WASHINGTON SURVEYOR THE
June 27, 2017
By USS George Washington Public Affairs
WhATYOUNEEDTOKNOW
TOSTARTYOURCOLLEGEPLAN AND OTHER IMPORTANT EDUCATION INFO
On the cover: (May 13,2017) MC1 David Frech poses for a photo during his commencement ceremony at the Gaylord National Resort in D.C. Frech received his Master’s in Business Administration from American Military University. (Photo courtesy of MC1 David Frech)
PHOTO of the DAY
(June 9, 2017) AT1 Lorenzo Arvizo receives his Master of Science in Aeronautics degree from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University during a commencement ceremony aboard the USS Midway museum in San Diego. (Photo courtesy of AT1 Lorenzo Arvizo)
The Washington Surveyor Commanding Officer
Executive Officer
Command Master Chief
CAPT Glenn Jamison
CDR Colin Day
CMDCM James Tocorzic
Public Affairs Officer
Deputy PAO
Media DLCPO
Media LPO
LCDR Gregory L. Flores
LTJG Andrew Bertucci
MCC Mary Popejoy
MC1 Alan Gragg
Editors MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke MC2 Alora Blosch MC3 Kashif Basharat MC2 Jessica Gomez MCSA Julie Vujevich MC2 Kris R. Lindstrom MC2 Bryan Mai MC2 Jules Stobaugh
1
Staff MC3 Devin Bowser MC3 Carter Denton MC3 Joshua DuFrane MC3 Jacob Goff MC3 Jamin Gordon
MC3 Shayla Hamilton MC3 Alan Lewis MC3 Anna Van Nuys MC3 Brian Sipe MCSN Oscar Moreno
MCSN Marlan Sawyer MCSN Kristen Yarber
The Washington Surveyor is an authorized publication for Sailors serving aboard USS George Washington (CVN 73). Contents herein are not the visions of, or endorsed by the U.S. government, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy or the Commanding Officer of USS George Washington. All news releases, photos or information for publication in The Washington Surveyor must be submitted to the Public Affairs Officer (7726).
*For comments and concerns regarding The Washington Surveyor, email the editor at pao@cvn73.navy.mil*
“A primary object should be the education of our youth in the science of government. In a republic, what species of knowledge can be equally important? And what duty more pressing than communicating it to those who are to be the future guardians of the liberties of the country?” - George Washington
G
eorge Washington spoke of investing time in creating an educated populous not just of educated youth, but a country of effective citizenship. He promoted the creation of a country of citizens who understand their government and participate. However, he didn’t limit education to governmental studies. The Navy invests a lot of time and money into creating
and maintaining a myriad of educational benefits for Sailors as an investment. Educated Sailors are not only good for the Navy but, as George Washington said, good for the country. This is a special edition of the Washington Surveyor dedicated to educating you about the Navy’s vast educational opportunities.
Table of Contents Where to start: Choosing A School.............................................................................................
Pg. 3-4
Online Vs. In-Class......................................................................................................................
Pg. 5
Benefits Of Education..................................................................................................................
Pg. 6
Enrolling Tips..............................................................................................................................
Pg. 7-8
Tuition Assistance........................................................................................................................
Pg. 9-10
Financing For a Better Future....................................................................................................
Pg. 11-12
Highest Earning Major of 2017....................................................................................................
Pg. 13-14
Education Opportunities For Officers........................................................................................
Pg. 15-16
Different Paths To Success: Become An Officer..........................................................................
Pg. 17-18
Trade Schools...............................................................................................................................
Pg. 19-20
Why Is It Important? SAT Vs. ACT............................................................................................
Pg. 21
Local School In Hampton Roads.................................................................................................
Pg. 22
Importance Of Education: CS2 Wilson.......................................................................................
Pg. 23-24
Getting Schooled: PS1 Johnson...................................................................................................
Pg. 25-26
2
$ Society has placed an ever increasing emphasis on higher education because of the benefits it provides such as increased pay, better jobs and increased opportunities. There are many factors Sailors should consider when choosing a school as it will be one of the most important decisions someone can make. Some of these factors are tuition costs, online or brick and mortar, and school accreditation. “The first thing you do is to decide whether you want an online school or one face-to-face in a classroom or a
HOPPING FOR COLLEGE By MC2 Bryan Mai
practice. The goal of accreditation is to ensure that education provided by institutions of higher education meets acceptable levels of quality. “Simply put, being accredited means that the degrees given by the school are valid,” said Delgado. “Schools apply for accreditation to work with the U.S. Department of Education and they need an accreditation to be a legal, valid school. Without accreditation, you cannot use tuition assistance (TA).” There are two types of accreditation, national and regional, both of which have pros and cons in the education
Dept. of Education uses “accreditation to ensure federal student aid funding is used for quality courses and programs. In order for an accrediting agency to become “recognized,” it must undergo a review process to determine if the accreditor meets the department’s standards, a process that is governed by federal laws and regulations.” Although national accreditation sounds more prestigious, Delgado recommends regional accreditation over national for anyone interested in pursuing more than one degree. Degrees earned at nationally accredited schools
“You want to make sure you’re not getting a degree for the sake of getting a degree.” - Catalina Delgado, education specialist Navy College Office combination of both,” said Catalina Delgado, an education specialist for the Navy College Office.
