Pakistan Military Academy Blast - no casualties

Pakistan Military Academy in Kakul was blasted with 9 rockets last Friday. It's distance from Syed Imtiaz, the infamous compound of Osama Bin Laden in Abbottabad was about about 500 meters, Hussain Shah a senior police official said.
The blast damaged a wall at the academy but fortunately, there were no reported casualties.
The rockets were fired from the mountains southeast of the academy early that day, Shah said.
Compared as the West Point of Pakistan - The Kakul military academy, drew criticism last year when U.S. Navy SEALs killed bin Laden.
There were questions on how bin Laden managed to live undetected in a sprawling compound with 10- to 18-foot walls with barbed wire quite close to the prestigious military academy in the city of Abbottabad.

Go to a Military Summer School

Image via WikipediaFor many youth staying idle during summer the best way to ignite your life into a most productive and discipline individual is by attending the military summer school. This program for the youth ages 7-12 usually takes only five weeks in many military summer schools in the US and other countries of the world.

This kind of program offered in military academies is also among the accepted program to parents designed at enhancing the lives of their children, changing their difficult behavioral attitude from bad to polish, as well shaping their future from dark to productive and exciting life through military education.

Here are military values and top reasons why many parents are now encouraging their children to participate in military summer school.

Self-discipline – The parents believe with the kind of program the children will be able to develop self discipline. During summer the students are idle and instead hangout with their neighborhood friends, former classmates and buddies. As a result of this bad influence many are showing bad behavior towards their parents. With the military summer school the training is designed to stay them away from bad friends, drinking sessions among their neighbors and developing a behavior of laziness.

To think independently – The training program also helps the students to stand on their feet and to decide independently on their own. The level of confidence grow as far as deciding on their own when it comes many school activities in the military summer school program.

Confidence building – The parents believe that with the military school program their children will be able to build confidence among themselves. There are designed activities to develop confidence as included in the program.

Use essential skills – During the course of the five weeks program there are also activities designed to develop and use the student’s essential skills which they do not usually recognize. These skills include time management, planning, organization and goal setting.

Motivates themselves and others – Most military summer schools in many countries of the world have also designed a program to properly give motivation to students enrolled in the program. In the same manner they would also motivate others.

Financial Aid for Military Schools

Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Want a worry free secondary education? Just enroll your child in a military school. There are certainly lots of financial aids for military schools available throughout the country. With this scheme, parents can certainly kill two birds with one stone – you can rid yourself the burden of spending four years of tuition for your child and at the same time, you can ensure that your child will be molded in a much disciplined way in his precarious adolescence stage.

And the desire is mutual. If you need a military school for your child to go to, the military school also needs your child. There are lots of military schools scholarships offered across the country. After all, military schools are businesses and just like your regular Army academy, they do recruit students too.

In applying for military schools financial aid, all you need to do is to pay the school a visit and inquire from there. The fund can either be in the form of a military loan for school or simply a grant. Please note that 40 percent of the enrollees of military schools continue their studies through full scholarships. All the prospective enrollee needs to do is to take the scholarship exam so the school board can determine if he or she is qualified for the grant. Military schools aid not only covers the student’s tuition in his or her four years of stay in the campus but also the student’s board fees for the whole duration of the program as well. Other miscellaneous fees that are covered with the military schools scholarships are the student’s cadet uniform, books and other instructional materials, Internet fee, laundry fee, haircut fee and similar ones. Of course, the scheme varies with each military school but they are similar in character.

If you are unfortunate enough not to pass the military schools scholarships, then there is an abundance of military loan for school available out there. The loan may come in the form of a deferred payment plan where the institution allows you to defer paying as much as 40 percent of your child’s tuition by the next school year. Of course, the school must assess that you are a citizen of good standing with no prior background of financial irregularities.

The next best thing to do for your child after graduating from a military school is to enter military service and receive as much as $50,000 to finance the student’s way to college. Then enter into the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences for a military medical school scholarship.

School Grades in The MIlitary

Image by The U.S. Army via FlickrFactors such as timing really can have a tremendous impact on the success of one’s military school life.

On beginning research, you will see that there will always be a military school to offer a place in all grades, from the 4th right up to the 12th. It is a parent’s decision as to whether they see fit enrolling their 4th grade child (who will have an average age of 10) into a military school; whilst some parents feel this is too young, others say that consistency is best and the earlier that discipline is instilled into the child, the better. It should be noted that generally, young children become very quickly accustomed to the type of regime offered by a military school.

It is much easier to start a habit than to break a habit.

It is for this reason we recommend parents consider military school for their youngsters, even those in 4th or the 5th grade. The children of these academies mature with discipline emphatically enforced, are taught respect from a very early age and, with the peers that they grow up alongside throughout their schooling, are in a position to develop lifelong friendships. These aspects of early enrolment put the cadets at a great advantage, not only because of the consistent personal and academic encouragement, but because of the ethical and moral growth which results in well-rounded young adults, without the problems many today’s teenagers suffer (ironically, military school is often consulted as a countermeasure for said problems).

