Joint Education for the 21st Century

Abstract

The Armed Forces must educate officers in the same way that they plan to fight -- jointly. This calls for an educational structure that is more economical but that continues to produce leaders who are able to perform on an increasingly complex battlefield. With the exception of the National Defense University (NDU), military education is conducted by the individual services. There is no DoD or joint agency charged with integrating resources, manpower, and academic programs for the efficient and cost-effective operation of the educational system. Though this system has served the military well, it may not be suited for the tremendous changes that education will face in the next century. Technological advances, budgetary constraints, and enhanced jointness will call for new ways of doing business. We require a vision of education based upon unity of command, a joint learning environment, and consolidated assets. Education, like other aspects of preparing for war, should be accomplished in a joint setting. The services are reviewing how to meet future education requirements. Their emphasis is on developing the classroom of the 21st century and curtailing redundant programs. Consideration is also being given to consolidating programs to conserve resources, but these efforts are largely focused on unilateral needs. There is no effort underway to consolidate service programs. A joint command is needed to oversee and integrate doctrine as well as education. In essence, education -- like operations -- should be a joint rather than a service responsibility. While it is impossible to offer a detailed plan on making education more efficient and cost-effective, this article includes a concept to stimulate thinking on the development and implementation of a better educational system.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 1995
Accession Number
ADA530845

Entities

People

  • Robert B. Kupiszewski

Organizations

  • United States Army Command and General Staff College

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • C4I
  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Command And Control
  • Department Of Defense
  • Doctrine
  • Education
  • Marine Corps
  • Military Education
  • Military Personnel
  • National Security
  • Organizational Structure
  • Professional Development
  • Service Academies
  • Students
  • Training
  • Universities
  • War Colleges
  • Warfare

Fields of Study

  • Education

Readers

  • Defense Technology Research and Development.
  • Joint Military Operations and Doctrine.
  • STEM Education