Publication:Sea Talk Winter 2004/Back to school

Re-introduction of Member Initiated Civil Schooling

By LEUT Aaron Matzkows

The Navy has re-introduced Member Initiated Civil Schooling, after the scheme was suspended for the 2003-04 financial year because of workforce priorities and funding pressures.

Applications have opened for sailors and officers for part- or own-time study beginning in January next year. Approving authority for the scheme is the Director General Naval Personnel and Training.

Up to 10 full-time sponsorships are available.

Successful candidates may be posted to positions which directly utilize their newly-acquired skills. The relevance of the requested course to a member's next posting or career will be a major consideration in the approval process.

DGNPT also is making available up to 60 part-time or own-time scholarships.

Again, relevance to a member's career or next posting will be a major factor in the selection process. Previous study towards the qualification being applied for will add weight to an application.

Previous support under the MICS scheme is no guarantee of continuing sponsorship.

DGNPT points out that new applications may be more relevant to the Navy's requirements and members who already hold qualifications sponsored wholly or in part through civil schooling will receive a lower priority than those applying for a first scholarship.

Successful candidates for full-time study will receive a maximum of $15,000 for 12 months, or $7500 for six months.

The ceiling is $5000 for part-time or own time study. The amounts are based on the average cost per credit point at Australian universities.

MICS is intended to sponsor serving members, regardless of rank, to undertake civilian courses where no Service equivalent exists. Courses are judged on their prime long-term benefit to the Navy.

Members considering applying for MICS scholarships are advised to read DI (N) PERS 20-4 as amended in April 2002 (PERS 3/2002).