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MCCSOKINAWA.COM is provided as a public service by the Marine Corps Community Services. Information presented on MCCSOKINAWA.COM is considered public information and may be distributed or copied. Use of appropriate byline/photo/image credits is requested. For site management, information is collected for statistical purposes. This government computer system uses software programs to create summary statistics, which are used for such purposes as assessing what information is of most and least interest, determining technical design specifications, and identifying system performance or problem areas. For site security purposes and to ensure that this service remains available to all users, this government computer system employs software programs to monitor network traffic to identify unauthorized attempts to upload or change information, or otherwise cause damage. Except for authorized law enforcement investigations, no other attempts are made to identify individual users or their usage habits. Raw data logs are used for no other purposes and are scheduled for regular destruction in accordance with National Archives and Records Administration General Schedule 20. Unauthorized attempts to upload information or change information on this service are strictly prohibited and may be punishable under the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986 (reference (bd)) and the National Information Infrastructure Protection Act (reference (ay)). If you have any questions or comments about the information presented here, please forward them to us by using the Contact MCCS form.
The MCCS Okinawa Education Centers provide adult education opportunities and support for active duty service members, spouses, dependents, and DoD civilians in order to provide access to college courses, funding opportunities, and additional personal and professional development programs. Education Services Specialists are available to assist students throughout the education process from career to personality exploration utilizing resources, such as Occupational Outlook Handbook and O*Net Interest Profiler, as well as college and university selection research with resources such as College Navigator.
The Personal & Professional Development Voluntary Education Program is here to help you attain your educational goals. To request information, please email Education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org. Services offered at the Education Centers include:
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Marine Corps Enlisted to Officer programs are designed to assist outstanding enlisted Marines in becoming commissioned officers.
Per MCO 1040.43B
You must: Eligibility:- Be a U.S. Citizen - PFT: 225, CFT: 270- Possess exemplary character; no convictions - SAT minimum: 1000, ACT minimum: 22- Explain NJPs, Courts-martial, and fully disclose drug use - AFQT: 74 - Ground candidates: 20-30 years old - Aviation candidates: 20-27½ years old
If you would like more information on available commissioning programs or to discuss your options, please contact one of our local education centers or email Education@Okinawa.USMC-MCCS.org.
ECP gives Marines who have already earned a Bachelor's degree the opportunity to become commissioned officers.
Education Requirements: Service Requirements: Applications must have satisfactorily earned a baccalaureate E-3 and above level degree from a regionally or nationally accredited college Minimum 1 year active duty or university prior to applying for the program.
MECEP offers qualified Marines the opportunity to attend a four-year college full-time, while maintaining active duty status and pay. You are responsible for tuition and fees.
12 College CreditsEducation 3 Math or ScienceRequirements 3 English 6 Any Elective
E-5 and above Service 3 years time in service, 1 year left on contractRequirements Must attend a school with NROTC
You will first attend OCS, then college, you will then beHow It Works commissioned as a Second Lieutenant followed by The Basic School (TBS).
When you attend the Naval Academy all tuition and fees will be covered by USNA and active duty pay will stop. You can commission as an Ensign or Second Lieutenant.
Basic Qualifications: Education Requirements:- At least 17, but no more than 23 years - SAT: 550 Math & 500 Critical Reading of age - ACT: 24 Math & 22 English- Unmarried, no children - From High School:- Medically Qualified 4 years of math (algebra, geometry, & trigonometry)- Command Recommendation 4 years of English 1 year of chemistry Strongly Recommended: physics, calculus, history and two years of foreign language
Per OPNAVIST 1420.1B
Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program - MECP
This program is designed to take enlisted personnel and prepare them for commissioning in the medical corps as nurses.
Requirements: Education Requirements:
You will maintain your full pay and allowances - SAT: 500 Math & 500 Critical Readingwhile attending school. All tuition and fees are - ACT: 21 Math & 21 Englishpaid by the student. You may use the GI Bill. - Completed a minimum of 30 semester hours in various subjectsYou must be able to complete your degree by - You must have applied for or been accepted into a nursing programAge 42. Upon completion, you will commission - You need to be able to complete the program within 36 months.as an Ensign in the US Navy. - Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher.
Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Program - MSC-IPP
This program is designed for enlisted personnel to commission into various portions of the Naval Medical Field. Upon completion you will commission as an Ensign in the Navy.
