JCU helps the Army take care of business

Under the agreement, junior officers who have completed a Diploma of Military Leadership at the Royal Military College will receive credits for up to half of a JCU Bachelor of Business degree.

They can then complete the remaining subjects through JCU and be awarded a business degree.

The national scheme will allow officers to study at JCU’s Townsville or Cairns campuses, or externally via online courses.

The Deputy Vice Chancellor of the Division of Global Strategy and Engagement, Professor Robyn McGuiggan and the Commander of 3^rd Brigade, Brigadier Roger Noble signed the agreement today in Townsville.

Professor McGuiggan said the agreement is fantastic news for JCU and the Army.

“JCU will be able to provide its expertise to teach a new generation of Army officers, and they will be able to gain an internationally-recognised business degree.”

Brigadier Roger Noble said it was an important occasion.

“I'm proud to have the opportunity to sign this document on behalf of the Australian Army,” Brigadier Noble said.

“This agreement cements the relationship between our two organisations. JCU and Lavarack Barracks were opened on the same day almost 50 years ago. 

“Since that time, we've witnessed tremendous growth and change - and we're virtually next door to one another. 

“JCU has emerged as a world leader in higher education while Townsville's own 3rd Brigade, which I've had the privilege to command for the last two years, in my view, is the most innovative combat formation in the Australian Army.”

Brigadier Noble said the Australian Army placed the education of their talented men and women among their highest priorities.

“It makes good sense for the Army to make the most of the educational opportunities presented by JCU in our own neighbourhood. This initiative, however, will not only benefit Army personnel posted to Townsville but also applicants from localities all around Australia. This is why I've taken such a strong personal interest in formalising this agreement and inviting JCU into the Army Tertiary Education Program, or ATEP.”

The ATEP provides an opportunity for junior Army officers, WO and SNCO who do not posses an undergraduate degree, to undertake study in selected university courses.

“A key feature for Army personnel is that ATEP generally involves advanced standing articulation agreements that recognise civil and military academic qualifications, as well as professional experience and development activities that officers and soldiers undertake,” Brigadier Noble said.

“ATEP provides an attractive head start towards a first undergraduate degree for sponsored personnel.”

JCU is one of only four Australian universities taking part in the ATEP.

The Dean of the College of Business, Law and Governance, Professor David Low said he is confident the arrangement will be very popular.

“This agreement supports the Army community and provides another cog in the significant training efforts of the Townsville-based garrison, as well as across the entire Army.”

“It will give the Army greater depth of understanding of business matters, and provide personnel with improved career options,” Professor Low said.

The agreement is particularly beneficial for Army personnel who need flexible arrangements for study.

“Personnel will be able to study online, so if they are posted interstate or overseas that doesn’t have to disrupt their studies,” Prof McGuiggan said.