MAE 2010 Volume: 5 Issue: 2 (March)
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Managing a $3 million tuition assistance budget each year calls for good judgment and diligence. For Dr. Faith Womack, a commitment to service and excellence can help personnel and family members transform themselves.
An education services officer at Eglin Air Force Base, Womack is responsible for the development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all adult education programs for active duty, reserve, guard, retired, family members and civilian and contract employees.
“Servicemembers need to evaluate what their goals and needs are for their post-military career,” she said. “They need to focus and get started on the pursuit of their education and career goals. Many put this off until they have been in the service for a few years. Other folks wait until they are almost eligible for retirement to consider what they might do next or what they need to do to be employable in their next career.”
While formal education is not required for all jobs in the civilian community, many require certification, noted Womack. “Studies show that when servicemembers attain higher educational credentials, benefited by their military experience, they normally are more secure in the job market. Educational attainment may determine their starting pay in the post military job market.”
Womack’s hard-won experience informed her decision to pursue a career in education. “When I began college, I spent a lot of time in the guidance counseling office discussing career aspirations,” she said. “I had no idea what I wanted to do. I also volunteered to work several different jobs that allowed me to learn what the best occupational fit was for me.”
According to Womack, the most pressing issues facing today’s military community are time allotment for school and studies and creative time management. “The tempo is demanding for most military students, as well as the number of issues they might face during any free time they have,” she pointed out. “This has a great impact on their ability to learn, study and complete class assignments. The civilian employee and contract students have a bit more control over their time and are not under as much pressure to perform well. Family members may have to work around their military member, so they can also be impacted by demands on their spouse.”
Womack also acknowledged that students should consider studying for the basic and lower level college courses through CLEP and DANTES exams. The successful completion of these courses allows students to quickly finish their degree programs and frees up their active duty tuition benefits for higher-level courses. Students who are unsure of their career aspirations or where they might fit in the job market can visit the education center for career guidance and counseling. A battery of interest, aptitude and ability tests can help them discover their next step. Another option is for students to gain volunteer experience to learn about various professions.
“The ability to decide what to do in the postmilitary environment is a big decision, especially in today’s economy,” said Womack. “This is the starting point where most servicemembers can then focus on the pursuit of their goal. If students don’t have a focus, it is hard to take the educational path with true determination.”
Womack has been an ESO for eight years, six of which were at bases overseas. The last two years she has served at Eglin Air Force Base. Early in her career, she worked for the state of Massachusetts in an employment and training program and set up a testing and assessment office, training staff members and trying to help people discover their niche in the job market. While working for the government, she earned a master’s of education and later a master’s of business administration and a doctorate of education.
“I truly believe in education and can fully appreciate how difficult it is to work full time while attending classes at night, on weekends and still be responsible for and raise a family,” she said.
Although Womack acknowledged the strong growth of online and distance learning, she admitted a preference for face-to-face instruction. “I know that many students also share my learning preference,” she added. “Over time I envision centers of learning that are able to link into numerous high-tech environments. I look forward to learning that is created and adjusted for each individual’s unique learning style.” ♦