“ 21st Century Soldier Competencies ,” and the Cadet Command applies the AWG approach to its current developmental models . The soldier competencies Cadet Command strives to promote include character and accountability , comprehensive fitness , adaptability and initiative , lifelong learner , teamwork and collaboration , communication and engagement , cultural competence , and tactical and technical competence . 20 Additionally , these skills are being measured in new ways and are reflected differently in the accessions process .
Cadet Command continues the transformation of its education and leader-development approach by applying the concepts noted . In 2016 , Cadet Command reconceptualized the OML as an outcomes metrics list , modifying the measurement tool to better reflect the desired outcomes for cadets . The new OML now more objectively measures educational preparedness and de-emphasizes summer camp performance . Though GPA still accounts for 25 percent of the overall score , there is now a broader evaluation employing objective assessments . Cadets must now take two different standardized college education assessment tests ( the Collegiate Level Assessment Test and the Miller Analogy Test ) that account for 10 percent of their OML score . The command determines an additional 10 percent of the academic score by awarding additional points to cadets pursuing science , technology , engineering , and medical ( STEM ) degrees .
These new criteria normalize the GPA input and incentivize students to meet the Army ’ s demand for more STEM-educated officers to serve in technically specific fields beginning in their seventh year of service . LDAC evaluations are now no longer part of the accessions score , with campus-based leadership assessments providing the basis for leadership assessment . The new accessions model will also consider extracurricular activities and reward participation in cultural and language programs .
These changes do not remove the importance of summer camps . Beginning in the summer of 2016 , all cadets must now complete a Cadet Individual Education and Training ( CIET ) program ( now referred to as the Basic Camp ) following their freshman or sophomore year and the Cadet Leader Course ( CLC , now referred to as the Advanced
Camp ) between their junior and senior year . Cadet Command designed these programs to transfer the bulk of domain-specific training to summer periods and focus on more general education goals and leader-development tasks on campus . Certainly , leader education and development continue through CIET and CLC , but they are now within a basic skills and tactical framework and are not measured only on the efficient execution of technical tasks . The sum of these changes signifies a significant shift in emphasis from task-based learning to education-based development and evaluation .
Momentum for Additional Change Redesign of the accessions model and OML process can only be the beginning . These steps assist with measuring the outputs of the program ; inputs , ways , and approaches are equally important . Cadet Command must also more aggressively compete to attract , recruit , and retain young citizens with high levels of demonstrated potential across the academic , athletic , and leadership domains . Also , it must update the way it prepares and resources cadre to educate officer candidates in ways that develop them into the high-quality officers the Army needs .
Cadet Command will take a large step in this direction by formalizing its cadre development program , where it will “ educate the educators ” from across the active and reserve forces in order to implement these updated approaches . It must also enlist and mobilize its partnered educational institutions to take an active part in producing the desired outcomes for its students ; namely , relevant college graduates and journeymen military leaders . The challenges are many , but recognizing and acknowledging the intended ends — a leader capable of understanding and thriving in complexity — and reorienting Cadet Command to achieve these ends are the critical first steps . The command is well on its way .
Challenges
Change is seldom easy and never comfortable . But , if the Army is to meet the demands of the future , its leaders must anticipate and be prepared for change . Cadet Command , as the major contributor to the Army ’ s officer corps , must adapt and change its practices to remain relevant and meet new
104 January-February 2017
MILITARY REVIEW