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Health & Fitness

Let's Close the Gap Between Naval War College and High School Education

The U.S. Secretary of the Navy recently spoke about the gap between the needs of the Navy and the proficiency of students today available for such military careers.

On October 6, 1884, Secretary of the Navy William E. Chandler signed General Order 325, which began by simply stating: "A college is hereby established for an advanced course of professional study for Naval officers, to be known as the Naval War College."

Such were the humble beginnings of what is now the oldest continuing institution of its kind in the world. 

The Naval War College is located a few miles from our local high schools, but their experience with the local Institution is limited, and it might as well be located in Washington D.C. in this regard. 

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On another note, during the strategic forum held at the Newport Naval War College a few weeks ago here in Newport, the Secretary of the Navy was asked "How we can get our high school students more involved and aware of Naval careers available to them?"

His answer can be reviewed here at this website

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He highlighted the fact that there is a gap between their needs and the proficiency of the available students today, in fact only one in four of our students today are of the quality that can seriously be considered for a career in the service, either due to obesity, criminal records or educational level. 

After the meeting, members of the Navy League mentioned that they want to help us help our local students learn more about potential military careers. They also offered to help coordinate tours of the Naval War College for our high school students. 

While a Naval Career may not be of interest for all students, it can be a rewarding career for many. 

There is a gap between the needs of the military to develop future leaders and the proficiency of students exiting our high schools today. This deficit can be closed by understanding what their needs are and developing educational programs accordingly. 

We also need to avail our students of the exciting careers available in the military. This can be done with mentoring programs, such as the fine efforts of the Newport County Mentor/Co-Op Group, and we also need to offer tours of the Naval War College to students with the assistance of fine organizations such as the Navy League.  

We need to close the gap, the distance between the Naval War College and that of our local high schools.

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