You served your country, now serve your future

By Maj. Steven J. Brown, Education Director, Soldier for Life     January 2026

For most Soldiers in the middle of retirement prep, I know the question that plagues your mind the most is, "what do I want to do once I take off the uniform?"

This question is quite common for those preparing for their next chapter. Despite possibly having numerous degrees and certifications, Soldiers and their family members are contemplating what their future will look like. You may find yourself re-examining some of your life goals while updating your resume and wondering, "why the heck did I get a master’s degree in human resources, I don’t even like humans anymore!" Venturing back into academia to pursue a new passion or talent you may have just recently discovered is not unheard of, nor is it as cumbersome as you may think. There are so many accelerated programs and resources available.

Your first step should be checking out the Education and Career Training section on the Soldier for Life website, then select Paying for Your Education. You may be able to transfer your Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits to a dependent family member if you’re on active duty or in the Selected Reserve and you meet all of these requirements. You can verify your eligibility and service requirements through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) transfer page or by logging into the milConnect portal.

Once you verify your eligibility and decide how you want to use your remaining education benefits, you will be surprised by all the VA has to offer. Even as the Education Director, I am constantly discovering new resources and tools to benefit military members and their families. I recently had a Soldier approach me about cosmetology school and yes, the VA covers all licensing and examination fees for this field!

Using your VA eduction benefits, whether for yourself or for your eligible family members, not only covers tuition and fees, but may include a monthly housing allowance, books and supplies, and perhaps licensing fees, additional specialized training, apprenticeships, and even some prep courses. Remember, GI Bill payments are tax-free, and you can combine VA benefits with other financial aid, like federal student aid or grants. So, go ahead, maximize your educational advantages – you’ve earned them!