3
“This will narrow down the list of schools available for you once you figure out which method of schooling you prefer. With that done, you should be looking at the school’s accreditation before anything else.” According to the Office of Postsecondary Education, accreditation is the recognition that an institution maintains standards requisite for its graduates to gain admission to other reputable institutions of higher learning or to achieve credentials for professional
process. So before, you set your sights on a college, it is important to know some key details about both. In her June 8, 2015 blog post, Regionally Accredited vs. Nationally Accredited: What’s the Difference? By Nancy Antol states, “both national and regional accreditors require their colleges and universities to undergo rigorous review process and re-certifications every few years to gain and maintain their accreditations.” The type accreditation of a college or university is a clear indicator that it has the U.S. Department of Education’s seal of approval. Antol’s blog post highlighted how the
generally do not qualify for acceptance into a graduate level program at most regionally accredited schools. The type of accreditation for a school can limit the options for a student. The difference between the two is that they have different standards from the other. “With regional accreditation, you can transfer to a national or another regional accreditation school,” said Delgado. “National isn’t bad, but it is much less flexible than regional. If you have courses for a nationally accredited school, you can only go to another nationally accredited school. For example, if you complete a bachelor’s degree at a nationally accredited school
and wish to pursue a higher degree, a regionally accredited school will not even recognize that you have a degree. There are many good schools that are nationally accredited … but you pretty much have to stay with the same school.” It is important for Sailors to learn about the different types of schools and accreditation available because they may move to new commands across the country or go on deployment. According to Delgado, it is very common for Sailors to go to five or six schools before they get a degree. Accreditation is one of the things that it is very important to be aware of because transferring locations or schools can very easily make the courses taken prior to moving have zero value because the new school will not accept it due to not having the right accreditation. “There is something you can do try to do to fit your school experience with the best way you learn,” said Delgado. “For example, if a Sailor is registered to an online school but learns math better face-toface and struggles learning math on an online course, they can ask their online school, which would be called a parent school, for permission essentially, to take a course with another school that offers the class face-to-face.” Delgado added that to combine credits, students need permission from the parent school in writing and will need to make sure the course will transfer back to the parent school after completion to make sure they get proper credit for the course. Another important factor to consider is the Sailor’s end goal. What does the Sailor plan on doing with the degree? Do they want to go to a trade school or a traditional college?
“You want to make sure you’re not getting a degree for the sake of getting a degree,” said Delgado. “In the end, it may not help as much as you think it will. For many people, a degree is just a check in the box. You have to consider what you want from your degree and whether or not you plan on pursuing a higher level of education.” Trade schools tailor the learning environment to specific jobs and generally require less time to complete than traditional college programs. “A lot of people want to do automotive technology because that’s what they want to do and that’s what they’re
good at and that’s absolutely fine,” said Delgado. “It’s a shorter path but it doesn’t mean it requires any less effort.” Another consideration when choosing a school is the tuition costs. Tuition assistance and the GI Bill may not cover everything. “Private, for-profit schools can charge you however much they want,” said Delgado. “They often charge over the TA cap which means you will have to pay out of pocket. I’ve met many Sailors who said schools will ask them to activate their GI Bill, utilize their
TA and apply for a loan. You shouldn’t have to go through that. For an undergraduate degree or any vocational you can take at a community college, you should not have to pay out of pocket because the Navy pays more than enough per credit hour to cover it.” “If you’re going beyond that, you’ll have to take a second look at that school and decide if it’s worth it,” added Delgado. “If you’re doing a graduate program, it’ll be a different story. They’re more expensive and you’ll usually be paying a little out of pocket but it shouldn’t be anything outrageous. If you’re taking basic courses to start your program like history and math, you can do that at a community college so you don’t use all of your TA. You don’t need to use up your GI Bill and TA on basic courses.” Applying for a school is, for the most part, flexible for active duty Sailors. The schools at the Navy College Program Distance Learning Partnership have standards set for them by the Navy. The partnership consists of 45 colleges and universities that offer associate and bachelor degrees via distance learning. The enrollment process is open year-round to support a Sailor’s mobile lifestyle. “Before committing yourself to a school, talk to a Navy College Office counselor first,” said Delgado. “Whether it’s over the phone, through e-mail, or any other way, it’s important that you contact us first. Don’t commit yourself, don’t sign any contracts, don’t register for anything and don’t promise any money. The Navy may pay for the tuition but you’re also investing your time and you don’t want to potentially waste your time.” For more information about the Navy College Program or for assistance with the schooling process, visit www.navycollege.navy.mil.
4
OR
ONLINE IN-CLASS?
M
5
ilitary members serve around the world in varying capacities and not all are conducive to pursuing a degree at a brick and mortar college, which is why the internet has made it possible for those in uniform, especially Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) to earn degrees online. With so many education choices available, future students must first weigh the pros and cons of both options. According to a blog post on mycollegeguide.org about the pros and cons of brick and mortar versus virtual schools, benefits to online learning are flexible scheduling, faster completion rate, study anytime, login anywhere, access to more colleges, no commute, potentially lower costs and accredited programs. “Online colleges are great for Sailors on active duty,” said Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Mark Barin, who attended online courses through Excelsior College for a Bachelor of Science in Technology (Electromechanical Technologies). “Sailors never know where the service might take us, but as long as internet is accessible, we are able to pursue an education.” With online colleges, like traditional colleges, the workload given to you is up to you on how you wish to tackle it. “When I did online courses, we were given the assignments for the week and we had that week to take care of it,” said Barin. “While you don’t have teachers to help you out face-to-face, you have a good amount of time to find
By MCSN Oscar Moreno Jr.
your answer and you can always message your schoolmates and your professors to assist you.” On the flipside of the coin, Nick Kokemuller highlighted the benefits of brick and mortar schools in an article titled, Brick and Mortar vs Virtual School, featured on oureveryday.com. It provides a traditional community environment, social opportunities, and regular face-to-face contact with teachers and school staff. “Having instructors help you understand the course is a great help for the more difficult courses you end up taking,” said Airman Esteban Gonzales, who went to school at Columbia College for art design to get a degree in architecture. “Many instructors have no qualms with staying after to assist, and small class sizes allow instructors to engage with students at a more focused level.” An additional benefit of traditional colleges is the interactions and shared learning experience with other students. “It’s a cool experience getting to know different people who arrive in college,” said Gonzales. “From elementary school to high school you run into the same people from the same area and your lives are mostly the same, but in college there are people from all over and it’s great hearing about where they’re from and how it contrasts from your life.” For those that want to do online education because life is busy and brick and mortar isn’t an option, Kokemuller says it’s not a platform for everyone. An online student must be motivated and personally driven to
complete assignments without faceto-face accountability from peers and teachers. Many colleges today offer a variety of blended curricula where both classroom attendance and online courses and bulletin boards are combined to offer greater flexibility to students. “In college, you are in charge of your own schedule,” said Aviation Structural Mechanic 2nd Class Mark Forth, who went to Berkley College for criminal justice. “Everything comes down to you.” No matter which route of education is taken, Sailors should stay motivated and to always keep their eye on the prize. “You have to want to earn the degrees you aim for,” said Forth. “Getting accepted to college is the first step. Getting the most of the educational opportunity presented to you is up to you, and you alone. No one is going to tell you to turn in your assignments. There’s going to be a deadline and you will have to finish your assignments on time. Have a passion for what you’re learning, love what you do and you will succeed.” As George Washington prepares to enter the yards, it is the perfect opportunity to improve oneself as a well-rounded Sailor. For more information, talk to your command Educational Services Officer or visit the “Best for Vets” website at http://bestforvets.militarytimes.com/, a website with up-to-date rankings in various categories such as colleges, employers and places to live that assists veterans in narrowing their decision for the best possible outcome.
