FORT EISENHOWER, Ga. – A group of 32 local college students received an inside look at the U.S. Army Signal and Cyber Schools on Dec. 7.
The daylong tour was made possible by the VICEROY grant, a program that supports experiential learning by providing students with exposure to job opportunities within Department of Defense.
Upon arrival, students from Augusta University (AU) and Mississippi State University (MSU) were transported by bus to Brant Hall, where they were greeted by Robert McDaniel, Information Technology Development College (ITDC) chief. McDaniel told the students and faculty that they “were in for a treat,” referring to several site tours and information discussions planned for the day.
In his welcoming remarks, McDaniel presented a brief overview of the U.S. Army Signal School and shared a little of his background, to include how he got to where he is today. Having enlisted straight out of high school in 1979, the Army veteran earned an associate and bachelor’s degree while on active duty.
“But the level of experience that I have – 44 years of service – easily translated into the job that I’m in today,” McDaniel said.
Following McDaniel’s welcome, students divided into two groups. Group 1 stayed in Brant Hall, where they were able to see various signal equipment up close, engage in conversation with signal Soldiers, and learn about signal curriculum. Group 2 walked to nearby facilities where they observed and learned about Cyber School training and curriculum. The groups reconvened for lunch and information discussions, which were led by Fort Eisenhower leadership and moderated by Michael Nowatkowski, a professor and head of AU’s cyber programs of study. In the afternoon, Group 1 and Group 2 switched places, enabling each to experience what they missed earlier that morning.
Nowatkowski, who holds a doctorate in electrical and computer engineering, said the students were “very fortunate” being so close to a military installation, emphasizing it has “so much to offer,” especially considering most of them are computer science and engineering majors.
“Being this close to Fort Eisenhower and the facilities that are here, and the amount of access that we can get … it’s just fantastic for the students, because it allows them to see some of the signal and cyber career opportunities with many of the organizations here,” Nowatkowski said.
Students and faculty weren’t the only ones who found the tour beneficial.
Staff Sgt. Derek Paeltz, network communication systems specialist (25H) instructor with the U.S. Army Signal School, said he enjoys the tours because they help showcase what the Army does, where it is heading, and “maybe build some interest” in either joining or working for DoD in some capacity, he said. For Paeltz, enlisting was one of the best decisions he made. But after eight years of service, he will begin transitioning out of the military in January due to an injury. Thankfully, he has already accepted a job offer with DoD; something he doesn’t believe would have been possible without his military experience.
“I would not be prepared for that job if it hadn’t been for the Army,” Paeltz said. “I went to college for free in the Army, I got certifications for free in the Army … being a Signaleer in the Army, you don’t have just one job; you do a whole lot of different jobs, which opens you up to a lot of different [opportunities].”
And while there’s no denying military service can lead to promising job prospects, some DoD career fields are in high demand and hiring without military experience. That’s where exposure through tours such as these can have a significant impact.
“Today really [focused] on ways that they – as graduates – can come in as civilians and do network and cyber defense for the nation,” said Anne Bowman, Fort Eisenhower Garrison deputy public affairs officer. “The way to win is to collaborate, and that means input from everybody. Collaboration across academia, business, and the military is a win-win for everyone.”
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