Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Debralee Lutgen | Soldiers use the computer lab of the education center on Contingency Operating Base...... read more read more
CONTINGENCY OPERATING BASE BASRA, Iraq — Deployment can alter a Soldier's plans, but there is a resource available so Soldiers can continue their education during this time.
The Education Center on Contingency Operating Base Basra assists Soldiers continuing their education.
"The education center is a one-stop shopping center [for your educational needs]," said 1st Lt. Lisa Cullen, education officer for COB Basra.
The education center offers a variety of services including education counseling, a computer lab, proctor services and classes.
The computer lab is available for researching colleges, attending online classes and doing homework.
In addition to existing programs, the education center will offer two functional academic skills training classes — short courses designed to improve the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery general technical score.
"Everybody took the ASVAB when they entered the military," said Cullen, a resident of Greenwood, Wis. "That general technical score in the ASVAB is something that Soldiers often times need to get up to 110. If you're just below the 110 mark, the FAST class will help you study. It's like a refresher course. So, when you do take the exam, you can get that squared away."
The FAST classes will be conducted in the beginning and middle of August. While the first class is full, Soldiers may still sign up for the second.
The education center is also offering a CPR certification class in mid-August. CPR certification is not only a good skill to have, but can also be used toward a Soldier's education. CPR certification can be transferred to most colleges as a one credit hour elective, according to Cullen.
College Level Examination Program and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support standardized test exams are also offered, at no cost to the service member, once a month or once every other month based on availability. These tests are designed to allow Soldiers to earn credit for certain college subjects they are knowledgeable in. The test proctor will visit the Basra center from Camp Victory to administer the official exams.
"It's a great way for Soldiers to get the college credit without having to attend the class," said Cullen.
One of the other services provided is guidance on transferring a Soldier's military training to college credits. Cullen said she can assist with this process.
"It's a huge boost for Soldiers looking for promotion points or getting a degree," said Cullen.
While the education center offers these services, the most important thing to Cullen is getting Soldiers' school paid for.
"Our greatest goal here is to get Soldiers set up with their educational benefits, meaning their tuition assistance," she said. "One of the great things is that for all enlisted Soldiers, while on deployment, Uncle Sam is going to give you $4,500 a year to go to school while you're here."
However, this only applies to enlisted personnel. NG officers must go through their state to receive their educational benefits, but the education center can assist in contacting the education officer in the service member's state to initiate the process.
The education center already has many services set up, but is in the process of expanding what they can offer.
"We are also working on getting other classes started here. It's a matter of getting instructors approved and the class times set up," said Cullen.
A certified testing center is also in the works. This will allow firefighters and support staff a place to complete their annual certification. This certification must take place in a certified testing center. Estimated completion of this project is August.
Cullen said an average of 20 Soldiers a day visit the education center and a majority of those are first-time college students. She said while it may seem like a big step to start college, the education center can help guide Soldiers.
"Sometimes going to school can seem like a mountain. It's just too big, there's no way I can go to college," said Cullen. "Well, how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. An elephant is too big to eat all at once and that's kind of the same thing with college, just one little bite at a time."
"The first bite is tuition assistance, the second bite is researching colleges and finding a college friendly for you, that's going to work for your needs and desires. We'll get you enrolled and we're going to have you start with one course here, two max, just to see how you do. Most of the units out here are really busy with their mission so typically if you're a first-time student I don't want Soldiers take off more than they can chew."
Cullen is the only person currently working in the education center so she is also looking for volunteers to assist in the daily operations a few afternoons a week.
The education center is open Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Soldiers needing to use the computer lab when the education center is closed can make an appointment. For more information, to make an appointment or to volunteer call Cullen at 858-4526 or email lisa.cullen@iraq.centcom.mil.
| Date Taken: | 07.28.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 07.28.2009 04:51 |
| Story ID: | 36888 |
| Location: | BASRA, IQ |
| Web Views: | 228 |
| Downloads: | 188 |
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