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Tag: military service

  • Educators, veterans honor Black History Month on Long Island | Long Island Business News

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    Educators, a former deputy commandant, students and Jewish War Veterans stood together against prejudice and bigotry at a observation earlier this week at The Museum of American Armor in Old Bethpage.

    In attendance were such leaders as , the first woman of color to preside over the New York State Council of School Superintendents; Col. , retired, former deputy commandant of West Point; and , an educator who works to build bridges between African Americans and Jews. Also in attendance were students and educators from The Charter Academy School in Hempstead.

    “We are living in a moment when some would prefer that our students learn a version of America that is easy, uncomplicated and unchallenged,” Lorna told an audience of about 125 attendees.

    “But history –  real history – is not meant to comfort us,” she said. “It is meant to teach us. It is meant to sharpen our moral judgment. It is meant to remind us of who we have been so we can decide what we must become.”

    The event highlighted African American contributions to as well as such legal milestones as President Harry Truman’s 1948 executive order integrating the U.S. military.

    “We gather to honor Month – a time not only to reflect on struggle, but more to recognize service, courage and enduring contributions to our nation,” Halloren said. “Few chapters reflect that spirit more clearly than the story of African American soldiers during World War II and the transformation of our Armed Forces that followed.”

    The program illustrated how mission-driven organizations can work together to strengthen communities.

    “Black History Month reminds us that African American achievement is woven into the very fabric of American democracy,” Tinglin said. “But I submit to you…Every day must be a recognition of our shared humanity. Every day must be a commitment to dignity. Every day must be a decision to stand on the side of justice.”

    At the event, students had the opportunity to sign an enlargement of Truman’s executive order that integrated the American military.


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    Adina Genn

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  • Conscientious Objector Jailed After Being Outed As PUBG Player

    Conscientious Objector Jailed After Being Outed As PUBG Player

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    Photo: FOTOKITA (Shutterstock)

    The Supreme Court of Korea has ruled that a South Korean man must serve one year and six months in prison after he refused the country’s mandatory military service. He had argued he was a conscientious objector, but a lower court dismissed this partially because he loves playing PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds.

    Overwatch 2’s New Story Missions: Worth The Money?

    Released in 2017, PUBG was one of the first and most popular battle royale shooters around. It still holds the record for most concurrent players on Steam at over 3 million. (Not even the recent mega-hit Palworld could top that number.) While other games—like Fortnite and Call of Duty: Warzone—have usurped its status as the top battle royale title, it still regularly appears on Steam’s most-played games list and still has a very large community. That includes one man in South Korea who looking to avoid mandatory military service.

    In November 2018, an unnamed South Korean man was charged with violating the nation’s Military Service Act, which compels all able-bodied men in the country to serve in the military for at least 18 months. As reported by The Korea Herald (and spotted by Gamesradar) the man initially told the court he refused to enlist based on his personal beliefs against war.

    In the verdict handed down in 2018—and upheld by the Supreme Court on February 4—the court said the defendant had “not put any effort into spreading or realizing what he says is his ideological belief.” The court also pointed to the man’s love of PUBG as further evidence he wasn’t against war and violence.

    “The defendant admitted that he frequently enjoyed playing the game ‘Battlegrounds,’ which is about killing characters with guns in a virtual reality,” the court added, as reported by The Korea Herald. “The video game is different from reality. But the fact that the defendant—who says he is rejecting military service based on his beliefs to oppose violence and war—enjoys such games makes the court question whether his conscientious objection is authentic.”

    According to investigators, he refused to join the military due to “rampant unfair orders” and because it regularly disregards human rights. The court disagreed and now the Supreme Court of Korea has confirmed the original ruling. The defendant will now be forced to serve 18 months in prison—the same amount of time he would have had to serve in the military.

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    Zack Zwiezen

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  • ETS-SP & Avalon Action Alliance Connect Transitioning Service Members to World-Class TBI & PTS Care

    ETS-SP & Avalon Action Alliance Connect Transitioning Service Members to World-Class TBI & PTS Care

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    Organizations Bridge Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empower Active Duty, Veterans & Their Families & Assist Those Struggling With Invisible Wounds


    WASHINGTON, January 23, 2024 (Newswire.com)
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    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, has partnered with Avalon Action Alliance, a post-trauma wellness non-profit helping veterans and their families gain control over issues related to mental wellness and brain health.

    Annually, nearly 200,000 service members transition into civilian life. Navigating relocation, employment, housing and medical care challenges can be overwhelming and for some new veterans, the transition is more difficult if they struggle with traumatic brain injury or post-traumatic stress symptoms.