Whilst bearing in mind all of the above, those who enrol in a military school at a higher grade can still reap enormous benefit from the time they invest there. Teenagers are constantly changing; so easily are they influenced by the media and their peers, it could be said that it is pot-luck with regard to the type of adult a teenager develops into. The safest way to insure the youth of today develop into strong (both physically and mentally), educated and respected adults is to enrol them into military school, where the guaranteed surroundings are those which promote enthusiasm for achievement, dignity and abidance to the law.

As a military career is a very popular option for 11th and 12th graders to consider on finishing their education, a place in a military academy at this point in their school life really is ideal - pupils here have clear advantages over the rest: they will already be accustomed to regime and furthermore, will be more focused on their aims having experienced military life whilst growing up.

Whether a potential military school cadet is verging on teenage years at 4th grade or approaching adulthood at 12th grade, there are numerous advantages to be taken from enrolment, no matter at what time. Throughout this site we explore these advantages in greater detail, allowing you to decide the best grade for military school enrolment.

Congressional commission studies women in combat

Image by The U.S. Army via Flickr

1/14/2011 - WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- Defense Department officials will review the recommendations of a congressional commission studying the role of women in combat when the group's report is complete, a DOD official said Jan. 14.

Congress established the Military Leadership Diversity Commission as part of the 2009 National Defense Authorization Act. The commission's task is to evaluate and assess policies that provide opportunities for promotion and advancement of minority members of the armed forces.

The commission's report, expected in March, will include the findings and conclusions of the commission as well as its recommendations for improving diversity within the armed forces.

"DOD will look at the recommendation and go from there," Pentagon spokesman Marine Corps Col. Dave Lapan said. "We'll see what the nature of the report is when it's done."

Congress repealed the combat exclusion laws in the January 1994 National Defense Authorization Act, but requires the services to submit proposed changes to existing assignment policy to Congress for review, Colonel Lapan said.

"For example, when the Navy recently changed its policy to enable women to serve on submarines, that would go through that process," he said. "So the Navy would have to inform Congress it was going to make a change."

The Marine Corps also triggered congressional review when it opened some intelligence positions to women, Colonel Lapan said, but female Marines serving on engagement teams in Afghanistan are in line with department policy on women's assignments.

Colonel Lapan said the U.S. military currently prohibits women from serving in combat units below the brigade level. The Marine women on engagement teams are not assigned to combat units, but are augmenting them for a specific mission, he said.

"Part of the reason to do that was because the infantry battalions that were out there didn't have any women, because they couldn't," he explained.

-> I hope everything will be in it's proper place. Women should be fighting for the country as well, not just as a support.

Air Force boxing back on base

Image by heraldpost via Flickr

1/18/2011 - LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force School of Boxing is back in session at the boxing gym here.

As of Jan. 8, Air Force boxing coach Steven Franco has been leading his pupils through his brand of "boxing 101."

For camp veterans, such as All-Air Force light heavyweight Larry Hampp, two-time Air Force boxer Gary Griffin and camp returnee James Beck, the scene on the third day of training is a familiar one.

An Airman steps into center ring for an evaluation before his peers during a gym circuit workout.

Each boxer works through a series that includes jab, straight punch and hook combinations while maintaining the proper footwork and posture; the basics are reviewed.

The training is considering an abridged camp that began Jan. 8 and will continue until the Air Force tournament, the Box-offs, Jan. 22.

Franco said that emphasizing repetition of the basics, instead of just conditioning, is crucial to the performance of his group come fight night.

"We only have 14 days," he said. "The biggest thing that I try to teach is fundamentals and building off those fundamentals as much as we can until the Box-offs."

After the initial critique, the Airmen are set to 12 rounds of hitting bags with different combinations -- jabs, right hands, adding hooks.

"It's kind of like a burn out," Franco said. "You're burning out that arm."

The type of training, he said, increases the boxers' propensity to throw a seemingly endless amount of punches with proper form.

"The biggest thing with amateur boxing is the point system," the third-year coach said. "The more you throw, the more potential points."

Franco said he counts on the Air Force fitness program to fill the camp with conditioned athletes.

And since most of the Airmen are seasoned boxers, at least five bouts heading into the Armed Forces Boxing Championships, he knows most have separate regimens during the offseason.

Two potential Air Force boxers, Daniel Logan and Charlie Floyd, share the same base, Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and train out of the same local boxing gym.

The eight camp boxers are four fewer than last year. While the talent pool is smaller, it makes one-on-one instruction easier.

Also, after two years of coaching alone, former Air Force boxer Rudy Moreno will join Franco as the assistant coach.

