I__. - International Military Testing Association

Figure 1 shows the total course conversion, start-up plus
the recurring costs over 10 course iterations. Initially
resident and ACC (within government) are similar with ACC
(contractor) costs being nearly twice as much. However, when
'the costs of conversion and execution are amortized, ACC
(contractor) becomes less costly than resident training after
four course iterations. After five iterations ACC (within
government) would save 47% and ACC (contractor) would save 6%.
Cost-effectiveness ratios were computed by combining the
cost and completion rate data. The ratio was greatest for ACC
using government staff (.64), second for resident training . . .
(.41), and lowest for ACC using contractor staff (.36).
‘% Discussion
It has been shown in this report that there is a costeffective
alternative to sending RC soldiers to branch schools
for resident training. Training by ACC can be conducted just as
effectively and for less money. Thus, this technology appears
to meet the need of the RC to complete educational requirements
from the home or homestation, without long absences from the
unit. The llelectronic classroom" could be conducted remotely
from existing educational institutions such as the branch school
and/or the U.S. Army Reserve Forces School in order to maintain
standardized instruction.
Additional research is needed, however, to improve the
completion rate for ACC home study. Reasons for dropping out of
the experimental course were related to limited time due to
competing activities such as civilian jobs and family. A means
of predicting which soldiers are likely to succeed or drop out
of home study will assist Army trainers in both selecting
students and providing assistance for those at high risk.
References
U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command. (1989). Army Training
2007. (TRADOC Pamphlet 350-4). Ft. Monroe, VA: Author.
203