Glennis Nagel
co-editor
Beginning next fall, a military presence will return to the campus, this time in the form of a Guard Officers Leader Development (GOLD) program. The program will be the first of its kind in Nebraska.
Beginning next fall, a military presence will return to the campus, this time in the form of a Guard Officers Leader Development (GOLD) program. The program will be the first of its kind in Nebraska.
As was true when UNK offered Army Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), the program will be administered through the College of Business and Technology. The GOLD Program will begin with two military science courses, with accompanying leadership labs and a military fitness class. Those courses have already received academic approval.
“They (students) can try it before they buy it,” Maj. Prusia said. “The courses will make them more rounded students and better citizens. By the time they reach the 300 level, they will need to be a member of the Army National Guard to continue in the program.”
While no grade point average has been established for students in their freshman or sophomore years, there will likely be GPA requirements at the junior and senior level.
“Students will need to have earned 60 credit hours by the spring of their junior year in order to participate in Officer Candidate School,” he added. “And once they are into the 300 level, they will be expected to graduate from college and Officer Candidate School.” Areas they have to select from include transportation services, infantry, armor and military intelligence.
Students in the program will have 100 percent of their tuition costs covered, as well as receive drill pay and other benefits.
“The total benefit for the four years will be up to $50,000,” Maj. Prusia said. In addition, once commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, there is a $10,000 commissioning bonus. A Second Lieutenant, who has three years of experience with the Army National Guard, currently receives $405 for each weekend with the guard, in addition to a monthly base pay.
Those who participate in the program are obligated for eight years; however, they receive credit towards the eight years for every year they are in the program while in college. Thus, a student who enters the program as a sophomore can have three years to his/her credit upon graduation, which would leave five years of remaining service.
For additional information, Maj. Prusia may be contacted at William.Prusia@us.army.mil or by calling : 308.865.5340
