Cyber Security Training Courses for Service Members: Can I Earn a Degree While Deployed?

Living abroad as a member of the armed forces is a fantastic way to broaden your horizons and build your skills. While your duties will no doubt take up a large part of your day, you will still have plenty of time to think about your future and take steps towards your post-military career.

As education has evolved, so too have the benefits offered by the Montgomery GI Bill®. This is fantastic news if you don't want to waste time waiting until you return home to use your benefits towards your pursuit of a career in cybersecurity.

Using the GI Bill® While on Active Duty

It is possible for you to take courses while you are on active duty through the GI Bill®. However, there are several prerequisites that are not flexible. Soldiers are entitled to use their benefits once they have paid their $100 per month for a period of not less than 12 months. Soldiers are also required to possess a High School diploma or Grade Equivalency Certificate. Finally, soldiers must have at least two years of active duty service under their belts.

Benefits and Status as a Student

Members of the military receive different levels of benefits based on their student status. Full-time students who take 12 credits or more receive higher benefits than part-time students. It's a graduated scale that can be adjusted each semester based on your course load. If you are still on active duty, your benefits are limited to tuition and fees and will not cover books or housing stipends.

If you would rather save your GI Bill® benefits, you may also be eligible to use your military tuition assistance benefits. These benefits vary depending on branch of service and many active duty members use this to cover the cost of tuition and fees before they leave the service so that they can preserve their GI Bill® benefits to use towards graduate programs. Your education service officer can help you determine the best ways to maximize your GI Bill® benefits, military assistance program, and "Top Up."

Programs Must be VA Approved

The long-distance learning program you choose must be VA approved. If the program is not on the approved list, then you will be unable to utilize your GI Bill® benefits to pay for the cost of tuition, fees, etc. Most programs that hold regional or nationally accredited status qualify.

The Logistics of Education While Deployed

As a distance learner, there is no question that you will need regular and reliable access to the internet and a working computer. This is typically not a problem if you are deployed in South Korea, Germany, Italy, or another country with a developed infrastructure. Of course, it is quite different if you are deployed in an active duty warzone.

If you are deployed in areas without reliable internet access, you will find it very difficult to complete your studies. Moreover, you are probably going to have more pressing concerns to focus your attention on. If you are located in a warzone or on a deployment that requires frequent travel away from computers and the internet, it is advisable to wait to begin your studies until after your schedule and deployment station have stabilized.

Studying as a Soldier

Undertaking studies as a soldier is not much different than a civilian student. Your job is the military, and while the nature of military service means that it is not always 9 to 5, there is often plenty of time to study when you finish work. How you use this time is up to you and if you have the determination and desire to become a cybersecurity professional, you should be able to build a balanced schedule that allows you to perform your duties, study, and still spend time with your siblings in arms.

Changing Your Job in the Military

It is likely that you will want to change your job if you are still on active duty when you graduate. The procedures for this differ based on the branch of the service. Because cyber security professionals are in high demand, it is quite possible you will be able to make this change and receive a reclassification once you meet the necessary requirements. Check with your command structure, HR team, counselors, etc. to determine what steps you need to take to start the process.

Are you interested in studying towards a Bachelor of Science in Computer and Information Science with a Major in Cyber and Network Security? If you want to learn cybersecurity, learning at an accelerated pace is a great way to earn your degree! ECPI University offers this program at the pace you want. For more information on this exciting opportunity, connect with a friendly admissions representative today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Cyber and Network Security - Bachelor’s

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