In 2008, 39,000 active duty service members earned degrees while deployed in places like Iraq and Afghanistan, 25,800 active members earned associate’s degrees,10,484 earned bachelor’s degrees, and 2,666 earned master’s degrees.

Deployed on a carrier in the Persian Gulf, Jonathan Rickman, a 2nd class Navy specialist, is furthering his education online. He typically works a long shift, gets some physical activity, does laundry, and then hits the books, logging onto his classes on one of the ship’s computers to talk with classmates and instructors halfway around the world. 

"The biggest advantage of online education is the ability to ‘attend’ class when it is convenient for me," says 25-year-old Rickman. "I can’t study like this at home. Here, when all my work is done, I don’t have anything else to do. My classes keep me busy, and I know they’ll help me get a good job when I get home."

Stephanie Martin, a field medic stationed near Qatar, is majoring in education. "I like that it provides me with a distraction from some of the harsh realities of war," Martin says. 

Fortunately, online services exist to military servicemen and women to help them find the right degree and know how to use their military financial aid. By visiting Classes and Careers.com, military servicemen and women can fill out a form and get in contact with an education advisor from a military-friendly online university.

Martin says, "They made it easy for me to figure out which classes I wanted to take and how to pay for it. It’s hard to believe I’ll be teaching elementary school kids when I’m done here."

If you are on active duty in the military, you may be able to use your GI Bill, tuition assistance, financial aid or scholarships to take classes online. Visit ClassesandCareers.com today to fill out a form, tell them about your interests, and get connected with an education advisor.

The recession has helped drive up military recruitment and retention rates. As more and more people lose their jobs, the idea of having steady job with great benefits looks even more appealing and the military provides that.

As of last week, the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis received 15,300 applications for only 1,230 positions. This is a 40 percent increase since last year and the highest number of applications received since 1988. The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, NY and the U.S. Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO also saw increases. Applications were up 10 percent for the class of 2013.

The recession is responsible for fewer college scholarships and financial aid, so people are looking at different options. The military offers free college and a steady job. Members of the military are able to finance their education through a number of different ways. These may include but are not limited to their GI Bill, financial aid, scholarships, grants, and military tuition assistance.

Many soldiers understand how important education is, and are currently taking classes online. Many different schools offer online courses. Distance learning offers flexibility because it allow students to learn anytime and anywhere, including students that are deployed. Many students by taking online classes are able to finish their degree by the time they decide to get out of the military.

With an education, these students not only become better soldiers, but also better civilians. Upon graduation, these students will not only have their military training but also an academic background. With these two types of training and knowledge, these individuals will be prepared for their futures and also have a competitive edge on everyone else.

Related Link: Undergraduate Degrees and Masters Degrees