With these jobs come many great benefits. Army civilians are DoD, Department of Defense, employees and have all the benefits of working for the federal government. Veterans, disabled veterans and military spouses are given preference when applying for the positions. Veterans are able to transfer their time in service to the Army civilian job, which is a benefit itself.

Comprehensive health and life insurance is available. Health insurance is a concern for everyone. It is a benefit that many consider before accepting a job. Army civilians are offered some of the best insurance available for the price. This also applies to dental and vision insurance as well as life insurance. While it may not be the same as those on active duty receive it is one of the best plans available.

Retirement benefits are another thing that many consider. Most Army civilians are eligible for FERS, Federal Employees Retirement System. It is three tiers and includes a basic benefit plan, a thrift savings plan and Social security benefits. The Thrift Savings Plan is similar to a 401K. Up to 13% of earnings can be contributed with up to a 5% matching contribution from the Army.

The pay is competitive with many incentives. There is paid vacation and sick leave. Paid training and education as it applies to the position may be available. There are incentives, bonuses and awards that are also available dependent on the job and performance. Across the board there are annual pay increases and locality adjustments.

There are many other benefits as well as pay, insurance and retirement. When working on an Army base many civilian employees can use the facilities that are available. This includes onsite day care and fitness facilities. Some may be approved for commissary and exchange privileges.

Army civilian jobs are available anywhere the solider serve. This includes various locations in the United States as well as abroad. For those who wish to travel and live abroad there are opportunities available. Those who are willing to take civilian jobs overseas will see special incentives and benefits. This may include living stipends or housing amongst various other benefits.

There is also the benefit of advancements. Once an Army civilian job is secured an employee can look forward to working their way up the ladder. There are opportunities for increased responsibility and management potential to those who show initiative.

Army civilian benefits are only part of the reason to secure employment with the Army. The Army depends on their support staff. They play a key role in the military mission. Without the Army civilian support staff much of what the Army does would not be accomplished. Army civilians can take great pride in that. Click here to learn more about Army tuition assistance.

Post by our guest writer.

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.

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.

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