Fixing
learning ladder
Volume 48, No. 16, Sepetember 7, 2006
AIR
Force’s learning ladder to success has become shorter and
more streamlined.
Since 2002, the School of Postgraduate Studies has delivered
Professional Military Education and Training (PMET) courses
(by residential and flexible delivery) to CPLs, SGTs, FSGTs,
WOFFs and SQNLDRs.
A review of courses earlier this year found three key deficiencies:
PMET residential courses, designed to prepare personnel for
the responsibilities of the next rank, were delivered too late
in a member’s career.
Insufficient positions existed on residential courses to meet
annual promotion rates, resulting in a significant backlog across
all ranks.
The link between residential courses and flexible learning
modules was unclear.
In response, the CDRAFTG and DGPERS-AF have decided that residential
courses for CPLs, SGTs, FSGTs and WOFFs will be reduced from
10 to seven days, beginning in October.
This will result in more courses and an increased training throughput,
with an emphasis on maintaining the highest standards of professional
development training for all Air Force personnel.
Two four-day SQNLDR Symposiums will be held in Canberra in October
this year and February next year, to reduce the backlog of those
needing to complete the SQNLDR Course. From next year, SQNLDR
courses will be reduced from three weeks to two and flexible
learning modules will become a prerequisite for enrolment on
residential courses.
“The changes will impact on all Air Force members from
LAC/LACW to WGCDR,” the CO SPS WGCDR Rob Etchells said.
“The reduction in the length of courses is necessary to
meet the increased training throughput but Air Force can be
assured that these courses will continue to provide the essential
knowledge, skills and attitude individuals require to perform
effectively at the next rank level.
“The major emphasis will be on the development of leadership
skills through experiential learning.
“Within the next 12 to 18 months, individuals will, for
the first time, complete their promotion course before wearing
the rank, so from day one they will be prepared for the responsibilities
of that rank.”
In addition to residential course changes which take effect
from October this year, flexible learning modules would become
pre-requisites for residential courses, with assessment tools
and content designed to meet workplace requirements more accurately
and better prepare members for residential courses, WGCDR Etchells
said.
“This will be phased in gradually from January and it is
expected that by July all members nominating for residential
courses will have completed the appropriate flexible learning
module,” he said.
Members are encouraged to nominate for promotion courses as
soon as practical. For more info, visit http://intranet.defence.gov.au/raafweb/sites/SPS/
or contact the Chief Instructor SPS, SQNLDR John Ward, at john.ward@defence.gov.au
