Editor’s Note: This is part two in a three-part “back to school” series highlighting services provided by the Fort Myer Education Center.
GoArmyEd.com is the Soldiers’ gateway to taking college courses, earning certifications, and furthering their education. Through GoArmyEd service members can request online Army tuition assistance for classroom and distance learning online college courses. The Fort Myer Education Center counselors can assist Soldiers through the process.
“We provide assistance with service members (who) are trying to request tuition assistance or assistance with activating their GoArmyEd account,” said Cherlin Ngala, Fort Myer Education Center counselor. “We have computers in our office, so we can walk them through the process to get their account activated so, that lessens the stress about going to school and makes it easier for them.”
Before starting a class, GoArmyEd account holders must have a plan. The GoArmyEd course planning tool helps Soldiers plan their degree and decide which courses to take. The course planning tool must be completed and approved prior to taking any courses. The counselors at the education center are also available to guide students.
“We supply them with educational support trying to narrow down what type of career they are interested in so, we provide them with the resources and tools to do career planning,” said Ngala.
For Soldiers who are unfamiliar with the process, the one-on-one assistance can be very helpful in getting started.
“The folks here have helped me set up my TA,” said Spc. Mike Berry, of the 3d U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard) motor pool. “I had no idea what school I wanted to go and what programs. I sat down with one of the counselors here and we were able to work out something that was tailored to me and where I wanted to go. It has been a tremendous experience.”
Before applying for Army TA Soldiers should be aware of the rules. Soldiers using TA must not be under suspension of favorable personnel actions, and there are time-in-service requirements. Soldiers can’t use TA to pursue a second bachelor’s degree or doctoral degree. The Army can recoup money for grades below a C minus for undergraduate work, and for grades below a B minus for graduate-level courses.
A new change to TA began Aug. 5. This change allowed Soldiers to use their Army TA benefits right after they graduate advanced individual training.
“Before they had to wait a whole year from coming in before they could start using TA, but with this new TA policy they don’t have to wait anymore,” said Jeannette Sydnor-Thickening, lead education services specialist and HUB deputy director Fort Myer Education Center. “All they have to do is fulfill all their professional military education then their eligible to use TA immediately.”
The Fort Myer Education Center will offer a GoArmyEd 101 and tuition assistance overview briefing Wednesday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.
For more information, call the education center at (703) 696-3178.
