The Bridge Austin

With college costs rising faster than inflation, many families feel cornered—scrambling for scholarships, stretching savings, or bracing for years of student loan payments. But there’s one meaningful option that often gets overlooked: military service.

For students who feel led to serve, military pathways can provide full tuition, a monthly stipend, and exceptional leadership development—all while graduating debt-free. Today, we sat down with Matt Bell, Managing Editor at Sound Mind Investing, to explore how these programs work and who they’re best suited for.

Matt brings a personal connection to this topic. One of his sons is currently attending the U.S. Air Force Academy, and his insight helped illuminate both the opportunity—and the responsibility—this path entails.

For the right student, military service can be a remarkable way to fund higher education. And that qualifier matters.

As Matt shared, these programs are designed for students who are willing to serve their country and take on demanding challenges. In return, the military offers generous education benefits through several primary pathways—most notably the U.S. Service Academies and the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).

Beyond the financial benefits, these programs offer leadership training and real-world experience that traditional colleges can’t replicate. Matt mentioned that his son is currently choosing between summer programs such as jump school, where cadets learn to parachute, and soaring school, which involves flying gliders. Those aren’t exactly typical college electives.

There are five U.S. Service Academies:

• U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
• U.S. Air Force Academy
• U.S. Naval Academy
• U.S. Coast Guard Academy
• U.S. Merchant Marine Academy

At each academy, tuition, room, and board are fully covered, and students receive a monthly stipend. But admission is highly competitive. Some academies have acceptance rates as low as 9–10%.

Applicants are evaluated holistically. Strong academic performance, high SAT or ACT scores, physical fitness, athletic participation, and demonstrated leadership all matter. Character is essential as well—letters of recommendation play a key role.

And then there’s one more hurdle: a nomination from a member of Congress or the Vice President (required for all academies except the Coast Guard). That process alone requires early planning and persistence.

Graduates of the service academies don’t walk away with a “free” education—they earn it through service.

Typically, graduates commit to five years of active-duty service followed by three years in the reserves. Specific roles, such as pilots, require longer commitments—often up to ten years after specialized training.

All graduates are commissioned as officers, gaining leadership experience that opens doors to a wide range of future careers, both within and beyond the military.

ROTC offers another pathway and is available on more than 1,700 college campuses nationwide.

Unlike the academies, ROTC students experience a more traditio

In our troubled world, many wonder if evil is triumphing over good and if the darkness has eclipsed the light of Christ’s arrival 2,000 years ago. But Dr. Robert Jeffress shares why Jesus remains the true Light of the World, and how His light ultimately overcomes all darkness!

To support Pathway to Victory, go to ptv.org/donate.

What's the process for good, wise decisions? Chip lays out 4 ways to help children evaluate circumstances and make choices they'll be glad they made.

Transferable Concept #4: Teach them to make WISE choices.

A theology of holiness

• God is high and holy, “TOTALLY other.” -Rev 4:8-11
• God is absolute TRUTH. -Jn 14:6
• God’s WORD defines absolute truth. -Jn 17:17
• God’s LAW (morals) are for our protection. -Ps 119
• God’s ultimate aim is to make us HOLY. -Rom 8:29
• Old Testament roots -Ex 3:5-6; Is 6:1-8
• Biblical profiles: Moses, Stephen
• New Testament command: 1 Pt 1:15-16

Help them learn to make wise choices:

1. Encourage them to saturate their minds with the TRUTH. The Bible, great books, videos

-Rom 8:5-8, Jn 8:32

2. Encourage them to HANG OUT with wise, godly people. -Pr 13:20

3. Model for them how to ASK GOD for discernment and wisdom. -Ph 1:9-11, Jas 1:5

4. Teach them to monitor their EXPOSURE to the media.-Rom 12:2

Life message: Holy living allows you to experience God’s BEST for your life.

Broadcast Resource

• Download Free MP3
• Message Notes

Year End Match

• Double Your Gift Today
• Ministry Report

Additional Resources

• Christmas Gifts

Connect

• 888-333-6003
• Website
• Chip Ingram App
• Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter

Partner With Us

• Donate Online
• 888-333-6003

Hope in the Night - Verbal and Emotional Abuse

Christmas isn't just about the crib or even the cross—it's also about the crown. Isaiah the prophet lifts our spirits by reminding us of the future reign of Christ the King on Earth. In this message, Pastor Lutzer walks us through Isaiah's prophecy and shows us how Jesus fulfills it. If Jesus' first coming was fulfilled, then His second coming is assured! 

This month's special offer is available for a donation of any amount. Get yours at https://offerrtw.com or call us at 1-800-215-5001.

Moody Church Media [https://www.moodymedia.org/], home of "Running To Win," exists to bring glory to God through the transformation of lives.

Erwin W. Lutzer is Pastor Emeritus of The Moody Church in Chicago, where he served as Senior Pastor for 36 years. He is a prolific author of over seventy books. A clear expositor of the Bible, he is the featured speaker on "Running To Win" and "Songs In The Night," with programs broadcasting on over a thousand outlets in the U.S. and across more than fifty countries in seven languages. He and his wife, Rebecca, live in the Chicago area. They have three grown children and eight grandchildren.

SUPPORT:

Tax Deductible Support: https://www.moodymedia.org/donate/

Become an Endurance Partner: https://endurancepartners.org/

SUBSCRIBE:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MoodyChurchMedia

Weekly Digest: https://www.moodymedia.org/newsletters/subscription/

In this episode of The Creative Connection, Ed Young explores the dual focus of Advent as both the preparation for celebrating Jesus' incarnation and the anticipation of His second coming, emphasizing the believer's responsibility to remain spiritually prepared, vigilant, and active in faith as they await the wedding feast of the Bridegroom and His bride, the church.

T.S. Eliot's poem captures the wonder, mystery, and even fear of Christmastime, anticipating Christ's restoration of all things lost. 

__________

Register for CCNC at colsonconference.org