All colleges and universities have different policies concerning transfer credit. Those with military backgrounds should research their school choices to find out what they require, how much transfer credit they allow and how to obtain it.
Students should obtain copies of their military transcript. According to ACE, this should be done every six months. You can see an unofficial one online through the Army American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS) if you are a member, or have been a member of the Army, Army Reserve or National Guard. It is free of charge. The AARTS transcript combines military courses, experience and training.
Other branches of the military such as the Navy and Marine may obtain their transcripts through the SMART system. They may be ordered my mail, phone or online. Coast Guard members may obtain their transcripts directly from the U.S. Coast Guard Institute. The Air Force has its own accredited college, so all members may request an official transcript free of charge directly from the school.
It is important for those seeing transfer credit to start the process early. Students may request free transcripts be sent through the AARTS system to their college(s) of choice. This gives the school time to decide what, if any, college credit will be granted. Students should note that some schools will not give their decision unless or until a student enrolls in classes, and in some cases, finishes at least 12 credit hours.
The American Council on Education reviews military training/courses and determines what they may transfer as. However, colleges are not required to take the council's recommendations or grant the number of credits they say the course merits. In addition, colleges and universities sometimes limit the amount of transfer credit allowed, so they may lower the amount which is deserved.
The ACE does not evaluate courses done by correspondence, but courses and training done in person.
Students may also take College Level Examination Proficiency tests to attempt to get credit in classes they believe they have enough of a background in, such as foreign languages.
It is the students responsibility to make sure they are getting the right counsel concerning their academics. They should see a counselor to map out a graduation track and get a clear understanding of how their military experience will assist them academically.