GETTING a laptop computer and printer into the hands of soldiers wanting to earn technical certification or a college degree just took a step forward.
Secretary of the Army Louis Caldera hosted the Army University Access Online Industry Day in August to generate prospective contractor interest in the recently announced distance-learning initiative to help soldiers complete college "anytime, anyplace, anywhere they can take their laptops."
Potential vendors must provide a technology package that will include a laptop computer, printer, Internet service provider account, maintenance and warranty of equipment, and help- desk assistance to each soldier who enrolls in distance-learning courses.
"We also want to maximize the number of educational programs available to students, so that they can reap the benefits of competition, including increased choice, reduced cost and improved program quality," Caldera said.
The resulting program -- Army University Access Online -- is expected to help soldiers earn college degrees or technical certifications through Internet-based courses while they serve, using laptop computers and vastly expanded learning opportunities.
"The Army's greatest competition in recruiting and retaining soldiers is not the hot economy, but the desire for and availability of higher education to today's young people," Caldera said.
The Army University Access Online contract is slated to be awarded in December to either a single academic entity or a consortium of education providers. It will then be tested with soldiers based at three currently unnamed Army installations before being offered to all soldiers.
The Army has budgeted nearly $50 million for AUAO and its website, eARMYU.com, in fiscal year 2001, with another $550 million over the next five years.
The goal is for the program to be available to all active-duty, National Guard and Reserve members and to provide the resources and command climate that create a true life-long learning community.
SMA Jack L. Tilley told attendees that it takes soldiers an average of 12 years to get an associate's degree while serving on active duty. The hurdles they face, he said, include nontraditional work hours, field exercises, deployments, strict limits on the number of credit hours one university will transfer from another university, availability of schools and the courses they offer at different Army installations, and a cap on the number of credit hours allowed each semester under the Tuition Assistance Program.
The Army's top NCO said he believes the new program will help soldiers overcome many of those hurdles and allow them to earn degrees on their first enlistments. He also said he plans on using it to complete his college degree.
"A well-rounded soldier results in a better Army," he said. "An educated soldier is tomorrow's advanced Army. Enabling soldiers to accomplish expanded education via online access from anywhere they are sent will insure knowledge of vast issues ranging from math, science and history to electronics and psychology. This well-educated soldier will be more apt to succeed in military training, leadership and mission."
"Army educational enrollment statistics for last quarter indicate that enrollment in distance-learning programs has doubled since the previous report," said Susan Johnson of ACES.
Caldera said the program will help ensure the Army "keeps the soldiers it wants and returns great citizens to the community." -- ARNEWS