OpenAI says 20,000 veterans have claimed free ChatGPT Plus access

Free access supports career transitions

OpenAI said the milestone was reached over the past year after it offered free access to ChatGPT Plus. The company is highlighting the program as Veterans Day approaches, focusing on how veterans are using AI while moving from military service into civilian work.

According to OpenAI, veterans are using ChatGPT to organize their job searches, rehearse for interviews and explore career paths they had not previously considered. The company said the effort began with veterans working at OpenAI, who use its tools and understand the challenges involved in transitioning from military service.

Training helps veterans use AI together

Free access is one part of OpenAI’s work with the military community. OpenAI Academy and community partners have hosted more than a dozen training sessions for nearly 1,000 members of that community, with seven more scheduled before the end of the year.

OpenAI recently completed its first six-event Academy series with Veterans Forge. The series focused on helping veterans and military families use ChatGPT to work toward their goals. The company also described workshops held with AI Collective Hampton Roads and NPower as part of the work shaping its future offerings.

At a workshop in Reston, Virginia, nearly 100 veterans and active-duty servicemembers explored ways to use AI. Participant Ryan Kaono-Wedemeyer learned to begin with a detailed account of his military experience and then ask AI to help turn it into a civilian résumé. Instructor Erin Marie helped participants create custom GPTs for their transitions, while observing that some initially skeptical attendees began identifying practical uses for the tools.

In Louisville, Kentucky, more than 80 Legionnaires attended three AI training sessions at the American Legion’s national convention. Veterans who cannot attend in-person events can use OpenAI’s online veterans collection and its “100 chats for veterans” examples.

OpenAI plans to continue the work

OpenAI said it will continue working with partners across the country through the rest of the year. Its stated goal is to help veterans and military families carry skills developed during service into whatever work they choose next.

The company credited ID.me with helping servicemembers and veterans access the free-year offer, and thanked its community partners for supporting the training events. For users, the announcement points to two routes for getting help: a year of ChatGPT Plus at no cost for eligible participants, and training or self-guided materials focused on career planning and transition. OpenAI’s figures also show that its approach combines product access with group instruction for veterans, transitioning servicemembers and military spouses.