    “Avalon is on a mission to help every one of our nation’s defenders win the battle against the invisible wounds of service,” said Joe Brennan, Avalon’s CEO. “Joining forces with ETS-SP affords us the opportunity to connect with transitioning service members and offer them an immediate path towards healing so they can thrive as veterans.”

    Through its growing network of TBI Centers, Avalon Action Alliance combines the best traditional rehabilitation tools with complementary non-clinical interventions to create personalized programs with no out-of-pocket expenses to the veteran.

    “There is a common misperception that all veterans struggle with PTSD,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, Onward Ops Executive Director. “While the number is closer to 30%, those that are suffering deserve affordable, effective care. This partnership provides our enrollees and their families with comprehensive care that works.”

    Up to a year before their active duty ends, transitioning service members enrolled in the Onward Ops program are connected to a trained sponsor in their destination community to ensure a successful transition into civilian life. They work together on employment, education, family needs and housing while the new veteran accesses benefits and services in their future post-military community.

    To give back to transitioning service members and military spouses as a volunteer sponsor, visit OnwardOps.org. Communities can join our network via leadership@onwardops.org. For news and updates, follow @OnwardOps. For more, watch onwardops.org/posts/onward-ops-explained-in-2-minutes.

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Department of Veterans Affairs, supports communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life through Onward Ops, its military transition support program. Connecting transitioning service members to destination communities through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors, it sets conditions for a positive, proactive return to civilian life.

    About Avalon Action Alliance:

    Avalon Action Alliance exists to design, deploy and amplify life-changing treatment for our nation’s veterans and first responders battling Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) and Substance Abuse (SA). On a mission to help every one of them win this battle, Avalon is a single point of access to a national alliance of leading TBI, PTS and SA programs that change lives. Each path is designed for the individual, with no out-of-pocket expenses.

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • ETS-SP Collaborates With Google Public Sector to Bring Best-in-Class Technology to the Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program

    ETS-SP Collaborates With Google Public Sector to Bring Best-in-Class Technology to the Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program

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    Created by Vets for Vets, Onward Ops Bridges Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empowering Active Duty & Veterans With Tools, Resources, Mentorship & Google Technology to Build Interpersonal Relationships Central to Thriving After Uniformed Service


    ARLINGTON, Va., May 11, 2023 (Newswire.com)
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    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, announces a collaboration with Google Public Sector to incorporate the full suite of Google Workspace applications into the newly launched Onward Ops military transition support program. Empowering transitioning service members and their sponsors with best-in-class collaboration tools and data security facilitates the interpersonal relationships central to a successful return to civilian life.

    Annually, nearly 200,000 service members transition from the military into civilian life. Existing federal transition programs provide information regarding available services and benefits but not how to navigate thousands of potential options. Pairing service members with trained sponsors from destination communities and empowering them with tools like Google’s real-time collaboration features successfully closes this gap, helping them work together on critical tasks from filing disability claims to drafting a resume. Onward Ops provides the information and resources needed to plan a successful transition on a single, secure platform, informed by best practices across the Veteran support space and validated by Veterans who have successfully made the return to civilian life.

    “We’re thrilled to bring the magic of Google to the mission of Onward Ops, supporting transitioning service members, connecting them with resources and sponsors with the help of Google Workspace,” said Karen Dahut, CEO of Google Public Sector. “This partnership is an opportunity to use technology to help active-duty service members from all branches successfully complete the journey out of uniform and into their next chapter as Veterans.” 

    The Onward Ops program assesses each enrollee’s individual needs and develops a personalized holistic transition plan across domains ranging from healthcare and social needs to employment and education that he or she then uses to achieve their goals. Utilizing Google’s on-demand insights via world-class analytics, Onward Ops can analyze localized metrics to determine the Veteran’s specific needs and appropriate services and monitor progress and outcomes.

    “We chose Google Cloud and Workspace due to their high standards of data security, brand awareness among veterans and service members, collaboration tools and Google’s commitment to veterans,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS Sponsorship Executive Director. “Google’s support of America’s military is apparent in all they do from bringing Workspace to our active-duty force to their veteran job search capabilities, SkillBridge program and so much more.”

    The Onward Ops program is on track to enroll more than 24,000 transitioning service members and their families over the next 12 months. Enrolled service members and sponsors receive Google Workspace Enterprise accounts at no cost for the duration of their personal transition program.

    People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an Onward Ops sponsor at OnwardOps.org. Communities interested in joining our network can email leadership@OnwardOps.org. For news and updates, follow Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, supports communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life. Through the Onward Ops military transition support program, it connects transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life. 

