About

About OCS Connect

OCS Connect is an online portal designed to provide the nation’s 150,000 new service members and their parents the advice and resources needed to effectively plan and prepare for higher education and personal financial success as they navigate their military journey. Created by Our Community Salutes in 2019 and backed by the expertise of three of the largest education providers to military service members and veterans in the U.S. – Southern New Hampshire University, University of Maryland Global Campus and American Public University System – OCS Connect is a dedicated and supportive resource as you undertake your most important goals.

OCS For Parents

OCS Connect provides parents of new service members with advice and resources needed to help your son or daughter plan and prepare for higher education and personal financial success as they navigate their military journey. Find answers to many important questions.

Guidance for Parents

For the past ten years Our Community Salutes(“OCS”) has sought to help new service members and their parents successfully transition into the military. Surveys of parents attending ceremonies indicate that they seek additional knowledge so they can provide guidance to their children in the use of military education benefits and managing their personal finances.

The goal of OCS Connect is to provide early guidance and education for these topics since approximately 75% of new high school enlistees will serve only one tour of duty, which typically range from 48 to 60 months. Partnering with OCS Connect, are three universities and a financial institution that will provide a series of educational articles, “Meet the Expert” Webinars, parent training coaching tips and interactive forums that will benefit parents. You are invited to take advantage of these resources as OCS-Connect wants parents to be equipped with the tools to assist your children.

OCS For New Service Members

OCS Connect is a place where new service members can get helpful tips and expert advice to help make the most of your military journey and prepare you for success, on whatever path you choose following your service.

Support for New Service Members

Our Community Salutes goal is for enlistees to have a fulfilling and productive experience serving in the US Armed Forces. Statistics state that 75% of new high school enlistees will be “one and done”. That is, you will serve one tour of duty that will typically range from 48 to 60 months. This time will go fast given much of your first year will be dedicated to your basic and advanced military training. Understanding what education benefits are available while serving or upon military separation are important to maximizing this important benefit. Examples of important areas that new veterans may not be aware of are the impact of enrolling in a school and then changing majors or transferring schools OCS Connect is a tool to aid you in being prepared early. Partnering with OCS Connect, are three universities that will provide a series of educational articles, Webinars and other information to help you and your parents.

Our Community Salutes understands that many of our new service members will be receiving their first substantial paychecks. Please know there are unscrupulous people and businesses that will prey on new service members. OCS wants new service members to avoid financial difficulties and worries so OCS Connect will also provide tools and information to assist in your personal financial management. Such topics may include tips on saving money, avoiding credit card debt, avoiding being a victim of fraud or being careful with making any large purchase. Like using education benefits, OCS Connect will provide a series of educational articles, “Meet the Expert” Webinars other information to help you and your parents.

Respect For Our Community

OCS Connect is a free and open community for service members and their families. We ask that everyone respect each other as we respect your privacy. Please adhere to our user guidelines.