Moreno serves as a coach for a local boxing gym while stationed at Nellis AFB, Nev.

"It's a great privilege for Airmen to experience something beyond their career field," he said.

Franco continues his lesson in the ring, while Moreno helps Airmen grasp the nuances of the sport, such as glove position during retreat, attack and sidestep movements.

Looking ahead, the boxers' calendar is stacked with other workouts such as plyometrics, strength and conditioning routines, sparring, and of course, roadwork.

However, this time the "Air Force track team" might more closely resemble a group of Usain Bolts. At least that's the power Franco would like to produce in his boxers. He plans on cutting down the number of miles and focusing on high-intensity sprints to promote the explosive speed.

"We haven't run anything over three miles yet," Franco said. "I want that blast in the ring. I want them to be conditioned to speed, and hopefully that transfers over into our sparring."

It's a big year for Air Force boxing, as well as amateur competition, since Lackland AFB hosts the 2011 Armed Forces Championship in an Olympic-Trial year.

"This year, my main goal is to have at least one person make it (to the trials)," Franco said. "In order to get there, we have to win a gold medal at Armed Forces."

Last year, Hampp fell just short of that goal, losing to Army's Jeffery Spencer, the eventual 2010 USA Boxing national champion, at Armed Forces.

He's eager for another opportunity to take on the year-round programs of the Marine Corps and Army, and a shot at making an Olympic squad.

"This year is a big year," he said. "I'd like to be able to represent my branch of service."

"Mentally, I don't think I was strong enough (last year)," he said. "But I'm coming back stronger, and with two wins under my belt last month."

The champion from each weight class at Armed Forces qualifies for the Olympic Trials scheduled for July.

With a week left to train, Airmen will have to prove they are quick studies in order to earn a spot on the Air Force team to compete at Armed Forces, which may be as small as three servicemen, Franco said.

Their first test is the Air Force Box-offs, and a fight card likely filled by amateurs from local gyms.

Selections to the Air Force team to compete in the Armed Forces Boxing Championship Feb. 14 will be made following the Box-offs.

Other camp boxers are Forrest Booker, of Royal Air Force Alconbury, England; and James Barber, of Tinker AFB.

-> I rememeber a cousin who did boxing at the military academy, way back 10 years ago. Though his branch was the Navy. He originally applied in the Air Force but his eyesight wasn't very good.


source:http://www.af.mil

Information about Independent School?

Many of our schools are independent and are designed to complement public schools by providing a quality education in a caring, supportive, nurturing learning environment. While each is unique in focus, style, academic expectations, extracurricular offerings, and emphasis, all provide a solid academic program that prepares its students for college and a productive life as community oriented citizen and leader. (AIMS)

Image by Worcester Academy via Flickr

Independent military schools are governed by an independent board of trustees, which includes parents.  This allows schools the opportunity to define their own missions and the freedom to develop quality curriculums that best meets the needs of their students.  Funding for independent schools does not come from taxes or churches but rather from tuition-paying families and charitable contributions. (AIMS)

Families and students value independent schools for creating learning communities where students thrive in small classes led by nurturing faculty who set high academic standards and then work closely with each student. Families also like the fact that independent schools stress a well-rounded education by encouraging student's participation in athletics, music, theater, clubs, and other extracurricular activites.  They also emphasize co-curricular activities which correlate academic work to community service and citizenship. (AIMS)

According to a recent National Public Opinion Poll, independent schools:

• offer a more personalized and customized education
• provide a more civil and controlled learning environment
• have smaller classes and more individualized attention
• have greater emphasis on values, manners, and discipline (AIMS)

How does one begin the process of selecting the right school?

Image by robertstinnett via FlickrThese are the things you should consider before selecting the right school:

• geographical location
• size and demographics
• academic programs
• athletics, music and extracurricular activities
• school type (boarding or day, coed or single sex, grade levels, etc.)

Then you should visit the Web Sites of the schools that meet your needs to learn more about the schools. There you will find information about the school's admissions process and how to apply.  If you have questions direct them to the Admissions Office by email or phone.
Once you have narrowed your choices a visit to your final choices is strongly recommended.  A campus visit will provide you the opportunity to see meet current students and faculty, see the campus and facilities, and learn about the schools learning environment. You will be able to determine which schools feel most comfortable for you.

Why will You Choose a Military School

Image via Wikipedia
In the United States there are military schools at every level: college preparatory; two-year college; and college and university. Each offers unique challenges and great opportunities for today’s youth in many ways:

--Quality education is the foundation of all schools; each prepares young men and women to be strong leaders and involved citizens.

--Character counts and military schools offer an exceptional educational experience with emphasis on character development, leadership training, and academic excellence.

--Values are important and military schools stand on core values--like honor, integrity, duty, service and self-discipline. Traditional values are the hallmarks of AMCSUS schools and the graduates we produce reflect a commitment to these values.

