The GI Bill is one of the huge benefits of military service. For serving for a few years, you can get an education at reduced or no cost, to the best universities in the world. The benefit of the GI Bill is an immensely attractive lure for many thinking of military service. But what most people do not know is that you can use the GI Bill for far more than just your regular college. The educational benefits provided by the bill can also be used for an outdoor education.
Does the thought of working inside make your stomach upset? Is being tied to a desk your worst nightmare? If so, no need to worry, you can work somewhere you like. Nor do you have to waste time in regular college program that does not give you the education you want. How does working as an adventure guide sound? Or being a wilderness survival expert? Even if you want to go work at a “normal” job, maybe you just want to gain some outdoors skills. Good news for vets is that GI Bill benefits can cover expenses associated with outdoor education.
I’ll list out some of the outdoor schools where GI Bill benefits are accepted. A lot of these programs can result in college credit, meaning that that besides learning how to live off the land, track wild game, or lead a rock-climbing expedition, you can use these courses to count toward a degree.
School:National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
Location:GI Bill benefits are only available for courses based out of Lander, WY
GI Bill details: NOLS lays out how they work with vets in very great detail
Credentials available: College credits, Wilderness First Aid/First Responder/EMT, Master Educator, NOLS Level I Avalanche Training, Rock Rescue Training, Swiftwater Rescue Training
The National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) is one of the top programs in the world for receiving an outdoor education. They offer courses here that are eligible for GI Bill benefits. For anyone wanting to work in the outdoor industry or just wanting to gain some great experience in the outdoors, this is a great place to go. Read this to hear a fellow vet talk about his experience at NOLS.
School: Wilderness Awareness School
Location: Duvall, WA
GI Bill details: Details on their FAQ page
Credentials available: College credits
The Wilderness Awareness School runs wilderness survival skills courses in Washington via a weekend or intensive 9-month format. They have courses to teach you how to live off the land, track animals, or use plants for medicinal purposes.
School: Alderleaf Wilderness College
Location:Monroe, WA
GI Bill details: Available on their FAQ section
Credentials available: College credits, Professional Certification
The Alderleaf Wilderness College runs multi-day and 9-month programs that are eligible for the GI Bill. Alderleaf has a similar structure to the Wilderness Awareness School, but they also can provide an outdoor teaching certification if you want to pursue a career in outdoor education.
School: Jack Mountain Bushcraft School
Location: Masardis, ME
GI Bill details: They have a whole page for the GI Bill. Note that only specific courses are available for benefits.
Credentials available: Courses that are available for benefits also result in certificates from the school- a respected name in the industry
For those of you who want to stay on the East Coast, you can also check out this school in Maine. Particularly if you are interested in working outdoors in colder climates, the courses available here can prepare to meet those demands.
School: New Colorado Outdoor Adventure Guide School
Location: Mesa, CO
GI Bill details: Details in the FAQ. They also have a program for people to sponsor veterans who want to attend.
Credentials available: Does not advertise any college credits or certificates, but they do have a job placement programs for graduates to find employment after graduation.
Maybe you grew up hunting and fishing and have wanted to work as a fishing guide or hunting expedition leader. NCOAGS offers programs to help you learn to be a guide, work as a wildlife manager, or serve as wildlife expert at resorts. Even if you do not want to work in that industry, this could be a great way to strengthen your personal skills.
School: Swan Mountain Wilderness Guide School
Location: Swan Lake, MT
GI Bill details: Eligible for benefits
Credentials available: No credits or credentialing offered, but they are a trusted name in the industry and help their graduates find work after graduation.
SMWGS offers courses to be a hunting or fishing guide, wilderness cook, and multiple courses dealing with horses. Particularly if you want to work on a major ranch or lead expeditions on horseback, this is a great option for you to consider.
If you find any more programs like this that are eligible for GI Bill benefits, please reach out to me.
Always verify with the VA before planning on using your VA benefits for any type of education expense.
Please note: GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
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