Issues And Challenges - Veterans in the Classroom - FaCET

Presented By:

Facilitator : Mark Powell, Interim Director, Military Science

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.