--Service is rewarding and military schools emphasize developing a lifelong commitment to community, and country.

--Structure works for many, and experience suggests a structured setting provides an ideal academic environment in which to learn and mature.

--Success can be leveraged and military schools are committed to the lifelong development and career of each graduate.

Each of our schools provides a unique learning environment that facilitates development and growth based on the age and experiences of the individual student.

Military Preparatory Schools (grades K-12) understand how vital the formative years are for our youth. They recognize and understand that values and habits learned during this time will have a lifelong impact. Each student receives not only an excellent academic foundation but also essential life skills based on traditional values.

Contrary to popular opinion, these schools are not havens for troubled youth or “boot camps” with rigid disciplinary systems and hazing. Rather they are quality, accredited, highly regarded, educational institutions that emphasize academic growth and leadership development within a structured environment which encourages self-discipline and fosters accountability.

The goal of these schools is to prepare each student for college and for a productive life; they have a proven record of sending their graduates to the best colleges and universities in the country.

Two-Year Colleges build on the foundation of military preparatory schools by continuing the traditions of a quality education structured in an environment of self-discipline and self-motivation with the goal of preparing students for the rigors of four-year institutions or successful careers in numerous professions, including military service. Junior colleges focus on the intellectual aspects of higher education as well as individual character development through programs tailored to meet the needs of a wide variety of students and career aspirations.

Colleges and Universities focus on the future by providing an exceptional education that prepares graduates to become principled leaders in all walks of life. They offer a broad range of academic majors and programs that are similar to the best schools in the country. Several institutions offer specific curricula related to the maritime industry, aeronautical engineering, government service, and military careers for men and women, while others offer a traditional liberal arts education. Those who complete the rigorous academic programs will possess the competencies and knowledge needed to succeed in the global environment. While many choose to serve as military officers, all graduates develop the leadership skills and ethical foundation that will contribute to a lifetime of leadership success in all walks of life.

Military schools at all levels are quality educational institutions that use a unique and proven model emphasizing academic growth, leadership development, and strong values to prepare young people for lives of citizenship and service. Graduates of these schools are leading our country as businessmen and women, educators, artists, scientists, doctors, entrepreneurs, military officers, and government officials.

What do we mean by "Look Beyond My Uniform" ?

Image by Joe_Focus via Flickrby Admiral Faragut Academy

It might be easy to place Admiral Farragut Academy into the military school stereotype; that of a school for troubled children and teens.  Some parents may have been tempted once or twice to warn their son or daughter of the possibility of military school in order to bring about a change in their behavior and attitude. It is also possible that some military schools' missions are to do exactly that.. but here at Admiral Farragut Academy our mission is much more than that.

Beyond our uniforms, we are...

girls who love science.
boys earning our pilots' licenses.
day students from across town.
and boarding students from across the globe.

We are all part of a community, a family.
We are all preparing for college.
We are all striving for excellence.

We are all just students choosing to be HERE!

So we ASK you, we ENCOURAGE you, we CHALLENGE you to look beyond the stereotypes and see Admiral Farragut Academy for who and what we truly are --- a school that can give your child the opportunity to go beyond the limits and, as Admiral David Farragut said himself, "Full Speed Ahead".

source:farragut.org

Why Do We Parent Differently Than Our Parents?

posted by Admiral Farragut Academy

It is so interesting to me to watch parents, or for that matter, myself, parent in today's world.


Earlier this year I found myself checking my son's grades on a daily basis.  Why? Because I could.  I could talk to my son at every meal and discuss his latest homework grade, his latest quiz, or his latest test.  I could quiz him about his effort, his studing habits and his grades every day.  I could see a less than perfect test grade at noon and be able to launch into a lecture about the importance of grades and college selectivity by dinner time.


I found I was building my child's anxiety tenfold at the age of twelve.  But why?  Did I think if I served as my son's conscience, work ethic and calender reminder, he would be a better student?  Sure, he probably would have a higher grade or two at the time of my harassments, but at what price?  When did I expect him to develop the life skills I want my son to have? When does his lack of effort equate to a poor grade, therefore, a lesson learned.  When does he become independent, self disciplined and mature?  His performance was probably driven by getting his father off his back rather than his own desire to do well for himself.  After all, they are his grades.


I know for a fact that my parents did not see grades until they were sent home.  I know my anxiety was high at report card time, and I knew that their feeling was that my grades were just that, MY GRADES.  It reflected my effort, my self discipline, my aptitude.  My lessons and hard knocks were learned early on.  By the time I reached third grade or so, I knew what was expected of me and what I needed to do.  Now, truth be told, I had several grading periods after third grade that I let myself (and my parents) down, but I learned from those mistakes.  I learned what I needed to do to succeed, I learned what effort was needed to be put forth, and more importantly, I knew they were my grades and I had to live with the consequences of them.


