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Press Release | Sept. 3, 2013

JFSC Wins Award for Excellence in Distance Learning

NORFOLK, Va. – An advocate for distance learning (DL) solutions in the federal government has

recognized Joint Forces Staff College (JFSC) for its successful use of DL instruction in its

academic programs.

The Federal Government Distance Learning Association presented the Five Star Award this month to

JFSC, a component under the National Defense University. This marks the first time the college has

received this award.

The Five Star Award recognizes the organization that demonstrates excellence in providing

enterprise-wide DL solutions for the federal government. “The College uses the DL educational forum

in various methods throughout its programs and was the overall recipient for the distance learning

award,” said Col. John Paul, director of JFSC’s Joint Continuing and Distance Education School

(JCDES).

The award specifically cites the DL accomplishments of the JCDES, which provides oversight for two

DL programs: Advanced Joint Professional Military Education (AJPME) and Senior Enlisted Joint

Professional Military Education (SEJPME).

“The AJPME program has excelled at providing its diverse student populace worldwide 24/7 access to

JPME materials in order to meet their joint education requirements,” Paul said. “Providing a forum

for joint education via distance learning is particularly critical for our Guard, Reserve and

Interagency partners, given the difficulty in securing in-residence student billets and the limited

student availability to attend an in-residence course.

Likewise, he said, “the SEJPME program provides senior enlisted military members the ability to

gain access to critical joint information while achieving college credit for the 45-hour online

education program.”

“To be recognized as a leader in distance learning in the entire federal government is a great

honor for JFSC,” said RDML John W. Smith Jr., JFSC commandant. “Building an effective, proven DL

program from its inception into an award-winning program validates that JFSC has dedicated faculty

and staff who firmly believe in using DL to improve joint education for the total force.”

Winning the award reinforces JFSC’s commitment to DL solutions. “Our near term goal is to provide

students greater access to one another as well as to JPME material via the DL forum,” Paul said.

Doing this will enhance cultural awareness between U.S. military and interagency civilians.

“Distance learning instruction can be provided at a reduced cost and with today’s budgetary

constraints, it is critical that we increasingly seek efficient yet effective methods to educate

students to the same high quality standards provided during in-residence JPME programs,” Paul

said.