ngb-gse education sell sheet
DESCRIPTION
Education Sell SheetTRANSCRIPT
ARNG EDUCATION SUPPORT CENTER, COUNSELING SUPPORT TEAM
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The ARNG Counseling Support Team (CST) provides one stop shop education benefits counsel-ing support to Soldiers, Spouses, and Civilian Employees nationwide concerning their voluntary education needs. Counselors provide information about a variety of education programs includ-ing GI Bill, Tuition Assistance, Testing, Incentives, Degree Plans, and other support programs that assist customers college and career paths.
WHEN: This NGB sponsored program began in 2001 and continues to provide education counseling services to customers from all 54 states and territories.
WHO:The Counseling Support Team consists of a dedicated team of Counselors, Credit Analysts, and Degree Planners. The team can provide assistance with explaining education benefits, analyzing military credit, and creating degree plans. The CST also consists of a Headquarters Support Team that provides administrative, training, and marketing/outreach support.
WHERE:The Counseling Support Team is a part of the ARNG Education Support Center located at the Professional Education Center (PEC) in Lexington Hall, Camp Joseph T. Robinson, North Little Rock, Arkansas.
WHY: The increasing number and complexity of programs and services created the need for a central-ized Counseling Support Team at the Education Support Center. Counseling services are meant to augment state-level services, provide an extension of services for state Education Service Of-fices, and provide counseling assets to all ARNG Soldiers and benefit-eligible dependents.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
HOW: CST Counselors are available to serve customers by phone, email, or on a walk in basis. Soldiers and benefit-eligible civilians may receive assistance on a walk in basis. Additionally, information is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at the ARNG Education website www.education.ng.mil.
EXPECTED ROI: One of the most difficult issues Soldiers are faced with when planning for college for themselves and their family members is how they will finance their education. The invaluable service pro-vided by the Counseling Support Team is crucial for soldiers as they make these very important decisions that impact their future. Soldiers who have a clear understanding of the education ben-efits available to them and their family members, and how they can be used, are more likely to be retained in the Army National Guard. By providing customer service to an average 2,300 Soldiers a month, CST assists in this process by providing information to help them realize and attain their voluntary education goals by “Clearing Pathways to Success.”
FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCE
MARKETING RATIONALE:
WHAT: The Federal Tuition Assistance (FTA) program is a benefit that provides financial assistance for voluntary civilian education programs in order to retain quality Soldiers, enhance their military and civilian career progression, and increase the combat readiness of the Army National Guard.
WHEN:Federal Tuition Assistance is an on-going benefit that is funded annually and requested throughout the course of each fiscal year.
WHO:The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) is the final authority in determining Soldier eligi-bility for Federal Tuition Assistance. The Army National Guard Education Services Office in each state and territory manages all Federal Tuition Assistance requests and maintains all historical records.
WHERE:The Army National Guard State Education Services Offices promote, manage, and advise assigned Soldiers on all matters concerning the Federal Tuition Assistance program. The Army National Guard education website (www.education.ng.mil) provides all the basic information each Soldier needs to know prior to requesting Federal Tuition Assistance and is the source to apply for the benefit.
WHY:To provide for the academic, technical, intellectual, personal and professional development of Service members, thereby contributing to the readiness of the Armed Forces and the quality of life of Service members and their families.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an on-line application directly through the National Guard Education, Incentives and Employment website. Soldiers need to ensure that a copy of their degree plan has been submitted to their respective state or territory’s ESO for update to their education record. Once approved, Soldiers are responsible for notifying their ESO of any changes to their class schedule or charges and for ensuring that they complete all courses successfully. Information about the application process, to include the application itself, can be found at www.education.ng.mil.
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers in critical positions.
FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCEGED PLUS
MARKETING RATIONALE:
WHAT:The Army National Guard GED Plus Program is an enlistment option designed to allow the enlist-ment of Non-High School Graduate Applicants who score 31% or above on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (AFQT), with the stipulation that they earn their General Equivalency Diploma (GED) prior to attending Initial Entry Training. The method for achieving a GED: The Army National Guard LTG Clyde A. Vaughn GED Plus Program is a Resident Course and is conducted at the SGT Jeffrey W. Jordan GED Plus Complex at Camp Robinson, AR. The GED Plus Program uses a hands-on education process that evaluates each Soldier’s strengths and weaknesses in developing a comprehensive study program that maximizes each Soldier’s ability to successfully complete their GED. All Soldiers who meet course standards for the GED Plus Program will be afforded an opportunity to take the GED test while at the program.
