MCAS Beaufort, S.C. -- Engineers, aircraft mechanics, data network specialists and other jobs in the Marine Corps can be turned into careers and with experience in the military, Marines may be qualified for college credit.
Many programs offer Marines the opportunity to save money for college classes while on active duty or at the end of their active service. Delegated by the educational institution, Marines may qualify for college credit from completed Marine Corps Institute courses, training courses, distance education programs or Military Occupational Specialty schools. “We take a look at the content to determine if there is a similarity between the course syllabuses when deciding if the individual should be accredited for their efforts while serving in the military,” said Les Brediger, University of South Carolina Beaufort military program director. Individuals who are currently on active duty or have served in the Marine Corps or Navy are able to use the Sailor/Marine American Registry Transcript system. The Registry was created by the American Council on Education, which helps service members translate their military experience and knowledge into terms recognizable to leaders of the American workforce. “The SMART system takes all military learning courses and schooling then compiles all the information into a transcript to help schools understand where a service member stands with schooling,” said Linda Beattie, Air Station education specialist. The College Level Examination Program and DSST are programs which offer anyone exams who have gained substantial knowledge from the work force or independently to gain college credit and save money. “College is important because you can not stay in the Marine Corps forever,” said Brediger, a former master sergeant and Beaufort native. “College helps Marines with promotions while on a board and once separated, it helps them find a career or continue a degree.” For more information about college or SMART, call Linda Beattie at 228- 7418 or visit the Air Station’s Education Office located in the Training Building. To obtain a Sailor/Marine American Registry Transcript, visit www.smart.navy.mil.