New England Institute of Technology’s Center for Technology and Industry was selected by the United States Army 3rd Battalion, 98th Regiment to provide a three week training program for the United States Army Signal Corp staff in the area of Informational Technology.  The training curriculum was designed from the standard Signal Corp Training program operating at its Fort Gordon, Georgia headquarters.  Due to the increased demand for trained Signal Corp military personnel, Fort Gordon’s training capabilities are at maximum capacity.  The Army sought and found the resources of New England Institute of Technology’s Center to design and deliver these training programs.  This training is mandatory for senior non-commissioned officers striving to reach the rank of Master Sergeant through Command Sergeant Major.   This was the first program of its type to be presented by a civilian training provider to US Army personnel.  New England Institute of Technology is the first and only college, to date, to provide this type of training.

From June 5 - 23, 2006, thirty soldiers from across the country, assigned to active duty, were in Rhode Island to participate in this program.  These “Signal Support Systems Specialists” are primarily responsible for working with battlefield signal support systems and terminal devices. The soldiers were housed at a local hotel and enjoyed their meals here at the college as well as at several local restaurants.  They also took other Army instructed courses at the college on weekends.

The three separate one-week courses were entitled ‘Introduction to Routers’, ‘Wireless Network Essentials’ and ‘Microsoft Server Administration’.  NEIT faculty members, Tim Culhane, Marty Truchon and Mark Magnus led various sections of the training program.   The program evaluations completed by the soldiers indicated an overwhelmingly positive reaction to the course presentation, materials and equipment used, and instructor professionalism and content knowledge. Comments included: “The best training I have ever received from the Army”, “The courses taken here were excellent.  The only suggestion I can give is please give us more training”, and “Excellent class environment and super knowledgeable instructor”. Several high ranking Army officers and General Services Administration personnel monitored and evaluated the program during the three week duration.  They were extremely impressed with the personnel and resources of the college and the Army is planning to repeat the program here again in summer 2007.

A formal military graduation ceremony was held on June 23, 2006 in the Media Presentation Theater.  Graduates, their family and friends attended the ceremony where the City of Warwick’s Mayor Scott Avedisian; NEIT Vice President for Corporate Education and Training, Steve Kitchin; and Major Juan Howie, Commander 3rd Battalion, presented the students with certificates and awards for their hard work.   Certificates of appreciation were also given to the college and to each instructor.  New England Institute of Technology is proud to have provided the necessary instructional expertise for these soldiers who will utilize their new skills to more effectively carry out their military missions here in this country and overseas.