There are numerous programs, resources and services available to help you pursue education and find employment through both government agencies and nongovernment organizations. Here are some of the major resources to help you prepare for your future.

Education resources and tools for service members

Department of Defense Voluntary Education Programs: DOD Voluntary Education programs are managed by the DOD Voluntary Education Office. These programs help service members reach their education goals that assist with their military career advancement and transition into the civilian workforce. In support of the DOD VolEd programs, the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education, or DANTES, provides no-cost education support which includes DANTES-funded examination programs, college and career planning programs, and the military training and evaluations program that evaluates military training and work experiences that could potentially qualify for college credit.

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The DOD off-duty Voluntary Education Program is one of the largest continuing education programs in the world, with 350 installation education centers worldwide. From tuition assistance to credentialing help, these branch services can assist you with your voluntary education questions and needs.

Find service-specific resources below:

College Navigator: This tool from the National Center for Education Statistics can help you choose the right school with information about more than 7,000 institutions. Compare tuition, financial aid statistics, credit transfer and more.

Tuition Assistance or TA DECIDE: Make informed decisions about your education. Compare schools, tuition and fees, programs, assistance available and more with the TA DECIDE tool from the Defense Department.

Department of Veterans Affairs education and training benefits: The VA website connects you to information about education, the GI Bill® and job training programs for service members and veterans.

Federal Student Aid: This U.S. government website provides information and resources for college students and their families to help them choose the right college, apply for financial aid and repay student loans.

Department of Education: This U.S. government website provides information for students, parents, teachers and administrators, including links related to student aid, grants and scholarships.

GI Bill® Comparison Tool: This tool helps you compare VA-approved institutions and review other information to choose the right school. It’s also helpful for applying GI Bill® benefits to an on-the-job training program.

Career Path DECIDE: Service members and veterans can use this online tool to find best-fit careers based on their military occupation, education level and prior experience, as well as the required credentials or degrees.

Postsecondary Education Complaint System: If you or your spouse receive tuition assistance or are a My Career Advancement Account Scholarship recipient and feel you have received mistreatment by an educational institution, you are encouraged to submit your feedback through PECS.

Today’s Military Education and Training: This section on Today’s Military website offers information on education and training opportunities for service members, including paying for college, military schools, ROTC programs, earning college credit for military service, and advanced training.

Employment resources and tools for service members

Department of Defense Transition Assistance Program: The place to start for employment planning and career readiness. The website connects you to your service branch, as well as resources and tools.

Transition Assistance Program: Transition Assistance offices are on most military installations in the United States and overseas. You can also find service-specific TAP resources:

DOD Skillbridge: This program offers employment training, internship and apprenticeship opportunities at more than 1,000 public and private organizations across the country.

VA Careers: The Department of Veterans Affairs offers numerous employment resources to help veterans find civilian jobs. Resources include career exploration and counseling, connections to job fairs, job searches, vocational and employment counseling and job-seeking tools.

Find a Job: The VA and the Department of Labor have teamed up to offer numerous online resources for veterans and military spouses seeking employment. Get tools, one-on-one assistance, training and more.

Employment and Training Administration Apprenticeship programs: This website from the Department of Labor helps service members and veterans find high-skill, well-paying jobs in the Registered Apprenticeship system.

Feds Hire Vets: The federal government-wide employment website provides federal employment information for veterans, transitioning service members, their families and federal hiring officials.

CareerOneStop: This Department of Labor website can connect you with programs, including the Veteran and Military Transition Center or My Next Move for Veterans. Also, explore careers, find benefits information and locate your nearest American Job Center.

USAJOBS: The federal government’s employment-related website provides helpful links for veterans seeking federal jobs. As the largest federal employer of veterans, the Defense Department also offers help with connecting veterans to Defense Department civil service jobs.

Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program: This program provides assistive technology and accommodations to support individuals with disabilities and wounded, ill and injured service members throughout the federal government. Access information and communication technology which can help you with your job search.

Military OneSource Education and Employment: Explore the Education and Employment section for valuable tips about job hunting, career exploration and programs. To learn more about specific benefits, visit our education and employment benefits page.

Additional resources for service members

Searching for a job can be stressful, explore these additional resources to help support you mentally during the process.

Psychological Health Center of Excellence from Health.mil provides free, confidential coaching and assistance to service members, veterans and retirees who may need access to mental health care during times of transition, such as preparing to leave military service.

Moving Forward is a free, online educational and life-coaching program from the VA that teaches problem-solving skills to help you better handle life’s challenges. It is designed to be especially helpful for veterans, service members and their families.

No matter where you go next, Military OneSource is here to help. Connect with a Military OneSource education consultant to access the information and resources you need to meet your education goals. Set up your consultation today. Call Military OneSource at 800-342-9647, use OCONUS/international calling options or start a live chat.