Kalsu opens distance learning center for Soldiers

Photo By Spc. Amanda McBride | Colonel Thomas James, commander of 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, and Lt. Col. John Chadbourne, commander of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, unveil the Forward Operating Base Kalsu distance learning center sign during the grand opening, May 4, at FOB Kalsu, Iraq.  

ISKANDARIYAH, IRAQ

05.04.2008

Story by Spc. Amanda McBride 

4th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division Public Affairs

By Spc. Amanda McBride
4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division

FORWARD OPERATING BASE KALSU, Iraq - Soldiers stationed here have a new place to continue their education since the grand opening of the Forward Operating Base Kalsu Distance Learning Center, May 4.

The center houses 20 computers, allowing Soldiers more time for either military or college courses.
Internet cafes are already available on the FOB but have a 30-minute limit and there is often waiting, said Lt. Col. John Chadbourne, commander of 703rd Brigade Support Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.

Noticing this brought the decision for the distance learning center, which allocates Soldiers two hours per week to complete studies.

"Soldiers can sign up for a two-hour block up to a week in advance," Chadbourne said. "So they know in advance when they can go."

During the ceremony, Col. Thomas James, commander of 4th BCT, spoke about the importance of education during deployment.

"Soldiers are always on the line, working every day," James said. "The key thing here is to allow the Soldiers the opportunity when they are off to educate themselves."

Sgt. Detra Sneed, assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2-3 Brigade Troops Battalion, 2nd BCT, 3rd Inf. Div., said the new facility allows her to further both her military career and prepare for a career once out of the military.

"I feel this is the best thing they could have done," Sneed said. "Knowledge is power and with Soldiers leaving and going back home, it's great to be able to grow professionally."

Chadbourne said he hoped Soldiers would be able to utilize the facilty. "That way they don't have to stop their education just because they are deployed."

The center will be open seven days a week, from noon to midnight.

• Date Taken: 05.04.2008
• Date Posted: 05.06.2008 15:27
• Story ID: 19160
• Location: ISKANDARIYAH, IQ