6
IN THE KNOW
C
7
hoosing a school to attend is a lot like making any other major purchase in life. If a person is car-shopping, they typically test a few, sleep on it, consult friends and family, read reviews and seek others who have the same car for advice. The same diligence should go into enrolling in school. When preparing to go to college, there are certain things future students should consider before enrolling. The Navy College Office is a good resource for Sailors considering going to school. They provide counseling for Sailors to help prepare them for the journey. “Students should have a clear idea of what degree they’re trying to pursue, as well as what they want to do with the degree after they obtain it,” said Ulysses Byrd, the Navy College Office director at Naval Station Norfolk. Students should also talk to subject matter experts who work in that field of study. “Here’s a prime example,” said Byrd. “We have a lot of students who want to study criminal justice, but
By MC3 Jamin Gordon
KEY
S T N I PO
they have no idea what criminal justice people do. What happens is, they finish the program, and realize this isn’t what they actually want to do. I encourage people to research the degree and the school, and really decide what they want to do with the education.” No one wants to spend two to four years working on a degree, only to realize that they aren’t interested in the corresponding jobs. One way to help circumvent this issue is to work with Navy College. The counselors connect with the students to ensure there is a healthy relationship between the student and the student’s attitude toward education. “Sometimes a student may be the first person in their family to go to college and that’s a scary thought within itself,” said Byrd. “If I get someone in here who says they want to be an engineer because they work in the engine room, I’ll ask them how their math skills are. If they say they hate math, I’ll let them know, engineering might not be the field of study for you.” While working with a counselor can help steer students down the right career path, it can also guide them in the
R E D I NS O C TO
direction that makes the best use of their time and funds. “One thing Navy College really pushed with me is to prepare for placement exams,” said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Gilberto Vaz, a prospective student. “They told me the placement exams were important because they could keep me from wasting time and tuition assistance on remedial classes that won’t count towards my credit hours.” A placement exam helps determine what classes a student is prepared or eligible for by testing basic skills like math and English. There are so many questions that may come to mind once a student has enrolled in school that they may not have considered, or known to consider before enrolling. No matter how much one prepares, sometimes there can still be things that students encounter once the process begins, that they wish they would’ve known ahead of time. As the old adage goes, hindsight is 20/20. Machinist’s Mate 1st Class Sheltina Beckett, a student at Saint Leo University, can attest to the hindsight theory.
N
N
WHE
I G N I L L O R N E
E G E L COL
“Students should have a clear idea of what degree they’re trying to pursue, as well as what they want to do with the degree after they obtain it.” -Ulysses Byrd, Navy College Office director “Prior to enrolling, I wish I would’ve known that with eight-week classes, everything is condensed, and there is much more work in that amount of time,” said Beckett. “I also wish I would’ve had time management skills to help me better manage my time.” While some students may be affected in the classroom by their unawareness, others may be affected financially. “One of the most common issues students encounter is not understanding the tuition assistance process,” said Byrd. “There are quite a few steps they have to go through, which means they have to communicate with Navy College, their command and the school. Communication is the biggest key to success in this process.” Whether a person is pursuing their associate’s, bachelor’s or master’s degree, online or traditional college, community college or a four-year university, Navy College Office is a key place to start before enrolling in school. In addition to Navy College Office, the Voluntary Education (VOLED) process on the Navy College website (www.navycollege.navy.mil) can be helpful in deciding where to begin in one’s educational journey. Sailors can also visit the George Washington educational services office for more information on tuition assistance and the enrollment process.
(May 11, 2017) PS1 Gilberto Vaz walks into Navy College Office to get paperwork. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
(May 10, 2017) Ulysses Byrd, the Navy College Office director, looks up information on his computer. (Photo by MC3 Jamin Gordon)
8
TUITIONASSISTANCE
HELPING SAILORS FURTHER THEIR EDUCATION By MC3 Carter Denton
T
9
he Navy offers Sailors many different types of opportunities to further their education from apprenticeship programs to taking college courses in the middle of the ocean. The cost of attending college can sometimes be a burden or hindrance for someone exploring college opportunities. But, Sailors who are looking to go to school while on active duty should know about the Navy Tuition Assistance (TA) program. TA pays up to 100 percent of tuition for a maximum of 16 credit hours with a cap of $250 per credit hour per fiscal year charged by educational institutions for course enrollment. The program provides Sailors with money to assist in the costs for the schooling of their choice, so long as it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are several programs that TA covers from high school diplomas, undergraduate programs, graduate programs or vocational/technical programs. According to the navycollege.navy. mil website, “Sailors using TA have specific responsibilities to ensure
their courses are funded through the TA program. It is your responsibility to report any and all course changes to the Virtual Education Center (VAC) to ensure your TA voucher is accurate. Additionally, you are expected to earn passing grades (C or higher for undergraduate and B or higher for graduate) and must reimburse TA funds for any collectable grades (not meeting aforementioned standards).” “This is a very opportune time for Sailors to take advantage of Tuition Assistance,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class Matthew Walsh, a Sailor assigned to the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). “Tuition assistance will cover the cost of the school, but not the cost of books and any other items you will need for the classes you’re taking; so another program I would recommend Sailors to look into is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That program gives you money to pay for the costs that TA won’t, making college very affordable.” Walsh recommends to Sailors interested in signing up for the Navy’s TA program that they should start the
“This is a good benefit for Sailors and their naval careers. A higher education is something you will always have that can never be taken away from you.” - Lt. j.g. Raffeal Woods
enrollment process two to three months before the semester starts to avoid any issues. “There are a lot of steps to receive Tuition Assistance,” said Walsh. “It seems like a lot, but the Navy’s website makes it easy for Sailors to follow stepby-step to get it done. When I enrolled for TA, the whole process took about two months to finalize, which is why I recommend Sailors to start this process earlier rather than later.” “[TA] is a great opportunity, especially now, since we’re going into RCOH (refueling and complex overhaul) and we’ll be able to go home and go to classes and not worry about an underway schedule,” said Personnel Specialist Seaman Corbette Sam, another George Washington Sailor. Sailors can only take advantage of this opportunity while they are in the Navy, so the sooner they do it the better. To qualify for TA, Sailors must be
at their first command for a year, receive counseling from a Navy College education officer, and they must remain on active duty for the duration of the course. “This is a good benefit for Sailors and their naval careers,” said Lt. j.g. Raffeal Woods. “A higher education is something you will always have that can never be taken away from you.” TA can cover more than just traditional degree programs, so it’s an opportunity every Sailor should explore. It can cover a high school diploma or equivalent, vocational and technical programs, undergraduate programs, graduate programs, and certificate programs. “You can also apply for TA to things like barber school or beauty school,” said Sam. While TA can pay up to 100 percent of a course’s tuition, it may not cover all the expenses of a course.
