Soldiers take advantage of education center

Photo By Sgt. Jason Mikeworth | Spc. Jeremi Barber of the 659th Engineer Company takes a break from the day to use the Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab located at the Blackjack Education Center on Logistical Support Area Anaconda.  

11.19.2005

Courtesy Story

207th Public Affairs Detachment

The task of holding down a full-time job while trying to earn a college degree is daunting for anyone. More so for Soldiers serving in a combat zone, the Blackjack Education Center at Logistical Support Area Anaconda is helping to change that.

Along with assisting Soldiers looking to further their civilian education, the Blackjack Education Center offers a variety of military education options.

"One of the people who works here has already completed 700 hours worth of correspondence courses," Maj. Christopher Jackson, the OIC for the center, said.

The military educational opportunities available include the Defense Language Aptitude Battery (DLAB), the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test (AFAST) and General Technical (GT) score improvement courses.

"The GT score, once you get it above 110 you can do anything you want if you want to re-enlist or re-class," Jackson said. Civilian education options are plentiful at the Blackjack Education Center. Soldiers are able to find help to select schools that will apply their military training towards college credit.

"We'll answer any questions they have, and if we can't answer it, we can send them the proper way," Jackson said.

Soldiers earn college credits quickly using the College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) testing available at the center. Volunteer instructors teach CLEP review courses that last eight weeks.

"The college part, heck it's free credits. The classes don't cost anything and the tests don't cost anything," Jackson said.

Navigating the tuition assistance program can be difficult for some Soldiers. The current system is expected to change next year, but help is available now through the Blackjack Education Center.

"Until March 1, Soldiers have to work back through their mobilization site for tuition assistance, but we have all the forms and contacts for that," Jackson said.

The Blackjack Education Center is also home to the Sgt. Matt Maupin Computer Lab. The lab is a result of the donation of 35 computers from the Maupin family, the only Soldier still listed as "Missing/Captured" in Iraq.

"The computer lab is the best part," said Sgt. David Davis, the administration NCO for the center.

"It was designed so you could do your homework, talk to your loved ones or just relax. There's no time limit."

Davis said he feels the education services available at the center are a great benefit for the Soldiers of LSA Anaconda.

"It gives them a place to go not only to study to accomplish their degree, but it's a place to relax," Davis said. "You've got a whole year out here. You might as well find a way to educate and keep your mind busy. You got to do everything you can to help yourself out."

Sgt. Benjamin Inglish, an equipment operator with the 659th Engineer Company, is one of many Soldiers who have been taking advantage of the opportunity to advance their civilian educations.

"I think it's definitely a great opportunity to have this while we're over here. I did do one online course for Utah Valley State College while I was over here, an American Civilization class," Inglish said.

Inglish has also used the assistance offered to plan for his education once he returns stateside, he said.

"I've been making sure I was all registered for the spring semester, making sure I've got my tuition assistance set up," Inglish said.

Jackson said he enjoys helping Soldiers like Inglish advance their education. Jackson, a Reservist with the 35th Area Support Group, works as a high school principal at St. James High School in St. James, Mo.

"I get to keep doing what I do back home," Jackson said. "I get to work in education and help out Soldiers who need it."Jackson also stressed the importance of pursuing higher educational goals while deployed.

"They've got to take advantage of this while they can," he said.

• Date Taken: 11.19.2005
• Date Posted: 11.19.2005 05:19
• Story ID: 3803