Too often todays parents are all over their children.  Micro-managing every grade, reminding their child of every event, and on occassion (believe or not) doing their child's work (common practice at elementary schools today).  What lessons are being taught in these cases?  Unfortunately we, as educators, usually can predict a child's success in college by the level of independence they demonstrate during their schooling.  This is not saying, a child, whose parent is constantly hoovering, does not eventually get it, it just might take a couple of hard knocks at the college level.


As we look to our child's future, we, as parents, occassionally need to be reminded of how we were parented in the past.  We turned out OK! 

-> In the end, traditional parenting is still very relevant than ever today.

source: farragut.org

Biden Offers Help for Afghans after Pullout

Image via WikipediaKABUL, Afghanistan

Vice President Joe Biden said when the military coalition led by the U.S. plans to hand over control of security to Afghan forces America will not abandon in 2014.
After a meeting with Afghan President Hamid Karzai, Biden said training and aid will continue even after responsibility for security is handed over adding that both sides share a common goal of a "stable, sovereign Afghanistan."

Tensions have surfaced between the Obama administration and Karzai who's becoming increasingly nationalistic and whose government is facing charges of corruption. American  officials have expressed  concerns about how the situation has affected efforts to rebuild and stabilize the country.

Biden was briefed on the program - which is costing $20 billion over 2010 and 2011- during his visit to the Kabul Military Training Center just outside Kabul. The program is estimated to be a price equivalent to the cost of three nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and a large increase over the $20 billion spent between 2003 and 2009.

A Brief About Military Education

Image via WikipediaIn the past, military education was for the sons of the most affluent, in the hopes of developing a fine personality and education that would allow them to pursue a military career as officers. The military education has been badly affected by the public sentiment towards certain wars, for example Vietnam, and so, the military schools had to adapt to the modern times in order to survive.

Nowdays, military education is available to everyone and it helps to create a responsible adult and a model citizen for tomorrow and future generations.

Military education is one of the best options for kids and teenagers, with a combination of strong academic preparation and a program that emphasizes qualities such as honor, leadership and physical fitness. At Military School we also offer you information on the top 200 colleges in the USA, where you will be able to look for information on military and non military education

What Benefits can You get from Joining a Military School?

Image by The U.S. Army via FlickrMilitary schools are designed to provide children and teenagers with a military education, based on the importance of leadership, discipline and responsibility. Military schools offer a combination of excellent academic formation, attention to physical fitness and discipline that will help develop good citizens for the future.

Military schools are not designed to help teenagers with serious behavioural problems, such as extreme cases of defiant, violent or drug-affected troubled teens. In fact, most of the military schools listed in this site will not accept cadets with difficult behavioural problems or students not willing to join the military school by their own will.

Dr. Frank B. McCluskey Plans to Retire as Executive Vice President and Provost of American Public University System

Dr. Frank B. McCluskey plans to retire from his role as executive vice president and provost of APUS effective March 17, 2011. His affiliation with APUS is expected to continue through a new role as scholar in residence of educational theory.

Dr. McCluskey, 61, has served the university for nearly six years during which the institution earned regional accreditation and increased recognition from the academic community. Over the span of 21 years of leadership roles in higher education, he has published numerous papers and given scholarly presentations on such topics as online pedagogy, active learning, and the administration of online learning in higher education.
Dr. Wallace E. Boston, APUS president and chief executive officer, “We are tremendously grateful for the dedicated service of Dr. McCluskey and his unyielding commitment to student learning which has resulted in APUS being recognized as a leader in online higher education. His work and accomplishments have furthered the academic achievement and career advancement of thousands of university graduates throughout the years.”
Dr. McCluskey is expected to serve the university as scholar in residence of educational theory. In this role, he will advise the institution on matters of online learning and advancing effective instructional and outcomes measurement practices in collaboration with higher education leaders nationwide.
“We look forward to Dr. McCluskey’s continued association with the university and his contributions to advancing best practices in online higher education,” added Dr. Boston.

About American Public University System
American Public University System, winner of the Sloan Consortium's 2009 Ralph E. Gomory Award for Quality Online Education and a recipient of Sloan's Effective Practice Award in 2009 and 2010, offers 79 online degree programs through its American Public University and American Military University institutions. APUS's relevant curriculum, affordability and flexibility help more than 75,000 working adults worldwide pursue degrees in subjects ranging from homeland security to management and liberal arts.

source: http://www.apus.edu/news-events/news/2010/12-6-10-frank-mccluskey.htm

Online Military Colleges

Image via WikipediaA great way to take a post secondary course while you're on active duty is through distance military programs.

For details, visit the University of Alaska Southeast - Distance Military Program

Positive Effects Usually Don't Last Once They Leave The Institution

Image via Wikipedia

Many teens report that the program is helpful to them and they feel more positive about their futures. However, it is unclear whether these attitude changes persist after teens leave the Military School, or whether they are related to actual changes in behavior once a youth returns to his community. Military Schools in Alaska have been consistently unsuccessful in "changing" juveniles without significant therapeutic intervention while in the program, as well as specialized aftercare following release.

