Transformation of the Noncommissioned Officer Education System: Leveraging Education to Improve Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development
Abstract
If the Army is going to be an adaptable and innovative force with soldiers skilled in their specific Military Occupational Specialty proficient in their warrior skills and have language and cultural knowledge the Army's noncommissioned officer professional development policies must change. This essay addresses changes needed in the noncommissioned officer's formal education and describes ways to better integrate it into career progression. The basic premise is to develop an education and certification program for noncommissioned officers that enables a noncommissioned officer to get civilian college credit for all of their military schooling and awards a bachelors degree and appropriate civilian licensure or credentials upon completion of the Advanced Noncommissioned Officer Course. By meshing the civilian education with career progression the Army not only improves the overall capability of individual noncommissioned officers but uses education as an incentive to remain in the service. This recommendation requires minimal additional resources because it better utilizes existing programs such as eArmyU and tuition assistance and integrates them with recruiting and retention programs.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 13, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA449413
Entities
People
- Kevin J Wilson
Organizations
- United States Army War College