Hot Topics, February 2006 - THE Army is operating in a high-tech, fast-flowing environment and needs Soldiers to be multi-skilled.

The Army Continuing Education System delivers a full range of learning programs that help Soldiers meet educational and professional goals. Whether Soldiers seek college degrees, technical training, or just want to brush up on math or English skills, ACES has 113 Army education centers, supported by 139 multi-use learning facilities and a staff of professional educators, to get them started. Programs and services include:

• Academic and vocational counseling,
• Basic Skills Program (called Functional Academic Skills Training, or FAST),
• High school completion,
• English as a Second Language, or ESL,
• Postsecondary programs,
• Tuition assistance, testing,
• AARTS,
• Leader skills enhancement courses, GI to Jobs,
• Service Members Opportunity Colleges Army Degrees, or SOCAD
• eArmyU.

THE Army Continuing Education System promotes lifelong learning opportunities with the goal of sharpening the Army’s competitive edge. The ACES provides quality self-development programs and services from 113 Army education centers around the globe.

Several resources are available to support you:

• Army Continuing Education System or ACES counselors. ACES counselors assist Soldiers in identifying education goals, provide counseling on tuition assistance and Army education policies and procedures, and initiate eArmyU enrollment.
• Program mentors. Soldiers who are enrolled in eArmyU are supported by a program mentor who works with with ACES counselors who provide academic advice and support. Mentors assist with administrative issues, and encourage students to use Web-based support services that help Soldiers accomplish their educational goals.
• Campus contacts. Campus points of contact provide information relating to aspects of student enrollment at particular colleges or universities, such as: degree programs, admissions requirements, course policies and access, or course instructors