The United States Air Force (USAF) is taking significant strides to modernize its education and training programs, ensuring Airmen and Guardians are equipped for the challenges of today and tomorrow. As part of Air Education and Training Command’s (AETC) forward-thinking initiatives, the “myLearning” digital platform was launched on the Air Force Portal on March 18, 2021, marking a new era in Air Force learning. This innovative learning management system (LMS) is designed to provide a cutting-edge, cost-effective solution to meet the evolving needs of the modern Air Force.
What exactly is USAF myLearning and why is it important? This secure platform, spearheaded by AETC’s Learning Services division, is set to revolutionize how training is delivered and accessed across the Total Force. With a user base of approximately 800,000, myLearning is being rolled out in three strategic phases. The initial phase introduced a modernized and interactive training environment, consolidating training modules previously scattered across the Advanced Distributed Learning Service (ADLS). This first step alone offers a significant upgrade in user experience and accessibility.
Major General Jeannie Leavitt, then AETC director of operations and communications, emphasized the critical need for this modernization. “Our training systems that support Force Development must be relevant to today’s Airmen so we can accelerate the change we need to keep pace with the fast-paced virtual learning world,” she stated. In an era where virtual learning is paramount, myLearning is the USAF’s answer to leveraging modern information technology to enhance Airman competencies. The goal is clear: to develop Airmen who can out-think and out-perform any adversary in complex operational environments, and myLearning is a key tool in achieving this.
A core advantage of the myLearning platform is its centralized approach. As Denise Padilla-Rorie, AETC myLearning program manager, explained, the vision is to unify LMS platforms across the Air Force. This centralization grants students seamless access to diverse databases and training curriculums with a single login. This eliminates the cumbersome need for multiple passwords and streamlines the learning process, making it more efficient and user-friendly for Airmen.
The rollout of myLearning is strategically phased to ensure a smooth transition and continuous improvement. Phase two, launched in the spring following the initial rollout, focused on migrating the Enterprise Blended Learning Service (EBLS) to the new system. This further expands the capabilities and resources available within myLearning. Phase three, planned for later in the same year, aimed to incorporate even more system capabilities and integrate additional learning systems, solidifying myLearning as the comprehensive training hub for the USAF.
Floyd A. McKinney, AETC chief of learning services, aptly captured the essence of this shift: “If we are going to meet the challenges of an uncertain future, we need to bring learning to Airmen instead of sending Airmen to learning.” This philosophy of bringing learning directly to the Airmen, regardless of location, is central to myLearning. Rotary Green, AETC myLearning product development program lead, highlighted this accessibility, stating the goal is for myLearning to meet Airmen for training “whether it’s on a network computer or a tablet in the comfort of their own home, giving them control over the time and place training can occur.” This “learn-from-anywhere” approach acknowledges the evolving needs of the modern workforce and the importance of flexible learning solutions.
For users transitioning from ADLS, it was crucial to complete all training coursework on the legacy system by March 10, 2021. The ADLS website became inaccessible on March 26, 2021. While historical training transcripts were scheduled to migrate to myLearning, initial logins might not have immediately displayed this data, requiring some patience during the initial weeks of the platform’s launch.
Currently, access to myLearning requires a Common Access Card (CAC) login. However, in line with ongoing security enhancements, officials were actively working to integrate two-factor authentication protocols in the months following the launch. This commitment to security, combined with the expanding functionality planned for myLearning, underscores the USAF’s dedication to providing a robust, secure, and user-centric learning environment. As myLearning continues to evolve, Airmen and Guardians can anticipate further feature announcements and integrations, solidifying its position as the cornerstone of Air Force digital learning.
For any technical difficulties or feedback regarding the myLearning platform, users were encouraged to reach out to the development team via email at [email protected]. This direct line of communication highlights the commitment to continuous improvement and user support as myLearning shapes the future of USAF training.
