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UIJEONGBU, South Korea - Lamont Rankin is a monstrous man, a giant. Standing over six feet tall and approaching a muscular 300 pounds, he is an imposing figure and a skilled athlete. He played collegiate football with dreams of a career in the NFL. But, as is the case with so many other young men who have stars in their eyes, life had different plans for the native of Junction City, Kan.
Now, at 32, he is a husband, a father and a sergeant in the U.S. Army. While his football days are behind him, one part of Rankin’s life has remained unchanged. He is a college student rapidly closing in on his bachelor’s degree, thanks to the 2nd Infantry Division’s Warrior University program.
After one of his platoon sergeants inspired him to enroll in college, he eventually discovered the program and took advantage of it. Now, he is studying computer science and has racked up perfect scores on his last six exams. He manages this despite being the only broadcast specialist at division headquarters, a demanding job with long hours, because of the advantages provided by the Warrior University program.
“The Warrior University program is a good opportunity for soldiers. I would recommend it to everyone,” said Rankin. “Soldiers can grab knowledge that can be useful in their career.”
The program started 2 years ago for soldiers who wanted an education, but lacked free time. It provides six hours for class, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
There are two course options: classroom and online. Some prefer the traditional classroom setting provided by the education centers. Others prefer the convenience of online classes. To that end, many common areas on division installations have free Wi-Fi.
The Warrior University program helps soldiers take advantage of other Army programs which provide financial aid for soldiers’ educations, up to $4,500 per fiscal year and $250 per semester hour. Also, soldiers can apply for federal financial aid and can use their Montgomery G.I. Bill to help pay for their education.
The fall semester begins Sept. 3. To take a class, soldiers should enroll on the Go Army Education website (www.goarmyed.com).
Website enrollment can be done any time, but class registration must be completed before the start of each class. However, there is a late registration period that overlaps with the first week of class. For persons interested in this unique opportunity, please visit your base education center.
| Date Taken: | 08.10.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 08.14.2012 03:55 |
| Story ID: | 93159 |
| Location: | UIJEONGBU, GYEONGGIDO [KYONGGI-DO], KR |
| Web Views: | 176 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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