Defence Forces Review 2010

Defence Forces Review 2010A Review of Defence Forces Training and Education in the Contextof the National Framework of Qualifications: The Implications forthe Organisation, the Individual and SocietyLt Cdr Brian FitgeraldABSTRACTThe majority of Irish Defence Forces training and education (learning) programmes remainunaccredited within Ireland’s National Qualifications Framework (NFQ). This lack ofrecognition creates a “gap” between the Defence Forces as a lifelong learning organisation andthe society within which it functions. Since the enactment of the Qualifications (Education andTraining) Act 1999, accreditation of all learning that takes place within Ireland is provided forunder the NFQ. The NFQ caters for the national objective of moving towards a lifelong learningsociety by establishing a common currency of credit for all learning. Accredited learning isnow viewed as an essential ingredient to future economic growth and the prosperity of society,and as a right that carries both duties and responsibilities. This study is an examination of theimplications of accreditation of Defence Forces learning for the organisation, the individualand society. The purpose of this thesis is to explore the existing gap and add to the body ofknowledge surrounding the topic.The methodology selected for the primary research is a case study supported by semi-structuredinterview and focus group techniques. The respondents range from national policy makers,organisational leaders, accrediting authorities, academics and a selection of the servicemenand women.The findings reveal a significantly positive disposition towards the implications for theorganisation, the individual and society. The benefits are seen to outweigh any of theidentifiable disadvantages. However, due to an absence of a policy on accreditation, and thecurrent practice of retaining qualifications for its exclusive use, the Defence Forces is viewedas perpetuating a ‘walled garden’ of learning. This is revealed as being contrary to both thespirit of the Act and national policy.On the basis of these findings, it is recommended that the organisation define and implementa policy on NFQ accreditation for its learning programmes, while retaining ownership of theprocess. It is the conclusion of this thesis that it is not in the interest of the organisation, theindividual or society to constrain the considerable learning experience resident within theranks of the Defence Forces.112