set-up in the cafeteria during lunch periods. Students are
encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to learn more
about what the military has to offer to both the college and
non-college bound. Once you decide to join the service, but
before you make any commitments, be certain that you understand
all of the details of your enlistment and service obligations.
(ASK QUESTIONS)!!
EDUCATIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE THROUGH THE UNITED STATES MILITARY:
The United
States Military Services offer a wide spectrum of scholarships and
educational opportunities for high school graduates. Although
these opportunities are basically the same throughout the five
services, some of the programs are tailored to meet the specific
needs of a particular branch.
The list that
follows is intended to be an overview of the opportunities
available. You should understand that the list in not
exhaustive. Giving an explanation of the many variations of
certain programs would make this newsletter cumbersome. Therefore,
any individual seeking more detailed information on a scholarship
or educational opportunity through the military should contact Mr.
Moeller or the representative of a particular service.
SERVICE
ACADEMIES:
All service
academies offer four-year scholarships leading to a Bachelor of
Science degree. Admission to all the military academies, except
for the Coast Guard Academy, is by appointment. Upon graduation
from an academy, commissions are conferred for an active period of
at least five years.
The application
process for the academies should begin in the spring of the junior
year by writing concurrently to the academy, congressman, and
senator.
ROTC
SCHOLARSHIPS:
ROTC
Scholarships are available to qualified students for four, three,
and two-year programs. Each scholarship provides full tuition,
laboratory and incidental fees, and reimbursement for required
textbooks. In addition, students receive a subsistence allowance
during the advanced training stage. The application deadline date
is typically Dec. 1.
TUITION
ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR ENLISTED PERSONNEL:
Enlistee
contributes $1200 ($100 per month for 12 months) and the
Government provides up to $38,700 depending on the term of
service. After discharge, the individual receives $1075/mo. for 36
months while enrolled in college as a full-time student.
(Total of $38,700)
Term of service
for the $38,700 is a minimum of 3 yrs.
To qualify,
enlistees must be high school graduates, score a 50 or better on
the Armed Service Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB), and enlist
in a special skills area. One can accumulate up to $30,892 for a
four-year enlistment at no additional personal contribution. This
is in addition to the $19,108 from the Montgomery GI Bill.
Montgomery GI Bill + Army College Fund = $1388.88/mo. for 36
months of higher education.
A $50,000 return
for only $1200 invested!!
Each service
will pay up to 100% of tuition when the enlistee registers for
off-duty courses at accredited colleges of universities.
This ultimately
will result in an accelerated promotion rate over your peers.
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AIR FORCE,
ARMY, COAST GUARD, MARINE, NAVY RESERVE PROGRAM: Navy reserve
is for individuals at least 26 yrs. old or who have had prior
service experience.
Serving in the
Reserve Forces is like having a part-time job. So one can be a
member of a reserve unit and still attend college or work
full-time. However, reservists must remember that they are part
of the Ready Reserve and have an obligation to serve on active
duty if their unit is mobilized (called) to carry out a mission.
After graduation
from high school one would go for basic training and then on to
technical school. Typically, one starts college with the fall
term after returning from technical training.
As a reservist
you will have a 6-year active reserve obligation whereby you
attend one weekend meeting each month at a local reserve unit and
serve full-time for 2 weeks annually. During this time you earn
your military pay. In addition, under the New GI Bill reservists
receive $297/mo. for 36 months (9 mo./yr. for 4 years) while
enrolled as a full-time student. Some branches will even offer a
cash bonus for enlisting, and some have student loan repayment
programs for qualified individuals.
The National
Guard operates like the other reserve forces; however, their
mission is to serve the needs of both the State of Ohio and the
Federal Government.
The educational
assistance programs offered by the National Guard are basically
the same as for the other reserve branches but for several years
now the Guard, also, has been paying 100% of the in-state tuition
to Ohio schools.
ASVAB:
Any student
considering enlistment opportunities in the military whether
regular of reserve must take the Armed Services Vocational
Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The military services use the results
to identify students who potentially qualify for entry into the
military and for assignment to military occupational training
programs.
SELECTIVE
SERVICE REGISTRATION
As a reminder,
the selective service system requires you to register within 30
days of your 18th birthday. You can register at any branch post
office or at www.sss.gov
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