“TA only pays for the tuition of the course, not any materials and supplies you might need,” said Sam. TA is a fairly simple process, but Sailors should ensure they are taking the proper steps to apply by talking to the right people. Sailors applying for TA are required to complete the Higher Education Preparatory course and Tuition Assistance Training and receive command authorization. Contact the Educational Services Officer (ESO) about command specific service requirements. After getting command approval Sailors are required to receive counseling from a navy college education counselor where they will discuss their interests, identify potential institutions or education programs and assist Sailors in developing their education plan. To learn more about TA, Sailors can visit their command Educational Services Officer and visit www.navycollege.navy.mil/tuition-assistance.
(May 5, 2017) PS3 Michael Aggrey, left, and PS3 Richard Wilkerson evaluate paperwork in the personnel office. (Photo by MC3 Carter Denton)
10
FINANCINGFOR
ABETTERFUTURE
DIFFERENT AVENUES TO HELP PAY FOR SCHOOL By MC3 Joshua DuFrane
T
11
he aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) is about to transfer ports for the refueling and complex overhaul process, a mission that will take several years. During this time period, Sailors may be interested in attending a college or university in pursuit of a degree. Applying for financial aid or tuition assistance can be an overwhelming and daunting task for some Sailors; how does one even begin to apply for financial assistance? The Navy offers a variety of financial resources to Sailors who are interested in attending a college or university during their active duty careers. There are several different ways Sailors may receive financial aid, whether through loans, grants or tuition assistance. It is important that Sailors understand how these forms of assistance work and the differences between them. “The loan process is where you actually have to pay the money back with interest,” said Machinist Mate (Nuclear) Chief Petty Officer Paul Tornabene, Washington’s Command Special Assistant for Personal Finances. “You may not have to pay the money back right away while you’re attending the school, however once you are back in the real world you’ll have to start making payments. Financial aid however, like the Pell Grant, is the government giving
the student money based on your financial needs. You do not have to pay that money back.” Another way for Sailors to receive financial aid is through the Navy College Program’s tuition assistance (TA). TA is the Navy’s educational financial assistance program. The program provides Sailors with money to assist and costs for the schooling of their choice, so long as it is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. There are several programs that TA covers from high school diplomas, undergraduate programs, graduate programs or vocational/technical programs. According to the navycollege.navy. mil website, ‘Sailors using TA have specific responsibilities to ensure their courses are funded through the TA program. It is your responsibility to report any and all course changes to the Virtual Education Center (VAC) to ensure your TA voucher is accurate. Additionally, you are expected to earn passing grades (C or higher for undergraduate and B or higher for graduate) and must reimburse TA funds for any collectable grades (not meeting aforementioned standards).’ “This is a very opportune time for Sailors to take advantage of Tuition Assistance,” said Fire Controlman 1st Class Matthew Walsh, a Sailor on the
Washington. “Tuition assistance will cover the cost of the school, but not the cost of books and any other items you will need for the classes you’re taking; so another program I would recommend Sailors to look into is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That program gives you money to pay for the costs that TA won’t, making college very affordable.” Walsh recommends to Sailors interested in signing up for the Navy’s TA program should start the enrollment process two to three months ahead of the beginning of the semester so avoid any issues. “There are a lot of steps to receive Tuition Assistance,” said Walsh. “It seems like a lot, but the Navy’s website makes it easy for Sailors to follow stepby-step to get it done. When I enrolled for TA, the whole process took about two months to finalize, which is why I recommend Sailors to start this process earlier rather than later.” Sailors interested in attending a college or university during the next few years have droves of resources available to them. Those who do not know where to start can speak with the ship’s Command Financial Specialist or any of our Navy career counselors who can provide all of the information a Sailor may need to get on the right track to success.
