Training, Army Officers

The U.S. Army officer education system is designed to prepare officers for increasing levels of responsibility as they progress through their careers. In general, education for company-grade officers—lieutenants and captains—is focused on tactics and on the specific skills required for their branch. The education for majors is not branch specific and focuses on the employment of divisions and corps, while also training the majors to serve in staff positions in battalions and brigades. At the highest levels of officer education, the War College, select lieutenant colonels and colonels are educated on the strategic and political levels of war.

Early Officer Education

Until the late 19th century, the U.S. Army provided no formal education for officers after commissioning, following a common assumption that the ability to command came ...

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