The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) mission is "To vigorously promote lifelong learning opportunities to sharpen the competitive edge of the Army by providing and managing quality self-development programs and services."
Headquarters (HQ) ACES, as part of The Adjutant General Directorate at the Human Resources Command (HRC), receives program guidance and resources from Army G-1 and is responsible for developing programs, establishing policy, standards, procedures, reporting requirements, and is the proponent for Centralized Tuition Assistance Management. ACES education programs and services are demand-driven operations that are delivered by Army Education Centers (AEC) and supported by Multi-Use Learning Facilities (MLF)/Army Learning Centers (ALC) worldwide under the direction of the Installation Management Command (IMCOM). Headquarters IMCOM ACES is the operational link.
IMCOM ACES provides:
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Operational guidance, procedures, and problem resolution with installations; ensures the equitable delivery of ACES services across CONUS and OCONUS.
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Analysis of ACES program participation, costs, and quality.
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Contact/liaison with national organizations/States.
IMCOM Garrisons deliver the following ACES education programs and services IAW G-1 policy and HQ ACES Guidance:
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Counseling Services:
Academic and vocational counseling services are central to all ACES programs/services. Counselors assist Soldiers in establishing professional and educational goals and developing education plans. They also provide Soldiers transitioning to civilian life with counseling on using Veterans' education benefits to continue their education.
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Functional Academic Skills Training (FAST):
This on-duty program provides Soldiers job-related instruction to improve basic educational competencies necessary for job proficiency, advanced schooling, and career progression. FAST focuses on reading, writing, math, and computer skills Soldiers need on the job as well as for reenlistment and reclassification purposes.
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High School Completion:
This off-duty program provides opportunities for Soldiers to earn a high school diploma or equivalency certificate. Soldiers receive 100 percent tuition assistance for high school completion courses.
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Postsecondary Programs:
A wide range of postsecondary programs is offered on Army installations from the associate through graduate degree level, including technical courses for licensure or certification. Over the past years, the growth of postsecondary distance learning (DL) has been exponential. Overall enrollment in postsecondary programs is at an all-time Army-wide high.
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Tuition Assistance (TA):
Financial assistance authorized by Congress (Title 10, USC 2007) for voluntary off-duty education programs that support the educational objectives of the Army and the Soldier's personal self-development goals. The DoD standardized TA policy authorizes all or a portion of tuition costs or up to $250 per SH, whichever is less, with a maximum yearly total of $4,500. The Army uses an automated business process called GoArmyEd (http://www.goarmyed.com/), giving Soldiers, regardless of component and location, 24/7 access to request TA online and enroll in college courses.
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Testing:
Academic, vocational interest testing, and Army Personnel Testing (APT) services are available. Academic testing includes Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES) sponsored examination programs. The APT services include testing to meet Army promotion and reenlistment requirements.
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Army/American Council on Education Registry Transcript System (AARTS):
The Army operates an automated transcript system that provides Active/Reserve Component enlisted Soldiers and veterans with documentation of their military training and educational accomplishments. As of Aug 00, eligible Soldiers have real time access to transcripts at http://aarts.army.mil/.
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Leader Skill Enhancement Courses:
Courses to assist noncommissioned officers at skill levels 2, 3, and 4 meet their leadership responsibilities as trainers, supervisors, and communicators are available based on command-identified needs. Courses are conducted to assist in unit readiness, cross training, and preparation for Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) attendance. Education Services Officers (ESO) coordinate with commanders and trainers to determine courses and attendees.
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Soldier Training Courses (MOS Improvement Training):
These courses enhance unit readiness by providing individual training oriented to specific mission, organization, or equipment requirements. Soldier Training Courses augment normal on-the-job training programs. The ESOs assist commanders in planning/conducting this training.
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Language Training:
For the non-linguist, this training provides host-nation orientation and basic language skills. Also it enhances language skills of non-linguist Soldiers whose primary duties require frequent contact with host-nation counterparts.
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Multi-use Learning Facilities (MLF)/Army Learning Centers (ALC):
Multi-use Learning Facilities (MLF)/Army Learning Centers (ALC) are technology-based facilities providing necessary training, education, and support materials for Soldiers to develop/sustain job-related and leadership skills. Programs are designed to meet unit and individual needs. The ACES professionals design, monitor, and manage the MLF/ALC.
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Credentialing Opportunities On-line:
Credentialing Opportunities On-Line (http://www.cool.army.mil/) provides Soldiers with information on how to fulfill requirements of civilian certifications and licenses related directly and/or indirectly to their military occupational specialties (MOS).
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College of the American Soldier (CAS):
CAS is a Training and Doctrine Command initiative coordinated with HQ ACES. CAS works in conjunction with GoArmyEd and colleges whose degrees participate in the Career Noncommissioned Officer (NCO) Degrees Program. CAS expands existing civilian higher education degree choices to provide Career NCOs with broad preparation degree options not tied to a specific MOS and that: provide flexibility in degree completion time, maximize credit transfer between colleges, maximize college credit for military training and education, minimize academic residency requirements, and provide business and management related degrees.
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Servicemembers Opportunity Colleges - Army Degrees (SOCAD):
Army's college degree system provides off-duty associate and baccalaureate degree programs in over 30 different fields of study through an Army-wide network of more than 120 institutions. SOCAD guarantees Soldier transfer of credit and acceptance of non- traditional credits. The program has been expanded to incorporate a career degree option which maximizes Army learning experiences and minimizes additional college study. SOC is developing custom designed college programs for the Army Career Management Fields. Seventy-two career degrees have been implemented to date. More degrees are under development.