12
13
14
EDUCATION
FOROFFICERS By MC2 Alora Blosch
I
15
t’s a brand new semester. You walk through the winding hallways looking for the lecture hall. You walk in and find a seat. You open your bag bringing out new supplies. Your brand new three-ring binder is still stiff and pops slightly as you open it revealing a stack of fresh unused lined paper waiting for the spill of ink on its pages as you take notes from the lecture. Next to your binder is a “new-to-you” text book opened to the chapter for the day’s lesson. You hope the highlighted sections of the book apply just as they did for the book’s previous owner. As you sit there, fellow classmates shuffle in bringing out their supplies as well. Finally, the hum of students and clamoring of supplies dies down as the instructor introduces themself and class begins. Most officers require a degree in order to commission, however, the Navy offers programs designed to aid them in pursuing a master’s or doctorate’s degree, while serving, if they choose to further their education. “I’m pursuing my doctorate’s degree because it’s something that I’ve always wanted for myself,” said Lt. Phong Trac, the aircraft carrier USS George Washington’s (CVN 73) assistant safety officer. “Growing up, my six older siblings were my inspiration. Two of them are now doctors. I am beginning my doctoral studies in Environmental Toxicology at the John’s Hopkins school of Public Health this fall. I will also be the first cohort in a hybrid on-
line program since I will be stationed in San Diego and the school is in Baltimore. A majority of the course will be done online with a 2-week summer intensive workshop each year. This program takes three to five years depending on the completion of your research dissertation.” Going to college to achieve a higher education, while working full-time, is no easy feat. It takes patience, planning and a Lt. Phong Trac holds his diploma after graduating with his Master’s prior to commissioning in the Navy. (Photo Courtesy of Lt. strong support sys- degree Trac) tem to help balance member, or counselors provided by the the load dependNavy or through the university. ing on how many courses the Officer “Having a supportive network is chooses to take at once. also essential in balancing your work, “I’m a big believer in using a planfamily and school life,” said Trac. “My ner or calendar,” said Trac. “As an wife was also going to grad school at undergraduate and graduate student, the same time to become a psycholoI worked full time and took classes at gist, so we would study together a lot night. I was also taking care of my ill and we supported each other along the mother at the time. There really isn’t way. Surround yourself with a good a perfect formula, but as long as you network and tribe of folks who underunderstand what the expectations are stand what you are going through and and manage your time, it can be done.” can provide you with the support you Support systems vary depending on need. There are many resources availthe person. It could be a spouse, family able whether it’s through the Navy or
the university what will help you manage your time and deal with the work load.” Different programs for Officers to pursue post-graduate degrees include Duty-Under Instruction (DUINS), Naval Postgraduate School (NPS), the Naval War College and the Graduate Education Voucher program (GEV). DUINS allows Officers in specific medical communities to attend a university of their choice, in the country, and get their degree. They can also apply to the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. NPS, located in Monterey, California, is a graduate research university offering master’s and doctoral degrees in more than 70 fields of study ranging from oceanography to logistics management. GEV is a program that allows a specific quota from the different naval communities and applies to Unrestricted Line officers (URL) from O-3 to O-5. “I applied for the executive master of business administration (EMBA) program as soon as I checked into my previous duty station,” said Lt. Chris Pamfil, a recent NPS graduate. “To apply I submitted an application form, sent my previous transcripts and got a letter from my commanding officer allowing me to miss work one day a week. As long as there are enough people in a region, NPS can establish a cohort who would work together through the twoyear program. We had six members in our cohort, attended a two-week INDOC in Monterey, California, and attended class every Wednesday for two years.” Pursuing degrees while serving can positively impact not only the time someone spends out of the Navy, but it can also have an impact on how they perform while still in the Navy. “The MBA helped me manage work more efficiently, both at my previous job and my current one,” said Pamfil. “We focused on DOD acquisitions and
learned what it takes to take a product from an idea to being used in the armed forces. The program also taught us to create and manage teams and this is also something we run into all the time in the Navy. I have applied many of the ideas in the way I ran Air Transfer Officer (ATO), deck removal team and now six teams as a superintendent for habitability.” Recently, the Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. John Richardson spoke at NPS encouraging more Officers to pursue a higher education. “There is a tremendous amount of energy out there in the fleet, particularly among our young Sailors, who just see things that could be better,” said Richardson. “You start to get into this cycle where... we’re better today than we were yesterday [and you ask], ‘how can we do it better tomorrow, not only in our schools, but in every work center across the Navy?’ It’s important to achieve that attitude.” He isn’t alone in that mindset. Trac said he also believes that going back to school and continuing education helps increase a Sailors’ competitiveness both in the Navy and the civilian sector. “Pursuing that degree will make you competitive for promotions and increase your career prospects in the private sector exponentially, if you decide to leave the military,” said Trac. “In our current global marketplace, I believe that having just a bachelor’s will not make you competitive. To be compet-
itive, we have to continue up the ladder in education.” Trac also stated that continuing education greatly impacts a leader’s ability to mentor junior Sailors. “By increasing your knowledge and furthering your education, you are exposing yourself and opening your mind to whatever dynamic field that you may be studying in,” said Trac. “This can have a positive impact on your leadership, as those you serve will look upon you to make educated and calculated decisions. If I wasn’t given the opportunity to learn about all the different things I learned in college, I wouldn’t be able to pass that knowledge and experience onto junior Sailors. I feel that attending college/university immensely changes the way an individual views and perceives the world, so it definitely has an effect on the ability to guide Sailors.” There are several officers on board GW who have pursued or are currently pursuing higher educational degrees. With a fixed schedule and no underway periods, the yards provide a unique environment for sea duty Officers interested in reaching their educational goals. Officers are highly encouraged to seek out information and actively strive to meet their educational goals while attached to a command where under normal circumstances would make achieving a post graduate degree more difficult and complicated.