WHEN: Department of Defense authorized enlistment into the GED Plus program on 12 Sep 2005. The resident course was stood up in January 2006; National Guard Bureau is working to reach a ca-pacity of up to 3,500 GED Plus Soldiers by FY11 including 500 Soldiers from Active Army.
WHO: This program is administered by the National Guard Bureau Guard Strength Directorate and includes a partnership with Active Army Accessions Command to include Active Army Soldiers beginning in FY11.
WHERE: The program is conducted by the Education, Incentives and Employment Division at Camp Robinson, AR.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
WHY: To reach the available population of ineligible applicants by offering a GED preparation program to individuals who otherwise would not be able to receive the preparation necessary to success-fully pass their GED test. The Guard benefits from this program by increasing the available pool of potential prospects, which increases the Guard’s strength. The GED Plus Program provides the opportunity to seek a better life for the people who need it the most, which increases the quality of our Soldiers and helps the reputation of the Guard in the community.
HOW:The LTG Clyde A. Vaughn GED Plus Program has a new 92,000 square foot building and has hired professional educators to prepare Soldiers to take and pass the General Equivalency Diploma (GED) exam. Military cadre is assigned to handle day-to-day issues and teach basic military skills. All Soldiers who meet course standards will be administered the GED test by a certified Test Con-trol Officer from the Education Support Center at Camp Robinson, AR.
EXPECTED ROI:ARNG anticipates 3,500 enlistments under the GED Plus Enlistment Option for FY11.
FEDERAL TUITION ASSISTANCEPATRIOT ACADEMY
MARKETING RATIONALE:
WHAT:The National Guard (ARNG) Patriot Academy is an innovative education initiative designed to allow qualified Soldiers to earn an accredited high school diploma in a military academy setting. The Patriot Academy will also serve as a catalyst for emerging education programs that will positively impact ARNG personnel readiness. Patriot Academy and related programs will promote the relevancy of the ARNG by assisting the states in addressing the nationwide crisis of escalat-ing high school dropout rates. As an added benefit, the Patriot Academy will help to enrich the overall diversity of the National Guard by creating opportunities for disadvantaged but growing populations nationwide.
WHEN:On 1 June 2009, the Patriot Academy opened its doors to the first five of an initial 53 students who enrolled for the Academy’s inaugural year. The Patriot Academy now sees the year-round enrollment that provides a sustained enrollment of 250 students each day of the year.
WHO:Successful applicants for the Patriot Academy will be high school dropouts who have been out of school for sixty days or longer, 17-21 years of age, have no need for a dependent waiver, have no need for a conduct waiver, have a 31 or better AFQT score, and require ten units or less to complete their high school diploma. The Patriot Academy is a mission of the ARNG Education, Employment and Incentives Branch (ARNG-GSE). ARNG-GSE functions as a division within the ARNG Strength Command (ARNG-GSZ).
WHERE:The in-resident “brick and mortar” program is located at the Muscatatuck Urban Training Center (MUTC) in Jennings County, Indiana.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
WHY:According to a March 2006 independent study entitled “The Silent Epidemic,” a large percentage of these students dropped out with less than two years remaining to receive their high school diploma. Sadly, when compared to their peers who graduate, high school dropouts are more like-ly to spiral downward into a life of unemployment, poverty and drug use, often leading to crime, prison or even death row. Many become single parents, with children who end up following their parents’ example and drop out of high school themselves. While all dropouts may not turn to crime, the vast majority of high school dropouts develop a low selfesteem and a lack of confi-dence, which greatly hinders their chances of leading productive and successful lives. Similarly, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education, dropouts cost their respective states billions of dollars over the course of their lifetimes and contribute significantly less to the economy than their peers who possess high school diplomas.
