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Blackanthem Military News
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Last Updated:
Jan 5, 2009 - 8:24:33 PM |
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Cinderella Story - Camp Taji’s education center goes from uneducated to educated
By Sgt. Jennifer Schweizer, 1st Sustainment Brigade, PAO
Jul 18, 2008 - 1:21:06 PM
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Blackanthem Military News
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| With twenty -seven operating SPAWAR computers systems, service members and civilians alike are able to enjoy the use of internet for moral, welfare, and recreation use as well as educational advancement at the Camp Taji education center currently under the control of the 1st Sustainment Brigade. "I remember when there was not one operational computer available," said Spc. Kantrell Robison, a Long Beach, N.Y., native. "The education center has come a long way and can actually function as one now," he continued. Robinson is assigned to the 15th Transportation Company, 165th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 1st Sust. Bde. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schweizer, 1st Sustainment Brigade, PAO) |
CAMP TAJI, Iraq - Derelict and nearly empty, the Camp Taji education center could barely support service members and civilians with internet access let alone any type of educational needs; that is until the 1st Sustainment Brigade took command and control. With the help of twenty-four new SPAWAR computer systems, along with the three original computers, the education center now accommodates seven times the amount of people, previously serviced, with internet access and much more.
"I was tasked to set up the (SPAWAR) system in January and get the center operational," said Sgt. Seth Griffin, a New Orleans native, and noncommissioned officer in charge of the education center. "There was nothing here; it could barely be called an education center," he continued.
Placement of the new (computer) systems was only the beginning step in turning this, once ineffective, facility around. The education center can now provide service members who seek to improve their GT (general technical) score with the Armed Forces Classification Test. For those who wish to pursue a career as a warrant officer, they can take the Alternate Flight Aptitude Selection Test without leaving the forward operating base. In addition, (service members and civilians) have to opportunity to CLEP (college level examination program) college courses or use the DSST (DANTES subject standardized test) system for credit hours, using on site test proctors; which were not present before.
Together both Griffin and Sgt. Charles Benaza, a Los Angeles native, and test control officer for military exams, proctored over 230 Soldiers, Airman, and civilians attending colleges ranging from Maryland to Central Texas College and helped over 90 Soldiers and Airman raise their GT score.
"We have come a long way; before we could not even hand out a study book," stated Benaza.
Currently equipped with over 250 study books offering a wide variety of subject areas from the AFCT to the SAT’s (scholastic aptitude test), and even the LSAT (law school admissions test), college test proctors, and improvement classes, it can rightfully be called a place where all members of the Armed Forces can come to for self and professional growth, an education center.
ADDITIONAL PHOTO:
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| (left to right) Pvt. Melanie Credle, a Chocowinity, N.C., native, assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, is able to sign up for a Go Army Ed account with the help of Sgt. Seth Griffin, a New Orleans native, and noncommissioned officer in charge of the Camp Taji education center, here July 7. "I was tasked to set up the (SPAWAR) system in January and get the center operational," said Griffin. "There was nothing here; it could barely be called an education center," he continued. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Jennifer Schweizer, 1st Sustainment Brigade, PAO) |
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Comments
SPC Crawford
11 Oct 2008, 12:47
I am deployed with 2-25 SBCT and I want to take the AFAST test but I can
not find any where to take it. I want to know where or who I need to talk
to to schedule a test.
SGT Artes
27 Sep 2008, 05:37
I am also deployed with 4th ID and would like to take the flight test is
there any contact info for the ED Center to set up a time? i have looked
through all of the 4th ID phone books and there is no contact info douse
any one have any info?????
Sgt Edwards
11 Sep 2008, 20:34
I would like to know if camp Taji is set up for soldiers to take the SAT
test? If not, are their facilities in central Iraq that do offer the test?
Omar B. De Soto
18 Aug 2008, 06:06
I am currently deployed and I want to take the FAST. What steps do I need
to take the test in while in Iraq? Once you have any information can you
please contact me as soon as possible. Thnh you for your time.
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