FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. -- The Army Knowledge Management Proponent, in collaboration with the Headquarters, Department of the Army Office of Enterprise Management, is spearheading an initiative aimed at transforming the Army's approach to data management.
The AKMP will host its second iteration of a comprehensive 32-hour online offering named “Data Immersion Course for Knowledge Managers” from Feb. 3-6, 2025. The training, essential to today's strategic data landscape and Army enterprise data capabilities, covers vital topics such as data governance, the Army Data Catalog, data workforce roles, data-centric question triage, generative artificial intelligence capabilities, and use of Vantage, the Army's data platform. The target audience for the course is operational knowledge managers serving in divisions, corps, sustainment commands and above.
The increasing demand for a data-centric approach within Army organizations was the driving force behind the course’s development, said Joe Koskey, program manager of the AKMP portfolio within the Mission Command Center of Excellence’s Command and Control Integration Directorate. “As the Army shifts towards a more data-fueled and knowledge-driven operational framework, it is imperative to equip knowledge management officers with the skills and capabilities needed to proficiently gather, analyze, utilize and visualize data,” he said.
Subject matter experts from the AKMP and C2ID meticulously curated course content to provide KMOs with the knowledge, skills, and attributes for effective data governance, application use, development, management and visualization. The integration of these core components throughout the training exposes students to the complexities of a data-centric environment. Mastery of data governance allows students to establish robust frameworks for data integrity and compliance. Proficiency in data application and development equips them with the tools and techniques for effective data handling. Additionally, effective data management practices ensure data accuracy, reliability and accessibility, while data visualization skills enable KMOs to present insights in a compelling and coherent manner.
Course modules include practical exercises designed to reinforce learning. These modules equip learners with KSAs to manage data assets effectively, ensuring data integrity, security and compliance. This knowledge is crucial within the Army context for maintaining operational efficiency, supporting decision-making processes and enhancing knowledge management practices. Mastering these elements prepares KMOs to handle data-driven tasks more effectively, ultimately improving mission outcomes and decision-making advantages.
A pilot of the course, conducted from Sept. 30 through Oct. 3, 2024, provided AKMP with essential feedback, and instructors are now adjusting course material to improve delivery. The February iteration will move to the next level by requiring participants to complete a two-hour Microsoft Excel course and a two-hour Contour course beforehand. These prerequisites will ensure participants possess essential baseline skills and allow instruction to focus on practical exercises. This approach will enhance proficiency in the critical areas of data management and governance.
In the end-of-course survey, students in the initial pilot reported significant improvements in their knowledge and skills across various data management areas. Pre-course surveys indicated students had lower familiarity and understanding of data governance, analysis, platform use and product development. Post-course survey results, however, demonstrated substantial gains in all these areas, with participants rating their knowledge and skills much higher.
These improvements underscore the effectiveness of the pilot course in enhancing competencies for handling data-centric tasks and contributing to the Army's data-driven initiatives. The marked increase in post-course ratings demonstrates the importance of targeted training programs in developing essential data management capabilities among knowledge managers.
“I am extremely proud of the work that has gone into the new data immersion pilot course and our next iteration will be even better,” said Brig. Gen. Bryan Babich, director, MCCoE. “We understand that honing our ability to understand and use data is key to gaining an information advantage against our adversaries.”
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