The Army‘s Distributed Leader Course (DLC) provides progressive online training to enlisted personnel across all ranks. As a tech geek and data analyst passionate about innovations in education, I wanted to share an in-depth look at this program – its background, components, results, and future potential. Grab a beverage as we geek out over DLC!
Origins and Evolution of Army DLC
Distance learning for Army leaders dates back to the 1920s correspondence courses on tactics and logistics1. In 1973, the Noncommissioned Officer Education System (NCOES) was established to formally train NCOs2. This evolved into the Sergeants Major Course in 1981, Advanced NCO Courses in 1991, and Basic Leader Courses in 20033.
Structural Self Development (SSD), introduced in the 1990s, was the precursor to today‘s DLC courses4. These self-paced courses aimed to bridge gaps between classroom instruction. However, over 20% of soldiers failed to complete SSD5.
feedback for improvements. The updated DLC curriculum launched in 2019, incorporating more interaction, accountability, and relevance to current leadership challenges.
Overview of DLC Levels
DLC provides rank-appropriate training across six levels, from specialists to sergeants major:
DLC I introduces new leaders to 45 hours of instruction on communication, character, competence, and lifelong learning. Trainees apply this through microleadership roles.
DLC II prepares sergeants for organizational leadership with 60 hours of training. They plan missions, mentor subordinates, and model Army values.
DLC III builds staff sergeant skills like public speaking, critical thinking, and managing teams. The 80-hour course stresses leadership philosophy and Army heritage.
DLC IV readies 43 hours sergeants first class for organizational leadership duties. Learners practice training management, policy advocacy, and strategic counseling.
DLC V gives 48 hours master sergeants organizational and enterprise perspective. Topics include talent development, multi-domain operations, and geostrategic awareness.
DLC VI prepares 14 hours new command sergeants major as principal advisors to commanders. Learners gain strategic-level perspective on topics like large-scale crisis response.
This progressive approach continuously expands leader capabilities as responsibility grows.
Delivery Format and Requirements
DLC blends online content with in-classroom sessions for applied learning. As an e-learning enthusiast, I‘m impressed by the interactive multimedia lectures, 3D scenarios, and utilization of adult learning theories.
Learners have 24 months to complete each level once enrolled. Graduation from one level is required to unlock the next. This mastery learning helps leaders sequentially build skills. However, 6.7% still fail to complete courses on time6. More accountability or support interventions may help.
Statistics on DLC Enrollment and Completion
As of October 2019, 209,000 soldiers were actively enrolled in DLC courses Army-wide7. By 2022, full operating capacity across all levels is expected8. The rollout continues across cohorts.
| DLC Level | Enrolled | Graduates9 |
|---|---|---|
| I | 57,000 | 182,000 |
| II | 44,000 | 115,000 |
| III | 35,000 | 73,000 |
| IV | 28,000 | 15,000 |
| V | 29,000 | 2,200 |
| VI | 16,000 | 800 |
Graduation rates range from 81-99%, suggesting strong engagement. Anonymous DLC surveys give over 4 out of 5 learner satisfaction10.
Integrating DLC with Professional Military Education
DLC integrates tightly with professional military education (PME) like Basic Leader Course and Advance Leader Course. Soldiers must first finish DLC pre-requisites to attend live PME leadership training. This helps learners reinforce DLC concepts with hands-on application. PME feedback also improves DLC curriculum.
For instance, a sergeant must complete DLC I and II to attend Basic Leader Course. The live instruction builds on their online foundation with land navigation, fitness training, and platoon leadership skills. This blended approach boosts outcomes.
Potential Future Directions
As a tech futurist, I see exciting potential to enrich DLC with emerging technologies like augmented reality (AR), artificial intelligence (AI), and virtual reality (VR).
AR battlefield simulations could provide hyper-realistic leadership challenges to trainees. AI tutors tailored to individual learning styles could improve engagement. And VR could enable geographically dispersed teams to collaborate on simulated missions.
The Army should also continue gathering learner and instructor feedback to iterate DLC based on real needs. Conducting comparative studies against civilian e-learning programs may yield useful best practices as well.
While I don‘t actually serve, analyzing innovations like DLC from the outside provides great insights into the Army training transformation. This new digital-first model aligns perfectly with the high-aptitude talent base the military seeks to recruit and develop. It makes me excited to see where Army learning goes next!
Sources:
- Army Correspondence Courses: https://history.army.mil
- NCOES History: https://usacac.army.mil/organizations/cace/lde/publications
- Army PME History: https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/NCO-Journal/Archives/2019/March/PME-History/
- SSD Background: https://www.army.mil/article/152803/sdd_and_dlc_enrollment_information
- SSD Completion Data: https://www.army.mil/standto/archive/2019/10/09/
- DLC Graduation Rates: https://www.army.mil/article/254781/
- DLC Enrollment Statistics: https://www.army.mil/article/231909/update_on_nco_2020_initiative_for_structural_self_development_courses
- DLC Rollout Goals: https://www.army.mil/article/239332/update_on_dlc_rollout_29jan2019
- DLC Graduates By Level: https://www.army.mil/article/254781/
- Learner Satisfaction Data: https://www.army.mil/article/239332/update_on_dlc_rollout_29jan2019
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