Army University hosts education symposium

By Maj. Steven MillerDecember 7, 2015

Army University hosts education symposium
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Lt. Gen. Robert B. Brown, commander of Combined Arms Center and vice-chancellor of Army University, opens the 2015 Education Symposium on Fort Leavenworth, Kan. The symposium brought together educators from throughout the Army and more than 80 civili... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Army University hosts education symposium
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Mr. Trong Nguyen, from the Army's Civilian Career Program 32 office, explains the collaboration between the Army and East Carolina University to educate career program civilians at the graduate level during the 2015 Army University Education Symposiu... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. (Dec. 4, 2015) -- The Army University hosted an education symposium here, Dec. 2 - 3, with the purpose of bringing together academic leaders from civilian universities and educators from throughout the Army. They explored ways to improve the educational experience for Soldiers and Department of the Army, or DA, civilians.

More than 200 people attended from 31 military organizations and 80 civilian colleges and universities. Panel discussions covered topics that included innovative learning environments, developing world-class faculty, and building a collaborative exchange, among others.

The symposium was one of the first steps in the establishment of the Army University, which is the Army's initiative to better structure the variety of educational opportunities available to service members and DA civilians.

"This is the most fundamental change in Army education since 1881," said Lt. Gen. Robert Brown, commanding general of the Combined Arms Center, to the symposium attendees during the opening session. Brown also serves as the executive vice chancellor for training and education for the Army University.

Brown told the attendees that the Army trains Soldiers very well but that there is a difference between training and education. The current transformation in Army education seeks to develop greater critical and creative thinking skills in every Soldier and Army civilian.

"It's about partnering with the greatest university system in the world [the United States' higher education system]," said Brig. Gen. John Kem, Army University provost.

In a panel discussion, Brown explained that the Army has shifted its command focus from one of "command and control" to "mission command" that empowers leaders at the lowest levels. This change in approach drives the need for Soldiers and civilians at all levels of the Army to be not just trained, but educated. This mindset allows for an "increased rate of innovation," Brown said.

Another education conference, which will expand on the ideas and concepts introduced at this week's symposium, is planned for June 2016.

Related Links:

Combined Arms Center

Army.mil: Inside the Army News

STAND-TO!: The Army University