Called "Accelerate to Excellence," the program is expected to sign up 100 people in the first year. The program allows enlistees to enroll in community college while in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) and get paid a monthly stipend by the Navy. The enlistees are expected to eventually earn an associate’s degree prior to reporting to their first permanent duty station. The initial pilot program will be focused on recruiting from Texas and Florida.
“This continues the Navy’s emphasis on post-secondary education for Sailors,” said Rear Adm. Joe Kilkenny, CNRC. “Adapting to the challenges of the 21st century and the Navy’s changing capabilities and missions will require Sailors to have a strong educational foundation -- both professionally and personally. Degree programs develop the depth of knowledge and analytical skills to think critically. This program opens another avenue for Sailors to explore higher education opportunities.”
After eligibility is determined for the program (qualifying Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB score, a 2.8 high school GPA (grade point average) or a 2.5 college GPA, along with other standard Navy eligibility requirements), the future Sailors are enlisted into DEP and select their rate or job specialty, which during the pilot program is limited to five technical aviation fields, and degree program.
The program DEP participants will attend an accredited community college of their choice for two semesters while receiving a college stipend of $475 a month. An added element of the program is the potential for top performers to be considered for application into officer commissioning programs. The DEP personnel will enter basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Ill., at the pay grade of airman apprentice, with an automatic advancement to airman upon graduation.
The Sailors will then be stationed at Naval Air Technical Training Center, located at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla., where they will attend classes offered by Florida Community College at Jacksonville (FCCJ) or another semester to complete their associate’s degree in either industrial management or avionics technology.
The Sailors will be on active duty and receive full benefits during their semester at FCCJ. In addition, they will receive general Navy instruction and training and participate in a physical training regimen. During this final semester, the Sailors will be expected to complete all degree requirements that can’t be met through American Council on Education credits earned from their Navy technical training (“A”) school.
Next, the Sailors will attend “A” school to receive basic technical training in their career fields. Upon completion, the service members will be advanced to petty officer third class and receive their associate’s degree diplomas. A year from graduation, the Sailors will be eligible to advance to petty officer second class following an advancement exam, provided they meet all other eligibility requirements.
Within the first three weeks of the pilot program start, one recruit in Houston has signed up with significant interest being reported from the other participating Navy Recruiting Districts as well. The pilot program is planned to run for three years.
To learn more about military education benefits, visit the Military.com Education Center.
