Has anyone on active duty used Tuition Assistance for trade classes/school?

2020-12-09T19:16:42-05:00

I don't really want to do online college at the moment however I would enjoy being able to do welding work or hands-on trade schooling in my off time. Has anyone done this before and gotten TA for it? All the resources I can find have to do with credentials and online college, nothing to do with actually going to something like a shop and doing SMAW/GMAW welding or Machining at a trade school in my off time.
(Already called on-post education center, by the way, I'm just curious if anyone has any experience doing this kinda thing.)

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 7:30 PM

2020-12-09T19:30:07-05:00

If it doesn't result in a cert or degree or isn't a prerequisite for some type of program, TA/CA isn't going to pay for it. TA is meant to fund education leading to a degree or certification. If it doesn't lead to a degree or certification it falls outside the parameters of the federal funding

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 9 at 2020 7:33 PM

2020-12-09T19:33:33-05:00

https://www.militaryonesource.mil/education-employment/for-service-members/preparing-for-higher-education/how-to-use-the-military-tuition-assistance-program/

Tuition assistance may be used for the following programs:

Vocational/technical programs
Undergraduate programs
Graduate programs
Independent study
Distance-learning programs

https://www.goarmyed.com/public/public_tuition_assistance_policies.aspx

"The Tuition Assistance (TA) program provides financial assistance for voluntary off-duty education programs in support of a Soldier's professional and personal self-development goals. TA is available for courses that are offered in the classroom or by distance learning and is part of an approved academic degree or certificate program. The courses must be offered by schools that are registered in GoArmyEd, are accredited by accrediting agencies that are recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and are signatories to the current Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding (DOD MOU)."

Army Credentialing Assistance Program
Much like Tuition Assistance (TA), Soldiers can request Credentialing Assistance (CA) for training that leads to a credential, license, or certification through GoArmyEd. CA will pay for training courses that lead to a credential, and also provides funding for books, materials, fees, exams, and recertification. Soldiers have a combined fiscal year limit not to exceed $4000 for use towards TA and CA.

More than 1600 credentials, licenses, and certifications are listed in Army COOL (http://www.cool.army.mil). COOL aligns credentials to Soldiers’ military occupational specialties (MOS), but for CA, Soldiers can select and earn credentials during their off-duty time that do not relate to their MOS.

The Military Tuition Assistance Program for Service Members

If you've thought about going to college, but didn't know if you could afford it, then the Military Tuition Assistance program may be just the benefit you need. The program is available to active duty, National Guard and Reserve Component service members.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Dec 9 at 2020 10:42 PM

2020-12-09T22:42:02-05:00

Yes it can be but it depends on the course and certification you are attempting.