No matter how you learn or for how long you remain in school, the consensus is that education is of tremendous importance. From kindergarten to college and beyond, the learning that takes place is one of the essential building blocks of life.

Most Americans consider a college education the most secure foundation on which to build a career - even a military career. That's why South Sound colleges and universities, as well as online institutions such as Allied American University, offer programs tailored to the needs of Lewis-McChord personnel, their spouses and veterans, including financial aid and low-cost tuition. In addition, online universities are providing flexible and self-paced learning environments that mesh well with the busy lifestyle of today's working adults and military service members and their families.

The options for troops are as varied as their interests and their ambitions. Servicemembers can obtain associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and even Ph.D.s.

Allied American University (AAU) is typical of accredited online universities. It offers associate and bachelor's degrees in a variety of subjects, including criminal justice, business administration and computer information systems.

For Servicemembers who already have a degree, programs are available to enhance what they've already learned. For those looking for career-specific education or needing time to survey the landscape before they decide what area of study they will focus their efforts, certification rather than a degree may be the right option.

Best of all, active-duty personnel, veterans and military spouses benefit from substantial education benefits, including Tuition Assistance (TA) for active-duty, Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts (MyCAA) and Veterans Education Benefits (VA) for veterans - in other words, Servicemembers, veterans and military spouses can attain the educational level they desire without paying anything out-of-pocket.

There are a variety of advantages to pursing an online degree. AAU's online courses, for example, are designed for today's in-demand careers and guaranteed not to be subjected to waiting lists, tuition hikes or enrollment cuts. Other benefits

• Portability - take your studies with you.
• Individualized attention
• Flexible schedules
• Small class sizes

In addition, AAU offers textbook grants, complimentary transfer credit evaluations and no application fees - features made available specifically for service members, military spouses and veterans.

Whether you want to pursue an online associate degree, obtain a certificate or further define your career with a degree concentration, you have the choices ahead of you.

Take them.