Military Camps are Good Options for Kids and Teens

Image by Getty Images via @daylife
Military camp is a great option for teens. Unlike military schools, these are part-time camps often held over the summer that are designed to give teens a swift introduction into military training. While not requiring the commitment as military school for kids, military camp helps teens who are beginning to show a lack of focus and discipline to turn their lives around before it’s too late. Think of it as a teen version of boot camp for adult soldiers.

It is important to carefully research different options if you are considering sending your son or daughter to a youth military camp before making a final decision. Make sure you know which approach a camp takes before making the commitment to sending your child there. There are hundreds of summer camps in the United States and around the world, each with their own unique approach to reaching out to troubled children.

Military Boarding Schools - tough but EFFECTIVE

Image via Wikipedia
Because all children are different and have different approaches that might work or not work for them there is no one right way to handle disciplining your child. If you are struggling with a son or daughter who is performing poorly at school, getting into trouble with the law, becoming difficult, or experimenting with drugs it might be time to consider sending him or her to military boarding school.

Unlike a summer military camp, a military boarding school is a long-term commitment. Students who attend military boarding schools live full-time on campus and are subject to strict rules. Students must complete their homework and maintain clean disciplinary records. Much like being in the military, students have extremely regimented lives -- they eat their meals together at the same time every day and are expected to wake up early and go to bed early as well.

The fact that children who attend a military boarding school are pulled away from their families can be more than some parents can bear can seem like an extreme measure to take. But for many teens, boarding schools offer them the opportunity to be removed from bad influences and old habits and start their lives over again. This clean break can be critical for teens in getting their lives back on track.

Military schools for kids aren’t for all teens, but they can be a life-altering option. If you are interested in learning more, it is wise to contact a counselor to discuss the types of military school options available and which one might be right for your troubled son or daughter.

Choosing a Military School for your Teens

Here are several things you should know if you are thinking about sending your child to a military school:

1. Some take students at a very young age - grade 4 or even lower - while some are only for students of high school age.
2. They are not all the same certainly in size and programs. Some military schools are very large while some are quite small.
3. Some are only a boarding school while some have a mix of boarders and day pupils.
4. Some are single sex schools and some teach both boys and girls.
5. Some have a large extra-curricula program involving outdoor activities [apart from traditional sports] and artistic clubs such a music, drama and dance.

There are many public schools which offer an excellent academic program but few if any offer the exceptional discipline program at a military school. But, there are two things for which every military school is renowned - academic standards and discipline. If you want an extensive, solid and college-entry academic program, a military school is certainly a strong possible school for your son or daughter. Just like the armed services or a military college, discipline is vitally important.

Students at a military school wear uniforms, are given a rank, are expected to study in class and work hard after class, are supervised in almost everything they do and are punished for breaking the school rules. Serious misbehavior can result in expulsion. Discipline is a vital and ever-present ingredient at every military school.

You might believe your child could or should join the armed services after they complete their secondary education and/or college. If so, find out which military schools have the best record in passing students into those areas.

If your child has a particular interest in one aspect of the military such as the air force, then look for a military school which offers instruction in the science of aerodynamics and other related topics.


If you wish your child to develop life skills, self-discipline, respect for authority, pride in their appearance and achievements, then choose a military school. And as every military school heavily promotes these qualities, it will come down to you deciding which best suits the needs of your child.

If you wish your child to pursue a liberal arts education including the performing arts, then look for a military school which has music and/or drama as a major component of its curriculum.

If your child is a boarder and after grade 7 almost all students are boarders, then you need to consider travel time for your child and the family when moving from school to home and vice versa.There might be a military tradition in your family and maintaining that tradition could help sway you in your choice of school. The thing to note is that all military schools welcome approaches from parents of prospective students. You can visit them in person or online.

How Effective are Alaska Military Schools?

If your teen is disobedient, defiant, has been in trouble with the police or anything else that is even slightly similar but has the potential to throw your child off course, Alaska military schools offer an option to parents that believe they have run out of choices where their teens are concerned. Alaska military schools can get your teen back on track in no time. After all, your teen may carry around the implications of his or her behaviour for a lifetime and suffer as a consequence.

Alaska military schools are perceived as alternatives to juvenile correctional facilities but you do not have to wait until your teen gets to that stage. It can be just as effective sending them to a military boarding school prior to any problems with the law and will ensure that they do not get that criminal record as a memento of a misspent youth.

There are so many stories about military schools flying around at the moment and have been for some time so it is no wonder that some parents are ambivalent about whether or not they ought to consider it as an option. However, choosing a military high school can have the desired effect and do what you cannot at home - iron out long standing problems that revolve around poor behaviour and poor discipline.

