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Patriotism during wartime and a lack of available jobs have led many individuals to choose a military career over a traditional educational path. As a consequence, government bodies as well as campus-based and online colleges have developed several programs to help those who choose to serve their country pursue their educational and career goals.

Financial assistance is available to veterans returning from active duty through a multitude of scholarship programs and the G.I. Bill, which can cover up to the entire cost of tuition for a soldier who served for more than 90 days since September 11, 2001.

However, growing numbers of online degree programs and continuous efforts to improve them mean active duty members of the military need not wait until their service is completed to begin their educational pursuits. Many soldiers deployed in Iraq who have free time due to reduced violence in the country are using their free time to gain higher education through distance learning or online education programs, according to a recent article in USA Today.

Chief Warrant Officer John Dorman, who is learning calculus and geometry, told the newspaper he is considering becoming a mathematics professor when his service is through. Focusing on advancing his math skills helps Dorman “get away from it all” and provides him with a “good distraction,” he told the media outlet.

Soldiers have always reported that one of the greatest challenges they face in serving is the rigorous schedules that they are forced to work on. For this reason, many soldiers have commonly felt that schooling was simply not a feasible option. More and more that is simply becoming untrue as colleges open up more flexible and unique education programs to allow students to earn their degree online.

Wide reports suggest that soldiers who focus on their education and earn an advanced degree while in the service may have an easier time transitioning into civilian life after they leave the service.

For many soldiers currently in the service the daily stress of their duty can be extreme. These kinds of distance learning programs are actually more of a hobby than a chore. Many soldiers report that staying busy with college courses helps keep them grounded and focused on progressing their life back home even while serving in the armed forces. In this way, the advanced coursework of a college degree is a way to keep perspective and help soldiers prioritize their lives back home for when they leave active-duty.

To help former and current soldiers re-adjust to the civilian world, Colorado State University has announced a plan to join with Veterans Green Jobs. The university and organization will assist veterans with their undergraduate and graduate pursuits as well as their career development goals in the green jobs sector.

Tony Frank, the university’s president, said the partnership aims to “help provide a veteran with a second career after their military service and contribute to Colorado’s new energy economy.” Many people want to consider college degrees.Members of the military who are currently serving may consider enrolling in colleges online in order to get their online degree and stay connected to the civilian world and keep their post-service career prospects intact.