Understanding
‘Military’ in an
Educational Setting
UCA Basic Training
Charlotte Strickland
University of Central Arkansas
Diversity Series 2014-15
The Military in Higher Education
Service Members
Active
Duty
Reserves, National Guard
ROTC (Military Science) cadets
Veteran
Military family members
Military Definitions
GWOT = Global War on Terrorism
Over 2.6 million personnel have fought in Iraq / Afghan
 57% are under age 30

OEF = Operation Enduring Freedom
Response to 9/11, began 7 OCT 2001
 Large theatre of operations / Afghanistan

OIF = Operation Iraqi Freedom
Began 20 MAR 2003
 Multinational operation fought entirely in Iraq

The Military in Higher Education
 Many
join military with ultimate goal of
college
 Many in military more
worldly/experienced/mature and realize
value of furthering their education
 College is a buffer between structured
military life and civilian world
 Two GI Bills make college affordable
Financing Education for Military

GI Bill (1944) - law that provided a range of benefits for

Post 9/11 GI Bill – Congress approved 2008, began 2009.

Vocational Rehabilitation and Employment Program
Yellow Ribbon Program

returning World War II veterans who had been on active duty
during war years for at least 90 days and had not been
dishonorably discharged; combat not required. Benefits
included cash payments of tuition/living expenses to attend
college. It made college accessible for over 2 million veterans
in the 10 years following the end of World War II. In 1985, a bill
sponsored by Congressman "Sonny" Montgomery expanded the
G.I. Bill. (MGIB).
The bill provides education benefits (tuition/fees, housing
allowance) for service members who have served on active duty
for 90 or more days since Sept.10, 2001. Partially transferrable
to dependents.
Veteran National Data
* Approximate Veterans in U.S.: 22 million
* Male/Female: 19.7 million males, 2.3 million females
* Age Ranges: 18-85+ (3 million between 25-35)
* Conflicts: WW2-current
2.2 million joined after 9/11
More than 2.6 million U.S. troops veterans of Iraq/Afghanistan
*
Utilizing GI Bill: 3.5 million
Service Members
Diversity

Age – traditional and non-traditional

Gender

Sexual Orientation

Race

Disabilities, PTSD, TBI

Military branch

Military role: frontline/medic/fuel
handler/paperwork, etc.

Attention
Group Discussion

What images or thoughts come to mind when
you hear the word military or veteran?

Is there a specific gender you think of?

Race? Ethnicity?

Political affiliation? Age?

Are there any emotions associated with these images/thoughts?

Where do these images and/or thoughts concerning the military or veterans come
from?
Transitional Issues
►
Mily issu
 Disoriented – transition from military to college
 Loss of identity and work-related friendships
 Feel alienated from rest of the country, isolated
 Loss of close colleagues; haunted by memories
 Difficulty relating to younger college students
 Family issues & responsibilities
 Cognitive difficulties and/or fears
 Stereotypes
 Boredom with everyday life
 Academic & Administrative Staff understanding
 Prejudice against military
 Impatience with disrespect of authority; unruliness
What Service Members may experience
in your class/office





Discomfort with unfamiliar people or surroundings
The need to sit away from windows or in the back of the
class, and a reluctance to speak in class
Sensitivity to war references and/or discussions or
assignments on war; discomfort when put on spot
A need for increased encouragement, guidance,
understanding
Physical issues due to injury/chronic pain
Non-visible injuries including but not limited to hearing,
head injury, PTSD, which may impact communications
 Reluctance to ask for assistance
 Urgency to receive VA calls, appear at VA appointments

How can We assist?
► Referrals - UCA Veteran Office, UCA Veteran Resource
Center, Counseling Center, Office Disability Resources
► Mindful - Words/assumptions/environment
 Identity - Military/Veteran status is only part of a student’s
identity
Service Members bring a wealth of life & work experience
to the classroom/office and contribute to the diverse
richness of the University!
Sincere Honest Present-Minded
UCA Veteran Services
UCA Veteran Services
David Williams: Veteran Services
Coordinator
Bernard Hall, Suite 004-A
University of Central Arkansas
Conway, AR 72035
501-852-2999
veteranservices@uca.edu
http://uca.edu/veteranservices
UCA Student Veterans’
Resource Center
Room 206D, Old Main Building
Hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00
p.m.
Phone: 450-3353
UCAstudentvets@gmail.com
Coming soon…..the Student Veteran Association
UCA registered student organization
“ I don’t need to be recognized for being in the military.
You don’t have to look at me and say, ‘he’s a veteran,’ and
I don’t need special preference. But in the same breath, I
am appreciative of teachers and staff who say, ’yeah this is
a veteran and they are not a traditional student and they
require special attention.’ Academically we’re different,
financially we’re different, in so many ways, we’re
different.”
---- Scott Ury