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Service Education
More than at any time in the past the Armed Forces are now deployed in an operational pattern that stretches their resources to the utmost. In light of these deployments, Service personnel of relatively junior rank quite often find themselves exposed to situations that require them to make important decisions on the spot. It is vital therefore, that all Service personnel understand the political, social and geographic context in which they are operating and the government policies which they are supporting.
Service Education is designed to help formulate, maintain and evaluate policy on education; on training, information and resettlement services; and on associated support to operations to meet the needs of the Armed Forces, and ensure the efficient delivery of these functions. Service Education provide:
Basic Skills Advice - The ability to read, write and speak in English and to use mathematics at a level necessary to function at work and in society in general - 23% of the population have weak Basic Skills
Promotion/Advancement Education - To develop literacy, numeracy, management skills and the increasing knowledge of the Armed Forces role worldwide.
Language Training - Train personnel in the languages it most frequently requires and for which civilian resources are not appropriate. The languages taught on in-service courses are varied but usually include Russian, Arabic, Serbo-Croat, French, Spanish and German.
Interactive Learning Facilities/Centres (ILF/Cs) - In order to assist Service personnel with their personal development and access to Information Technology, ILF/Cs are being developed to a technical specification with additional support in some Service Education Centres to learners from video conferencing facilities. These ILF/Cs will link students and institutions (e.g. the Open University (OU) or Further Education Colleges). ILF/Cs will be open to everyone who has access to the Station in which the Facility/Centre is situated. Some ILF/Cs are already operational and each will include 'Navigators' who are employed to supervise and assist the users of the ILF/Cs as mentors. Navigators will also be able to answer any queries from potential learners. The aim is that by 2005 Service personnel will have access to learning wherever they are serving worldwide. ILF/Cs will be able to support learners with Basic Skills needs by targeted access to web based learning provision, which has been set into context.
Forces Distance Learning Scheme (FDLS) - Service personnel whose educational needs cannot be met by their unit or local Education Authority may find it more suitable to conduct their studies by way of distance learning. Such courses are offered by a wide variety of learning providers many of them offering their own Forces discount. However, studying by correspondence is difficult and is suitable only for the determined and well-motivated student. Full details of the FDLS scheme, a selection of courses for which service personnel and their dependants pay fees at discounted rates and advice can be sought from the local Service Education Centre. Those taking part in the scheme are eligible to claim the Standard Learning Credit (SLC).
Resettlement Advice - Education officers and staff provide information services, including access to the Internet and advice to support the resettlement provision made by individuals and units. Individual Education and Resettlement Officers (IEROs) provide the local link between units and MOD resettlement provision.
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