Army Cuts Funding For Booming Education Program

Soldiers in uniform saluting with American flag patch

The Army’s Credentialing Assistance program will see funding cuts due to a surge in enrollment and financial constraints, raising concerns among enlisted soldiers transitioning to civilian life.

At a Glance

The program offers credentials in lucrative fields like cybersecurity.
Funding reduced from $4,000 to $2,000 annually, officers excluded.
Over 64,000 soldiers have benefitted since 2020.
Review may lead to changes affecting 117,000 soldiers.

Rising Costs Prompt Changes

The Army’s Credentialing Assistance (CA) program has been deemed a “catastrophic success” by Army Secretary Christine Wormuth. Its popularity, coupled with rising costs, has necessitated a reduction in annual funding from $4,000 to $2,000. Officers will no longer qualify, shifting focus to enlisted soldiers facing tougher transitions to civilian life. Secretary Wormuth expressed concern over the program’s unregulated expansion, which lacked “guardrails” to manage scope and spending.

Also under review are the broader Army education benefits, including the Tuition Assistance (TA) program. Credential Assistance programs, introduced in 2020, have had minimal regulation and are not formally acknowledged by law or the Department of Defense. With costs rising to approximately $278 million last year, the Army is working to prevent financial overextension.

The Army is eyeing a dramatic cut to the Army Credentialing Assistance program, or Army CA, next year to curb costs in what could be one of the biggest benefit shifts aimed at enlisted troops in years.https://t.co/UmZTOMhU1a

— EANGUS (@EANGUS72) April 2, 2024

Potential Recruitment Impact

The decision to shrink the Credentialing Assistance program comes after costs exploded amid over 64,000 soldiers using the benefits. Proposed cuts could significantly affect around 117,000 soldiers and the educational institutions they attend. Some experts argue that these changes could impede Army recruitment since Tuition Assistance has been a powerful tool since its expansion post-9/11. Jeff Frisby warned, “This is not living up to the promise [soldiers] thought they had.”

Furthermore, potential changes to tuition assistance could force military-supportive educational institutions to reconsider their tuition rates or support services. Critics argue that reducing the benefit will not suffice for quality courses, undermining the program’s intent. Concerns exist that the perceived instability may weaken soldiers’ educational pursuits and professional development.

Attention #Army Service Members! Proposed #ArmyCOOL fund reduction happening for the next fiscal year! Read more here: https://t.co/fbhvBWJzaI #MilitaryEducation #CareerDevelopment #MilitaryPrograms #BudgetCuts #CareerAdvancement #MilitaryCommunity #ProfessionalDevelopment

— QuickStart (@QuickStartIntel) May 10, 2024

Long-Term Sustainability Focus

Despite the Credentialing Assistance Program’s cuts, funding for tuition assistance will remain stable, ensuring continuous educational support at traditional institutions. Intended adjustments aim for the long-term sustainability of these programs, as noted by Dr. Agnes Gereben Schaefer: “The changes we are making to these programs will help ensure their long-term sustainability.” To further support soldiers, the Army will increase annual tuition assistance for traditional college programs from $4,000 to $4,500.

Still, proposed reductions may not entirely solve the mountainous financial pressures the programs face. Military and higher education advocates continue voicing concerns over potential detrimental impacts on both service members and educational institutions, cautioning against hasty cuts to these crucial educational benefits.