The Palmetto Guardian is a podcast created by the South Carolina National Guard that covers relevant topics for Soldiers, Airmen, and their Families. Guest speakers are invited to discuss their specific areas of expertise, upcoming events, awareness campaigns, and holidays.
Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver interviews Heather McPherson and Chris Smelka about the South Carolina Military Museum's new outdoor community space and upcoming events.
30 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Palmetto Guardian - Episode 182
In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, we follow South Carolina National Guard Soldiers as they head to Camp Butner, North Carolina, to compete in the Region III Best Warrior Competition. Representing the state among the best of the best, these competitors are put to the test through events like the ACFT, obstacle course, land navigation, and stress shoots. We hear directly from South Carolina’s Soldiers and leaders about what it takes to prepare, compete, and represent their state at the regional level. From pushing physical limits to building strong camaraderie, this episode gives you an inside look at the dedication, resilience, and pride behind South Carolina’s Best Warriors. The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver and Sgt. Ana-Grace Catoe with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs Office.
3 Apr 2026TRANSCRIPT
Palmetto Guardian - Episode 181
In this episode of the Palmetto Guardian, Staff Sgt. Weaver welcomes back Nicole Davis, the Education Services Specialist for the South Carolina Army National Guard. Nicole discusses important updates regarding education benefits, specifically focusing on the recent changes to Army Regulations for Education (AR 621-5), effective March 19, 2026. Key points include the requirement for command approval for soldiers seeking federal tuition assistance or credentialing assistance, and the importance of requesting funding well in advance—at least 60 days prior to class start dates. Nicole emphasizes the need for timely submissions to ensure funding is secured, outlining the approval timeline for supervisors. Tune in for essential information that could impact your educational opportunities! The Palmetto Guardian is hosted by Staff Sgt. Chelsea Weaver with the South Carolina National Guard Public Affairs office.
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:56 - What changes have been made to education benefits?
00:01:46 - What is the deadline for Supervisor or Commander approval?
00:03:53 - How early can a Soldier apply for federal tuition assistance?
00:04:05 - How early can Soldiers apply for credentialing assistance?
00:05:04 - What changes have been made regarding unsuccessful grades?
00:06:53 - Can I appeal a suspension?
00:08:06 - What if I had unsuccessful grades prior to the start of the new regulations?
00:09:21 - Who is eligible to use credentialing assistance?
00:11:25 - How do I get started with federal tuition assistance?
00:12:30 - Do commissioned officers incur a service obligation if they use federal tuition assistance?
00:13:36 - What is the amount of funding that I am able to use?
00:14:45 - If I have a bachelors degree but have not used TA can I use it to get a second bachelors degree?
00:15:25 - Can federal tuition assistance be used for a doctorate degree?
00:15:49 - Why would I be recouped if I passed my class with a C?
00:16:09 - Why doesn’t my ArmyIgnited GPA match my school GPA?
00:18:25 - Why can’t I find my term dates when trying to apply for FTA?
00:19:15 - ArmyIgnited says requests are missing grades, how do I update my grades?
00:21:33 - Can I use FTA with other financial aid?
Resources:
Mrs. Nicole Davis - 803-299-5318, nicole.l.davis56.civ@army.mil
website: https://www.scguard.ng.mil/Resources/Education-Office/
Inside a recent episode
Palmetto Guardian - Episode 183
Published 23 Jul 2026 · Transcript excerpt
[…] So we'll have like some action shots kind of going on and those had to be installed. The rest of it was laying down some sod. We also have some nice parking spots now right outside of the museum, a nice fenced in area and a really cool pavilion. It's got these really big fans. So even if it's hot outside, it's got some air circulation. And like I said, we're going to have picnic tables and things like that in there. So it's kind of a, you know, a little area for people to have, like I said, meetings and also for our kids to have little programs out there. Yeah, and just really making it more of an inviting space. […]
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