February 18, 2000
Lieutenant Colonel Dean A. Nowowiejski, Battalion Commander, announced that the United States Army Southern California Recruiting Battalion will be participating in a test of an enlistment program designed to expand recruiting markets and to increase opportunities for Americans to serve in the Army. The test program, College First, officially began on February 3rd and runs through September 2003.
The College First test program will allow high school diploma graduate applicants who score in the top half of the country on the Armed Forces Qualification Test (those who currently qualify for the Army College Fund) to attend up to two years of post-secondary education prior to reporting to active duty. Students participating in the program will be required to serve part time in the Army Reserve while attending school. While they are serving in the Reserve they will receive Reserve duty pay and allowances.
"The purpose of the program is to expand our penetration of the growing high quality college-bound market, " Lt. Col. Nowowiejski said. Nowowiejski added, "Our survey data indicates that many youth see military service as a barrier to attending post-secondary education rather than an enabler. This option enables those youth to attend up to two years of post-secondary education prior to accessing on active duty."
This program will be open to both men and women. The students can attend any college they want, provided it is an accredited college or vocational-technical school. They can pursue any courses or kind of degree they choose. However, they may choose to relate the course to the skill they have chosen for enlistment. If the applicant receives certification in a skill currently included in the Army Civilian Acquired Skills Program, it could lessen their training time once they access to active duty.
All applicants will be required to serve at least two years on active duty at the completion of their educational program. The actual length of the active duty commitment will vary depending on the military occupational skill and incentive package they select.
For additional information, young people should contact their nearest Army recruiting station, call 1-800-USA-ARMY or visit goarmy.com.
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