Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) for College-Bound Service Members

The Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) is a Department of Defense (DoD) education initiative designed to help active-duty service members strengthen their reading, writing, and math skills. MASP improves foundational academic performance, raises Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) scores, and prepares enlisted personnel for college-level coursework and advanced training opportunities.

MASP is available at many U.S. military installations and is free of charge to eligible participants.

How the Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) Works

The Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) provides short-term, instructor-led courses in core academic subjects. Local education centers, in partnership with certified educators and community colleges administer the program.

MASP is intended to:

• Improve General Technical (GT) scores on the ASVAB
• Support eligibility for reclassification into new Military Occupational Specialties (MOS)
• Prepare service members for college-level entrance and academic success.

Courses are typically delivered in person and scheduled during duty hours with command approval. Each session usually runs two to four weeks.

Key Features of MASP

Benefits of MASP for Enlisted Service Members

• MASP increases General Technical (GT) scores for enlisted Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, and Airmen preparing for reclassification or commissioning programs.
• MASP supports academic readiness for college courses by reinforcing basic skills.
• MASP allows participants to complete education during duty hours with no out-of-pocket costs.
• MASP helps participants qualify for advanced training or fulfill prerequisites for programs like Tuition Assistance (TA) or the Marine Corps Enlisted Commissioning Education Program (MECEP).
• MASP may reduce the time and cost of earning a college degree by preparing students to succeed in credit-bearing courses.

Is MASP Right for You?

The Military Academic Skills Program (MASP) is designed for enlisted service members who need to improve academic skills before enrolling in college or pursuing a new MOS. MASP is an effective option if:

• You need to raise your GT score to meet reclassification or promotion requirements.
• You plan to apply for Tuition Assistance (TA), the Post-9/11 GI Bill, or commissioning programs.
• You are preparing to take college entrance exams (such as the SAT or ACT).
• You prefer in-person instruction with focused support from qualified educators.
• You want to build academic confidence before starting credit-bearing coursework.

How to Enroll in MASP

1. Visit your base education center and ask about the next available MASP session.
2. Complete any required assessments or placement tests.
3. Obtain command approval to participate during duty hours.
4. Register through your installation’s education office or the program’s designated provider.
5. Attend class as scheduled and complete the full program.

MASP sessions fill quickly, and availability may vary by location. Education counselors can assist with enrollment and planning.

FAQs about the Military Academic Skills Program (MASP)

Q: Who is eligible for MASP?
A: MASP is available to active-duty enlisted service members across all branches of the U.S. military. Command approval is required.

Q: What subjects does MASP cover?
A: MASP focuses on reading comprehension, writing fundamentals, and basic math skills.

Q: Does MASP cost anything to attend?
A: No. MASP is fully funded by the Department of Defense and free for eligible participants.

Q: How long does the MASP program last?
A: Most sessions run between two and four weeks, depending on the installation and provider.

Q: Can MASP help me qualify for a new Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) or commissioning program?
A: Yes. MASP is designed to help raise GT scores and prepare for programs such as MECEP, Army Green to Gold, and other reclassification opportunities.