Education vs. Training: A Military Perspective.

Overview & Synopsis

Civilian educators have long argued that the U.S. armed forces must be maintained as a reflection of society and that civilian education institutions must share responsibility in educating servicemembers. Political changes and technological advances have made education a strategic issue in structuring military forces for the third millennium. In recognition of its need for college-capable individuals, the military is now promising postsecondary educational opportunities to college-capable recruits. Adult and continuing education in the military performs three basic functions: it supports recruitment, retention, and job placement; it supplements/complements military training; and it helps fulfill individual human aspirations for education. Some military leaders recognize that servicemembers need "intellectual agility" along with military skills. The challenge for higher education in serving the military is to provide servicemember-students with high-quality degree programs comparable to similar on-campus programs (including adult or continuing education) for traditional students. Civilian education programs for servicemembers should be program oriented, emphasize transferability of credits, link operational experience and individual self-development, be tailored to educational requirements, meet the needs and educational aspirations of minorities and women, encourage cooperative higher education planning and commitment, help veterans make the transition from active to reserve and civilian status, and encourage servicemembers' self-development. (Contains 21 references.) (MN)