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • ETS-SP Launches Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program to Assist New Veterans of All Branches to Seamlessly Return to Civilian Life

    ETS-SP Launches Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program to Assist New Veterans of All Branches to Seamlessly Return to Civilian Life

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    Created by Vets for Vets, Program Bridges Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empowering Active Duty & Veterans With Tools, Resources & Mentorship to Thrive After Uniformed Service


    WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, announces its Onward Ops military transition support program. Building on six years of supporting those departing the military, this new program powered by ETS Sponsorship offers best-in-class tools, vetted resources and mentorship from trained community sponsors to ensure today’s uniformed men and women continue to thrive as new Veterans.

    Nearly 200,000 military service members transition into civilian life each year. Despite the vast array of organizations dedicated to preparing active-duty military for transition to civilian life, results are underwhelming. Unemployment, inability to secure stable housing and lack of medical care continue to plague too many new Veterans. Accessing services and benefits earned through military service remains a frustrating, often daunting challenge.

    “The ETS Sponsorship Program began with a focus on the Army,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS-SP and Onward Ops Executive Director. “As we expanded the services and tools we provide and increased outreach into the other military branches, now is the right time to introduce Onward Ops as a new program designed for all those in uniform, regardless of the Service they are affiliated with.”

    In the Onward Ops program, the information and resources needed to plan a successful transition are available on a single, secure platform. Rather than focusing exclusively on one sector such as employment, the program assesses service member needs across multiple domains from employment and educational goals to family and social needs, creating a personal transition plan for each enrollee, informed by best practices across the Veteran support space and validated by Veterans who themselves have successfully made the return to civilian life.

    “Leaving the military is hard enough without having to search for information and assistance. One of our main goals was bringing many trusted resources together and presenting them in a way that was accessible without being overwhelming,” said Eric Kittelson, Onward Ops and ETS-SP Product Director. “Combining this with the ability to collaborate with a sponsor or community significantly improves transition outcomes.”

    The Onward Ops program is on track to enroll more than 24,000 transitioning service members and their families over the next 12 months. It is offered at no cost to service members up to a year before they depart the military and provides the option to choose a self-guided transition with personalized resources and tools or a sponsor-guided transition with personalized, hands-on support from experienced sponsors.  

    People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an Onward Ops sponsor at OnwardOps.org. Communities interested in joining our network can connect via leadership@onwardops.org. For news and updates, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, supports communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life. Through the Onward Ops military transition support program, it connects transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life. To volunteer as an ETS-SP sponsor, visit ETSsponsorship.com. Communities can join our network by emailing leadership@etssponsorship.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.   

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • ETS-SP Launches Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program to Assist New Veterans of All Branches to Seamlessly Return to Civilian Life

    ETS-SP Launches Onward Ops Military Transition Support Program to Assist New Veterans of All Branches to Seamlessly Return to Civilian Life

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    Created by Vets for Vets, Program Bridges Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empowering Active Duty & Veterans With Tools, Resources & Mentorship to Thrive After Uniformed Service


    WASHINGTON, May 2, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, announces its Onward Ops military transition support program. Building on six years of supporting those departing the military, this new program powered by ETS Sponsorship offers best-in-class tools, vetted resources and mentorship from trained community sponsors to ensure today’s uniformed men and women continue to thrive as new Veterans.

    Nearly 200,000 military service members transition into civilian life each year. Despite the vast array of organizations dedicated to preparing active-duty military for transition to civilian life, results are underwhelming. Unemployment, inability to secure stable housing and lack of medical care continue to plague too many new Veterans. Accessing services and benefits earned through military service remains a frustrating, often daunting challenge.

    “The ETS Sponsorship Program began with a focus on the Army,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS-SP and Onward Ops Executive Director. “As we expanded the services and tools we provide and increased outreach into the other military branches, now is the right time to introduce Onward Ops as a new program designed for all those in uniform, regardless of the Service they are affiliated with.”

    In the Onward Ops program, the information and resources needed to plan a successful transition are available on a single, secure platform. Rather than focusing exclusively on one sector such as employment, the program assesses service member needs across multiple domains from employment and educational goals to family and social needs, creating a personal transition plan for each enrollee, informed by best practices across the Veteran support space and validated by Veterans who themselves have successfully made the return to civilian life.

    “Leaving the military is hard enough without having to search for information and assistance. One of our main goals was bringing many trusted resources together and presenting them in a way that was accessible without being overwhelming,” said Eric Kittelson, Onward Ops and ETS-SP Product Director. “Combining this with the ability to collaborate with a sponsor or community significantly improves transition outcomes.”

