What is a core principle of the Army’s approach to professional development?

The principle of encouraging self-driven learning and leadership is central to the Army’s approach to professional development because it empowers soldiers at all levels to take ownership of their learning journey. This approach fosters an environment where individuals are motivated to seek knowledge, enhance their skills, and develop their leadership capabilities independently.

By prioritizing self-driven learning, the Army cultivates a culture that values initiative and continuous improvement, which are essential in adapting to the dynamic nature of military operations. It recognizes that professional development is not solely the responsibility of the organization but is also a personal responsibility that requires individuals to be proactive in their career advancement.

In this context, focusing primarily on tactical skills would be limiting, as professional development encompasses a wide range of competencies, including leadership, ethics, and critical thinking. Similarly, confining development to senior leadership overlooks the importance of cultivating talent throughout all ranks to ensure a resilient and capable force. Standardizing all training programs nationwide may limit the flexibility required to meet diverse learning needs and to cater to the unique challenges faced by different units.