Military schools in Alaska can ensure that your teen is removed from negative influences at home and begins to enjoy a little discipline in a military based environment. Although discipline, routine and respect will be introduced to your teen and instilled as values for the future, Alaska military schools can also provide your teen with a vocation is he or she so wishes later on in life. As such, you can have your well behave child back complete with a bright future.

A Guide to Military Education- The Navy, part 2.

Navy Tuition Assistance

The Navy Tuition Assistance program: pays 100% of tuition and required fees charged by educational institutions for course enrollments.

Navy TA Eligibility
TA is available to both Naval Officer and Enlisted active duty personnel and Naval Reservists on continuous active duty. It is also available to enlisted Naval Reservists ordered to active duty 120 days and to Naval Reservist Officers ordered to active duty for 2 years or more. To qualify, service members must:

• Attend an institution accredited by a regional, national, or professional accrediting agency recognized by the Department of Education.
• Be on active duty for the whole length of the course.
• Receive counseling from a Navy College Office.
• Provide all grades from previously funded TA courses and reimburse all W and F grades. (Withdrawals for involuntary reasons may be granted with command verification.)
• Agree, if an officer, to remain on active duty for at least two years upon completion of courses funded by TA. This obligation runs concurrently with remaining obligated service time. Those who fail to serve the obligation must repay the TA funds expended on their behalf during the last two years of active duty on a pro rated basis.
• (Optional) Determine if a CLEP/DSST exam could take the place of the course to be funded (either ask your school or your Navy College Office). If a CLEP/DSST exam credit could apply, consult with your Navy College Office for instructions on taking the practice test and scheduling an appointment for the test.

Payments
The maximum amount paid for tuition assistance: 100% Tuition and Fees

Not to exceed:

• $250 @ Semester Credit Hour, or
• $166 @ Quarter Credit Hour, and
• 16 Semester Hours (24 Quarter Hours or 240 Clock Hours)@ Fiscal Year

Application Process

• Contact your Navy College Office to receive educational counseling in person, by phone or email. With your Navy College advisor, determine which courses will be requested for TA funding.
• Complete a TA Application form NETPDTC 1560/3 listing course(s) and fee(s). Check with your institution to make sure the amounts for tuition and fees you list are correct. Allowable fees that can be funded under Tuition Assistance are:
• Mandatory non-reimbursable fees meeting the criteria listed above may be funded with TA. However, if the course is canceled allowing the tuition to be refunded, the student is responsible for paying the non-reimbursable fee.
• Your TA Application MUST be returned to your Navy College Office for processing.
• Fees directly required for course enrollment may be combined with tuition. Navy will pay fees that are published, mandatory, and charged for course enrollment.
• Sailors requesting payment of fees with tuition are responsible for providing accurate fee information to their Navy College Office when applying for TA.
• Carefully read the second page of the TA Application, the Tuition Assistance Application Agreement, and complete the requested information at the bottom of the page. Your signature on this form indicates you understand the current rules relating to Tuition Assistance funding. Receive command approval signature to enroll in the course/s.

A Guide to Military Education- The Navy, part 1.

Navy Education Programs

The Navy has five Voluntary Education programs, all are part of the Navy's 5 Vector Model for career development. Following is a summary of these five education support and other programs available to Navy personnel. Not what you were looking for? Go back to Military Education home.

• Navy Advanced Education Voucher
• Tuition Assistance
• Servicemembers Opportunity College ( SOCNAV)
• College-At-Sea (NCPACE)
• Seaman to Admiral (STA-21)
• Navy Marine Corps Relief Society Grants
• Other Navy Education Benefit Programs 

The Navy Advanced Education Voucher Program (AEV)
The Naval Education and Training Command's Advanced Education Voucher program is designed to provide advanced education opportunities for senior enlisted personnel E-7 through E-9.

The Advanced Education Voucher Program specifically targets assistance for post secondary, Navy-relevant degree programs and is aimed at superior performers who have the potential for continued upward mobility. The program, which is part of the recently announced Professional Military Education Continuum, supports baccalaureate and master's degree completion in designated areas of study through off-duty education.

AEV for baccalaureate degree completion will cover 100 percent of tuition, books and related fees. Each participant will be limited to 6,700 dollars per year for a maximum of 36 months from the date of Enrollment.

AEV for the master’s degree program will cover 100 percent tuition, books and related fees up to a maximum of 20,000 dollars per year for Up to 24 months from the date of enrollment. Total program costs per participant cannot exceed 40,000 dollars.

Senior enlisted personnel who are currently enrolled in a qualifying post-secondary degree program using tuition assistance, or other financial assistance programs, are eligible to apply under the AEV program.