(June 15, 2016) Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson shakes a graduating student’s hand at the Naval Postgraduate School (NPS) in Monterey, California. (Photo by MC1 Elliott Fabrizio)
16
DIFFERENTPATHS
TOSUCCESS WAYS SAILORS CAN CHALLENGE THEMSELVES TO BECOME OFFICERS By MC2 Jennifer O’Rourke
T
17
he Navy provides a myriad of educational opportunities, such as Tuition Assistance, Montgomery GI Bill, Post 9/11 GI Bill, A and C-Schools, and various other apprenticeship training. There is also a way to use these opportunities for career advancement, such as STA-21, Limited Duty Officer/Chief Warrant Officer programs and Officer Candidate School. The U.S. Naval Academy and Naval Academy Preparatory School is an option for single Sailors between the ages of 17 and 23. The school, located in Annapolis, Maryland, has a curriculum focused in the technical fields, such as engineering, math and physics. The students graduate with a Bachelor of Science and they qualify to join the Surface Warfare, Submarines, Aviation, Special Warfare and Special Operations communities. Seaman to Admiral-21 Program is two-fold, first selectees attend the eight-week Naval Science Institute at Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island. Then the selectees go on to attend a fulltime, year-round Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps affiliated
university. Students must be no older than 27 years old when they finish their degree in 36 consecutive months. “When I was in boot camp there was an admiral that came in and talked about the STA-21 program and how he came in under that program,” said Pena. “So I knew that I can do this in the Navy. I knew I needed a college degree, and I knew I needed to apply for a program, so when I got to my command I was really active in my rate.” Not all programs fit every individual. For instance, Lt. Joel Pena applied for the STA-21 program, but ran into the end of his first enlistment before he was accepted. So, the best option for him was a different officer program. “I was an Aviation Machinist Mate, I always wanted to be a pilot, that was the dream,” said Lt. Joel Pena. “I went to an air show after I had graduated high school and saw the Blue Angels. That’s what I want to do! I was in Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps so I knew a little bit about the Navy. Then I talked to a Navy recruiter and I figured coming in enlisted was the best course of action for
me. Not only do I get the GI Bill, but it could help me mature a little bit before I went up to college. “I decided to get out after my four-year enlistment then apply to the Officer Candidate School program. I applied for the August board and I was off to OCS in February.” Officer Candidate School requires applicants to already hold a baccalaureate or advanced degree and must be at least 19 years old, maximum age limits vary by community. Selectees may choose their communities from Unrestricted Line, Restricted Line, and certain Staff Corps. The school is located at Officer Training Command in Newport, Rhode Island. “[My Chain of Command] was able to steer me in the right direction,” said Pena. “I had a really good mentor so I am an advocate for having a good mentor. It was a little hard to see which [program] would work for me but I was able to get it because people were willing to talk to me about it.” There are more specific programs offered as well, such as the Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program, a Nurse Corps opportunity.
(Sept. 2009) Lt. Joel Pena poses for a photo while he attends the T-34 Ground School in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Pena)
(March 2011) Lt. Joel Pena poses for a photo during a winging ceremony in Corpus Christi, Texas. (Photo courtesy of Lt. Pena)
(April 30, 2006) AD3 Joel Pena launches a F/A-18 Super Hornet off the flight deck of the aircraft carrier USS Dwight D. Eisenhower (CVN 69). (Photo courtesy of Lt. Pena)
The program is an opportunity open to all enlisted rates, who have some college credits to complete their baccalaureate degree in nursing and obtain a commissioning. If selected for this program the students are required to complete the degree in 36 consecutive months. Some of the Medical Service Corps In-Service Procurement Programs provide the opportunity for enlisted to earn a degree, undergraduate or graduate, en route to commissioning. The candidates in this program, like the other programs, receive full enlisted pay and benefits while going to school full-time, year-round. Sailors interested would need to have either the credits or the completed qualifying degree, and be at least an E-5 younger than 42 years old. “I don’t have a degree, so Limited Duty Officer was a great option for me, especially because I am a nuke,” said Lt. j.g. Thomas Scoggins. “It was a really easy transition. I knew I was going to be a careerist, I knew I was going to do 20 years. I could see the changes I wanted to make and the way I wanted to lead Sailors. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to do that as a chief, senior chief or master chief. I wanted to dictate policy and work for Sailors more than I could in the chiefs’ mess.” The Limited Duty and Chief Warrant Officer programs don’t require or offer any post-secondary degree. Sailors interested in these programs should know that as they are furthering their education they remain members of the military, receive their full pay and benefits of their enlisted rank, benefits including such as tuition covered by the military and some even include a book and expenses stipend. For more information about enlisted to officer programs please review the OPNAV instruction 1420.1B or talk to your Command Career Counselor.
18
By MC2 Jules Stobaugh
W
19
hen Sailors think about going to school, they tend to think more about the traditional two and four year universities and colleges, whether they are online or in the classroom, and they believe that’s all Tuition Assistance (TA) will cover. However, there are other ways to earn a degree, college credits, or even learn a trade skill while still using TA. Sailors can choose to attend a technical or trade school using TA to learn skills related to a specific job if they choose. However, Catalina Delgado, an education specialist for the Navy College Office, wants Sailors to consider some things before making that decision. “Most of the trade schools around here are private for profit,” said Delgado. “A lot of the private for profit schools are accredited and are usually operated more like a business and not a school. Tuition can vary because they are a business so they
can charge you more for a degree.” This means that while you can still use TA to attend a trade school, it probably won’t cover all of the tuition, leaving you to cover the rest out of pocket. “Community colleges will always have work force development and trade schools,” said Delgado. “What that means is that once you complete the program, you are ready to go to the work force and do not need further education to be further certified or licensed.” For instance, places like Tidewater Community College offer certificates in several trades, including welding. Sailors with experience in this field will have a leg up in earning their certificate and finding a job. “We do have many transitioning Sailors participate in the welding program,” said Dr. Michelle Woodhouse, an advisor at Tidewater Community College, Portsmouth campus. “Often times they want
CAREER Government & Public Administration Manufacturing Health Science Business, Management & Administration Information Technology Marketing. Sales & Service Hospitality & Tourism Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics Source: Association for Career and Technical Education
“A lot of the vocational or technical schools are more in tune with the credits you get through the military.” CLUSTERS Law, Public Safety & Security Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Human Services Transportation, Distribution & Logistics Finance Architecture & Construction Education & Training Arts, A/V Technology & Communications
- Catalina Delgado, education specialist at Navy College Office
the training and experience to apply and be competitive applicants with the various apprenticeship programs in the region. The welding program, and other certificate programs, provides students with the opportunity to gain a workforce credential, thus preparing them for employment.” That doesn’t mean that trade schools are all bad and can’t be a potentially good path to follow, especially for certain Navy rates. “A lot of the vocational or technical schools are more in tune with the credits you get through the military,” said Delgado. “You will see perhaps similar training as your military rate training if you go into the same type of work. It’s a shorter path, but doesn’t mean it requires any less effort.” Trade schools even have their own resources that can help military members with any questions they may have. “We have a dedicated [Veteran Affairs] representative on staff
to assist any military members who may be interested in our school,” said Mike Corcoran, director of Admissions at Advanced Technology Institute, a trade school that offers hands-on programs in Automotive Technology, Diesel/Heavy Vehicle, Commercial Driving, and many more programs. “We also offer military tuition assistance along with other veteran’s benefits and grants.” While these schools may not be the traditional schools that some Sailors may be familiar with, they still provide another option to further your education. Just remember to be careful and do your research on the school before making the decision to attend. A good place to start is by visiting the website www.dodmou.com and searching for your school of interest. If it shows up in the list, then it means they accept TA. The site also provides other details about schools including accreditation, any complaints they may have, and what kind of financial aid they use.