Qualifications: Education Requirements:- E5 to E9 only - SAT: 1000- Must be able to complete the program within - ACT: 42 combined Math & English 24-48 months - Minimums vary by degree program.- You must be able to commission by Age 42- Commanding Officer Recommendation
A Sample of Offered Programs:Health Care Administration, Environmental Health, Industrial Hygiene,Pharmacy, Physician Assistant, Occupational Therapy, Social Work,and Radiation Health.
For more information on Medical Commissioning Opportunities, please seehttps://www.med.navy.mil/sites/nmpdc/professional-development/SitePages/Enlisted%20Commissioning%20Programs.aspx
Don't let money prevent you from going to school. Check out the resources listed below on how you can pay for school:
For a more in-depth approach for funding resources, and to find some military specific scholarships, check out our Guide to Educational Scholarships, Grants and Loans for Service Members and their Families.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Developed by the Office of Federal Student Aid, a part of the U.S. Department of Education, completing the FAFSA may allow eligible students to receive grants, loans, and/or work-study funds for college or career school. Complete your FAFSA here: https://fafsa.ed.gov/
For instructions on how to apply using the FAFSA, click on the following links below:
Completing The FAFSA
FAFSA Step By Step Guide
My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)
The MyCAA Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship assists military spouses in pursuing licenses, certificates, certifications or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in high-demand, high-growth portable career fields and occupations. Spouses may use their My Career Advancement Account Scholarship funds at any academic institution approved for participation in the scholarship. For more information, please visit https://mycaa.militaryonesource.mil/mycaa/
Scholarships
Scholarships are grants students can utilize to pay for their higher education that generally do not have to be paid back. Scholarships are available through a wide variety of sources including clubs, organizations, and online searches utilizing such websites as https://www.fastweb.com/ and https://www.scholarships.com/
Loans
Loans are a type of financial aid that must be repaid are offered federally and through academic institutes. For more information regarding loans, please visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/loans
GI Bill benefits help you pay for college, graduate school, and training programs. Since 1944, the GI Bill has helped qualifying Veterans and their family members get money to cover all or some of the costs for school or training.
There are two primary GI Bill programs for which you may be eligible: Montgomery GI Bill or Post-9/11 GI Bill. The comparison chart below outlines the key differences between the two programs.
Applying for Benefits:
You will need to apply for these benefits through the VA website in order to use the GI Bill. When applying you will need:
You can expect the VA to process this education claim in about 30 days.
Transfer of Benefits:
You may be able to transfer education benefits if you are on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and you meet the following criteria:
To transfer the benefits, you will need to request a Transfer of Entitlement (TOE) through milConnect
Questions about your GI Bill? Contact your local education office, email Education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org, or reach out to the VA.
https://www.asia.umgc.edu/
Camp Foster 645-3054/3488
Kadena Air Base 634-4383
Camp Kinser 637-2406
MCAS Futenma 636-3940
Camp Courtney 622-9250
Camp Hansen 623-7312
Camp Schwab 625-2538
Camp Shields 634-6399
Torii Station 644-4957
Yokota Air Base 225-3680
https://worldwide.erau.edu/administration/military-veterans/pacom
Kadena Air Base 634-5083
MCAS Futenma 636-6692
http://www.troy.edu/
Kadena Air Base 634-5365
GENERAL INFORMATION:
MCCOOL offers Marines information about civilian credentials related to their military occupational specialty (MOS) and how to attain them. It can also help Marines stand out within their professional field and prepare for the civilian workforce. What are credentials? These certifications or licenses, obtained by passing exams offered through various credentialing agencies, show that you meet certain professional or technical standards. As an example - a welder can show his welding certification to an employer to document that s/he has specific skills and knowledge. In the civilian world, credentials may be required for a job, or can make you much more likely to be hired for a job. To help Marines obtain these credentials, the Marine Corps' Credentials Program Office has made Marine Corps funded credential exam vouchers available at no cost to eligible Marine Corps and Marine Corps Reserve personnel.
If you are interested in Marine Corps COOL or have questions about it, please contact your local education office or email education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org
HOW TO APPLY:
Step 1 - Navigate to https://www.cool.navy.mil/usmc/index.htm
Step 5 -Report your results to Marine Corps COOL MUST be done regardless of passing status Send to: usmccool@navy.miil Your supervisor Your Local Approving Official
https://vimeo.com/414395824
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about researching colleges. This episode will review two excellent tools to help you research potential colleges. In this video, we will use College Navigator to help you narrow down your college list and then take a virtual tour of a college campus using YouVisit. Take advantage of these tools, along with the others listed below, to find your ideal college.