Military Tuition Assistance
If you are Active Duty, the Navy will pay up to 100% of your college tuition. However the following limits apply:

• $250 per Semester Credit Hour
• 12 Semester Credit Hours per Year

In addition to tuition the Navy will pay published fees that are mandatory, and charged for course enrollment.

SOCNAV
SOCNAV is the Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges (SOC) degree program for the NAVY.

• SOCNAV consists of colleges that offer associate and bachelor's degree programs on or accessible to NAVY installations worldwide.
• SOCNAV colleges form networks in which each college accepts credits from all the others.

SOCNAV guarantees that you and your adult family members can continue toward completion of your degrees even though the Navy may transfer you several times. There are also degrees available by distance learning that require no classroom residency.

The Navy College-At-Sea (NCPACE)
NCPACE gives you the opportunity to experience challenging education while on sea duty assignments preparing you for personal and professional growth. Both academic skills and college (undergraduate and graduate) courses are available through NCPACE. NCPACE college courses are provided by the following regionally accredited colleges and universities:

• Central Texas College
• Chapman University
• Coastline Community College
• Excelsior College
• The George Washington University
• Old Dominion University
• St Leo University
• St Joseph's College of Main
• Troy State University
• University of Oklahoma
• Citrus College
• Dallas Community College
• ECPI College of Technology
• Empire State College
• Fort Hays State University

Navy Seaman to Admiral (STA-21)
The Navy's Seaman to Admiral Program is a commissioning program in which Sailors keep their benefits, pay, and privileges while they receive a scholarship to attend college to earn their degree and their commission as a Naval officer. Visit the STA-21 Navy commissioning program for more details.

The Navy Maine Corps Relief Society Sponsored Programs

The Admiral Mike Boorda Seaman-to-Admiral Educational Assistance Program offers grants and/or interest-free loans of up to $2,000 a year to eligible active duty servicemembers accepted to the following programs:

• Enlisted Commissioning Program
• Marine Enlisted Commissioning Education Program
• Medical Enlisted Commissioning Program

The Program is also open if you are a Midshipman who has been released from active duty for immediate assignment to the Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Program. Application is made through the Commanding Officer of the NROTC Unit, or by contacting NMCRS Headquarters.

For more information on Adm. Boorda Grant

Spouse Tuition Aid Program (STAP)
The Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society (NMCRS) offers STAP to your spouse if you are on active duty and stationed in an overseas (OCONUS) location. Your spouse may be a full or part-time student studying toward a vocational certificate, or an undergraduate or graduate degree.

Amounts Granted

• Undergraduate level maximum of $300 @ semester and $1500 @ year.
• Graduate level maximum of $350 @ semester and $1750 @ year.

To request an application form and information about deadlines, contact one of the following NMCRS offices: Guam, Guantanamo Bay, London, Naples, Okinawa, Roosevelt Roads, Rota, Sigonella, or Yokosuk

For more information visit the STAP website.

VADM E.P. Travers Scholarship and Loan Program
To apply, you must be the spouse of an active duty member or the dependent child of an active or retired member of the Navy or Marine Corps. You must also be a full time undergraduate student at an accredited college or university.

• 1000 grants are awarded each academic year at $2000 each.
• Applicants are also evaluated for an interest-free student loan of up to $3000.
• The loan repayment begins within 30 days of award and must be repaid by allotment within 24 months.
• Application deadline is 1 March of each year.
• Late applications will not be considered for the scholarship; however they will be evaluated for a loan.

For more information visit Adm. Travers Scholarship.

Other Navy Education Benefit Programs

The Navy College Fund
Known as an MGIB Kicker; the Navy College Fund is available to those who sign up for the MGIB. If you're a high school graduate, score a 50 or better on the ASVAB, and qualify for certain Navy jobs or apprenticeships, upon enlistment, you can get more than $15,000 in addition to your MGIB money for your education.

For more information, visit the Navy College Fund website.

Student Loan Repayment Program (LRP)
If you are a college student or graduate who qualifies for the Loan Repayment Program (LRP), the Navy will pay, upon enlistment, up to $65,000 of your student loans for a college level education.

For more information, visit the Navy Student Loan Repayment Program website.

Navy College Assistance/Student Headstart (NAVY-CASH)
You may apply for the Navy CASH program if you are a motivated high school or college student who qualifies for the Nuclear Field. The program will allow you to receive full Navy pay and benefits while attending college for up to 12 months if you are accepted.

For more information, visit the Navy CASH Program website.

Accelerate to Excellence Pilot Program
Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC) and Commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) are starting to see interest grow in a pilot program, launched May 1, 2007, that allows enlistees to obtain an associate’s degree through a community or junior college as part of their initial rate training.

The "Accelerate to Excellence," 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.

Commander, Navy Recruiting Command (CNRC) and Commander, Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) are starting to see interest grow in a pilot program, launched May 1, that allows enlistees to obtain an associate’s degree through a community or junior college as part of their initial rate training.

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.