Transformation and The Army School System

Abstract : This monograph examines policies and alternatives for increasing the contribution of The Army School System (TASS) to Army readiness and improving the integration of the Active Component (AC) and Reserve Component (RC) training systems. The study recommends that the Army adopt private-sector models in developing interactive media instruction, develop a more effective local school system to better meet future unit training needs, and improve the integration of AC-RC training institutions to leverage existing resources and expand options. The Army is currently conducting an extensive set of diverse and demanding operations, and it is likely that such operational challenges will continue. As part of its response to these challenges, the Army is undertaking a process it calls "Transformation," which involves reforming its organizations and operational concepts to improve responsiveness and lethality. Army Transformation will involve increased use of joint and combined arms capabilities and the leveraging of networked information systems and other technologies. Changes also are underway in roles and missions for both the Active Component (AC) and the Reserve Component (RC), including modernization and conversions to modular Brigade Combat Team (BCT) organizations. These ongoing and future changes will place increasing demands on Army training. TASS will play an important role in meeting the Army's expanded training mission. TASS is responsible for the vast majority of institutional training within the Army; it provides training to soldiers in both the AC and the RC, which includes the Army National Guard (ARNG) and the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). The RAND Arroyo Center was asked to assist TASS in developing policies and options to respond to the needs of Army Transformation and to increase TASS's contribution to Army readiness.