| There's a bit of military life that many civilians don't | | | | members to survey a variety of subjects before |
| know. As it happens, those serving our country are | | | | they commit to a specific course of study or a |
| some of the biggest users of online education in the | | | | college degree program. |
| U.S. They have good reason for it, too. | | | | Most veterans who choose to pursue higher |
| Many members of the military worry about adjusting | | | | education have virtually nothing to lose, including |
| to civilian life after active duty. They may be able to | | | | money. The Post 9/11 GI Bill is intended to help |
| apply the skills they have gained while serving their | | | | former soldiers enhance their educational qualifications |
| country to a new job, but they also know that's not | | | | without worrying that they will accumulate a great |
| always the case. On the other hand, discharged | | | | amount of debt. Furthermore, the program allocates |
| soldiers can use their training to complete a college | | | | a certain amount of funding for living expenses and |
| degree program. That could put them on the path to | | | | additional costs, which could prove beneficial to |
| a fulfilling career. | | | | veterans who have recently moved or those who |
| In fact, there's an interesting new trend emerging | | | | have families to support. |
| out of all this. Former soldiers who are attending | | | | In that vein, former soldiers who enroll in |
| campus-based or online colleges ease their transition | | | | campus-based or online degree programs may be |
| by pursuing a degree that the military would find | | | | able to improve their home lives, as their choice to |
| highly desirable. Then they apply to a continued | | | | further their education could prove to be inspirational |
| military career as often as not with a better position, | | | | to their children. Additionally, individuals who feel as if |
| rank and pay. For example, individuals who choose to | | | | they have a purpose and clear direction are likely to |
| major in management may increase their chances of | | | | be happier, and this contentment may enable them |
| success if they decide to re-enlist, and may | | | | to better enjoy the time they spend with their |
| subsequently be able to gain promotions quickly. | | | | families. |
| However, not all former soldiers may be sure of their | | | | No matter what career path they choose, |
| desired career path after they have completed their | | | | beneficiaries of the GI Bill are likely to feel quite |
| service. While some take comfort in military life and | | | | accomplished after they complete a college degree |
| wish to return as soon as possible, others may want | | | | program. In turn, they could become confident in |
| to find a clearer direction before they make any | | | | their abilities, whether they choose to stay in the |
| life-changing decisions. Thus another reason why | | | | civilian world or return to the military. |
| soldiers take online courses. Online courses can enable | | | | |