International education is defined in a new way when it comes to troops who are getting educated from their deployment posts. More and more soldiers are taking advantage of the military paying for their education during their deployment.
Sergeant Britton is one of the soldiers taking part in higher education from abroad. She works until about 9 pm every day and then takes part in an online program in the evening to trying to complete her bachelor’s by the time she leaves the army. She is taking classes from a for-profit institution, American Military Institution, founded by a former officer in the Marine Corps.
Since the military is strictly volunteer based, they have increasingly used educational incentives for those who are in the military to stay or to join. In order to retain soldiers who regularly endure severe working conditions, especially those in Afghanistan and Iraq, they have used tuition payment as a recruiting tool. Ten years ago, there were only about 10 percent of soldiers enrolled in long distance learning or higher education during deployment, and now that number has increased to about 60 percent. It is also indicative of how educated the military population already is. Ninety two percent of those in the military already have at least a high school diploma, ten percent above the civilian population.
Distance learning or those in higher education have a smaller population in Iraq and Afghanistan because of the limited availability to internet connections and much less time and availability. Those who are in combat are often gone for 12 hours a day in high hear or rough conditions and may be gone for weeks at a time. Military members who are in more support positions like chefs or mechanics also have more capability to further their education because of their availability and more structured schedule. Even still, these “comfortable” positions can work 12-15 hour workdays.
Some still may not pursue a career in the military, but education still has the capability to advance them in a further career. Sergeant Bezanson encourages all the soldiers she oversees to work at an education because it does not matter how many classes they complete, it’s a head start for their future. The Army offers $4,500 a year in order to cover educational costs and the GI Bill also allows for soldiers to return after deployment and return to higher education. If a soldier does not use the benefits that come with the GI Bill, they can also transfer it to a dependent or spouse.
Outside of Kabul at Bagram Air Force Base, there is a military facility that also houses a small college campus. The University of Maryland University College, Central Texas College, and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University are all represented at the small college that offers classes for more than 1,000 students.
The soldiers are thankful for the opportunity to further their education and prepare them for when they get home. Some of them refer it to as an escape from the stresses of the job and expands their view of the world. I think this is a great opportunity for institutions of higher education to reach out to this special population and further educate soldiers who have a desire to learn.
I continue to be impressed by what our troops can do even while abroad. Technology is definitely aiding the education of people. It is great to see a positive outcome via this medium. It is important that there are some benefits or something to look forward to doing after a long day of working. I am a firm believer that you can never waste money on your own education. I would agree with Bezanson and encourage people to take classes even if one at a time. There is something indicative about educating yourself and learning beyond what is known. I am thankful that the GI Bill exists and that military personnel have the opportunity to take part in themselves and their future.
ReplyDeleteKelsi - I thought this was a really interesting post. It sounds like there are some really innovative things going on with respect to education while in the military. I had not heard of these programs until you posted this and I think it sends a strong message about the importance of education when you provide soldiers the opportutnity to take classes while on deployment. I don't have a military background so perhaps this has always been the case.
ReplyDeleteI thought the information you provided about the level of education our armed services members have was also interesting and would not have known that otherwise.
Thanks for an interesting post - I'm happy to see that we are delivering education to our citizens all over the world and especially to those who are serving our country. As a student who is working full time and going to school I feel tired and overwhelmed at times - for military personnel who are working in conditions so unimaginable to me giveg my cozy office space I have to applaud them for also taking on school. WOW!
Kelsi, great post. When I first began reading your post I was thinking that some of these soldiers must find their education to be a sort of distraction from the routine that is their everyday lives; and I am glad that you touched on it. It is good to see that higher education is finding further areas to expand and our technological advancements are being used to bring education to those who previously would have to postpone it.
ReplyDeleteI don't know the exact percentage of military with higher education degrees however a bachelors (minimum) is required for officers (depending on specialty ie a social worker requires a MSW and a physician an MD). Officers make up about 16% of the military. Higher degree levels is greatly encouraged. For the Army, officers are expected to have completed a Master Degree in order to be competitive past the rank of major. The military also has a number of accredited in-house schools which can grant Master degrees such as the Command General Staff College (CGSC) at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, the Army War College and Naval War College. The colleges are accredited and CGSC does offer a Masters of Military Art and Science (MMAS) degree.
ReplyDeleteAdditionally, prominent local colleges have created numerous cohort programs tailored to meet the schedule needs of CGSC students. Accredited Masters programs range from Business Administration, to Management, to Human Resources, and Information Management. What is most interesting about the CGSC is about 1/3 to 40% of the student population are from countries we have joint training treaties with. It was an enlightening experience sitting and speaking with fellow officers from all over the world. Some countries that stand out in my mind are Netherlands, Germany, Senegal, Mongolia and Romania.
In specialty fields the military will contract with universities to train personnel. Two medical fields come to mind, the masters in healthcare administration from Baylor University and physician assistant program through University of Nebraska. Furthermore, they will also send qualified individuals to non-medical Master and PhD programs as well. The catch, like many grant programs, is to continue to work in the field or have to pay back the cost of the education. A good friend of mine earned a master degree in International Relations from Georgetown.
Education is strongly encouraged in the military. For enlisted personnel pursuing education grants them additional points towards promotion and as stated above the military will provide financial assistance to soldiers/Marines/airmen/sailors to encourage them to pursue an education. To additionally encourage enlisted members to pursue education the military has a number of programs where they will send personnel to college to attain a bachelor degree and become commissioned. I also had a retired First Sergeant who held master degree in economics from Edinburgh and a Sergeant Major with an MBA.
In addition, should a person select to become enlisted while already having a bachelor degree the military will pay off their school loans (and for medical officers).
Kelsi mentioned the schools which hold classes in Afghanistan. These institutions, and a few more, where also in Iraq located at the Victory Base Complex near to al-Faw Palace. These universities are also at US bases at home and abroad (Japan, South Korea, Italy, Germany).