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Today's Army of Excellence uses education to build leaders -- one soldier at a time. The Army needs quality leaders ready to win on tomorrow's battlefields; and America needs leaders in nearly every facet of daily life. To meet the ever-changing needs created by today's rapidly improving technology, obtaining the right education is an essential. Learning may continue throughout a lifetime, but it needs focus and direction. At Army education centers worldwide, soldiers gain that focus from professional counselors. Education hones core competencies and provides the skills, knowledge, and ability necessary to be a successful leader. The programs and services offered by the Army Continuing Education System (ACES) offer these educational opportunities. From self-study programs and workplace literacy to college or vocational education courses, ACES offers it all. Everyday, somewhere, soldiers are learning. Even in remote locations like Haiti, soldiers are given the opportunity to improve through self-study and testing. Private First Class Max Brim of the Airborne Infantry Unit stationed in Haiti wraps up the opportunities ACES offers soldiers this way, "It's totally cool that we (in Haiti) can make ourselves more knowledgeable." "The Army and education have been partners for a long time," quotes an Army spokesperson.
A full spectrum of educational programs and services await. Professional education counselors are available in most locations to help soldiers tailor courses of study to meet personal and professional goals. They also can assist in discovering how to pay for them. That's why soldiers are urged to visit their installation education center often. The one-on-one sessions offer guidance in selecting the right course of study, the right school, and exactly what financial aid is available. Two unique undergraduate systems meet the needs of the soldier and family members on the move. Several institutions form curriculum networks. These networks guarantee credit transfer within the networks and between degree levels. A student agreement outlines the program of study, and the schools evaluate credits awarded from nontraditional sources such as testing. Offered are: job-related technical and general studies; associate degree programs; and management- supporting bachelor's degree programs.
The education counselor helps the soldier or family member determine exactly how to take advantage of this benefit. Tests that offer college credit, such as the College Level Exam Program (CLEP), are also available. In addition, there are college entrance exams, graduate record exams, interest inventories, and several achievement exams.
The primary source of college-trained officers for the total Army is the Reserve Officers' Training Corps (ROTC). Four-year ROTC scholarships are awarded on a nationwide competitive basis to U.S. citizens entering college as freshmen. Three- and two-year scholarships are awarded competitively to those already enrolled in college. Those who attend the Basic Camp may also compete for 2-year scholarships while at camp. Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships Two- and three-year scholarships are available for soldiers on a competitive basis. Under the ROTC- Reserve Forces Duty Scholarships program, a limited number of 2-year scholarships are available to students who want to serve in the Army Reserve in lieu of extended active duty. Under the Simultaneous Membership Program, a non-scholarship college student may combine service in the Army Reserves or National Guard as an officer trainee with participation in ROTC, and be paid for both. Army Health Professions Scholarship Program Financial assistance is also available to students in certain medical programs in return for specific periods of service in the Army. All programs involve service as a commissioned officer with pay and allowances commensurate with education and professional standing in the specialized field. The Army Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) offers a unique opportunity for civilian, Reserve, and active duty personnel who are planning to attend an accredited medical, dental, optometry, or anesthesia nursing school to receive financial support. The individual selects the school, obtains acceptance, and applies for the Army HPSP. If selected, the Army will provide financial assistance. To be eligible to participate in the HPSP, the applicant must be a United States citizen, be enrolled in or have a firm acceptance letter from an accredited institution located in the United States or Puerto Rico, and meet prescribed eligibility criteria for appointment as a Reserve commissioned officer. Selected participants are commissioned as second lieutenants in the United States Army Reserve. While completing school, students receive a stipend for 10 1/2 months. For the remaining 1 1/2 months, students receive pay and allowances as a second lieutenant, while on active duty for training. In addition, the Army pays for tuition, required books, rental of nonexpendable equipment, and most academic fees. HPSP participants are required to perform a 45-day active duty for training period during each year of program participation. HPSP participants in medicine are required to apply for the Army's first year graduate medical education program and must participate, if selected. Participants of this program are provided the opportunity to compete for continuation in the residency of their choice. The Army's Medical Department represents the largest comprehensive system of health care in the United States. A significant part of the system is its first year graduate medical education, residency, and fellowship training program. Virtually all recognized residencies are offered. Participants not selected for first year graduate medical education, are delayed to complete that portion of training in a civilian hospital, and have the opportunity to obtain an additional delay to complete a civilian residency. HPSP participants will incur an active duty obligation based on existing Department of Defense and Army directives in effect at the time the contract accepting such training is signed. Currently, a 4-year participant incurs a 4-year active duty service obligation. Army medical training programs are among the best, and all are approved by the Council for Graduate Medical Education.
Tuition Assistance Active duty soldiers may have the option of tuition assistance dollars (not to be used in conjunction with Montgomery GI Bill or Army College Fund benefits). This benefit is restricted by certain dollar and semester hour caps. Soldiers also may be eligible for certain loans and grants as well as lower in-state tuition rates in participating states. In all cases, high school completion courses are provided at no cost to the soldier.
At most installations, a military reference library and self-study materials are available in Army Learning Centers. Whether the need is as simple as a reading improvement course or something more complex in the high-tech arena, the first stop should be the Army Education Center. Post-Service Counseling Help Soldiers planning to continue their education full or part-time after leaving active duty are helped in applying to the institution of their choice. Incorporated in the program is counseling on the use of the Army/ACE Transcript, Veteran's benefits and other forms of financial assistance. The U.S. Military Academy The U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, offers a bachelor of science degree and a commission in the U.S. Army to its graduates. Competition is tough. Applicants need to begin their quest no later than the spring of their junior year of high school. Soldiers who meet the qualifications, including 4 years of English and 3 years of math, have the opportunity to enter the academy by attending the U.S. Military Preparatory School. Competition is high and even graduating is no guarantee of acceptance into the Point.
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