Reporting In, Sir: Getting hired after military service
Reporting In, Sir: Getting hired after military service
By Jerry Field
English: CHICAGO (May 28, 2011) Rear Adm. David F. Steindl, right, commander of Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), follows a wreath representing the U.S. Armed Forces during a wreath laying ceremony at Daley Plaza as part of Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade. The annual parade honors veterans, active duty military members and those who have given their lives in the service of their country. (U.S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are good jobs, especially with your military experience and training. There are three factors paramount in being hired: experience, skills and education. The Military has afforded you the experience and skills and now offers the GI Bill to complete your formal education.
Terry Howell of www.miitary.com offers five points you should keep in mind when applying and being on the GI Bill programs. First and foremost there is a time limit that varies according to your length of service, time served and when you served. The best suggestion is to start your formal education as soon as you can. There is a varying 10 to 15 years limit on your GI Bill that starts the day you leave active duty. The key is to enroll as soon as you find a program.
Consider that the GI Bill is not financial aid. It is a benefit of your Military service. Often you are paid directly from the GI Bill, with the college requiring you to sign a promissory note to pay the college immediately when you receive payment. As the college does not receive payments direct from the government, you can receive scholarships, Pell Grants, and traditional student loans. Keep in mind all loans must be repaid, promptly.
Another point you should be aware of is the total amount of tuition you are being charged. In many states all Veterans are to be charged “in-state tuition”. In Illinois Governor Quinn several years ago passed a resolution that all Veterans are to be charged “in-district” to attend a community college matter there they live. This is a great advantage as if you work in Skokie or Berwyn and live in Chicago you can attend the closest state or community college and be charged in the “in-district tuition”. This can save your available GI Bill funds thousands of dollars. Another factor is you can stop and start your education as family pressures arise, but be careful to know that your education on the GI Bill can run out in 10 to 15 years.
It’s a good idea to visit the Veterans Administration education section and determine how many months or total funds are available for your education.
When applying for college ask if the college will accept you ACE Credits, or credit for training you have had and that is certified on your record. Each hour of credit gives you more funds to continue your education with a possible Master’s degree being paid for the GI Bill.
On May 24 the Memorial Day parade referred to as the best and one of the oldest in the country and starts Memorial Day week. If you have a float or a car of celebrators who are Veterans there may be time to enter. Call Charles Nash at 312 881 7107 and ask for an application form and briefly describe your participation in the parade. The parade down State Street in Chicago will kick off at noon from State Street and Wacker Drive and run till all the floats and private vehicles are paraded pass the reviewing stand. The parade will be televised on WLS-TV channel 7. Prior to the parade, a memorial will be held at Daley Plaza honoring the Gold Star Mothers and their family. There are Memorial Day parades and memorial events all over the greater Chicagoland area. Plan to attend one of the many events its, festive and heartwarming.
If you see a Veteran or active Military, shake his or her hand and say “Thank you for your service”, you’ll be glad you did and they will appreciate your kind gesture.
(Jerry Field is an award winning Chicago writers. He is the Veteran’s Editor for the Illinois News Network. Email him at [email protected].)
Jerry Field is an award winning Chicago writer and former military veteran. Email him at
[email protected]
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Reporting In, Sir: Getting hired after military service
Reporting In, Sir: Getting hired after military service
By Jerry Field
English: CHICAGO (May 28, 2011) Rear Adm. David F. Steindl, right, commander of Naval Service Training Command (NSTC), follows a wreath representing the U.S. Armed Forces during a wreath laying ceremony at Daley Plaza as part of Chicago’s annual Memorial Day Parade. The annual parade honors veterans, active duty military members and those who have given their lives in the service of their country. (U.S. Navy photo by Scott A. Thornbloom/Released) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
There are good jobs, especially with your military experience and training. There are three factors paramount in being hired: experience, skills and education. The Military has afforded you the experience and skills and now offers the GI Bill to complete your formal education.
Terry Howell of www.miitary.com offers five points you should keep in mind when applying and being on the GI Bill programs. First and foremost there is a time limit that varies according to your length of service, time served and when you served. The best suggestion is to start your formal education as soon as you can. There is a varying 10 to 15 years limit on your GI Bill that starts the day you leave active duty. The key is to enroll as soon as you find a program.
Consider that the GI Bill is not financial aid. It is a benefit of your Military service. Often you are paid directly from the GI Bill, with the college requiring you to sign a promissory note to pay the college immediately when you receive payment. As the college does not receive payments direct from the government, you can receive scholarships, Pell Grants, and traditional student loans. Keep in mind all loans must be repaid, promptly.
Another point you should be aware of is the total amount of tuition you are being charged. In many states all Veterans are to be charged “in-state tuition”. In Illinois Governor Quinn several years ago passed a resolution that all Veterans are to be charged “in-district” to attend a community college matter there they live. This is a great advantage as if you work in Skokie or Berwyn and live in Chicago you can attend the closest state or community college and be charged in the “in-district tuition”. This can save your available GI Bill funds thousands of dollars. Another factor is you can stop and start your education as family pressures arise, but be careful to know that your education on the GI Bill can run out in 10 to 15 years.
It’s a good idea to visit the Veterans Administration education section and determine how many months or total funds are available for your education.
When applying for college ask if the college will accept you ACE Credits, or credit for training you have had and that is certified on your record. Each hour of credit gives you more funds to continue your education with a possible Master’s degree being paid for the GI Bill.
On May 24 the Memorial Day parade referred to as the best and one of the oldest in the country and starts Memorial Day week. If you have a float or a car of celebrators who are Veterans there may be time to enter. Call Charles Nash at 312 881 7107 and ask for an application form and briefly describe your participation in the parade. The parade down State Street in Chicago will kick off at noon from State Street and Wacker Drive and run till all the floats and private vehicles are paraded pass the reviewing stand. The parade will be televised on WLS-TV channel 7. Prior to the parade, a memorial will be held at Daley Plaza honoring the Gold Star Mothers and their family. There are Memorial Day parades and memorial events all over the greater Chicagoland area. Plan to attend one of the many events its, festive and heartwarming.
If you see a Veteran or active Military, shake his or her hand and say “Thank you for your service”, you’ll be glad you did and they will appreciate your kind gesture.
(Jerry Field is an award winning Chicago writers. He is the Veteran’s Editor for the Illinois News Network. Email him at [email protected].)
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