Dover Institute for Higher Learning
Sarna News
| Dover Institute for Higher Learning | |
|---|---|
 DIHL Logo | |
| Academy Information | |
| Location | Dover |
| Founding Year | Succession War era |
| Course Information | |
The Dover Institute for Higher Learning is an educational facility located on Dover in the Draconis Combine. The Institute was founded by survivors of the People's Reconstruction Effort University of Ashio, which in 2865 was destroyed as part of the Shadow War between the PRE and ISF. In 2910 they created the DIHL under the auspices of Coordinator Shinjiro Kurita. While geared towards scientific and technical education for doctors and engineers, the DIHL also offers a training program for MechWarriors.[1][2]
Enrollment is open to anyone who meets the basic physical and mental requirements. Basic training lasts for five months, each month separated by a week of general study to ensure the student is eligible to continue; after basic training ends the bottom 10 percent are reassigned to a district academy which can continue their military education in a field other than 'Mechs. What follows is a four-year course as the cadets are given a taste of all levels of combat in order to give them an appreciation of every position on the battlefield. The atmosphere at Dover is intense as instructors analyze and review every test and simulated battle, with some critiques lasting days. Mental burnout leads to a high number of dropouts during the second or third year, dropping precipitously among the senior class, with approximately fifty graduating each year.[1][2]
The school's colors are white, grey and blue, which match the Institute's symbol of a glacier and is supposed to represent the power behind proper direction and purpose. For many MechWarriors though, it represents the length of time it takes a Dover graduate to accomplish anything. However, this focus on making a wise decision instead of a quick one serves Dover MechWarriors well, not only inside the cockpit but elsewhere too; many rise quickly to command positions, both in the Benjamin Military District and elsewhere.[1][2]
The Dover Institute for Higher Learning even debuted a new aerospace program in 3075, graduating nearly six full ship crews by 3077.[3]