20
SATVS.ACT
M
21
ost people haven’t given the ACT or SAT a second thought since high school when standardized exams for college and university admission was more of a priority. But whether a person graduated two years ago or 10, those exams are still offered for people pursuing higher education, including Sailors aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73). Formerly known as the American College Test (ACT) and Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT), the ACT and SAT assess critical reasoning abilities and knowledge in math, language skills, and science (ACT only). Many George Washington Sailors will have time to further their education as the ship is going into its refueling and complex overhaul (RCOH) period. The crew won’t have an underway or deployment schedule, so they will have time to take classes and start getting their degree. However, some service members may experience some challenges when taking the ACT or SAT for the first time. They may not have enough time to study, may not know which one to take, and may not even know why they need to take them. The most important reason Sailors should take the ACT or SAT is because most colleges require test scores in order to apply. Colleges will accept either test, or both. “If you have any desire to go to college for the first time, or to go back to finish your degree, you absolutely need a valid SAT or ACT on file,” said Lt. Alexander Fredrick-
By MCSN Kristen Yarber
son, an officer in George Washington’s reactor department. “Even if you have taken the SAT or ACT in the past, it is only valid for five years.” Fredrickson took both tests before getting his degree. He said it is imperative for Sailors to take this step toward their professional careers. The ACT contains four sections:
math, English, reading and science. The SAT has three sections: math, writing, and reading. If science is your strong suit, you may want to take the ACT. SAT has some science-related questions, but ACT puts a bigger emphasis on science by having an entire section. Those who perform better in trigonometry and geometry may want to take the ACT, while those who excel in algebra may find the SAT easier. Each test has an optional essay. If lit-
erary analysis isn’t a personal strength, SAT’s essay would be ideal as it focuses on reading comprehension and grammar. The ACT’s essay, however, focuses more on the content of what is written, not how it is written. It gives the writer a topic to debate after detailed analysis. “If you don’t know which test to take, I recommend taking both,” said Fredrickson. “I have known several people who have done much better on one than the other. Also, if you do poorly your first time, definitely retake it. You’ll have a better idea of what to expect.” There are discounted online preparatory programs and materials for military members. Eknowledge.com offers all military students and their families with free SAT/ACT test prep program material, which can cost up to $350 if not done through the eknowledge website. They will cover the $350 fee and the student will only have to pay a fee of $14.99 for materials and streaming or $49.99 for the Premium All Access Program. To obtain this material, visit www.eknowledge.com/military. There are certain dates the tests are administered and deadlines to register for them as well. These dates can be found on each test’s website. You can register for either test online. To register for the ACT, go to www. act.org and click on “ACT Registration.” To register for the SAT, you must create an account with www.collegeboard.org. For more information, visit www.collegereadiness.collegeboard. org.
22
IMPORTANCE
OFEDUCATION FORMER GW SAILOR FINDS PURPOSE AFTER SERVICE By MCC Mary Popejoy
T
23
he Navy wasn’t her first choice after high school, but after a few years of dead-end jobs, she wanted more out of life. She looked to the Navy for stability and purpose, and the chance to start anew. On January 29, 2000, Pamela Wilson followed in her younger sister’s footsteps and joined the Navy. Wilson’s career was filled with assignments around the world supporting the Navy’s mission, including serving aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73) from 2009 to 2012. But ultimately her career would end at 14 years, requiring her to separate due to High Year Tenure as a culinary specialist second class. Even though she was leaving the Navy before she was ready, she had a plan—one that would allow her to continue her Navy service and go to school. “I joined the reserves and was able to keep my rate and rank, and I became a full-time student with the help of the Post 9/11 GI Bill,” said Wilson. She completed four classes while on active duty, but with pursuing qualifications and other ship requirements, she didn’t have much time to do that, but wishes she had made more of an
effort. “I’d probably be closer to graduating if I had taken classes consistently,” said Wilson. “I sacrificed my personal development to support the requirements of my department and the Navy. Wilson went on to say that she en-
courages those on active duty to not follow her lead in that regard. “I highly recommend Sailors find a balance between the Navy and pursuing higher education because both are important,” she said. “The more you do on active duty, the less time you have to spend in a classroom or online completing classes. Having a degree can
open doors for you and change your life. Sometimes you have to sacrifice to achieve what you want in life,” said Wilson. With sacrifice comes humbling moments that ultimately lead you to where you were meant to be all along. “After a lot of research and shopping around for the best college for me, I went with ITT Technical Institute to pursue a criminal justice degree,” said Wilson. At the time, ITT was what she needed, but ultimately Wilson had to leave the school at no fault of her own. In a New York Times article dated Sept. 6, 2016, all ITT locations were closing their doors due to accusations of widespread fraud and abuse, leaving roughly 35,000 students and 8,000 employees in the lurch. The article mentioned how ITT’s recruitment, lending practices and educational quality had been under scrutiny by federal regulators and state prosecutors for years. It happened so fast, she wasn’t sure if any of the hard work she’d done would transfer to another college. She had to work fast because as a full-time student she relies on the Basic Allowance for Housing, paid by the GI bill to full-time students. Just like she did before, she did more
research, asked even more questions. She ultimately found South University, which offered a Bachelor of Science (BS) in criminal justice. They also accepted some of her credits from ITT. “ITT closing wasn’t a blessing in the moment, but it became one because it led me to South University,” said Wilson. “They have been so helpful from the beginning. With ITT I was pursuing an associate’s degree, but ultimately I wanted to get a bachelor’s degree, which is what South offered, so it was a perfect fit. South has opened a lot of doors with career planners to help me get into a career, not just a job.” Her new university not only offered the degree she wanted, but it provided in-classroom instruction, and flexibility with her reserve commitments. “My school schedule doesn’t impact my drill weekends, which is a great thing because it helps me balance my life better,” said Wilson, currently a second class petty officer in the Navy reserves. “I do have to plan my two-
