Senator Steve Smith is working to make sure current and former members of the United States military earn credit at colleges and universities in Arizona for their service to the country. He has introduced Senate Bill 1267, requiring schools to set up policies to award academic credit for those military members pursuing associate and baccalaureate degrees.

“While defending our freedoms here in the U.S. and across the world, these men and women are learning skills that will be used in their future employment in our state. It makes sense to me that we should see the benefit of that education in the military, and be able to transfer that education to our community colleges and universities in Arizona,” said Senator Smith, a Republican from Maricopa.

Reports show a higher unemployment rate for separating service members, and they often see a delay in post-Service employment even though they have applicable military education, training and experience. Increased academic credit recognition can help alleviate this problem.

The Department of Defense (DoD) strongly supports SB 1267 and sees this as an important piece of DoD’s overall effort to assist Service members with their professional development and with their transition to civilian jobs.