§ 12-62-502 - Definitions.
12-62-502. Definitions.
As used in this subchapter:
(1) "Approved institution" means an Arkansas public or private postsecondary institution that is accredited or has achieved candidacy status from the North Central Association's Commission on Institutions of Higher Education or is a technical institute or comprehensive lifelong learning center under the supervision of the Department of Workforce Education;
(2) "Eligible member" means both nonprior service and prior service persons who are otherwise qualified, whether or not currently serving, who are enlisting or extending their enlistment in the Arkansas National Guard for a period of at least six (6) years;
(3) "High personnel readiness units" means those units with special manpower needs as designated by the Adjutant General pursuant to regulation, based upon:
(A) The mobilization priority of the unit;
(B) The difficulty of attracting, qualifying, and enlisting new members;
(C) The ability to maintain acceptable strength levels within the unit; and
(D) Such other factors as the Adjutant General may deem appropriate; and
(4) "Qualified applicant" means an eligible member who:
(A) Has met all requirements for enlistment or reenlistment and has enlisted in a position vacancy in a unit designated as a high personnel readiness unit;
(B) Has a sufficient score to be rated as category IIIA or higher based upon scores on standard military tests (score of 50 or higher on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery or equivalent);
(C) Meets and continues to meet Good Soldier or Good Airman criteria as set by the Adjutant General;
(D) Is a secondary school graduate or is expected to graduate from secondary school within two (2) years;
(E) Is not currently pursuing a postgraduate degree;
(F) Is not a permanent civilian technician or member of the active National Guard or Reserve, or extending or enlisting for the purpose of becoming either; and
(G) Meets the current scholastic criteria of and is currently approved to receive a student loan under any state or federal program approved by the Department of Higher Education, and is, or will be upon approval of such loan, enrolled as a full-time student in good standing at an approved institution.