Washington, D.C. – This week, Representatives Marilyn Strickland (WA-10) and Don Bacon (NE-02) sent a bipartisan letter to Christine E. Wormuth, Secretary of the Army, expressing deep concern about potential funding cuts to Army’s Credentialing Assistance Program.
“Investing in education helps maintain servicemember quality of life, especially as they transition out of the military,” said Strickland. “Potential cuts to this program will hurt enlisted troops the most, limit their potential for future civilian employment, and decrease their earning power.”
“Our United States Soldiers dedicate their lives to serve our country and deserve the best education opportunities,” said Bacon. “These opportunities are not just about career advancement during service, but about providing them with the skill sets they need to remain competitive upon separation or retirement. Any potential removal of this hard-earned opportunity could significantly impact soldiers’ morale and even hinder recruitment for those seeking to join the Army for educational benefits.”
The Army Credentialing Program provides soldiers with $4,000 per year for civilian credentials that can help support their education and qualifications as they transition into the civilian workforce.
Representative Strickland is a member of the House Armed Services Committee. She is on the committee’s bipartisan Quality of Life Panel, the Subcommittee on Readiness, and the Subcommittee on Military Personnel.
Other signatories of the letter are Representatives Jim McGovern (MA-02) and David Trone (MD-06).
The full letter can be found here, and below.
The Honorable Christine E. Wormuth
Secretary of the Army
1600 Army Pentagon
Washington, DC 20301-1000
Dear Secretary Wormuth,
We write today with deep concern about the potential funding cuts for the Army’s Credentialing Assistance Program. These cuts, as reported by Military.com, could have a significant impact on 100,000 soldiers. However, it’s our enlisted troops who could bear the brunt, as they are the ones who most benefit from this program. This essential program for recruiting, retention and professional development must be maintained.
In 2020, the Army’s Credentialling Assistance Program was introduced across the force, providing soldiers with $4,000 a year to invest in civilian credentials. These credentials, spanning fields such as cybersecurity, coding, commercial driving, and many others, not only enhance their current job proficiency but also open doors to civilian employment upon transition from the military.
It is of utmost importance to recognize that all our military services are currently grappling with meeting recruiting goals. The Army’s potential reduction of education benefits poses a significant threat to professional development and overall military readiness. Providing our servicemembers with access to education is a crucial factor in maintaining a skilled and diverse force. Any funding cuts to this program could potentially exacerbate the already strained retention and recruiting numbers, a situation we cannot afford to ignore.
According to the Department of Defense’s own research, paying for future education is not just one of the main reasons why servicemembers join the military, but also a key factor in their decision to continue serving. By providing education benefits, we are not just attracting new recruits, but also ensuring their long-term commitment to the organization. This is not the time to dismantle critical recruiting tools and servicemember benefits. The Army’s credentialling program provides soldiers with access to civilian credentials of their choice, making them more marketable to future employers as they make the transition out of the Army. This personal benefit is invaluable and should not be underestimated.
Approximately 64,000 soldiers have used the credentialling assistance program over the last four years. Implementing cuts to the program would undercut the Army’s commitment to fostering personnel growth, development, and morale. It will also lead to fewer affordable college options.
We must remain committed to providing servicemembers with tools that will improve and maintain their quality of life while they serve and after transitioning out. It is the right thing to do.
U.S. Representative Marilyn Strickland serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. She is whip for the Congressional Black Caucus, a member of the New Democrat Coalition, and one of the first Korean-American women elected to Congress.
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