weeks-a-year active duty training time around school, but that’s easy to do.” With a healthy balance between taking care of her nephews, her fur baby Lucky, and pursuing higher education, becoming a full-time student later in life was an adjustment. “Taking college courses here and there on active duty (March 4, 2017) CS2 Pamela Wilson poses for a photo. Wilson served aboard Washington from 2009-2012 (Photo courtesy of CS2 Wilson) was easy compared she keeps a positive attitude and reto sitting in a classmains committed to excelling in all room with students of varying ages aspects of college life. who are balancing life just like I am,” “It’s easy to just go to class, take said Wilson. “You don’t realize how notes and do the homework, but I take detached you are from the education it a step further and get involved in mindset until you’ve been out of school different groups because it allows me for a few decades.” to network with those in my future Being a student isn’t easy, but she career field as well as those who have finds inspiration achieved academic excellence,” said in her nephews. Wilson. “Because of the Navy I have “They inspire this experience, and I don’t take anyme every day, and thing for granted. I apply the Navy’s motivate me to be core values of Honor, Courage and the best student I Commitment into all that I do because can be because I life requires an all-in approach, and expect the same that’s exactly how I live my life.” from them,” said Her ultimate goal is to enter the Wilson. “We’re alcriminal justice career field after gradways talking about uation. grades, school So for those leaving the Navy to struggles and the pursue higher education, she has some importance of lessons learned to share. First, do repursuing higher search on the school and make sure education because they are in compliance with the U.S. they need to know Board of Education and are accredited. that education is Second, the grass isn’t always greener important and it on the other side, so be ready to face deserves 100 perthe financial and emotional challengcent of their effort es of post-Navy life. Third, success everyday!” is entirely up to you. Chart your own With support (May 17, 2017) Scot Haynes, president of South University, presents CS2 Pamela Wilson with a certificate for making the President’s List course and be the best version of you from her family, for academic excellence. (Photo courtesy of CS2 Wilson) that you can be.
24
GETTING
SCHOOLED
One Sailor’s Journey for Education By MC2 Kris Lindstrom
A
25
(May 2, 2017) PS1 Henry Johnson works on his homework during his duty day. (Photo by MC2 Kris Lindstrom)
vast majority of Sailors fall back on the same cliché when asked why they joined—for education. However, some may fall short of that goal while facing the rigorous challenges of military life. Pursuing education while still serving on active duty tests a person’s patience, determination and commitment. While juggling 10-12 hour days, an underway schedule, personal responsibilities, sleep and a personal life, how much time is leftover for classes and homework? Personnel Specialist 1st Class Henry Johnson, leading petty officer for the education service office (ESO) aboard the aircraft carrier USS George Washington (CVN 73), received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University after about a decade in school, marathoning to his goal. In 2006, Johnson began attending Columbia Southern University while stationed at the Personnel Support Detachment in Pensacola, Florida. He noticed right away the hardships he was slated to endure. “It was pretty difficult, I can’t lie,” said Johnson. “Go to work all day, PT, go home to daddy duties and then still having to find time to do homework is pretty tiring. But when you want something, you don’t let anything stop you from getting it.” Johnson served at six different commands over the last decade and tried his best to not let the location impede his educational regiment. Over this time, complications did arise that stalled his progress.
“While in Iraq, because of the delay of shipping, I only took one class,” Johnson said modestly. “The only other major break I had was while I was recruiting. The high-speed, vigorous environment of recruiting didn’t really allow me to take time for school initially. It wasn’t until towards the end of my tour that I actually had the time and was able to prioritize effectively enough to risk taking a class. Other than that, I’ve taken classes consistently, at least one at a time.” When it came to financing his educational journey, Johnson turned to the tuition assistance program offered to military members. He benefited from the fact that his school works with TA. “Columbia Southern University lowered all their rates to match that of TA (tuition assistance),” said Johnson. “That’s primarily why I’ve stayed with them. When I reached my credit limit for the fiscal year, I’d just wait until the next fiscal year. I was never in a rush or time constraint. I just wanted to continue moving forward. There are a lot of other great schools that I could have attended, but I think I honestly didn’t want to deal with having to figure the differences in costs.” No matter how difficult it was to manage school, work and life, Johnson kept pushing forward. Part of his drive is to be a solid role model for his four children, as well as the Sailors he leads day in and day out. “I can’t expect my Sailors to go to school if I’m not,” said Johnson. “I can’t expect my children to push through tough situations if I can’t. I can’t expect to look myself in the face with satisfaction if I know I didn’t do something that I could have.” Logistic Specialist 1st Class Rachel Ryan, leading petty officer of George Washington’s maintenance support center (MSC), met Johnson at command indoctrination three years ago
(May 2, 2017) PS1 Henry Johnson received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Columbia Southern University. (Photo by MC2 Kris Lindstrom)
aboard the aircraft carrier USS Theodore Roosevelt (CVN 71) and knew right away that this was a man on a mission. “It’s his actions,” said Ryan. “It’s not about what he says, it’s about what he does. He’s made up his mind that he wants to be somewhere at a certain time and that’s exactly what he’s going to do.” Ryan recognizes the obstacles that Johnson overcame to get to where he is now and feels it’s an important standard for other young Sailors to embody. “He is the role model for anybody who thinks they can’t do family, college and be a Sailor at the same time,” said Ryan. “Yes you can. You just have to put your mind to it and prove that thought wrong.” Johnson acknowledges how intimidating it can be for junior Sailors to
follow the path that he has cleared. “If anyone promised you it’d be easy, they lied,” said Johnson. “I’m a firm believer that ‘we’ve all got things to do, but we make time for what we want.’ If you want it, the resources, assistance, and opportunity are out there for you to go get it. No one who wants you to be successful is going to stand in your way. Surround yourself with positive energy, focus on intermediate goals and checkpoints, then finish. Finish strong. Don’t look at how far you have to go. Look at how far you have come.” Johnson plans to finish strong as he continues his journey in the fall for his Masters of Business Administration. Any Sailor from E-1 to E-9 can follow in the footsteps of Personnel Specialist 1st Class Henry Johnson, though they must exemplify a level of courage and determination to make the initial step.
26