Course Review: The Distance Learning Course IV (Essay Example)
The Distance Learning Course IV is a mandatory online training and a prerequisite for those who will attend the Master Leader Course. DLC IV is a 43-hour course consisting of 23 lessons; it was created to develop those in the rank of Sergeant First Class to lead at the unit and organizational level (What DLC IV means for the SFC. DVIDS, 2019). The course was designed to prepare the learner for unit-level administrative and staff roles to ensure successful operations. According to the NCO Leadership Center of Excellence, Soldiers who complete this course will develop the skills necessary to ensure the unit is Ready, Trained, Proficient, Disciplined, and Motivated (What DLC IV means for the SFC. DVIDS, 2019). DLC IV changed the way I now see online training, unlike the old Self Structured Development (SSD), which many thought was boring and a waste of time, DLC IV is more engaging, more entertaining, the information is relevant, the scenarios are very up to date and requires critical thinking.
First, DLC IV was entertaining in several ways. For instance, I found Sergeant First Class USO’s voice entertaining. In the video, SFC USO was the platoon sergeant, he was a tall black man with a deep voice who seemed to be in top physical shape. Due to his demeanor, the man could be intimidating in person. Every time he spoke, he did it calmed and collected. SFC USO seemed extremely passionate about the mission and about his troops being ready to get the job done. There were instances when he made poor decisions, however, he managed to come back after learning from his mistakes.
Second, the course was more engaging than previous Self Structured Development (DLC). DLC IV required the student to insert himself/herself into each scenario and play a role regardless of their level of knowledge or experience. Some of the Roles the student had to play were Team Leader, Squad Leader, Platoon Sergeant, and First Sergeant. From these roles, Soldiers walked away with the knowledge of Managing Change, Joint Operations, Training, Leadership and Education.
Third, the course was more engaging than other previous online classes I have taken due to the realistic scenarios. For example, the offices in the scenarios actually looked like an office with a desk, computer, decorated with photos. In one of the scenarios, the briefing room looked incredibly realistic with a podium and a microphone. The briefing room even had a digital clock with different time zones around the world. All these features go hand in hand with what is actually used in an in person briefing room. In addition, some of the scenarios were state side and some were overseas, giving a full perspective of what is like to operate stateside and the challenges overseas. These scenarios not only challenged the student to think deeper, but also gave the student the opportunity to learn what to do during different phases such as Pre-Deployment, Deployment and Post Deployment. This knowledge proved to be valuable for those who have never deployed, especially now that deployments are down with wars ending in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Next, DLC IV sets the learner up for success by allowing for a variety of answers. It allows the student to choose what he or she believes is the most correct answer to be, and then get additional information to inform them as to why that is the correct answer or more importantly, how they might better come to a different and altogether appropriate answers (What DLC IV means for the SFC. DVIDS, 2019).
Furthermore, DLC IV forces the learner to think critically. For each role, the student had to answers questions and report the course of action to his squad leader or platoon sergeant. It challenged the student to think on its own and to learn from previous mistakes.
Moreover, the fact that this course was non Military Occupation Specialty (MOS) specific made it challenging, but interesting. Soldiers from any MOS were able to pick up something that can be applied in any MOS. For Instance, how to handle a Sexual Harassment issue, which is not MOS specific but is something that leaders at every level need to know. Another example was how to conduct Pre-Combat Inspection, Pre-Combat checks, basic Soldiering skills that are used regardless of the MOS.
Lastly, DLC IV kept me engaged. This course was not death by power point. The graphics made a huge difference. It was like going through a live play, while at the same time, learning. In addition, it was important to see how much interaction there was with civilian employees and the vast knowledge they bring to the mission. According to Helmerson (2019), without Army Civilians, the ability to accomplish the Army’s Evolving missions would be seriously impaired and national interest would not be served.
In Summary, DLC IV changed the way I now see and approach military online training. Now, expectation is that training will be entertaining and not death by power point. Technology is great when is put to good use such in the case of DLC IV with the lively graphics and funny characters like SFC USO, it made a huge impact in keeping the learner engaged throughout the whole course. Realistic and relevant Scenarios proved to be valuable training for everyone, especially for those who have never deployed. DLC IV forced the learner to apply critical thinking in order to answer the questions in each scenario. Distance learning is no longer what it used to be, long and boring with outdated information. The upgrade of the distance learning in the development of Non-Commissioned Officer’s Education (NCO) is phenomenal. It is now on the NCO to take advantage.