HOW:Screened and selected by National Guard Recruiters from across the country, qualified applicants first apply for enrollment in the Patriot Academy. If accepted, the student then enlists in the National Guard under the Split-Training Option (STO) and proceeds to Basic Training (BT). Soldiers proceed directly to the Patriot Academy from BCT and focus on academic and military training that will enable them to both qualify for their high school diploma and enhance their Soldier skills. Soldiers will be afforded opportunities to continue their education through dual-credit col-lege courses and other online opportunities While completing academic requirements, Soldiers engage in skill enhancement training, provide operational support to MUTC and provide valuable measurements for ARNG leadership to evaluate in-residence education programs. As Citizen-Sol-diers, these new students will have the benefit of earning their high school diploma while earning a full-time National Guard salary and benefits (E-1 and E-2).
EXPECTED ROI:Mission success for the Patriot Academy will position the ARNG ahead of other military compo-nents as an innovative and relevant organization. The program will generate Tier I enlistments for the National Guard, provide a catalyst for other innovative education programs and lead to a wide range of in-residence and online education programs to benefit ARNG Soldiers and their families.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL - ACTIVE DUTY
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The Montgomery GI Bill – Active Duty (MGIB-AD), Chapter 30 is an educational assistance pro-gram for certain individuals with two or more years of active duty service.
WHEN:The MGIB-AD benefits have been available to Soldiers with active duty service since 1 July 1985.
WHO:The Department of Veteran’s Affairs is the final authority in determining Soldier eligibility as well as administering payments for the MGIB-AD benefits.
WHERE:The National Guard (ARNG) GI Bill Support Team enrolls all eligible ARNG Soldiers into the MGIB-AD program. The team provides detailed eligibility and application processing information and can be contacted at [email protected] or (866) 628-5999.
WHY:To encourage the enlistment and retention of high-quality Soldiers into active service with the National Guard.
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an application directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). The application needs to include their DD Form 2366, MGIB Basic Enrollment and the VA Form 22-1990. Once approved, Soldiers are responsible for certifying their continued enrollment at the end of each month through the DVA’s WAVE verification system. Information about the application process, to include the WAVE verification system, can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers.
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The Montgomery GI Bill “Kicker” (MGIB-Kicker) is an incentive to increase the MGIB basic benefit monthly payment rate for certain individuals who enlist/reenlist into critical military jobs and units throughout the National Guard.
WHEN:The MGIB “Kicker” has been available to certain critical National Guard Soldiers since 1 April 1999.
WHO:The National Guard is the final authority in determining Soldier eligibility for the MGIB-Kicker. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs administers all GI Bill and “Kicker” payments.
WHERE:The state National Guard State Education Services Office provides detailed eligibility and applica-tion processing information.
WHY:To encourage the enlistment and retention of high-quality Soldiers into critical military jobs and units in the National Guard.
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an application directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). The application needs to include their “Kicker” contract, supporting docu-ments for a basic benefit (such as the MGIB-SR, REAP or MGIB-AD) and the VA Form 22-1990. Once approved, Soldiers are responsible for certifying their continued enrollment at the end of each month through the DVA’s WAVE verification system. Information about the application process, to include the WAVE verification system, can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL “KICKER”
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers in critical positions.
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The Post –9/11 GI Bill, Chapter 33 is an educational assistance program for certain individuals with 90 or more aggregate days of qualifying Title 10 active duty service.
WHEN:The Post – 9/11 benefits are available to eligible Soldiers for qualified training pursued on or after 1 August 2009.
WHO:The Department of Veteran’s Affairs is the final authority in determining Soldier eligibility as well as administering payments for the MGIB Post – 9/11 benefits.
WHERE:The state National Guard State Education Services Office provides detailed eligibility and applica-tion processing information.
WHY:To encourage the enlistment and retention of high-quality Soldiers into critical military jobs and units in the National Guard.
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an application directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). The application needs to include their DD Form 214 for all Title 10 active duty service and the VA Form 22-1990. Information about the application process can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
POST - 9/11 GI BILL
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers.
MONTGOMERY GI BILL - SELECTED RESERVE
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The Montgomery GI Bill - Selected Reserve (MGIB-SR), Chapter 1606 is an educational assistance program for certain individuals serving in the Selected Reserve.
WHEN:MGIB-SR benefits have been available to Selected Reserve Soldiers since 1 July 1985.
WHO:The National Guard is the final authority in determining Soldier eligibility for the MGIB-SR ben-efits. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs administers all GI Bill payments.
WHERE:The state National Guard State Education Services Office provides detailed eligibility and applica-tion processing information.
WHY:To encourage the enlistment and retention of high-quality Soldiers into critical military jobs and units in the National Guard.
