New Law Grants College Credits for Military Training

Members of the military will soon be able to receive college  credit for some military training. That's under a new bill that Gov. Jay Inslee was signing Wednesday.

Under current law, colleges and universities must adopt policies on awarding academic credit to individuals for certain military training courses or programs by 2016. The bill’s sponsor, Pierce Country Republican state Sen. Steve O’Ban, called the measure "a major benefit for veterans, who often face hardships as they transition back into civilian life and
need to build new careers."

“We ask so much of our brave men and women in uniform,” said O’Ban, whose two sons serve in the military, “they’ve made life-and-death decisions, mastered complicated information technology and communications systems, and managed millions of dollars’ worth of equipment. This is valuable training and work they’ve accomplished and worthy of college credit.”

Tom Jenkins, president of the Husky United Military Veterans, heralded the plan, too.

“I'm very excited about this bill. This is the biggest thing for veterans as it directly recognizes their accomplishments. It says ‘thank you’ for being a medical professional, or being an engineer, for example. For those who choose to continue in their field of training this is a great opportunity.”