FORT HUACHUCA, Ariz. -- The U.S. Army is preparing to meet the challenge of training the 21st Century Soldier with its recent implementation of the U.S. Army Learning Concept for 2015.
Leanne Rutherford, director of the Learning Technology Office for the U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence, Fort Huachuca, stated Gen. Martin Dempsey, commanding general of the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command, is mandating all TRADOC centers and schools move forward with the implementation of ALC 2015.
"Transition to the ALC 2015 learning model must begin immediately to provide Soldiers and leaders with more relevant, tailored, engaging learning experiences through a career-long continuum of learning that is not location-dependent, but accessed at the point of need," Dempsey said.
According to Dempsey, current models have not kept pace with the rapid rate of change, demands of Soldiers rotating in and out of the fight and the continuous influx of Soldiers with significant digital literacy.
"We are going to cut the chaff and augment the most effective aspects of our current learning system while ensuring relevant and rigorous training and education is available and accessible, and not just on the institutional side of the Army," Dempsey added. "This is a shared responsibility between the operating and generating force as we lead the Army into a future characterized by its persistent learning environment."
Rutherford said Learning Technology is championing ALC 2015, which shifts training from an instructor-centric to learner-centric paradigm and promises to transform the Army's existing learning models and competitive learning environments.
Originated as a new TRADOC concept, ALC 2015 developed as part of the Army concept strategy for the future modular force.
"ALC 2015 is the Army's visualization of how it will train and educate Soldiers and leaders in individual knowledge, skills, attributes and abilities to execute Full Spectrum Operations in an era of persistent conflict," Rutherford added.
She said the purpose of ALC 2015 is to describe an Army learning model that meets the all-volunteer Army's need to develop adaptive, thinking Soldiers and leaders capable of meeting the challenges of operational adaptability in an era of persistent conflict.
Rutherford is a member of the ALC 2015 Working Group, which is a collaborative effort of civilians and military formed to support implementation of ALC 2015.
The group has identified the three best near-term actions schools and centers can take to prepare for ALC 2015:
Convert most classroom experiences into collaborative problem-solving laboratories led by facilitators (versus instructors) who engage learners to think and understand the relevance and context of learning content.
Tailor learning to the individual learner's experience and competence level based on the results of a pre-test and assessment.
Dramatically reduce instructor-led Microsoft PowerPoint lectures and begin using a blended learning approach that incorporates virtual and constructive simulations or other technology-delivered instruction.
The working group has also determined the greatest long-term challenges to implementing ALC 2015: human capital, resources and resourcing models, and technology and network access.
"Human capital refers to the Army's need to educate its workforce and hire the correct skills," she said.
Rutherford added that with the Army's lack of resources, implementing ALC 2015 will require its shareholders to think creatively in an innovative spirit.
To access the most current version of ALC 2015, visit http://huacfsmcr145108.nasw.ds.army.mil/pwa/edigital/LT%20Resources/Forms/AllItems.aspx'PageView=Shared.
For more information on ALC 2015, contact Rutherford at 538-2663 or leanne.rutherford@us.army.mil.
ALC 2015 is a collaborative effort involving expert input from inside and outside the Army which:
Aca,!Ac Includes a review of research on a generation of digital learners, emerging technologies that allow widespread access to learning content, learning science, and the challenges faced by the Army in an era of persistent conflict.
Aca,!Ac Identifies a broad framework for a learner-centric model supported by expert facilitators and enabled by a technology-enhanced support structure.
Aca,!Ac Identifies the capabilities required to support Army learners in 2015 and provides a common starting point for transformation.
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