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DoD Voluntary Education Programs 

U.S. RESERVE FORCES

Reserve Components

The Reserve components of the Armed Forces are the:

Reserve Component Education Panel (RCEP)

The Reserve Component Education Panel consists of representatives from the seven Reserve components. Their Charter is to enhance awareness of DANTES educational opportunities, and to focus program efforts that can be most beneficial to the Reserve components.

Reserve Component Service Members are eligible for education assistance items that support traditional and non-traditional education programs. This webpage provides basic information and links to some of these programs. Servicemembers are encouraged to seek assistance from their unit, component, state, or local Education Service Specialist(ESS)/Officer (ESO).

Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserves. For more information on the MGIB-SR, try the following website: www.gibill.va.gov

Selected Reservists are entitled to Montgomery GI Bill benefits, which provides a maximum benefit of $11,052 (reflects 36 months of the maximum monthly benefit of $307), subject to the following conditions:
  • the reservist is not receiving an ROTC Scholarship under the provisions of section 2107, Title 10, United States Code. However, a reservist who is receiving financial assistance under section 2107a, Title 10, United States Code, Reserve Forces Duty scholarship is authorized MGIB-SR benefits, if otherwise eligible.
  • the reservist makes an obligation after 1 July 1985, which must be for not less than 6 years.
  • prior- service or in-service reservists must enlist, reenlist, or extend to a term of service not less than 6 years
For further eligibility requirements, contact the service representative in your area.

Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP) was established as part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005. It is a new Department of Defense education benefit program designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Reserve Components called or ordered to active duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operations) as declared by the President or Congress. This new program makes certain Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 either eligible for education benefits or eligible for increased benefits. For more information on REAP go to:

http://www.gibill.va.gov/pamphlets/CH1607/REAP_FAQ.htm

Unlike the Montgomery GI Bill for active duty forces, there is no reduction in Reserve pay for this benefit. Educational benefits begin immediately upon completion of the initial period of active duty for training.

Vocational and Technical Training

The National Defense Authorization Act for FYs 90 and 91 authorized vocational/technical training for reservists under the Montgomery GI Bill.
Vocational/technical training includes the following educational programs: Vocational/ technical cooperative, correspondence courses, independent study, noncollege degree courses, and approved apprentice and on-the-job training courses. Flight training is also available for a limited period of time under the vocational/technical expanded benefits provided a new 6-year commitment is signed and the member is otherwise qualified.

DANTES Examination Programs: Reserve Component servicemembers are eligible to take a variety of tests at DANTES Test Centers. These tests include College Level Examination Program (CLEP), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (DSSTs), Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), American College Testing (ACT), and more. There are also opportunities to take CLEP and DSSTs at National Test Centers which are located at many colleges/Universities throughout the country. Check this website out to identify National Test Centers near your home: http://apps.collegeboard.com/cbsearch_clep/searchCLEPTestCenter.jsp.

The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) and other like tests may be taken at National Test Centers on a reimburseable basis. The ARNG, USAR, ANG, USAFR and USCGR offer CLEP and DSST testing opportunities at DANTES Test Centers to spouses and DOD civilians. Contact your ESS or ESO for qualifying information. For more information on DANTES Testing Programs click on http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/examinations/index.htm. To contact our DANTES Examinations Department email: exams@navy.mil

DANTES Certification Examinations. Servicemembers in the ARNG, and USAR may be reimbursed for certification examinations offered in their respective MOS. New certification testing programs include: National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American Society of Industrial Security (ASIS), American Institute of Constructors (AIC) and others. This is an exciting and growing program offered to the Reserve Components. For more information and AFSC/MOS/Rate matching check out http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/certification/Index.htm. Also, check out the Army’s COOL website, it has great information that applies across service components: http://www.cool.army.mil/. To contact our DANTES Certification Department email: certprog@navy.mil

Tuition Assistance Programs (TA). DANTES administers TA for the USAFR. Each component is responsible for their separate TA policy. Amounts paid for semester/quarter hour, and $ paid varies per component as do the annual TA caps. For specific information contact your servicing ESS or ESO. Also check out the following DANTES webpage: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/tuitionassistance/index.htm. To contact our DANTES Tuition Assistance Department email: tahelp@navy.mil

Troops to Teachers has been open to Reserve Component Servicemembers since Jan 2002. If you have a bachelor’s degree or 1 year of college, with 6 years of experience for vocational education programs, and are interested in qualifying to serve as a Teacher…check out http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/troopstoteachers/INDEX.asp.

Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) has steadily increased opportunities for the Reserve Components. From the degree builder programs offered by SOCAD to SOCGUARD to the newest SOCCOAST, check out http://www.soc.aascu.org/ for more information. SOC also has a great reputation for assisting with education issues associated with mobilization/demobilization.

DANTES offers an extensive distance learning program, classes offered on-line that can enhance your opportunity to obtain a degree. Servicemembers can use their TA and MGIB/MGIB-SR and REAP for most of these classes. More information can be obtained at this website: http://www.dantes.doded.mil/dantes_web/distancelearning/INDEX.htm. To contact our DANTES Distance Learning Department email: dstlearn@navy.mil. Your ESS/ESO can also provide DANTES produced brochures/publications that outline various programs.

