FFA and the U.S. Army Sign Memorandum of Understanding in Support of Improving Career Options for Nation's Students

WASHINGTON, July 26 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Army Accessions Command (USAAC), the National Association of Agricultural Educators (NAAE), and National FFA Organization signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Monday among the three organizations. The agreement identifies collaboration to support the nation's youth in developing the skills and leadership qualities that foster personal growth and enable career success in students through agricultural education.

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"FFA is proud to partner with the U.S. Army to demonstrate the available career opportunities and prepare students for careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture," said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. "Our organizations share common goals as institutions that value education, training and leadership, skills they need to succeed in life. This MOU represents the National FFA Organization's commitment to continued dialogue and collaborative actions with the U.S. Army. It helps ensure today's youth are not only well-prepared for career success, but enables them as leaders and citizen contributors that keep our nation strong."

"The Army is extremely proud of its relationship with FFA. The annual national FFA convention has afforded us the opportunity to demonstrate the agricultural specialty career options, such as being an Army veterinarian, available in the U.S. Army and allowed us to support FFA in their mission to empower student members to become world-class workers and responsible American citizens," said Major General Arthur M. Bartell, Commanding General, U. S. Army Cadet Command. "Additionally, we want to help the next generation of leaders through educational funding, advanced training, mentoring and leadership development in the many ways we can. With more than 150 different career paths the U.S. Army offers these students many options."

Through the MOU, FFA members, advisors and agricultural education teachers will benefit from a combined effort to share the Army's educational and expert resources. The MOU allows FFA members to receive a comprehensive understanding of the opportunities and benefits of pursuing an agricultural occupation in the U.S. Army. Other focus areas include expanded career exploration and test preparation resources for educators and students; leadership development in students.

About The National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 520,284 student members (and counting)—all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture—as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988 in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.

The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st United States Congress, and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

About The National Association of Agricultural Educators

The National Association of Agricultural Educators is the professional organization in the United States for agricultural educators. NAAE provides its nearly 8,000 members with professional networking and development opportunities, professional liability coverage, and extensive awards and recognition programs. The mission of NAAE is "professionals providing agricultural education for the global community through visionary leadership, advocacy and service." The NAAE headquarters are in Lexington, Ky.  

About the U.S. Army Accessions Command

The U.S. Army Accessions Command, headquartered at Fort Knox, Ky., is charged with providing integrated command and control of recruiting for the Army's officer, warrant officer, and enlisted forces. Designed to meet the human resource needs of the Army, the command is charged with finding and recruiting the highest talent to be developed as Soldiers and Officers who will defend the Nation today and tomorrow.

SOURCE U.S. Army Accessions Command