Links to include: College Navigator: nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/ YouVisit: youvisit.com/ BigFuture: bigfuture.collegeboard.org/college-search College Scorecard: collegescorecard.ed.gov/ Strive Virtual College Exploration Week: strivescan.com/
If you would like to set up an appointment with one of our counselors to discuss college planning, please email education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
https://vimeo.com/414395777
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about career assessments. In this episode, we will discuss 3 things to consider when choosing a career. We will look at resources that assist with career research and exploration. Use the “Holland Code Assessment” to learn more about your personality and how it aligns with a career. Use the “Occupational Outlook Handbook” and “O&NET” to conduct career research and explore education levels and work values.
Check back tomorrow for Career Research Pt. 2!
Check out the links below! Holland Code Assessment – mynextmove.org/explore/ip Occupational Outlook Handbook – bls.gov/ooh/ O*NET – onetonline.org/
https://vimeo.com/414395808
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about career research tools. In tis episode, we will review 3 resources the can assist you when researching your career choices and the steps involved in obtaining your goal. In this episode we will look at a career research worksheet to record your findings, use the Occupational Outlook Handbook to discuss “How to become one,” “Job Outlook” and “Pay”. See below for links to resources discussed in today’s episode. Check out the links below!
Occupational Outlook Handbook – bls.gov/ooh/ O*NET – onetonline.org/
Career Research Worksheet – clarion.edu/academics/career-services/plan-and-manage-your-career/choosing-a-major-or-career/worksheet-occupations.PDF
https://vimeo.com/414395855
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” In this episode, we will give you tips and resources on enhancing your academic skills. The Online Academic Skills Course (OASC) / College Placement Skills Training (CPST) programs can assist you when preparing for college/university classes. In this episode, we will show you how to take advantage of a free assessment and self-training program to improve your skills in Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary and Math. Through the OASC, you can customize a learning path to assist you in the areas identified through the assessment to improve your skills. With the CPST, you can prepare for your college placement exams for Math and Writing so that you may not have to take remedial course(s). These programs are free to service-members and their dependents, along with DOD civilians. See below for links to resources discussed in today’s episode.
OASC/CPST – nelnetsolutions.com/DantesNet/ Khan Academy – khanacademy.org/Tutor.com - https://www.tutor.com
https://vimeo.com/414395755
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about campus academic resources. This episode will review 3 campus resources that are available to help you meet your academic goals. We will take a look at a university’s website to see what resources they have to offer such as academic coaches. See the link below on the Most Underutilized Campus Resources.
Link- urldefense.com/v3/__https://www.fastweb.com/__;!!J8WyRnyfhQ!sLDW1CoteRR1NYy72Me_kqP3DTe9OpywhqIlcnojTEqvWaGxp0fHGVXl_SeBnU46Ypr9v3dYow$ …/the-most-underutilized-campus-res…
https://vimeo.com/414395737
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about funding college education. This episode will review 3 sources for funding your college education specifically seeking out free resources like grants and scholarships that you do not have to pay back. Today’s episode highlights FAFSA, State aid programs and scholarship tools for military and dependents. Check out the links below!
Federal Financial Aid via FAFSA: fafsa.gov State specific aid programs (including Guam, Puerto Rico, and USVI): nasfaa.org/State_Financial_Aid_Programs Scholarship search tool for military members and their dependents: militaryscholar.org/
https://vimeo.com/414395872
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about time management in college. This episode will review 3 tips for managing your time in college to ensure academic success while balancing the social aspect of college. We review the use of calendars and other apps, using campus resources, and freeing yourself from distractions during designated study time! Click the link below to learn about the 18 Best Time Management APPs of 2020.
Link – lifehack.org/articles/technology/top-15-time-management-apps-and-tools.html
Here are a couple more links on time management to help you prepare for college:
7 Effective Time Management Tips for College Students rasmussen.edu/student-experience/college-life/time-management-tips-college/
8 Ways to Take Control of Your Time bigfuture.collegeboard.org/get-started/inside-the-classroom/8-ways-to-take-control-of-your-time
https://vimeo.com/414395913
“10 Things I Wish I Knew…” about stress management in college. This episode will review 3 tips for managing your stress in college to help you during times of uncertainty and ensure academic success. We will look at getting enough sleep, eating well, use of natural forms of energy and more! See below for a link to the 18 Best Time Stress Management Apps of 2020.
