NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- An important perk for sailors could soon be going away.
The Navy College Office Program is a bricks-and-mortar place sailors can go to get the hands-on guidance they need to continue their education. But now, the Navy is trying end the in-person program, and switch to an online system.
The Navy College Office program has helped tens of thousands of sailors through the years in getting on with the rest of their lives. But now though, that program may be going away, as of October 1.
In its fiscal year '17 budget, the Navy proposes closing its 20 state-side offices, including the one at Naval Station Norfolk, replacing them with an online virtual education center and call center.
It's a move that could save taxpayers $2.3 million the first year and $4.5 million a year after that. But sailors weren't enthusiastic about the change.
"Honestly, I think that's terrible," said LT Vanea Pharr. "We have a lot of options right now where things are available online somewhere in cyberspace, and the problem is, people don't necessarily know what's there."
Representatives of the various colleges say that what's needed is the personal touch.
"I think this idea of eliminating the counselors at the Navy College Office is a really poor idea," said David Radcliffe of Old Dominion University.
Nora Graves of the University of Maryland University College agreed. "And when we start getting rid of the people that can make sure they're heading in the right direction and who honestly care about who they are and what they do, then you get rid of success," she said.
Cassandra Harris of Tidewater Community College said the office helped her when she was active-duty. "This place is critical for those sailors who are starting that journey for their educational success,"she said.
Donna Zazanis of ECPI said the Navy College Office is essential for sailors. "Without that service, they're going to be floundering," she said. "And then what are our politicians going to say? We haven't prepared our military members for a career after the service."
But the admiral who heads the Naval Education and Training Command in Florida says the proposed switch will be a good thing for today's tech-savvy sailors.
Rear Admiral Michael White told 13News Now, "I believe they're ready and this generation is willing to accept virtual and self-service delivery, so they can do it at a time and place that is convenient to them. We believe we have a model that will work."
At this point, the change is just a proposal from the Navy. The idea must pass muster with the House and Senate Armed Services Committees.