LASER-TEC, Center for Laser and Fiber Optics Education
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Veterans


​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.  
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Marines MOS
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Navy MOS
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Air Force MOS
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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. 
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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
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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​
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