The following sections provide a brief outline and links to each Reserve Component voluntary education programs:

Army National Guard (ARNG)

The ARNG supports education programs that focus on degree or certification completion, primarily undergraduate degrees for all enlisted soldiers, warrant officers and officers. A masters degree may be supported provided funding is available. Their vision is to provide quality programs, services and support that will enable soldiers to achieve their education objectives and further enhance the strength and relevance of the Army National Guard.

SOCGUARD offers various educational support programs for ARNG soldier’s, click on the following weblink for more information on SOCGUARD: http://www.soc.aascu.org/socguard/Default.html

THE ARMY NATIONAL GUARD EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER (ESC)

The ARNG funds the Education Support Center (ESC) at Camp Robinson, Little Rock, AR. The ESC provides the following for ARNG personnel: educational counseling services, degree planning services, academic evaluation, and information services for tuition assistance concerning financial aid, and course enrollment procedures. The ESC is located at Lexington Hall in Camp Robinson, AR. The address is NGPEC, P. O. Box 797 North Little Rock, AR 72511-0797 Attn: ESC. Telephone: (501) 212-4930. The ESC’s fax number is (501) 212-4928, DSN: 962. Additionally, the 1-800 number is 1-866-628-5999. Their email address is: esc@ngpec.org.

For further information on ARNG education opportunities and instructions on how to apply; visit: http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/statebenefits/statefundedta.aspx or contact your state ESO.

The following link provides updated contact information for each state and territory Education Services Officer and other state education personnel: http://www.virtualarmory.com/education/ArngPOC/Default.aspx

Army Reserve (USAR)

The Army Reserve offers opportunities for selected reserve soldiers to pursue their education on a voluntary basis. Voluntary education plays a vital role in a reservist's career because it enhances promotional opportunities. Voluntary education differs from military education and training which is required for MOS/AOC. If you are interested in participating, voluntary education must be completed on personal time with financial assistance provided by the Army Reserve. You are strongly encouraged to become familiar with and utilize all available education benefits and programs.

To contact the Education Services Specialist who supports your assigned unit or area, click on the following website:

https://rcms.ocar.army.pentagon.mil/Education/Unsecured/Login.aspx?ReturnUrl=%2feducation%2fEBOHome.aspx

For additional information on education programs and benefits available to USAR Soldiers, visit the Army Reserve G1 website at https://esaiwr.usar.army.mil/AKOG1/ and select Education Programs, or contact Ms. Wanda W. Beamon at (404) 464-9899 or wanda.w.beamon@usar.army.mil

Also available to USAR soldiers is the Army/ACE Registry Transcript System (AARTS). AARTS is a computerized transcript system that produces official transcripts for eligible soldiers upon request by combining a soldier's military education, training and experience with descriptions and credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education (ACE).

The AARTS transcript is designed to:

  • Help college officials award credit for learning experiences the soldier gained while in the military.
  • Provide the soldier/veteran a supplement to his/her resume.
  • Provide employers with a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities and skills acquired in the military.

The AARTS website is: http://aarts.army.mil

For the latest on the Total Army Continuing Education System, access the following website: https://www.armyeducation.army.mil/

Army Reservists, take a look at SOCAD, the Army’s degree builder program. It is located at http://www.soc.aascu.org/socad/. This program provides soldiers a degree plan based on their MOS.

Navy Reserve (USNR)

Naval reservists can attend a variety of military schools and courses on their annual training, complete a diversified amount of correspondence courses, and enroll in a number of education programs.

Check out the following websites for additional information on Navy Education Services:

Navy E-Learning: www.nko.navy.mil

Navy College: www.navycollege.navy.mil

Also available to USNR sailors is the SMART program. SMART is a computerized transcript system that produces official transcripts for eligible sailors upon request by combining a sailor’s military education, training and experience with descriptions and credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education (ACE).

The SMART transcript is designed to:

  • Help college officials award credit for learning experiences the sailor gained while in the military.
  • Provide the sailor/veteran a supplement to his/her resume.
  • Provide employers with a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities and skills acquired in the military.

To access the SMART website, click here: https://smart.cnet.navy.mil/

To contact your nearest Navy College Office click here: https://www.navycollege.navy.mil/ Find academic advice button. Click on either Navy College Center or Navy College Office button to find listings.

