Military Veterans to Collegiate Aviation and Beyond: Lessons Learned Supporting Collegiate Aviation Student Veterans

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Published: Dec 5, 2025
Keywords:
military veterans collegiate aviation veteran transition flight training FAA medical certification aviation education student veterans

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Aric Raus
Army University
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1703-8684
Jason Evans
University of North Dakota
Paul Mosey
Middle Tennessee State University
Elizabeth Bjerke
University of North Dakota

Abstract

Military veterans bring leadership, discipline, and experience to collegiate aviation. Yet, their transition from military service to academic and professional flight careers often presents distinct challenges, even when compared to other non-traditional students. This article presents three effective strategies for supporting and enabling student veteran success in aviation programs. The first example highlights the Charlie and Hazel Daniels Veterans and Military Family Center. This on-campus, public-private partnership provides mentorship, community reintegration, and transition services for veterans and their families. The next initiative, Vets2Wings, is an FAA-funded initiative that offers targeted funding to assist current student veterans in achieving their professional pilot career goals. Finally, the last section addresses the unique challenges and complications that veterans may face when seeking FAA medical certification, along with recommendations on methods to ease the process. Collectively, these examples highlight strategies that can strengthen institutional support systems and promote smoother transitions for student veterans from military service to successful aviation professionals.

Article Details

Issue
Vol. 43 No. 2 (2025): Collegiate Aviation Review International
Section
Proceedings
Author Biography

Aric Raus, Army University

Aric J. Raus, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Aviation Safety at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel with more than 30 years of rotary and fixed-wing aviation experience in civilian and military environments.  His research explores the intersection of aviation mental health, organizational psychology, and their influence on aviation safety.  Dr. Raus has recently presented at the Aerospace Medical Association, the European Association of Aviation Psychology, the National Training Aircraft Symposium, and the University Aviation Association Education Conference. 

References

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