Link – everydayhealth.com/college-health/college-life-10-ways-to-reduce-stress.aspx
Spouse Education and Career Opportunities
The Department of Defense established the Spouse Education and Career Opportunities program to provide education and career guidance to military spouses worldwide, offering comprehensive resources and tools related to career exploration, education, training and licensing, employment readiness and career connections.
The major components of the SECO Program:
Check out the 2020 Virtual Military Spouse Symposium for presentations on education or career development.
Onward to Opportunity
Onward to Opportunity (O2O) is a free career training program that provides professional certification and employee support services to transitioning service members, veterans and military spouses. O2O combines industry-validated curricula, strong partnerships with leading veteran service organizations and private sector companies, and comprehensive career coaching services to prepare and match you with your next career.
Explore the courses/certifications offered
My Career Advancement Account (myCAA)
The My Career Advancement Account Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible military spouses. The scholarship assists military spouses in pursuing licenses, certifications, or associate degrees necessary to gain employment in an occupation or career field. Spouses may use their My Career Advancement Account Scholarship funds ay any academic institution approved for participation in the scholarship.
For more information about myCAA, explore their fact sheet!
As a Pearson VUE Authorized Test Center, we are able to administer a wide variety of exams including, but not limited to, financial management exams, medical certifications, information technology/cybersecurity exams, and more. For a complete list of available Pearson VUE exams, please visit https://home.pearsonvue.com/Military.aspx Also available are AMP/PSI exams. Please inquire with us for further details.
Armed Forces Classification Test (AFCT)
This in-service equivalent of the ASVAB measures aptitudes and abilities necessary for a Marine’s or Sailor’s successful performance on the job and during formal school training. The AFCT is a computer-based exam and can take up to three hours. An authorization letter is required to test. Click here for an example letter.
Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB)
This exam is designed to aid in the selection of personnel for language school training. It measures individuals’ aptitude to learn a new language and is 82 minutes in length.
Defense Language Proficiency Test (DLPT)
This exam is designed to determine proficiency in a specific foreign language. College credit is recommended based upon level of proficiency. Specialized language testing can be requested if computer-based exams are not available. The DLPT is a computer-based and can take up to six hours to complete.
Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI)
This test is conducted in the form of an interview via phone conversation for the purpose of measuring oral proficiency in a specific language.
Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB)
This exam is used in the selection process for all Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard aviation programs and other select officer programs and can take up to five hours to complete. The OAR (a portion of the ASTB) is also available.
Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE)
This exam is required for active duty Marines with a GT score of 99 and below prior to using TA for the first time. It is also used for lateral moves into counterintelligence or EOD.
Click Here to view upcoming test dates and times.
CLEP and DSST exams are a great way to save you time, money, and get you that much closer to earning your college degree. CLEP & DSST exams are available through the University of Maryland University College at their National Testing Centers located on Camp Foster, Camp Hansen, and Kadena AFB. To register for a CLEP or DSST, please visit https://clep.collegeboard.org/register and then schedule your appointment to take the exam through UMGC Asia.
The GRE is required for most graduate level programs. The GRE testing program is divided into two separately administered programs, the revised General Test and the Subject Tests. The GRE is administered at Okinawa Christian School International.
The GMAT is used as an admission tool for entrance into graduate business and management programs. It measures general verbal, quantitative, integrated reasoning and analytical writing skills but does not measure achievement in any particular subject area. The GMAT is proctored by the UMGC's National Testing Center.
The GED test offers an alternative for those who did not finish high school but have goals for the future. The GED Testing Service offers the most-recognized method for earning your high-school-equivalency credential. DANTES reimburses GED test fees for eligible military personnel.
The SAT and ACT are common standardized entrance exams required for most colleges or universities. Active Duty service members are eligible for reimbursement for either test twice during their career. SAT/ACT tests are currently only offered at Kadena High School and Kubasaki High School. Click here for registration information.
Whether you are separating or retiring from the service, transitioning out of the military is a pivotal point in every service member's life. Let MCCS Education Centers assist you in that transition. Our specially designed two day workshop, Accessing Higher Education, was developed for service members to ease the transition from military to college life. It is designed to guide you through a variety of decisions involving choosing a career path, degree programs, college institutions, and a variety of funding options. For a full list of upcoming workshops and to register, please click here.
The Marine Corps Leadership Scholar Program (LSP) provides Marines with assistance in the admission process to colleges and universities across the nation as they transition from active duty to the private sector. Please visit http://usmc-mccs.org/services/education/leadership-scholar/ for more information.
