College Credit for Military Training

A new law grants college credit to veterans for military training.

Governor Jay Inslee plans to sign into law Senate Bill 5969  which grants academic credit for military training. State Sen. Steve O’Ban, R-Pierce County, who sponsored the legislation, called the new law a major benefit for veterans, “who often face hardships as they transition back into civilian life and need to build new careers.”

When:  3:00 p.m. Governor Jay Inslee’s conference room, Legislative Building

In addition, Washington’s Medal of Honor recipients Captain William D. Swenson, Sgt. Leroy Petry, and SSG Ty M. Carter, will be at the Capitol for the dedication of the Medal of Honor Monument. Senator O’Ban will be presenting Sgt. Leroy Petry with Senator Resolution 8417.  Find out all about them and the Monument here.

When:  
10:30 a.m. - Presentation of Senate Resolution, Governor Inslee’s Office, Legislative Building
11:00 a.m. – Medal of Honor Monument dedication, Capitol Rotunda

“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.”

The law now requires Washington’s colleges and universities to adopt policies on awarding academic credit to individuals for certain military training courses or programs by the year 2016.

Tom Jenkins, President of the Husky United Military Veterans heralded the new law, “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,” Jenkins said.