The Naval Base Kitsap, Bangor Navy college office is making it easier for Sailors, Marines, and their dependents to get a
college education.
According to Gerald Hert, NBK Bangor’s Navy college office director, resources and services are available to service members
and their families to assist them in earning their college degrees.
“The sky is the limit here,” said Hert. “We offer DANTES and CLEP tests, as well as SAT and ACT testing and preparation.
Students can also use the colleges that are available here to earn their degrees and they can either take classes online, in
a classroom setting, or both, depending on what their needs are. 
Hert went on to point out the choices that customers have in earning a certain degree.
“Navy college counselors are also available to assist you in choosing a degree path that is right for you, as well as direct you
to schools that are best suited for your degree needs,” said Hert.
For those who prefer not to earn a college degree, the Navy college office can assist in providing certificates through vocational
schools in the area.
“We can also help students get certificates in areas such as in real estate sales and appraisals, welding, or through any kind of
vocational school,” said Hert.  “This is for the student who doesn’t feel they want to go through a normal degree program.
Although we don’t provide the courses here, we can provide you information on a list of schools in the area that are accredited.”
Rich Aguilar, an academic advisor with Vincennes University, says some service members don’t even realize how close they could
be to a degree.
“We accept so many credits off of a Sailor’s SMART transcript,” said Aguilar. “When people realize they are eight classes, instead
of abut 20 classes, away from a degree, they get seriously motivated.”
Aguilar says a service member’s SMART transcript is an extremely valuable tool that can be used to earn a college degree.
“All a Sailor has to do is bring their SMART transcript into us and I evaluate it into classes that we offer at our school,” said Aguilar.
Aguilar says that earning a degree is beneficial to those who are looking into making the military a career, as well as for when
they leave the military.
“An associate degree is two points on the advancement exam,” said Aguilar. “It makes you more eligible for an early promote on
your eval or other promotion opportunities, such as command advancement. In the civilian community, a college degree is the
measuring stick; you are more marketable than someone without one.”
Some Sailors find the time to fit college into their busy schedules.
“I think it’s important that everyone gets a college degree before they get out of the military,” said Yeoman 3rd Class (SS) Matthew
McMinn of USS Michigan (SSGN 727) (Gold). “Whenever you have the time, you have to get the information that’s out there, just in
case you can find something that can work around your schedule. I would recommend others come here and take advantage of the
programs available here to the fullest.”