Assessing the Value of Army Continuing Education System Programs and Services to the Army's Current and Future Force

摘要

The Army Continuing Education System (ACES) received significant personnel cuts over Fiscal Years 2006 and 2007. Although previous studies demonstrated the positive effects of participation in ACES programs for both individual Soldiers and the Army as a whole, they did not address the direct relationship between ACES personnel and outcomes such as accelerated promotions and higher retention. This report summarizes analyses that investigated whether such a connection exists and the likely impact of reducing ACES personnel by nearly half. In addition to examining prior research on the impact of ACES, a database was developed containing a wide range of information such as programs offered and participation rates by installation. Analyses resulted in several noteworthy results, including: (a) online programs offered through eArmyU increase overall ACES participation; (b) the personnel cuts will result in a Soldier- counselor ratio of nearly 2000:1, almost double the ratio that existed in FY 2005 and far exceeding Army guidance in this regard; (c) the proposed cuts will lower participation rates and predictions indicate this will result in an increase in attrition, the cost of which will negate any savings realized through reduced numbers of ACES personnel.