Distance learning keeping soldiers in units

FA Journal, Jan, 2002

To meet training challenges, the Army is implementing a distance learning system to support individuals, schools and units. There are four primary distance-learning initiatives: the Army Distance Learning Plan (ADLP), Classroom XXI, the Army Doctrine and Training Digital Library (ADTDL) and Army University Access On Line.

In April 1996, the ADLP was published. It will provide standardized training and educational opportunities to soldiers and civilians anytime and anywhere by exploiting current and emerging distance-learning technologies.

Classroom XXI, high-tech classrooms in the schoolhouses, leverages technology to use information in a variety of ways. ADTDL, the information foundation for Classroom XXI, provides an interactive library for trainers, training and combat developers, resource managers and Active and Reserve Components soldiers worldwide. Readers can view the FA ADLP and Classroom XXI Operations Plan (OPLAN) at the web site in the box.

In July 2000, the Secretary of the Army introduced Army University Access On Line, which will provide distance learning to an estimated 80,000 soldiers in the next five years. Army National Guard (ARNG) soldiers and Coast Guardsmen can take courses and get degrees on line via Capella University, Minneapolis, Minnesota, at www.capellauniversity.edu or call 1-888-227-3552.

Since the inception of the program, ARNG soldiers have been receptive to distance learning-including those in the FA ARNG, which comprises about two-thirds of the branch. Distance learning allows them to receive training at home and earn promotion points.

However, the numbers and types of distance learning courses are expanding and soon will service many more active soldiers as well. More distance learning will be required in the educational systems for officers (OES), NCOs (NCOES) and warrant officers (WOES) that currently are being redesigned.

For the FA, one of the leaders in Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) distance learning, several courses are already developed.

Captains Career Course (CCC). FA CCC Phases IA and LB are for ARNG students. Phase IA is self-paced computer-based instruction via the Internet that takes nine months. Phase lB is a mix of computer lessons on the Internet and live instruction from Fort Sill. It takes six months of weekends in residence at the officer's home computer. Students view the teaching materials on the Internet and interact live with the instructors using audio-based software.

Sergeants Major Academy Training. Senior NCOs can take the First Sergeant and Battle Staff NCO Courses, which are taught by the Sergeant Major's Academy, at Fort Sill and other distance learning facilities.

FA Military Occupational Specialty-Qualifying (MOSQ) Training. The Field Artillery has been providing the first phase of MOSQ training via distance learning for ARNG unit conversions to the multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS) since 1999. To date, the FA MOSQ distance learning has trained 595 soldiers in four states and will train 296 more soldiers in the spring.

13M MLRS Crewman MOSQ Phase I is taught in distance learning using a combination of media. The CD-ROM that 13 Ms use tracks everything they do from starting the training, turning the pages and completing the practical exams, including whether or not they receive a "Go" or "No Go" on the training. The course manager oversees the students' self-paced learning and tracks their progress for each training event via a controlled floppy disk.

After the CD training, a Fort Sill instructor reinforces the training by video teleconference and asks soldiers questions about their training. This process is repeated during the soldiers' drill weekends for three months. After completing Phase I, soldiers go to active duty training in the field (Phase II).

13P MLRS Fire Direction Specialists complete their training via the Internet. After each block of instruction, they also receive reinforcement training and questions from Fort Sill instructors.

Other Distance Learning Courses. In addition to CCC and MOSQ training, the FA has distance learning CD training for several MOS, including the warrant officer 131A MOS, and other distance learning courses as listed on the web page. (See the "DL Catalog" and "DL Courses.") For registration information, contact Tim Austin, austint@sill.army.mil or call DSN 639-4225 or commercial (580) 442-4225. Students enroll in distance learning courses by the Army training requirements and resources system (ATRRS).

The Army has some 500 distance learning facilities around the world and will add about 200 more by FY07. ARNG soldiers who are not near one of these sites can use universities, community colleges, technology centers, and computer labs in high schools and libraries and (or) bring computers to their headquarters.

Saving time and money and keeping soldiers in units, distance learning is the wave of the future.

This article was taken in part from "Achieving Quality in Distance Learning" by Lieutenant Colonel Paulette A. Mittelstedt published in the July-August 2001 Army AL&T and from information provided by Ellouise H. Love, Chief of tire Staff and Faculty Training Division of the Futures Development Integration Center (FDIC) at Fort Sill.