Look Who is 'Crushing It' in the War for Talent!

The Alliance for Adult Education Foundation remains focused on the mission of expanding access to education for adults and opportunity youth. So we were honored and privileged to participate in this extraordinary event.

Our strategic advisor Dr. Howard Liebman and I had the pleasure to welcome Major General Johnny Davis, the highly decorated U.S. Commander of US Army Recruiting in Fort Knox, KY. as a guest on a very special podcast of DisruptED.

In what has become a global war for talent, Dr. Liebman and Major General Davis discussed the rise of Education as a Benefit programs, and the use of expanded educational and training offerings to bolster recruiting. Ten years ago, Howard Schultz announced that 星巴克 would begin offering partners the chance to get their college degree paid for at 美国亚利桑那州立大学 in a bold experiment 10 years ago that has helped over 12,000+ adults secure their bachelors degree and more. 麦当劳 began to offer all its employees a tuition free high school diploma from Smart Horizons Career Online Education through its Archways to Opportunity program, which was followed by dozens of other corporations like 沃尔玛 , CVS Health , 亚马逊 Lowe's Companies, Inc. , 塔吉特百货 among others.

At the same time, MG Davis shared with us that the US Armed Services have been offering education as a benefit programs since the launch of the Servicemen's Readjustment Act of 1944, commonly referred to as the 'GI Bill.'

As an example, MG Davis is the recipient of two graduate degrees from Central Michigan University and the National War College , which he obtained in addition to his bachelors degree from the US Army. He not only had 100% of the cost covered, but the military's programs also allow for time away for study.

Since our multiple engagements in Afghanistan and across the globe, the U.S. Military has been on full alert to meet their recruiting obligations-- and MG Davis is on plan to do that in 2024. What he's recognized is that the Armed Services is also looking at other benefits additions, given that they are competing against thousands of companies for the best talent out there. "It's as much about quality as quantity when it comes to recruiting," MG Davis stated.

The 美国军队 developed the Future Soldiers Preparatory Course to help America's youth overcome academic and physical fitness barriers to service, and meet or exceed the army's accession standards. In the 18 months since the program was launched, over 20,000+ people have enrolled in the program. Academic scores have skyrocketed, and those participating have also seen dramatic improvements in key health and weight measures. This program is definitely "Crushing It!" as Major General Davis shared.

At a time when recruiting front line talent is a key priority for all industries, this has been the most challenging recruiting environment for the military since the start of the all-volunteer force in 1973. 95% of those participating in "Future Soldiers" have graduated, and the Army has awarded over $15M+ in bonuses to successful graduates. These extraordinary results mean that other military service divisions may adopt it as well.

We wrapped up the show on an extraordinary high note. Major General Davis has extended us the invitation to do a live show featuring the Future Soldiers Program in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, where the program was stood up. Stay tuned as we plan to meet Future Soldiers in person here on DisruptED!