(a) Notwithstanding another provision of law, the department or applicable board shall accept military education, training, and service for some or all of the qualifications otherwise required of an applicant for a license or certificate issued under this chapter if

(1) the department or applicable board determines that the military education, training, and service is substantially equivalent to some or all of the qualifications otherwise required of an applicant for a license or certificate issued under this chapter; and

(2) the applicant provides satisfactory evidence of successful completion of the education, training, or service as a member of the armed forces of the United States, the United States Reserves, the National Guard of any state, the Military Reserves of any state, or the Naval Militia of any state.

(b) If the department issues temporary licenses or certificates as authorized by the department or applicable board under AS 08.01.050(a)(9), the department or applicable board shall issue a temporary license or certificate to a person who

(1) applies to the department or applicable board in a manner prescribed by the department or board;

(2) meets the requirements in AS 08.01.063(a)(3) - (6); and

(3) while in the armed forces of the United States or any state, as described in (a) of this section,

(A) held a current license or certificate in another state, district, or territory of the United States, practiced in the area of the license or certificate, and maintained the license or certificate in active status before and at the time of application for a license or certificate under this subsection; or

(B) was awarded a degree, diploma, or certificate by a branch of the armed forces of the United States or any state, as described in (a) of this section, that met standards for an equivalent license or a certificate of technical training.

(c) The department or applicable board shall expedite the procedure for issuance of a license or certificate under (b) of this section for an applicant who is on active duty.

(d) A license or certificate issued under (b) of this section is valid for 180 days and may be extended at the discretion of the department or applicable board for one additional 180-day period if the holder of the license or certificate applies for an extension on a form approved by the department or applicable board.

(e) The department or applicable board may adopt regulations necessary to implement this section.