The change, announced by Navy Administration message (NAVADMIN) released Feb. 12, was based on Sailor feedback and as a result of savings from management controls that were put in place in June of 2007.
Sailors with less than 19 years time in service and meeting all other requirements may participate in TA or the Navy College Program for Afloat College Education (NCPACE) as long as course completions occur prior to separation from active duty.
"If you look at what some of the "Top 50" civilian corporations are offering for education, I think we are matching that," said Capt. Ken Barrett, Task Force Life/Work lead. "We then take it a step further by offering Navy Credentialing Opportunities Online (COOL) certifications, paying for College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) examinations and access to Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) programs. Not only will the Navy help pay for your degree, we're making it easier to get credit for the job you're already doing."
During the recent Task Force Life/Work Roadshow events held in five fleet concentration areas, Sailors provided more than 250 feedback comments on education issues, recommending changes to a variety of programs including the current TA policy, according to Barrett.
"Listening to our Sailors has allowed us to calibrate the controls to become even more effective," said Rear Adm. Gary Jones, Commander, Naval Education and Training Command. "We continue to monitor the new policies and their impact on Sailors and the Voluntary Education (VOLED) program, building the programs and making changes as needed. TA and NCPACE support our Sailor's education goals and are included as part of our new Enlisted Learning and Development Strategy (ELDS) that we are beginning to rollout."
Setting realistic goals, conducting early career planning, and maintaining a balance between job and education is essential to a Sailor's success, according to Ann Hunter, the Navy's Voluntary Education (VOLED) Service Chief. "For example, Sailors with four-year commitments may find completing degree requirements challenging. Completion of "A" School and satisfactory progress toward warfare qualifications must come first.
"This doesn't prevent Sailors from developing an education plan and studying for CLEP and DANTES exams," added Hunter. "With careful planning, these Sailors may complete 24-30 hours of college courses before completion of their four-year commitment. This, combined with credit for military training and experience, could lead to a degree."
Sailors are required to assess career and educational goals and work with both Navy leadership and Navy College Offices to develop a plan that places a priority on warfare /professional qualifications and supports career development. The education plan is only one aspect of a Sailor's career development plan.
Full implementation of the Navy's management controls requires cooperation between the Navy College Offices, command leadership and Sailors. Roles and responsibilities are outlined in the NAVADMIN.Sailors can provide feedback on VOLED policies by sending feedback e-mails to voled@navy.mil.