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an application directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). The application needs to include their DD Form 2384-1, Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE) and the VA Form 22-1990. Once approved, Soldiers are responsible for certifying their continued enrollment at the end of each month through the DVA’s WAVE verification system. Information about the application process, to include the WAVE verification system, can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers.
RESERVE EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
MARKETING RATIONALE :
WHAT:The Reserve Educational Assistance Program (REAP), Chapter 1607 is designed to provide educational assistance to members of the Ready Reserve who were called or ordered to Active Duty in response to a war or national emergency (contingency operation) as declared by the president or congress. This program makes certain Reservists who were activated for at least 90 days after September 11, 2001 eligible for benefits or eligible for increased benefits.
WHEN:REAP was established as a part of the Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for FY05. It includes certain contingency operations since September 11, 2001.
WHO:The National Guard is the final authority in determining Soldier eligibility for REAP benefits. The Department of Veteran’s Affairs administers all GI Bill payments.
WHERE:The state National Guard State Education Services Office provides detailed eligibility and applica-tion processing information.
WHY:To encourage the enlistment and retention of high quality Soldiers into the National Guard.
HOW:Eligible Soldiers can apply for benefits by submitting an application directly to the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA). The application needs to include their DD Form 214 from all contingency operations and the VA Form 22-1990. Once approved, Soldiers are responsible for certifying their continued enrollment at the end of each month through the DVA’s WAVE verification system.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
Information about the application process, to include the WAVE verification system, can be found at www.gibill.va.gov.
EXPECTED ROI:Benefit use will increase education level and help to retain Soldiers.
TRACKING OFFICER/OFFICER CANDIDATE PROGRESSION PROGRAM
MARKETING RATIONALE:
WHAT:This mentorship designed program reaches out to Officer Candidates (OC’s)/Company Grade Officers through Officer Strength Managers (OSM), Commanders, Military Personnel Officers (MILPO), Education Services Officers (ESO), Regional Training Institutes (RTI) to provide informa-tion on counseling support that will aid in planning a pathway for bachelor’s degree completion prior to their Department of the Army (DA) Captain’s promotion board, per Army Regulation.
WHO:The Counseling Team at the Education Support Center (ESC) in Little Rock, Arkansas works with OCs and Officers to collect information on their civilian education status and to counsel OCs and Officers on education resources that are available. If the Officer/OC does not have a degree plan, the team will assist with degree planning services. Once the initial information is entered into iMARC data base, an automated request will be sent out and updates towards degree comple-tion will be expected from the OC or Officer every 90 to 120 days. This process will continue until their state SIDPERS office receives an “official” transcript from an accredited institution indicating degree completion and then updates the Officer/OC’s education code. If the Officer/OC receives orders to deploy or needs assistance throughout this process, the counseling team is available to assist; email: [email protected] , telephone toll free 866-628-5999.
WHEN: This NGB-sponsored program began in 2005 and continues to provide support services begin-ning when the Soldier enters the Officer Candidate School (OCS) program and has been effective in reducing the loss rate of Company Grade Officers due to non-completion of baccalaureate degree.
WHERE:The program covers all 54 states and territories, with the lead contact located at NGB through the Education Oversight Branch Chief and Officer Counselors based at the Education Support Center in Little Rock, Arkansas.
For more information please contact us at 1-866-628-5999 or [email protected]
www.education.ng.mil
HOW:Once Officer Candidate enters Phase zero of OCS, the team in Little Rock, AR will enter current education status that includes degree plan into the iMARC tracking system. Constant communi-cation will continue until Officer Candidate or Officer Education status code indicates baccalaureate degree awarded in SIDPERS.
EXPECTED ROI: Increase retention of first term officers through monitoring and assisting with baccalaureate degree completion.
KEY FACTS:• ForOfficerCandidates(OC)andCompanyGradeOfficerswhodonotpossessabachelors
degree from an accredited institution (College/University).• EnrollmentbeginsatOfficerCandidateSchoolandcontinuesthroughdegreecompletion
from an accredited baccalaureate degree program.• OCandOfficerwillprovideeducationupdatestotheircounselingteamevery90to120
days for continuous tracking on their progression and to notify on projected deployments.• ContinuouscounselingwillbeprovidedtotheOCandtheOfficerthroughdegree completion from an accredited baccalaureate degree program.
