JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
As the fall semester comes to an end and the spring semester approaches, so does another opportunity for U.S. Army Soldiers to begin or complete a degree. Advisors at the Fort Eustis Herb Bateman Army Education Center are available to assist Soldiers as they embark on their journey to completing a degree.
Though Soldiers are required to wait a full year after their graduation from advanced individual training to begin taking classes, this does not hinder them from utilizing other avenues.
The education center supplies College Level Examination Program (CLEP) and Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES) tests that individuals can take to earn college credits, without taking any courses, said Jovito Aboc, Education Center education services specialist.
"This is a great way to get started toward a degree," said Aboc. "There are tests for most general education classes."
Active Duty Soldiers will have the ability to test on any CLEP or DANTES for free. If a test is failed the Soldier can wait an allotted amount of time to test again for no cost, if they want to test before the time is up, they must pay out of pocket.
Once a Soldier has waited the allotted year used to hopefully become proficient in their military occupational specialty, they are able to begin taking classes utilizing Military Tuition Assistance provided for Service members.
As part of their TA benefits, Soldiers are allowed to take up to 16 credit hours or up to $4,500 without paying out of pocket. While in school Soldiers are required to maintain a 2.0 grade point average or higher.
"If a Soldier drops below a 2.0 GPA, their profile online will be frozen until they raise it," said Aboc.
Aboc also added that school credits can benefit Soldiers in the long run.
"[School credits] can give Soldiers points toward promotion," said Aboc. "But they are also important because they are preparing themselves for their future outside of the military."
The Fort Eustis Education Center has tests available on Tuesdays by appointment only. If a Soldier would like to test on another day, they are allowed to utilize the Langley Air Force Base Education Center the rest of the week from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday.
For more information or to make an appointment contact the Fort Eustis Education Office at 878-3705/3613 or the Langley Education Office at 764-2962 or Soldiers may get started by visiting www.goarmyed.com. For a list of available CLEP tests and online practice exams visit www.petersons.com/army.d online practice exams visit
www.petersons.com/army.