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

The lasers, optics, photonics, and fiber optics industry 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 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. LASER-TEC colleges are military-friendly! Transfer your experience and training into a college credit.

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

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.

Defense and National Security

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
  1. Find a college near you that offers a photonics program: www.laser-tec.org/opcn
  2. Contact the VA office at the college(s) of your choice
  3. Identify your Educational Benefits; 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