It's boot camp. Not the one Army veteran Michael Rankin is used to, but it's set to build skill.

"While we were on a tour in Djibouti, I thought I'd be interested in computer science," said Rankin.

Michael turned in his gear for an education.

"A lot of our student veterans at least here at Syracuse University are older than maybe your traditional 18-to 20-year-old student. Some of them have families and a whole career that they've had in the military before they come here. They're just in a different place when they come here," said Syracuse University Office of Veteran and Military Affairs Operations Manager Lauren Pyland,.

These veterans are participating in the Warrior-Scholar Project to help transition from the battlefield to the classroom.

"I'm incredibly nervous. Like I'm almost terrified, but I'm going to keep my head low and walk through it," said Rankin.

A feeling veteran Jorge Pintado can also relate to. He went through the program and is now helping others.

"I'd like to be a model almost like a beacon of hope. I kind of want to be here and show them that listen if I can do it, so can you," said Jorge Pintado, Warrior-Scholar Project Fellow.

The courses go over writing, scholarly research and study skills.

"The first piece of paper that I put out for this was not the greatest. With just a few pointers from some of the professors and tutors, I think I made a really strong piece," said Rankin.

Rankin will be attending SU, one of 18 schools partnering with the program.

In 2015, SU started the Office of Veteran and Military Affairs. Right across main campus, they're even building the National Veterans Resource Center.

"I think that makes us feel a little bit more at home, a little less anxious," said Pintado. “Now I'm ready to just build my life back together," said Rankin.