Nutley Mentoring Program Helps Teens Prep For Military Careers

NUTLEY, NJ — The Nutley Military and Veterans Affairs Bureau recently announced the creation of a “Military Mentoring Program” designed to provide assistance and guidance for Nutley residents – including high school and college students – who seek military careers.

Nutley Commissioner Steven Rogers provided more details about the program in a municipal news release.

“In addition to the mentoring program, the Military and Veterans Bureau will expand its assistance to Nutley residents who have family members deployed,” Rogers said.

Rogers, a retired U.S. Navy officer, said that the bureau already provides assistance to several residents who are connected to the military. That assistance includes peer outreach, professional counseling, and networking of military families, as well as an extensive veteran’s assistance program working in partnership with the VA.

“Our new Military Mentoring Program provides assistance to candidates for the military by working with them as they prepare for the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) Test and pursue special career fields in all branches of the military,” Rogers said. “Additionally, we are partnering with the Civil Air Patrol, to provide some military training for these candidates through their cadet program.”

Rogers said that although the Civil Air Patrol is an auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, being part of the CAP is “not in any way committing anyone to a military career.”

Rogers said that he was motivated to launch the mentoring program after several local parents and youth came to his office seeking assistance and guidance regarding military careers.

“I am proud to say that no other community in this state does what our township does for its members of the military and its veterans,” Rogers said.

Any Nutley resident interested in the Military Mentoring Program can call Dan Jacoby at 973-284-4976 for further details.

Don’t forget to visit the Patch Belleville-Nutley Facebook page here. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here. Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com

Photo: Shutterstock