DoD Directives
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Department of Defense |
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DIRECTIVE |
NUMBER 1322.8
January 6, 1997
Certified Current as of November 21, 2003
ASD(FMP)
SUBJECT: Voluntary Education Programs for Military Personnel
References: (a) DoD Directive 1322.8, subject as above, July 23, 1987 (hereby canceled)
(b) Section 2007 of title 10, United States Code
(c) Section 1073 of Public Law 104-106, "National Defense Authorization Act, 1996," February 10, 1996
1. REISSUANCE AND PURPOSE
This Directive:
1.1. Reissues reference (a) to update policy and responsibilities for voluntary education programs for military personnel.
1.2. Implements references (b) and (c).
1.3. Designates the Secretary of the Navy as the DoD Executive Agent for the Defense Activity for Non-Traditional Education Support (DANTES).
2. APPLICABILITY
This Directive applies to the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Military Departments (including the Coast Guard when it is operating as a Military Service in the Navy), and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (hereafter referred to collectively as "the DoD Components"). The term "Military Services," as used herein, refers to the Army, the Navy, the Air Force, and the Marine Corps.
3. DEFINITIONS
3.1. Adult Education. Services or instruction below the college level for adults who lack sufficient mastery of basic educational skills (English, reading, writing, speaking, mathematics) to enable them to function effectively in society.
3.2. Distance Education. The delivery of education or training through electronically mediated instruction, including, satellite, video, audiographic, computer, multimedia technology, and other forms of learning at a distance, such as correspondence and independent study.
3.3. Off-Duty Time. Time when Service members are not scheduled to perform official duties.
3.4. Tuition Assistance. Funds provided by the Military Services to pay a percentage of the charges of an educational institution for the tuition of an active duty member of the Armed Forces enrolled in courses of study during his or her off-duty time.
3.5. Voluntary Education Programs. Continuing, adult or post-secondary educational programs of study in which Service members elect to participate during their off-duty time.
4. POLICY
It is DoD policy, under 10 U.S.C. 2007 and Pub. L. 104-106 (references (b) and (c)), that:
4.1. Programs shall be established and maintained within the Department of Defense that provide Service members with educational opportunities in which they may participate voluntarily during their off-duty time or at such other times as authorized by Military Services' policies.
4.2. Voluntary education programs shall provide educational opportunities comparable to those available to citizens outside the military, be available to all active duty personnel regardless of their duty location, and include courses and services provided by accredited post-secondary vocational and technical schools, colleges, and universities. Programs may be provided as traditional classroom instruction or through distance education.
4.3. Tuition Assistance, as authorized by reference (b), shall be provided for Service members that participate in voluntary education programs. The amount of monetary support available to each Service member shall be uniform across the Military Services.
4.4. Service members interested in participating in voluntary education programs shall be provided guidance and counseling services by qualified personnel so they can make the most efficient use of Government resources and the most effective use of their own time, money, and effort.
4.5. Service members shall be provided opportunities to acquire basic educational and academic skills which are essential to successful job performance and new learning. In accordance with reference (c), in locations outside the United States adult education programs shall be available to both Service members and their adult family members.
5. RESPONSIBILITIES
5.1. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy, under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall:
5.1.1. Develop overall policy guidance for voluntary education programs in the Department of Defense.
5.1.2. Monitor compliance with this Directive.
5.1.3. Exercise policy control over the DANTES.
5.1.4. Maintain liaison with Federal and State agencies and with national organizations that influence educational policies and practices.
5.2. The Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, under the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness, shall establish procedures to ensure that members of the Reserve components are informed of opportunities available to them through the DoD voluntary education programs.
5.3. The Secretaries of the Military Departments shall:
5.3.1. Maintain voluntary education programs for Service members by providing worldwide staff, resources, facilities, and funding, consistent with this Directive and applicable DoD Instructions.
5.3.2. Issue policy guidance governing the conduct of educational programs to comply with this Directive, applicable DoD Instructions, and the needs of the Military Services.
5.3.3. Maintain liaison with Federal and State agencies, and with national education associations, as necessary.
5.4. The Secretary of the Navy shall:
5.4.1. Serve as the DoD Executive Agent for the DANTES.
5.4.2. Provide the DANTES with adequate resources, facilities and logistical support.
5.4.3. Support the DANTES, consistent with the policy guidance issued by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy.
6. EFFECTIVE DATE
This Directive is effective immediately.
