Data processing training for Marine Corps officers

Abstract

Many books and articles generally recognize that management personnel other than those in the data processing installation need to be oriented towards data processing if effective utilization of these costly computers is to evolve. Present emphasis in the U. S. Marine Corps is on training of data processing personnel with limited orientation or training of other managerial personnel in the capabilities and limitations of computers. The author carries an additional military occupational specialty as a Data Processing Officer and has been involved with Marine Corps data processing for a number of years. He found this lack of training of other officers a perplexing problem to him in the conduct of everyday tasks. It soon became evident to him that all officers dealing with him should have adequate training in data processing. This problem has been recognized by some Marine Corps officials, but to date a standard system for training of officers has not evolved. This presentation explores the need for managerial training, present Marine Corps status on such training and an approach pursued by the Marine Corps Air Station, Cherry Point, North Carolina. A survey by a leading management consulting firm is discussed as a portion of this exploration. Detail lesson plans for the conduct of a semi-standardized course are developed.