Army Forges Partnership with 10 CollegesArmy.mil | November 20, 2007
FORT MONROE, Va. - Higher-education leaders from across the country came to Fort Monroe Nov. 14 to discuss the Army's new "College of the American Soldier," a partnership with 10 participating colleges.
The partnership promotes educating Soldiers through the Noncommissioned Officer Education System and aims to provide Soldiers the opportunity to obtain their bachelor's degree with minimal obstacles, according to U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command officials. They said the partnership accelerates NCO development by streamlining the process of pursuing a higher education.
Coastline, Barstow, Limestone and Thomas Edison State offer associates degrees through the program. Thomas Edison College, Austin Peay, Franklin, Limestone, Park, Strayer, Maryland and Empire State offer bachelors degree programs.
"This program not only benefits Soldiers but serves the best interest of institutions as well," said Gen. William S. Wallace, TRADOC commander, at the Nov. 14 kick-off event for the College of the American Soldier. "Improving civilian-education opportunities for Soldiers throughout their military careers helps promote the ideal of lifelong learning and extends the pursuit of knowledge well beyond a Soldier's service commitment."
The session gave TRADOC senior leaders a chance to talk face to face with the college educators who will help the Army get the College of the American Soldier off the ground.
"It is important for our leadership to get out there and support this program so Soldiers know that the College of the American Soldier has a bunch of colleges that will help streamline their ability to achieve a bachelor's or associates degree," said TRADOC's Cmd. Sgt. Maj. John D. Sparks.
Rest of article at:
http://www.military.com/features/0,15240,156691,00.html