I'm a vet and I'm also a math instructor at a community college.

Starting at community college can be an excellent way to go. This is especially true if you've been out of school for a long time.

The college will probably have you take an entrance exam. If you place into a developmental math class do not try to get out of doing it. Many people make that mistake. They try to rush their way through math. If you place into developmental math go to your school's VA office and ask if they have a Veteran's Upward Bound program.

At my school the Upward Bound program will pay you to take the developmental classes. So you don't have to use your GI BILL to become college ready.

Also if you're starting out at an affordable community college don't be so fast to use your GI Bill. Fill out a FAFSA form and see if the Pell grant will cover what you need. I know a few vets who are using their Pell grant at my college and saving their GI Bill for when they transfer to university.

For them this is wise since they are engineering majors and will probably have at least 3 years of schooling(including summers) after they transfer.

Once you are a student utilize your school's academic services: go to the math lab, go the writing lab, go to your instructor's office hours. Also try to form a study group. That really can make all the difference.

Need a job? Go to your schools "Student Job Services" dept. Every school has one. Ask about getting a Federal Work Study Position.

It doesn't pay much but it can be an excellent student job. You'll work somewhere on campus: gym, library, office, math lab, etc...

The good part is that they give you flexible hours to fit around your classes. The bad part is that it pays federal min. wage and you are limited to 20-hours per week. But really you'll be needing most your time for study anyway.