For additional USNR education information contact Mr. Paul Dowd via email:
Naval Reserve Force Command Career Counselor email address is paul.dowd@navy.mil
Naval Reserve Force Education Benefits Program Manager email address is paul.dowd@navy.mil

Marine Corps Reserve (USMCR)

The Marine Corps offers a variety of educational opportunities for both officer and enlisted personnel including professional education on both a full-time and active-duty-for-training basis. The Marine Corps Life Long Learning Mission : The entire Lifelong Learning community will provide a world class educational program that offers opportunities and that inspire and prepare Marines for success in their professional lives. Lifelong Learning will assist Marines with career progression, enlightenment and strengthen the Corps personnel base. Lifelong Learning will provide goals for the Marine Corps Community and guide them into the next century by assisting in the development of the "Total Marine."

http://www.usmc-mccs.org/perssvc/Life_Learn/life_learn_main.asp

For information on Marine Corps Ed Center and ESO’s click here: http://www.usmc-mccs.org/perssvc/Life_Learn/lll_info_edu.asp

Service Members Opportunity College (SOC) Marine Corps (MAR) services is open to all Marine Corps Reservist as of June 1995. http://www.soc.aascu.org/socmar/Default.html

Also available to USMCR Marines is the SMART program. SMART is a computerized transcript system that produces official transcripts for eligible Marines upon request by combining a Marine’s military education, training and experience with descriptions and credit recommendations developed by the American Council on Education (ACE).

The SMART transcript is designed to:

  • Help college officials award credit for learning experiences the Marine gained while in the military.
  • Provide the Marine/veteran a supplement to his/her resume.
  • Provide employers with a better understanding of the scope of responsibilities and skills acquired in the military.

To access the SMART website, click here: https://smart.cnet.navy.mil/

Marine Corps Reserve Web Page: http://www.marforres.usmc.mil/

For additional information on the Voluntary Education Programs of the Marine Corps Reserve, contact the Education Benefits Program Manager, Ms Daryl Patrick at (703) 784-9550 or email daryl.patrick@usmc.mil

Air National Guard (ANG)

The Air National Guard provides access to all DANTES credit-by-examination programs, Community College of the Air Force Associate Degree programs http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/, federal tuition assistance for AGR members, state education benefits for members, depending on state, and the Student Loan Repayment Program, which will repay up to $10,000 in student loans for enlisted members and up to $20,000 for medical officers.

The Montgomery GI Bill - Eligible members may use this benefit for any approved degree, certification, or training program.
Spouse and Civilian Testing Program - Spouses of Air National Guard members and federal civilian employees are eligible to take CLEP general and subject examinations and DANTES Subject Standardized Tests free of charge at Reserve Component DANTES Test Centers (there is a minimal registration fee).

Air National Guard Website: http://www.ang.af.mil/

For some great information on the Air Force Education Services Programs click on: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/edu/

For additional information on Air National Guard Voluntary Education Programs contact CMSgt Albert Bouet at albert.bouet@ang.af.mil or (703) 607-2823.

Air Force Reserve (USAFR)

The Air Force Reserve provides reserve component personnel information on DANTES credit-by-examination, Air Force Institute for Advanced Distributed Learning courses and Professional Military Education (PME) programs that can lead to civilian education credits or an Associate Degree in Applied Science from the Community College of the Air Force. http://www.au.af.mil/au/ccaf/
Additionally, they provide information on other career development and continuing education courses including the Air Command and Staff College Seminar Program and NCO Academy Seminar Programs.

For FY05 the USAFR offers 100% tuition assistance for undergraduate degree programs, not to exceed $250 per semester hour, or $166.67 per quarter hour up to $4,500 annually per servicemember. The USAFR offers 75% tuition assistance for graduate degree programs, not to exceed $187.50 per semester hour, or $125 per quarter hour up to $3, 500 annually. DANTES manages payment of the USAFR tuition assistance program. Contact your ESO for information on how to apply for tuition assistance and other programs.

They provide DANTES funded CLEP General and DANTES Subject examinations for eligible Spouses of Air Force Reserve personnel. Spouses can take these tests at any Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard or Army Guard test center.

For additional information on the Air Force Reserve voluntary education programs, please contact: Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command, Training Support Branch, Robins AFB, Georgia, MSgt Clayton Miller at Commercial phone number:(478) 327-0384, DSN 497-0384 or e-mail at: Clayton.Miller@AFRC.af.mil.

Air Force Reserve Website: http://www.afrc.af.mil/

For some great information on Air Force Education Services Programs click on: http://www.afpc.randolph.af.mil/edu/

Coast Guard Reserve (USCGR)

Whereas Coast Guard Reserve units have integrated with active duty sites, in the spirit of "Team Coast Guard," USCG reservists have access to nearly all of the educational programs available to active duty members. Click on the Coast Guard Institute website for a complete synopsis of available programs and applications. http://www.uscg.mil/hq/cgi/index.html

For FY05 the Coast Guard offers 100% tuition assistance to selected reservists not to exceed $250 per semester hour, or $166.67 per quarter hour up to $4,500 annually per servicemember. DANTES does not manage payment of the USCGR tuition assistance program. Contact your Coast Guard ESO for information on how to apply for tuition assistance and other programs

Coast Guard reservists are offered a wide range of training courses. These 2-week resident courses are located at various Coast Guard and other armed forces training centers around the country. Subject matter includes: technical skills, leadership and management, civil rights, and other related courses. Coast Guard Institute in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, coordinates all voluntary education programs for the Coast Guard Reserve. Contact Ms Mary L. Norwood at CML (202) 475-5485 or mary.l.norwood@uscg.mil for additional information.

For additional information on the Coast Guard Reserves go to http://www.uscg.mil/hq/reserve/reshmpg.html

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