Marine For Life Network (M4L) connects transitioning Marines and their family members to education resources, employment opportunities, and other Veterans services that aid in their career and life goals outside of military service. Please visit http://usmc-mccs.org/services/career/marine-for-life-network/ for more information.
Warrior-Scholar Project empowers servicemembers as they transition from the military to higher education. They host immersive one- or two-week college preparatory programs that prepare transitioning servicemembers for the challenges of college so that they have the confidence and skill-sets to hit the ground running on Day 1 on campus. Please visit https://www.warrior-scholar.org/ for more information.
Service to School provides free application counseling to military veterans. Their mission is to prepare transitioning military veterans for their next chapter of leadership by helping them gain admission to the best college or graduate school possible. Please visit https://service2school.org/ for more information.
SVA Student Veterans of America (SVA) is A non-profit coalition of student-veteran groups on college campuses across the globe with a mission to provide military veterans with the resources, support, and advocacy needed to succeed in higher education and following graduation. Please visit http://studentveterans.org/ for more information.
OVERVIEW: Tuition Assistance is a program offered by the Department of Defense intended to encourage service members to volunteer to attend courses delivered by accredited civilian educational institutions on campus, at military installations, or through distance learning during off-duty times. To aid with this, $4,500 is available for active duty Marines every fiscal year (1 October - 30 September) to help pay for the cost of tuition. Current rates are $250 per semester hour or $166.67 per quarter hour.
Are you a Sailor interested in Tuition Assistance? Click here for Navy specific guidelines and contact information.
ELIGIBILITY: First time tuition assistance applicants must complete eligibility requirements to gain access to this funding.
1. Complete the Personal Financial Management (PFM) Course. a. This course is completed within 90 days of arrival on first Permanent Duty Station at Joint Reception Center. b. Also available through Joint Knowledge Online (JKO) - Course Code is J3OP-US1395 c. Upload completion certificate to your Web TA Portal.
2. Attend a Marine Corps Tuition Assistance Overview (TA) Brief either online or in-person (no registration required). a. In-Person Schedule Schwab - Friday 1000 Hansen - Wednesday 1000 Courtney - Monday 1000 Foster - Thursday 1000 Futenma - Friday 1000 Kinser - Tuesday 1000 b. Online / Virtual Monday, Wednesday, & Friday 1000 Meeting ID: 199 464 0271 Password: tabrief
3. Test of Adult Basic Education (TABE) required ONLY IF GT SCORE EQUALS 99 OR BELOW. a. Check with your local Education Center for scheduled TABE tests.
APPLYING FOR TA: Once the eligibility requirements are met, the next steps are enrolling in school and applying for TA to help cover the cost of tuition.
1. Enroll in the school of your choice and request a degree plan (the list of classes required to earn your degree) a. First time TA users MUST attend their first TA funded class at an on-island school. Contact your local education center for possible exceptions to this requirement. b. Once received, upload a copy of your degree plan to your Web TA Portal.
2. Choose a class that you wish to attend and apply for Tuition Assistance through your Web TA Portal. a. For guidance, please follow the instructions on our Step-by-Step Guide.
The role of a Unit Education Officer (UEO) is an integral part of the Voluntary Education program. You serve as the liaison between the education center and your unit, encourage your Marines to pursue personal and professional development through education, assist us with disseminating important educational programs and opportunities, and ensure that those who need educational guidance are connected accordingly.
Recently, new guidelines have been established for the appointment of Unit Education Officers, as outlined in the new Functional Area Checklist Voluntary Education (1560). The notable updates are as follows:
To meet these new requirements, please complete the UEO Appointment Letter and email to the Voluntary Education Program at Education@Okinawa.usmc-mccs.org with the following information:
LOCATION
COMMAND
APPOINTED UEO
APPOINTED UEO CONTACT INFORMATION
Any questions can be directed to your nearest Education Center.
RESOURCES:
Marine Corps Order 1560.25
UEO Appointment Letter Template
Voluntary Education (1560)
USMAP is a formal military training program that provides active duty service members the opportunity to improve their job skills and to complete their civilian apprenticeship requirements while they are on active duty. Apprenticeships are industry-driven career training and upon completion, participants receive a national recognized Certificate of Completion from the United State Department of Labor. What are the benefits of an apprenticeship through USMAP?
If you are interested in USMAP or apprenticeships, or want to learn more, please contact your local education office or send an email to Education@okinawa.usmc-mccs.org.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS:
In order to participate in the USMAP program, candidates must meet all of the requirements below.
HOW TO ENROLL:
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