In order to deal with rising high school dropout rates, the National Guard has initiated a program to help qualifying initial entry soldiers earn high school diplomas.

The Patriot Academy, a National Guard Bureau pilot program initiative based at Muscatatuck Urban Training Center, Butlerville, provides students with “dedicated online instruction to complete their studies toward earning a high school diploma,” reports Patriot Academy deputy commandant Maj. Charles Nesloney.

“This program is open to recruits across the nation and the only program administered by the military. Soldiers/students receive full-time military pay and benefits as they receive their education and military training. The Patriot Academy is an accredited high school through the state of Indiana.

“In June 2008, Lt. Gen. Clyde Vaughn announced his intent to establish the Patriot Academy as the premiere high school education program in the Department of Defense. This announcement was prompted by a concern that rising high school dropout rates would continue to decrease the viable pool of potential applicants.

“The ultimate goal of the program is to award accredited high school diplomas to future National Guard soldiers. The program objectives are to develop education and training courses, to expand the high quality recruitable market to meet the National Guard’s quality marks and manpower missions and to prepare soldiers for career success.”

The Batesville man announces that the program was set up into three phases with the first class of 47 graduating March 23. “Phase II will commence in June with 250 new students arriving .... (and) Phase III will commence in June 2011 with 500 new students.”

The pupils “work through Liberty University in a Web-based environment to build a personal academic plan and complete courses in English, social studies, math and science requirements. Soldiers/students utilize the Federal Tuition Assistance Program for enrollment into the degree program.”

They attend classes four days a week and participate in two days of military training. Sunday is a recuperation day. “The students live, eat and go to class on the same installation. When ... not engaged in classroom activities, they have a cadre that teaches them common military skills, or they participate in community service.

“While in the classroom, the cadre can assist them, or there is an online tutor program that allows the students to ask questions of the teachers at Liberty University. Additionally, the Patriot Academy employs on-station tutors that the students can utilize for their classes. These tutors also administer the tests necessary for each class as well as the Indiana Graduation Qualifying Exam.”

Students are also required to do eight hours of community service. School officials are always looking for people who hold different job skills and are willing to impart that knowledge to help students with life decisions.

“While the focus is on academics and education, the school is working to offer a wider array of extracurricular activities,” including a basketball program. “Additionally, the Patriot Academy has coordinated several academic field trips as well as fun trips.”

Participant Pvt. Nathan Deal says, “I had to low crawl through the forest floor covered in briars. I thought that was pretty fun. This is way more engaging than a regular high school field trip. I get to do a lot more. I get to have a sense of pride that I’m actually training and learning the skills that I need to defend my country.”

Nesloney reveals some of the advantages of the program: “Class schedules are tailored for each student, allowing them to complete required classes they need to graduate based on what they need to complete at the time they dropped out of school.

“High school senior level courses will also be accepted as college credit, allowing ... graduates to get a head start on college .... students who complete their high school diploma requirements are encouraged to enroll in online college courses to begin their bachelor degree program.”

The academy “expands on the military skills that .... (were) learned in basic training. Students participate in daily physical training, common tasks training, modern battlefield skills training and leadership skills training .... (They) also learn valuable life skills .... (including) time management, personal finance, career planning and health and wellness.”

It also “instills confidence, values and gives students a sense of accomplishment and place in the world that discriminates against high school dropouts.”

Those interested in attending the Patriot Academy should contact their local Army National Guard recruiter or visit www.ngpatriotacademy. com.