Ivy Tech to offer new military recruitment class

A new Ivy Tech program at the Columbus and Sellersburg campuses will be the first in the nation to partner with the U.S. Army Recruiting Command to educate students on the benefits of military service.

According to the school, a signing ceremony was held last week establishing the nation’s first Enlisted Training Corps demonstration program.

The free, three credit course will be taught by Army instructors and will include education on the benefits of military and public service, military history, military customs and courtesies, physical fitness ,ethics and decision-making. Students to complete the course and earn an associates degree will be able to enter Army service as an E-4, which is the highest rank possible for a new recruit and would mean a 30 percent pay bump over the lower entry ranks.

According to the school, about half of young Americans admit they know little to nothing about military service.

This fall, Ivy Tech will also pilot an Introduction to Public Service course at six campuses including Columbus. The one credit, one week course will be give high school and undergraduate students hands-on public service-learning experiences using Indiana National Guard facilities and expertise. High school students will be able to earn the enlistment and service readiness seal as part of the new Indiana high school diploma requirements.