Is there a way to get college credit for military service?

I've been doing my research on the connection between military service and college opportunities, and I've come across a few mentions of receiving college credit for military training. Does anyone have any experience with this or knows more about it? I really want to maximize my college credits whenever possible.

Certainly, it's quite common for colleges to grant credit for military training and experience. This concept is typically known as credit for prior learning or experiential learning credit.

For those who serve or have served in the U.S. military, various opportunities exist to convert their military training into college credit. The American Council on Education (ACE), a significant higher education organization, collaborates with the Department of Defense (DoD) to evaluate military training and experiences for academic credit. Colleges and universities often accept these ACE recommendations.

To have your military experience evaluated, you'll need to provide your Joint Services Transcript (JST) to your chosen college or university. The JST is an official transcript documenting all military training and experiences of members of the Army, Navy, Marines, and Coast Guard. Air Force veterans and service members would use the Community College of Air Force (CCAF) transcript instead.

Specific policies vary by school, and not all colleges provide the same amount of credit for similar training or experience. It's also important to note that these credits will generally go towards elective credits, not major-specific courses.

As you consider your options, reach out to the colleges' admissions services or their Veterans Affairs Office to understand their specific policies and processes regarding military training credits. They can guide you and provide a more precise picture for your particular situation. It's an excellent step towards maximizing your academic credit and potentially saving both time and money on your educational journey.