The importance of Education in the Navy has grown over the last several years. At first, education was seen as something only for the young college age recruits. The older, more seasoned veterans were seen at having an “education at sea” and not a lot of effort went into college or further education for Senior Enlisted personnel.
That is all beginning to slowly change, however. The Navy AEV, or Education Voucher program is one that is brand new. It pays for education for senior enlisted personnel at pay grades of E-7 to E-9. Those who seek enrollment in the program must desire to seek a master’s degree, or a bachelor degree
There are a few restrictions. The program of study that the senior enlisted person seeks must be considered “Navy Relevant” or something that can help the Navy in some way. The personnel or person seeking to receive help in this program has to have positive career ratings and be considered a superior performer by their command. Applicants have to have the potential of continued advancement or mobility in the Navy, and be eighteen years in service for E-7, Twenty years in service for E-8, and Twenty-Four years in service for E-9.
Navy Applicants for this program should be either on shore duty currently or transferring to a shore based assignment with anticipated time ashore to complete a degree program. Applicants who are currently on sea duty that have an established educational plan can still apply but must have their commanding officers approval and endorsement.
Senior enlisted personnel that are currently in a degree program or who are receiving Tuition Assistance (TA) or other types of support or financial assistance can put in an application for the AEV program. Any type of program expenses or things that they have invested in for educational purposes before applying to the AEV program is not eligible to be paid for under the program.
Navy TA or tuition assistance and the AEV program cannot be combined, once receiving or qualifying for the Navy Voucher program it will be come primary and assistance under TA programs will cease. Amounts for the Four-degree program are up to six thousand seven hundred dollars a year, for up to three years, with the total cost not more than twenty thousand dollars. Amounts for the Masters degree program can be up to twenty thousand a year, for up to two years. The total amount for the AEV voucher Masters program cannot exceed forty thousand dollars.
I am not currently serving in the Navy, but I am going to get my MSW and believe that serving as a social worker in this capacity would be extremely beneficial in gaining experience. I am 38 and don’t know if I am too old. I will have my BA in English by 2013 from Cal state university of San Bernardino. I would be willing to serve for 5-7 years if the Navy would be willing to pay for all expenses. Also, do I get to choose the college of my choice?