JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Educators from Tennessee, Ohio, and Indiana toured Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston from June 10–11 as part of the Trilateral Army Recruiting Battalion Educators Tour.
The Educator’s Tour is an annual event where out-of-state recruiting battalions invite educators to visit a military installation for two days, providing firsthand insight into military trainees' daily operations, readiness, and educational opportunities.
“This is the first time that three battalions within our brigade have collaborated to host a joint Educator Tour at a single location,” said Lt. Col. Michael Johnson, Nashville Army Recruiting Battalion commander. “The Nashville, Cleveland and Indianapolis recruiting battalions came together to educate educators about the unique capabilities of the U.S. Army and the transformative opportunities it offers.”
The tour not only deepened educators’ appreciation for the diversity of military careers but also highlighted the often-overlooked aspects of service life.
“These tours expose educators to personnel serving in noncombat careers and allow them to discuss the multiple pathways leading to administrative, allied trades, medical, and STEM-related military jobs,” said Dawne Divine, Western Sector education services specialist at Fort Knox, Kentucky. “They also discover the number of on-post amenities that add to a military member’s quality of life and work-life balance.”
During the two-day visit, 27 educators explored the Medical Education and Training Campus, the Combat Medic Training Specialist Program, the Medical Center of Excellence, U.S. Army North, the Fort Sam Houston Museum and the Engagement Skills Trainer II.
“I knew there were medical careers available in the military, but I didn’t realize how closely they parallel the civilian side once a person transitions out,” said Carmen Jackson, a health science teacher and registered nurse with Twin Rivers Career and Technical Education Area in Indiana.
Educators gained a broader understanding of military operations and the educational and career opportunities available to service members.
“What amazes me is how these students can master a medical specialty in just two to three months through classes and hands-on training, compared to traditional schools that can take up to four years with clinicals,” Jackson said.
Participants observed live demonstrations of radio communications, virtual weapon marksmanship simulations, battlefield scenario simulations in a combat lab, Military Honor Caisson horses and Military Working Dog exercises.
“Many people think joining the military only means combat roles,” Divine said. “Tours like this help dispel those myths and show the wide range of careers available.”
Through direct engagement with service members, educators came away with a clearer understanding of military benefits, career tracks and resources available to eligible students.
“After what I’ve seen today, I’m going to start encouraging my students to consider medical careers in the military,” Jackson said. “They’ll gain education, certifications, benefits and a guaranteed paycheck.”
The tour’s mission is to build stronger relationships between military recruiters and local education communities through immersive, hands-on experiences.
“The ultimate achievement of this tour was developing genuine partnerships with our community leaders and centers of influence and providing an event that allowed them to see firsthand the Army’s positive impact as a postsecondary option for their students,” said Abigail Murdock, education services specialist with the Nashville Army Recruiting Battalion.
Educators praised the tour as an eye-opening experience, highlighting the invaluable insights they gained into military careers, training and opportunities.
“They were impressed by the fact that Soldiers have the unique advantage of earning a range of credentials, certifications and college credits — all without any out-of-pocket expense,” Johnson said.