Legacy systems and “one-size-fits-all” learning models are shifting alongside military leadership culture. Newer generations are seeing military service through a career-focused lens that can translate into the civilian sector later.
Generation Z prioritizes work-life balance, financial stability, and skills. Future generations like Generation Alpha will likewise be motivated differently. In today’s military, this means leaders are rethinking how troops learn and train.
Learning and Development (L&D) is how organizations professionally grow and retain their employees, and the military is structured similarly in that aspect. For instance, more approaches are applied to different learning styles rather than the standardized, top-down approach, and adaptive, continuous learning models provide greater flexibility to address skills gaps. As more digital natives join the military, technology-driven tools are leveraged to meet them where they’re at and keep up with the fast pace of technological change.
Personalized Learning and Feedback Trends
AI, virtual simulations, gamification, and other digital programs and tools are everywhere. Colleges and universities are embracing these updated learning and teaching methodologies as a result of fast technological innovation and the need to engage learners in today’s mobile, “on-the-go” world.
According to this Kearney 100 article on defense learning, the needs of future military learners are changing with customized learning focused on adaptive delivery and on-demand, modular content. These are not merely preferences but must-haves to meet warfighter capabilities in globally indistinct boundaries from adversaries.
“Adversaries are using other less conventional means to achieve strategic effects without crossing into conventional warfare, including grey-zone tactics, disinformation campaigns, economic coercion, and cyberattacks.”
Generally speaking, younger military service members learn and respond to iterative feedback approaches, collaborative learning, and accessible information packaged in smaller doses. These approaches better align with their digital experiences, enabling them to become more mission-ready.
Technological Adaptations
The U.S. military is one of the largest adopters of technology for virtual training, especially as we aim to be the AI superpower, and some of the known, unclassified systems include the following: The Army uses the Synthetic Training Environment (STE) to map terrain and rehearse missions, and its Synthetic Environment Core (SE Core) connects the underlying architecture.
The Marine Corps uses the Deployable Virtual Training Environment (DVTE). Air Force and Space Force programs have pilot training simulators, Distributed Mission Operations (DMO), and replicated VR Satellite and Space Operations training. These technologically enhanced training systems support mission readiness through experiential learning with reduced risk and cost.
See 2025 in Review: How the US Military Put AI to Work for a quick rundown on how technological adaptation translated to mission outcomes.
Mindset to Missions
The advancements in technology and research-backed learning models tell us the direction we are headed, which involves thinking fast and being prepared. The learning and development adjustments being made serve multiple purposes, including military readiness, retention, and career options.
By upgrading, expanding and connecting the systems, tools, and methodologies, service members are not only trained on the cutting-edge resources they need to successfully contribute to the mission, but also their soft skills. As expressed in The Future Frontier of Military Leadership, we are growing future leaders where it will be increasingly important to navigate each move with critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
Modernized learning and development are important to ensure military service members build agility in multi-domain environments where they meet challenges with problem-solving and decision-making skills. As the military is known for being at the forefront of rapid technological innovation and integration, staying dynamic is key.
