Army National Guard Distance Learning Initiative - Annual Report.

At the direction of Congress, the National Guard Bureau NOB is developing an interactive distance learning DL network that links Army National Guard ARNO facilities. The classrooms can operate with those established by the States, civilian agencies of the federal government, and private businesses. This report focuses on the academic component for the DL network, including training events, courseware, and training capabilities of the DL classrooms and instructional tools. The academic component was designed ensure that the DL program had appropriate courseware, and that NO units actually used the system for training. Broadcast coordinators facilitate the training events. In FY 1996 and 1997, the NO used a range of technologies from its instructional toolbox to deliver quality training to a diverse audience. A major focus of the ARNO DL initiative is the qualification of soldiers in their military occupational specialty MOS. Several MOSQ-producing courses are available now or will be available in FY 1998. Other courses address NO functional training e.g., Combat Lifesaver Course, Personnel Sergeants Course. The Counter Drug and Terrorism Update programs are excellent examples of how the NG can reach out to its communities.