Army officers given University credits

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 5, Issue 11, 11 August 1987, Page 6

Army officers given University credits

Many New Zealand Army officers may now be entitled to up to one-third of a degree from either Waikato or Massey Universities by virtue of having passed military courses. The package, negotiated between the Army and the two universities, was announced recently be the Director of Army Education, Lieutenant Colonel

David Brown. Other ranks will not be forgotten in the project, he says. Their promotion and trade qualifications will be considered in the next phase of the study. "The officer package is the first step in the programme to provide incentives for university study by Army personnel," said Lt. Col Brown. Two new Army awards which recognise the professional qualifications of officers have been established. Officers who have passed a one-year commissioning course are eligible for a Certificate of Military Studies - equal to four 100level or first-year credits. Another award, the Diploma of Military Stud-

ies, recognises passes in the Junior Staff Officers Non-Operational Course and the Grades Three and Two Staff and Tactics courses. A diploma entitles the holder to three 200level or second-year credits. Credits are a good step towards a degree, but students will still have to satisfy pre- and co-requisites, of their chosen major subject. Any Regular Force officer who satisfies the requirements can apply for a certificate or diploma to the Director of Army Education, Army General Staff, Defence Headquarters. The awards don't recognise the courses' subject content, says Colonel Brown. The study group

which established the credits was interested in the requirement for individual study, tuition time, preparations for submissions and the educational techniques a student employs. University academics on the group were impressed by the standards of tuition and student performance on the courses they observed. Army qualifications which earn degree credits should encourage officers to continue extra-mural study or attend lectures when posted near university centres. The scheme has many advantages, including spinoffs to the Army, colonel Brown says. "The Army gets a more educated officer and many benefits accrue from that."