Short-term enlistments offered

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2003 | 8:49 a.m.

The military services began offering a new short-term enlistment program for slected recruits this month. Known as the National Call to Service, the program provides the services a way to reach a group of young Americans who otherwise might not serve in the military because of the length of traditional enlistment options.

Under the program, a recruit enlists for a 15-month active-duty service obligation following completion of initial-entry training. The 15-month obligation begins after completion of schools that can run from three to 18 months, depending on the military specialty.

Following successful completion of active duty obligation, individuals may re-enlist for additional active duty or transfer to the selected reserve for a 24-month obligation.

Upon completion of service obligation, they may remain in the selected reserve or transfer to the individual ready reserve for the remainder of an eight-year national commitment.

While in the individual ready reserve, these young people will be given the opportunity to move into one of the other national service programs, such as AmeriCorps or the Peace Corps, and time in those will count toward their eight-year total obligation.

"The National Call to Service Program will be limited to high-quality recruits, those with a high school diploma and scores in the top half of aptitude tests," said Vice Adm. Gerry Hoewing, chief of naval personnel.

"We hope this will make the military more attractive to college-bound youth who might volunteer to take a short period out between high school and college to serve their nation," he said. According to Hoewing, the largest potential pool for the option are community college graduates who, after serving the initial active duty period, might use available incentives to enter a four-year school.

There are four incentives available under the NCS Program. The first is a $5,000 bonus payable upon completion of active duty service. The second is a loan-repayment option also paid at the end of the active-duty portion. The legislation allows for repayment of up to $18,000 of qualifying student loans.

The final two incentives are tied to, but not part of, the Montgomery G.I. Bill. One gives 12 months of a full Montgomery G.I. Bill stipend -- currently about $900 a month.

Each service will set its own enlistment criteria.

New general

Nevada Air National Guard senior leader Lawrence Cerfoglio was promoted to the rank of brigadier general earlier this month during a ceremony in the office of Gov. Kenny Guinn. The Sparks resident was appointed as the Nevada Air Guard chief of staff in July.

Cerfoglio, who formerly filled positions as both the 152nd Airlift Wing and Nevada state headquarters vice-commander, advises Nevada National Guard Adjutant General Giles Vanderhoof on matters of personnel, budget and readiness of the state's Air Guard component.

A Nevada native, Cerfoglio graduated from Yerington High School and enlisted in the National Guard in 1967.

In brief