Veterans

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​GET A HIGH-TECH, HIGH-PAYING JOB IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS!

The laser and fiber optics industry (LFO) is experiencing a shortage of qualified workforce. Military personnel in all branches of the U.S. armed forces receive a robust technical training that is extremely valuable and sought after by LFO industry employers. Active military members and veterans who received training in occupational specialties listed on these brochures are a great fit for this ever-growing industry.  

Marines MOS

Navy MOS

Air Force MOS

Army MOS

What is Photonics?

Photonics involves cutting-edge uses of lasers, optics, fiber-optics and electrooptical devices in numerous and diverse fields of technology.

Photonics Industry Needs Trained Professionals

The industry is experiencing increasing growth in all sectors, and the demand for well-educated technicians has risen faster than supply to fill those positions.

Where do Photonics Technicians Work?

Trained professionals in the photonics field are needed in numerous photonics-enabled fields, such as:

• Defense and National Security
• Advanced Manufacturing and Automation
• Analytical Equipment and Manufacturing
• Laser and Optical Equipment Manufacturing
• Research and Development
• Communications and Information Technology
• Healthcare

Learn more on our Discover Careers page. 

How to Get Started

1. Find a college near you that offers a photonics program; http://www.laser-tec.org/our-partners.html or http://www.op-tec.org/opcn
2. Contact the VA office at the college(s) of your choice
3. Identify your Educational Benfits; benefits.va.gov​​

• Post 9-11 GI Bill
• Montgomery GI Bill
• GI Bill Selected Reserve
• Reserve Educational Assistance
• $600 Buy-up Program
• Survivors & Dependents Assistance

    4.   Apply online at gibill.va.gov or call 1-888-GI BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551)

• Application form 22-1990
• Transfer of entitlement form 22-1990E
• Application for dependents form 22-5490
• Vocational rehab: see counselor for form 28-1905

    5.   Follow the steps to be admitted to the college
    6.   Register for classes

Helpful Resources

• Education and careers in lasers and fiber optics for veterans https://www.mynextmove.org/vets/ 
• FL State Benefits, Careers, Education http://www.veteransflorida.org/
• Education Benefits
  • ​A​pplication https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/apply.asp
  • Post 9-11 GI Bill https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/post911_gibill.asp
  • Montgomery GI Bill https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_ad.asp
  • GI Bill Selected Reserve https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/mgib_sr.asp
  • Reserve Educational Assistance (REAP) https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/reap.asp
  • $600 Buy-up Program https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/resources/benefits_resources/rates/600_buyup.asp 
  • Survivors & Dependents Assistance (DEA) https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/survivor_dependent_assistance.asp 
• Global Directory of Optics and Photonics Academic Programs http://www.opticseducation.org​