Created after Congress closed the U.S. Armed Forces Institute in 1974, DANTES is dedicated to helping members of every branch achieve their professional and personal educational objectives.

Over the past three decades, voluntary education for the military has experienced many changes.  As technology continues to advance, service members are enjoying the convenience, accessibility and ease of use as they pursue their educational objectives.  In fact, since the mid 1970s, the number of military service members taking online courses has increased from five percent to more than 70 percent.

By providing alternatives to on-campus or on-base courses, DANTES’ Distance Learning Program enables service members to earn technical or college credit from wherever they are stationed… even in the most remote locations.  DANTES partners with hundreds of distance learning institutions to offer thousands of course and degree programs, all of which are listed in their catalog.

Through DANTES’ examinations program, members of the military can earn a high school credential, satisfy their undergraduate and graduate-level college admission requirement, and earn college credit.  Some of the titles offered are GED, ACT, SAT, CLEP, DSST, ECE, GRE, GMAT and Praxis.  Exams sponsored by DANTES are administered by over 500 military education sites, including base-sponsored academic institutions with national test centers (NTCs).  While many of the test control officers continue to give paper exams, the number of NTCs offering computer-based exams continues to increase.

DANTES has long offered credentialing services to members of the Armed Forces.  By successfully completing these tests, a soldier demonstrates that he or she possesses a level of knowledge that not only meets industry standards, but also makes it easier to find employment in the civilian job force when service is complete.

Also available are programs to help convert one’s military training into college credit.  Since 1945, the American Council on Education (ACE) has provided a shared link between DoD and higher education through the review of military training and experiences and the recommendation of equivalent college credits for service members.

DANTES also funds the Service members Opportunities College (SOC) consortium which runs a variety of programs that afford service members opportunities to earn degrees while in the service, enroll in a college while enlisted in the Army or Army Reserve, and earn credits and degrees while in the Army National Guard.  Since it’s founding in 1974, the SOC consortium has grown from 77 community and junior colleges to more than 1,800 colleges and universities.

Finally, DANTES’ Troops to Teachers program provides counseling and referral services to military personnel interested in launching a second career in public education as a teacher after departing the service.  The program has successfully placed thousands of quality teachers in at-risk schools across the country.

DANTES will be celebrating its 35th anniversary at the DoD Worldwide Education Symposium in Atlanta at the end of July.

For the latest information concerning Military education benefits and procedures, please visit your education counseling office.

When most people think of education and the Army they immediately think of the GI bill, but veterans and US Army active duty personnel are entitled to more. With choices including the Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), the Post Vietnam Era Veterans’ Educational Program (VEAP), and the Montgomery GI Bill you will be able to pursue your professional dreams with Army support. Protecting our country is an important job, and the time you give the US Army should not keep you from reaching long-term professional goals. Your Army service can actually become the doorway to an educational future that might not otherwise be in reach.

Respecting Our Army Veterans

The US Army is committed to honoring the service of its dedicated service people and has tools available to guide you step-by-step to the best choice or combination of benefit programs for you. Some of the important determining factors in selecting the right combination are the length of your active service, whether you desire to attend school full or part time, and if you need a housing allowance. Take advantage of the planning tools the Army offers on its easy to navigate site to consider different combinations.

Since the Army made changes in 1984 to the GI Bill, creating the Montgomery GI Bill, benefits available to veterans have only improved and choices expanded. In exchange for active duty US Army personnel forfeiting $100 pay per month for a year to the Montgomery GI program they receive a significantly increased educational benefit for 36 months.

The Army makes this option even more attractive by including a buy-up option. While on active duty US Army service personnel can contribute up to $600 toward their Montgomery Bill. The Army matches this contribution 8 to 1, for every dollar the service person contributes, the Army contributes 8. What investment has a return of this magnitude!

US Army Support

The Army understands the importance of having time to adjust to life outside the service. Reconnecting with family and finding jobs and housing can be a challenging adjustment when leaving. US Army veterans have up to 10 years to use these benefits. There are informal and formal educational opportunities while in the Army that simply can’t be measured.

Training experienced during your Army service would cost you thousands of dollars in the civilian world. When you add to that the significant educational support the US Army offers for its active personnel and veterans and the Army is a choice that simply can’t be beat.

Congress has given each branch of the military the ability to grant TA benefits, even up to full coverage of fees and expenses, to eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force and Coast Guard. Each service has its own criteria to determine such factors as eligibility, obligated service, application processes and restrictions.

Here’s a brief overview of programs available through each branch of the Armed Forces:

Air Force Tuition Assistance – Candidates must apply online using the Air Force Virtual Education Center (www.my.af.mil). There are a total of six steps to complete the process.

The Army Continuing Education System has introduced a new automated service that enables active duty soldiers to request TA and also sign up for courses online. This method expedites the enrollment process and decreases the wait time at Army Education Centers.

