CAMP FOSTER, Japan - John F. Kennedy said it best when he said our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education.
Attending college classes has multiple benefits for Marines, including broadening their marketability for job opportunities and promotions, both during and after active service in the military.
Off-duty education can help service members with their current job by teaching them analytical, organizational and time management skills and also providing a broader knowledge foundation, said Stacey Tate, regional enrollment manager with University of Maryland University College Asia.
Off-duty education often results in improved proficiency and conduct marks and fitness reports. Also, having continued education shows promotion boards that the individual Marine is seeking self improvement.
“There is the possibility of earning promotion points through education, though this does not apply to everyone,” said Tate. “College education can also help Marines boost their Armed Forces Qualification Test scores, which in turn helps them to reclassify for different jobs.”
Secondary education benefits Marines because they will hone skills that they already have, expanding their abilities as a worker and a leader, said Sgt. Thomas Regan, a career planner with Headquarters and Service Battalion, Marine Corps Base Camp Butler.
Before Marines can sign up for classes, they have to attend a tuition assistance brief at one of the many education centers on island. Once that has been completed and their TA has been approved, they can enroll in classes at one of the available colleges.
“Enrolling in classes is easy,” said Tate. “At UMUC, we have enrollment specialists on site at most bases to assist students with selecting and signing up for classes. UMUC also has a student portal that allows students to enroll into classes on their own online.”
Central Texas College also provides face-to-face enrollment assistance as well as a student portal.
For Marines looking to transition out of the military, college classes can help maintain a competitive mindset needed while adjusting to a new lifestyle.
Career Marines can also pursue further education in the field they are currently working.
“The courses listed on the Military Occupational Specialty Roadmap for that Marine’s specific MOS are picked by the Occupation Field Sponsor at Headquarters Marine Corps as the ones that would most benefit Marines in that MOS,” said Regan
For more information, contact your nearest education center.