If you’re looking to advance your military and civilian career, you may want to consider getting guidance and assistance from the 88th Readiness Division Education Center at Fort McCoy, Wis.
“Soldiers should use the Education Center to learn more about their educational benefits. Most Soldiers have no idea of everything that they are entitled to receive,” said Connie Schauer.
The Education Center serves the wider military community: Soldiers, Retirees, Spouses, Civilians, and Contractors. “We don’t turn anyone away,” said Schauer.
The list of services offered by the Education Center is extensive. The Education Services Specialists administer an array of military tests, including the Oral Proficiency Interview, Defense Language Proficiency Test, Defense Language Aptitude Battery, Selection Instrument for Flight Training (SIFT) and the Armed Forces Classification Test.
Cadet Morgan Schwittay, soon to be a senior at Ripon College, Ripon, Wis., used the Education Center to take the SIFT because she wants to commission into the Aviation branch. She got the contact information for the Education Center from her ROTC battalion and set up a time for her to take the test. “It was super easy to set up the test,” Schwittay said.
The Peshtigo, Wis., native thinks other service members should consider connecting with Education Services Specialists to advance their military and civilian careers. “They are super helpful and knowledgeable, and super easy to work with. They made the process of taking the test easier,” she said.
Other services offered include administration of the Table of Adult Basic Education, proctoring college exams, consolidation of college transcripts, assistance with writing papers and developing writing skills, maintaining a library of educational reference and study guides, teaching Basic Skills Education Program classes and instructing English Language Learners/English as a Second Language classes.
The Education Services Specialists can also provide help with Tuition Assistance and credentialing. They can help activate account access for ArmyIgnitED, create Help Desk tickets, escalate issues to Army Continuing Education System and validate degree plan and course planner.
The 88th RD Education Center is also a National Testing Center site, administering the DANTES Standardized Subject Tests and the College Level Examination Program exams. Soldiers can get college credits by demonstrating their knowledge.
“All Army Personnel Testing and proctoring is free. Soldiers can take the first CLEP and DANTES test free. Retakes of CLEP and DANTES tests are $80,” said Schauer. “Spouses and Civilians must pay $80 for CLEP and DANTES tests.”
Although no local colleges currently offer in-person classes at the Education Center, “We’re working with nearby educational institutions for in-person classes,” Schauer said.
Planning is underway for an Open House at the Education Center sometime this summer to showcase services to potential patrons and to thank existing clients.
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