The Navy Tuition Assistance Program: After obtaining educational information from your Navy College office, which is where you will also complete your application, you can determine which courses will be requested for TA funding. To enroll in classes, you will need a signature from your commander.

Marine Tuition Assistance: Prior to using tuition assistance, first-time students are required to complete a TA orientation class. Marines at remote locations can access the course online. All others should visit their Lifelong Learning or Education Office at your local base. You must apply for and receive written authorization for assistance before enrolling.  Education4military.com offers military tuition assistance.

The Coast Guard: After approving the TA application, the Coast Guard Institute (CGI) inputs all the data into the Navy’s computer database and issues the TA Authorization form. The applicant then takes the form to the school at the time of registration, and that particular institution will bill the Navy for the government’s portion of tuition assistance. It’s important to note that the Coast Guard only approves academic credit programs for TA. For questions and further assistance, contact the CGI.

National Guard Tuition Assistance: The Army National Guard Federal Tuition Assistance (ARNG FTA) has a limited budget and therefore can not guarantee benefits to its members. Instead, it is offered on a “first come, first served” basis. For on online application, visit the National Guard Virtual Armory website.

Although not all states offer payment of TA to member of the Air National Guard (ANG), many have additional tuition incentives which are available in various amounts. To find out what benefits your state offers, visit the Air National Guard ANG Benefits website.

Air Force Tuition Assistance for Activated Guard and Reserve: Quite simply, if activated, you will become eligible.

Finally, remember that TA is not a loan. Look at it as money you have earned, just like your base pay.

For additional information about military tuition assistance, please visit http://www.military.com/money-for-school/tuition-assistance/tuition-assistance-ta-program-overview.

Eligibility is Based on Length of Service

The total amount of benefits granted is based on the length of time a veteran has served in the Armed Forces.  Assistance is also available to service members who have either received an honorable discharge, or was discharged because of a medical condition (provided it wasn’t a result of misconduct).

To find out exactly how the duration of your service affects your personal benefits, log on to the Military.com web site and go to the page entitled “New GI Bill Overview: Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefit Tiers.”  Or, if you’d like to inquire about your eligibility status, contact the Veterans Administration directly at 1-888-838-7697.  They are the only ones that have the authority to determine your personal eligibility for benefits.

A Summary of Educational Benefits

Individuals who qualify and are enrolled in approved education programs are entitled to receive benefits for a period of up to 36 months, which is equivalent to four years of college, to cover the costs of tuition, fees, living expenses and other expenses associated with the pursuit of education.

However, a student may not receive funds that exceed the maximum in-state amount of established charges at the highest priced public school in that particular state.  For those attending part-time or less, the amount is further reduced if the actual costs are less than the educational benefit would otherwise be.

Funds for books, supplies, equipment, and other expenses for educational purposes are limited to $1,000 per academic year and are paid proportionately by term.  Payments are dispersed as follows:

- Book allowance is paid directly to the student at the start of each term

- Stipends for housing are paid directly to the student on a monthly basis

- Tuition payments are sent directly to the institution

Active-Duty Members of the Armed Forces

If you are on active duty, you can still receive education benefits up to the maximum in-state charge at the most expensive public school in the state, however, benefits are not provided for housing or books.

For more explicit details regarding what the GI Bill provides if you are on active duty, log on to the Military.com web site and check out the Active Duty GI User’s Guide.

Transferring Your Benefits to Dependents

Under the Post 9/11 GI Bill, eligible members may transfer a portion of the education benefits to their dependents, including their spouse and children under the age of 26.  Note that only active members of the military who have completed at a minimum of six years of service and agree to serve at least four more qualify for this benefit.

For questions, contact the Office of Veteran and Military Education at 1-800-867-5941 or 518-587-2100.

Information for New Users

- Go to www.GoArmyEd.com and select the “New Users” tab.

- Complete the application and then click on “Submit” to obtain your username and password.

- Log onto the website using your username and password and complete the required In-Processing steps:

- Read and print the “Submit Statement of Understanding” (SOU) and get your Commander’s signature

- Follow directions on How to Use Your eFile to upload your SOU.

- After completing the Common Application, click on “Launch Quick Start Training” to complete Soldier Training. You are responsible for knowing and adhering to all GoArmyEd procedures.

- Finally, to activate your account, contact your Army Education Counselor.

TA Requirements

- The ceiling for tuition assistance is $4,500 per fiscal year, and $250 for each semester hour.

- When using TA, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0.

How to Request Assistance/Enroll in a Course

- Log onto www.GoArmyEd.com and select “My Virtual Education Center.”

- You can review your account information by clicking on “Account Information Verified.”

- Before enrolling in a course, select the “Class Details” button to get more information to be sure this is a course you want to take. Also, be sure to look at the cost covered by TA as well as any expenses you must take care of yourself before selecting “Process Enrollment” or “I agree to Pay.”

