Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) The Servicemembers Opportunity College (SOC) consists of a national group of more than 450 colleges. These colleges have agreed to cooperate with the Department of Defense (DOD), the military services, and the Coast Guard to support voluntary education programs. SOC members include universities, 4-year and 2-year colleges, and technical institutes. SOC members subscribe to specific principles and criteria to ensure that high-quality academic programs are available to military students. Navy Associate Degree Program (SOCNAV) The Navy Associate Degree Program (SOCNAV) is the associate degree program for the Navy coordinated by SOC. It consists of groups of accredited colleges offering associate degree programs on or accessible to Navy installations worldwide. The associate degree programs are offered in fields of study relating to the members’ ratings. A plan for a 4-year baccalaureate degree program, similar to the associate degree program, is being considered. Within each of the curriculum areas, the member colleges guarantee to accept each others’ credits for transfer, An official evaluation of all prior learning is issued by the “parent” college as a SOCNAV Student Agree- ment. This agreement serves as the student’s academic plan and contract for the degree. Presently, SOCNAV includes 41 colleges supporting 10 networks (each consisting of separate curriculum areas) at over 100 Navy installations. All SOCNAV networks relate to military  occupations. Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB) Act of 1984 Beginning on 1 July 1985, nonprior service members entering active duty began receiving educational benefits under the Montgomery GI Bill (MGIB). Service members eligible for the Vietnam Era GI Bill also became eligible to receive benefits under the MGIB as of 1 January 1990. Service members who entered active duty after 31 December 1976 and are eligible for the Veterans’ Educational Assistance Program (VEAP) are not eligible. Beginning 1 July 1985 Selected Reserve and National Guard personnel also became eligible for certain MGIB benefits. The MGIB provides for basic financial assistance in the amount of 0 per month for 36 months. Members may use their educational benefits while in service after 2 years of active duty. Members must use all benefits within 10 years after the date of their last discharge or release from active duty. Those who began active duty after 30 June 1985 automatically incur a monthly pay reduction of 0 per month for 12 months unless they elect not to take part in this program. Service members must make this one-time, irrevocable decision when they begin active duty. Officer candidates make this decision at the time of their com- missioning. Vietnam Era GI Bill personnel are not required to contribute to the program to remain eligible. Service members who do not meet the criteria to convert benefits retain Vietnam Era GI Bill benefits, which they must use by 31 December 1989. Those persons who were on active duty on 1 July 1988 retain Vietnam Era benefits and are covered by the new GI Bill. On 1 January 1990 eligible members were automatically covered by the MGIB at a rate of 0 per month plus one-half of their Vietnam Era GI Bill entitlement rate that was effective 31 December 1989. This payment may not exceed 36 months or the number of months of remaining Vietnam Era entitlement, whichever is less. The total entitlement used under both bills cannot exceed 48 months. DUTY ASSIGNMENTS You have the opportunity to work with your detailer to receive a favorable set of orders. Under the Guaranteed Assignment Retention Detailing (Guard) III program, you may be able to receive two guaranteed duty assignments. You must use the first Guard III assignment during your first reenlistment. You can use the second Guard III assignment anytime up to your 25th year of service. COMMISSIONING PROGRAMS The Navy offers many ways for young enlisted personnel to join the officer ranks. Young sailors can apply for the Naval Academy or the Broadened Opportunity for Officer Selection and Training (BOOST) Program or seek a college degree and apply for a direct commission. Senior enlisted personnel can apply for the Chief 5-8