Issues And Challenges
“Old Group”
The group of older veterans range in age from 30-60 years. They
are returning to school after completing a military career.
If they served 20 years or longer, they are receiving a military
retirement allotment of $1200 to $1800 per month (pre tax).
If they didn’t complete 20 years or more of active service,
they don’t receive any military retirement pay. Members
in this group are more likely to have children or grandchildren.
They are less likely to have the technology skills younger students
have.
Unemployment or low paying jobs are driving these students
to WKU for an education and a better career. Money is normally
an issue with this group. Time management is often an issue,
as most will work at jobs as well as attend WKU. This group
may be intimidated in the classroom, but will normally not show
it.
Some have retired after 20 years of military service, and are
used to leading and being in charge of organizations. They also
understand “taking orders.” They normally don’t
handle disorganization very well. The retired veterans probably
led soldiers in the Middle East sometime in their career.
The veterans who didn’t retire might not handle authority
well. (It might be why they left the military.) If they recently
left the military, they may have served in the Middle East.
Combat related physical and mental injuries are possible. Medical
issues addressed though the VA can take a long time to resolve.
These students might have to miss class for appointments.
“Young Group”
This group of veterans normally didn’t want to go to college
in the first place, or they left school before graduating to
join the military. The ‘Young Group’ has one tour
of duty in the military (under six years). They are normally
single or married without children. They will appear confident,
but may not feel like they fit into the university life.
Veteran students in this group are comfortable taking directions,
but might need exact instructions. (They would get this type
of instruction as a junior service member.) Some of this group
may still be members of the National Guard or Army Reserves.
The Army could call them back on active duty, causing them to
leave school. Money is also an issue with this group, but not
to the same extent as for the ‘Old Group.’ Service
members that left the service within the last three years probably
served in the Middle East. Combat related physical and mental
injuries are possible.
Both groups should receive some money via the G.I. Education
Bill, but this is not always the case.
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