- The View Results screen indicates the status of your enrollment request. If the status column shows “Success,” you have successfully signed up, pending final approval from the school, and will receive confirmation via e-mail.

If Your Don’t Find Your School in the Class Schedule

- Follow the first eight steps under How to Request TA and Enroll in a course.

- On the Search Course Schedule screen, select the option “Click here if you wish to take a class from a school not listed.”

- When the Request TA screen comes up, click on the magnifying glass next to the school field.

- On the Lookup School screen, enter the name of the school and follow the next steps. When the request is approved by the Army, you will receive a confirmation e-mail.

Note: If TA doesn’t cover all costs, you will be held accountable for paying the balance, which will be billed directly by the school.

How to Check Your TA Balance

- Log onto the web site and select “My Student Record.” Look under “Account Information” and click on the “Educational” tab. You will be able to view what has been spent as well as funds available.

If You Wish to Drop a Class

- Before dropping a class, a soldier must check with their instructor or an Army Education Counselor. All courses must be dropped prior to the date the class ends. Go on the web site and select “My Virtual Education Center,” then click on “Enroll/Drop from a Course” on your homepage. Follow the steps that apply to your situation (i.e. if you registered through the Course Schedule or by using a TA Request Form.)

TA Recoupment

Costs will be recovered for:

- Failing a class

- An incomplete grade not resolved within 120 days

- Classes dropped for personal reasons

- A class that is not part of the Soldier’s degree plan

GoArmyEd, your guide for Army tuition assistance, is committed to supporting education for Soldiers. For further information and assistance, dial 800-817-9990 (toll free) or log onto www.GoArmyEd.com and select the “Helpdesk” link.

Marine Tuition Assistance

While each branch of military service has its own set of criteria used to determine eligibility for tuition assistance, the Marine Corps provides up to 100 percent of the cost to service members who elect to pursue off-duty or voluntary education. This would include all active-duty and Reserve enlisted Marines on continuous active duty attending accredited colleges and universities.

Those who meet eligibility requirements and elect to enroll in courses toward a degree may not exceed $4,500 in tuition-assistance funds per fiscal year. Funding is limited to $250 per semester hour or the equivalent in undergraduate, graduate, vocational and technical classes, independent study and distance-learning programs. TA is funded for authorized courses at the time of registration regardless of the length of the particular class.

• Marine Corps College Fund – Marines who demonstrate a potential for academic excellence and are listed on eligible Marines’ contracts during their initial enlistment into the service may be eligible to receive tuition assistance through this fund.
• Montgomery G.I. Bill – At the time of their initial enlistment, service members can sign up for the Montgomery G.I. Bill. During the first year, a monthly deduction of $100 is taken out of the participant’s paycheck. After that, a marine can use the Bill at any time for up to 10 years following the time of honorable discharge. Those on active duty can use is in conjunction with tuition assistance.
  • First-time students will be required to complete a Military Tuition Assistance Orientation Class PRIOR to using the TA funds. Those service members stationed at remote sites, or non-Marine Corps installations, can access the course online (go to www.usmc-mccs.org).
  • Prior to enrollment, you must apply for and receive written authorization for tuition assistance through the appropriate education office.
  • For Marines in remote locations and those assigned to other service sites, tuition assistance is processed at Camp Lejeune for those east of the Mississippi, and at Camp Pendleton for those west of the Mississippi. Recruiters apply through their district or region headquarters.

How to submit your TA application? here are some important tips about the application Process:

The Department of Defense (DoD) has directed a uniform TA fiscal policy across the military services. Currently (Dec 05), the established semester hour cap is $250 and each Soldier has an annual ceiling of $4,500. The Army will pay 100 percent of the tuition and authorized fees charged by a college up to the established semester hour cap and annual ceiling.

The regional and national accrediting agencies are recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as reliable authorities concerning the quality of education or training offered by the institutions of higher education or higher education programs they accredit. The dates specified for each entry are the date of initial listing as a nationally recognized agency, the date of the Secretary’s most recent grant of renewed recognition, and the date of the agency’s next scheduled review for renewal of recognition by the National Advisory Committee on Institutional Quality and Integrity.

• Click here to See Regional and National Institutional Accrediting Agencies by U.S. Secretary of Education

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit paid to eligible active-duty service and reserve members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, National Guard, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members.

Military tuition assistance is not a loan; it should be viewed as money you have earned just like your base pay. This money is usually paid directly to the institution by the individual services.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, obligated service, application process’ and restrictions. Browse each section of your branch to find out more information about eligibility.

• Air Force Tuition Assistance
• Army Tuition Assistance
• Navy Tuition Assistance
• Marines Tuition Assistance
• Coast Guard Tuition Assistance
• National Guard Tuition Assistance
• Reserve Tuition Assistance

Again, we are only provide useful information about each branch’s military tuition assistance and their guidelines.  It will require yourself to contact your brach education service center to find about your eligilibility requirements.