    The Onward Ops program is on track to enroll more than 24,000 transitioning service members and their families over the next 12 months. It is offered at no cost to service members up to a year before they depart the military and provides the option to choose a self-guided transition with personalized resources and tools or a sponsor-guided transition with personalized, hands-on support from experienced sponsors.  

    People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an Onward Ops sponsor at OnwardOps.org. Communities interested in joining our network can connect via leadership@onwardops.org. For news and updates, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn. 

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, supports communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life. Through the Onward Ops military transition support program, it connects transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life. To volunteer as an ETS-SP sponsor, visit ETSsponsorship.com. Communities can join our network by emailing leadership@etssponsorship.com. Follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.   

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • ETS-SP and CollegeRecon Partnership Helps Transitioning Service Members, Veterans Navigate Civilian Life, Higher Education

    ETS-SP and CollegeRecon Partnership Helps Transitioning Service Members, Veterans Navigate Civilian Life, Higher Education

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    Organizations Bridge Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empower Active Duty, Veterans & Their Families Through Education & Tuition Assistance Information

    Press Release
    –

    Feb 21, 2023 10:00 EST


    ARLINGTON, Va., February 21, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, is partnering with CollegeRecon, a military and education resource that empowers service members, Veterans, and their families through education and tuition assistance program information, to provide best-in-class information as they pursue their educational goals in civilian life. 

    Nearly 200,000 service members transition from the military into civilian life each year. For many, navigating the challenges of relocation, employment, housing, and medical care can be overwhelming. Despite the number of organizations dedicated to preparing active-duty service members for transition to civilian life, obstacles remain. From accessing earned benefits to applying for medical care, Federal programs do a good job providing useful information but with 40% of new Veterans seeking to pursue educational goals after military service, it’s critical they get objective, accurate information about the entire range of options and benefits available. CollegeRecon is uniquely able to address that need. 

    “Going back to school can be a daunting task for anyone. Military students earn substantial financial benefits to cover the high costs associated with earning a college degree so choosing the right school to utilize those benefits is imperative,” said Garrett Fitzgerald, CollegeRecon CEO. “Our tools and resources are built exclusively for the military and veteran community to educate men and women on their benefits, degree-program pathways and collegiate opportunities that fit their specific needs.”

    The CollegeRecon ETS-SP partnership gives enrolled service members access to free informational tools from detailed descriptions of schools and universities with strong Veteran support networks to helpful insights on maximizing educational benefits they earned while on active duty.

    “This partnership offers our servicemen and women relevant, unbiased information about educational options in their chosen location, degree, and field of study while they are still on active duty, allowing them to plan for success and meet their educational goals immediately upon leaving the military,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS-SP Executive Director.

    Up to a year before their active duty ends, transitioning service members enrolled in the ETS Sponsorship Program are connected to a trained sponsor in their destination community to ensure a successful transition into civilian life. They work together developing a personalized plan focused on employment, education, family needs, and housing while the new Veteran accesses benefits and services in their future post-military community. 

    People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an ETS-SP sponsor at www.etssponsorship.com. Communities interested in joining our network can connect via leadership@etssponsorship.com. For news and updates, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, exists to support communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life by connecting transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life.

    About CollegeRecon:

    CollegeRecon, the largest college discovery platform built exclusively for the U.S. military and veteran community, provides resources, tools and information to prospective students interested in utilizing their GI Bill or Tuition Assistance benefits. Our mission is to improve outcomes in higher education for the military community by supporting those seeking the right opportunities, at the right schools. More at www.collegerecon.com. 

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • ETS-SP and CollegeRecon Partnership Helps Transitioning Service Members, Veterans Navigate Civilian Life, Higher Education

    ETS-SP and CollegeRecon Partnership Helps Transitioning Service Members, Veterans Navigate Civilian Life, Higher Education

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    Organizations Bridge Military-to-Civilian Gap, Empower Active Duty, Veterans & Their Families Through Education & Tuition Assistance Information


    ARLINGTON, Va., February 21, 2023 (Newswire.com)
    –
    The Expiration Term of Service Sponsorship Program (ETS-SP), a national non-profit organization bridging the gap between military and civilian life, is partnering with CollegeRecon, a military and education resource that empowers service members, Veterans, and their families through education and tuition assistance program information, to provide best-in-class information as they pursue their educational goals in civilian life. 

