A principal mission of the United States Joint Forces Command (USJFCOM) Joint Warfighting Center (JWFC) is to provide worldwide, high fidelity Joint training to potential Joint Task Force commanders and their staffs. USJFCOM currently employs several mechanisms to accomplish this mission, including computer-assisted distributed exercises, Deployable Training Teams, and other tailored Joint interoperability training events. The tactics, techniques, procedures, strategies, and skills developed and applied during these evolutions constitute the "content" referred to in this paper. Capturing the essence of this critical Joint warfighting content and making it available to Joint warfighters via both classified and unclassified web sites is a concept that has been embraced by the senior leadership at USJFCOM.

Distributed learning (distance learning) is structured learning that takes place without requiring the physical presence of an instructor. Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) is an evolution of distributed learning that emphasizes collaboration on standards-based versions of reusable objects, networks, and learning management systems, and possibly some legacy methods and media. Senior military and government leaders at USJFCOM and JWFC believe that using ADL will have an immediate and lasting impact on Joint readiness.

This paper will first examine some important background information designed to paint a strategic picture of how ADL fits into the operational application. It will then articulate how using ADL can assist a JTF Commander in meeting specific staff training requirements, allowing the staff to better support mission execution.