    Nearly 200,000 service members transition from the military into civilian life each year. For many, navigating the challenges of relocation, employment, housing, and medical care can be overwhelming. Despite the number of organizations dedicated to preparing active-duty service members for transition to civilian life, obstacles remain. From accessing earned benefits to applying for medical care, Federal programs do a good job providing useful information but with 40% of new Veterans seeking to pursue educational goals after military service, it’s critical they get objective, accurate information about the entire range of options and benefits available. CollegeRecon is uniquely able to address that need. 

    “Going back to school can be a daunting task for anyone. Military students earn substantial financial benefits to cover the high costs associated with earning a college degree so choosing the right school to utilize those benefits is imperative,” said Garrett Fitzgerald, CollegeRecon CEO. “Our tools and resources are built exclusively for the military and veteran community to educate men and women on their benefits, degree-program pathways and collegiate opportunities that fit their specific needs.”

    The CollegeRecon ETS-SP partnership gives enrolled service members access to free informational tools from detailed descriptions of schools and universities with strong Veteran support networks to helpful insights on maximizing educational benefits they earned while on active duty.

    “This partnership offers our servicemen and women relevant, unbiased information about educational options in their chosen location, degree, and field of study while they are still on active duty, allowing them to plan for success and meet their educational goals immediately upon leaving the military,” said Brigadier General (ret) Mike Eastman, ETS-SP Executive Director.

    Up to a year before their active duty ends, transitioning service members enrolled in the ETS Sponsorship Program are connected to a trained sponsor in their destination community to ensure a successful transition into civilian life. They work together developing a personalized plan focused on employment, education, family needs, and housing while the new Veteran accesses benefits and services in their future post-military community. 

    People can give back to transitioning service members and military spouses by volunteering as an ETS-SP sponsor at www.etssponsorship.com. Communities interested in joining our network can connect via leadership@etssponsorship.com. For news and updates, follow on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.  

    About ETS-SP:

    The ETS Sponsorship Program, in a public-private partnership with the Veterans Administration, exists to support communities across the country in the successful reception and transition of service members out of the military and into civilian life by connecting transitioning service members to destination communities at all levels through a secure, common-data platform augmented by trained volunteer sponsors to set conditions in the community for a positive, proactive return to civilian life.

    About CollegeRecon:

    CollegeRecon, the largest college discovery platform built exclusively for the U.S. military and veteran community, provides resources, tools and information to prospective students interested in utilizing their GI Bill or Tuition Assistance benefits. Our mission is to improve outcomes in higher education for the military community by supporting those seeking the right opportunities, at the right schools. More at www.collegerecon.com. 

    Source: The ETS Sponsorship Program

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  • K-pop supergroup BTS members face possible military conscription

    K-pop supergroup BTS members face possible military conscription

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    South Korea’s military appears to want to conscript members of the K-pop supergroup BTS for mandatory military duties, as the public remains sharply divided over whether they should be given exemptions.

    Lee Ki Sik, commissioner of the Military Manpower Administration, told lawmakers on Friday that it’s “desirable” for BTS members to fulfill their military duties to ensure fairness in the country’s military service.

    Earlier this week, Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup made almost identical comments about BTS at a parliamentary committee meeting, and Culture Minister Park Bo Gyoon said his ministry would soon finalize its position on the issue.

    Whether the band’s seven members must serve in the army is one of the hottest issues in South Korea because its oldest member, Jin, faces possible enlistment early next year after turning 30 in December.

    Under South Korean law, all able-bodied men are required to perform 18-21 months of military service. But the law provides special exemptions for athletes, classical and traditional musicians, and ballet and other dancers who have won top prizes in certain competitions that enhance national prestige.

    Without a revision of the law, the government can take steps to grant special exemptions. But past exemptions for people who performed well in non-designated competitions triggered serious debate about the fairness of the system.

    Since the draft forces young men to suspend their professional careers or studies, the dodging of military duties or creation of exemptions is a highly sensitive issue.

    In one recent survey, about 61% of respondents supported exemptions for entertainers such as BTS, while in another, about 54% said BTS members should serve in the military.

    Several amendments of the conscription law that would pave the way for BTS members to be exempted have been introduced in the National Assembly, but haven’t been voted on with lawmakers sharply divided on the matter.

    Lee, the defense minister, earlier said he had ordered officials to consider conducting a public survey to help determine whether to grant exemptions to BTS. But the Defense Ministry later said it would not carry out such a survey.

    In August, Lee said if BTS members join the military, they would likely be allowed to continue practicing and to join other non-serving BTS members in overseas group tours.

    People who are exempted from the draft are released from the military after three weeks of basic training. They are also required to perform 544 hours of volunteer work and continue serving in their professional fields for 34 months.

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