As I shared in a February 2015 blog post, DAU is currently in the process of submitting training courses from each of our functional disciplines to American Council on Education (ACE®) College Credit Recommendation Service (ACE CREDIT®) for review and evaluation. In addition to the eight life cycle logistics courses previously reviewed and approved, three additional courses (LOG 101, LOG 211, and LOG 465) were evaluated in September and recently approved, bringing the total number of ACE® approved DAU logistics courses to 11. A summary of the findings from ACE CREDIT® final report dated November 3, 2015:

·         For completion of LOG 101 Acquisition Logistics Fundamentals distance learning course, ACE® recommended one semester hour in life cycle costing (due to focus on “topics related to life cycle costing, system design, sustainment, etc.”) in the lower-division baccalaureate/associate degree category. The reviewers noted that “the course is well structured with the use of the review and summary process. This assists the student in focusing on the content. It is an introductory course and fulfills its function of introducing the student to this area of logistics.” 

·         For completion of LOG 211 Supportability Analysis classroom course, ACE® recommended 2 semester hours in supply chain management information systems or logistics management in the upper-division baccalaureate degree category. The review team noted “that the course's instruction builds on and leverages the supportability concepts presented in LOG 201, Intermediate Acquisition Product Support” and that “the methods of instruction are comprehensive and use audio visual materials, lectures and discussions to measure effective student outcomes.”

·         For completion of LOG 465 (formerly LOG 365) Executive Product Support Manager’s Course (classroom course), ACE® recommended 3 semester hours in product support management or business management In the graduate degree category. The review team was notably enthusiastic about LOG 465, stating that “…the use of a Harvard case (simulation) right out of the box sets the tone for the entire course. It is designed for Senior Managers and there is heavy use of critical thinking-based applications and financial justifications for any implementation decisions. The required (and assessed) development of Stakeholder Tactical Engagement Plans and Personal Development Plans indicate the depth of managerial engagement necessary to pass this course. Consultation with subject matter experts from the industry are a good way to learn how the material is executed in day to day work.”

To achieve our goal of the entire portfolio of having ACE® review all 13 DAU Life Cycle Logistics courses, the remaining DAU logistics learning assets listed below are planned for ACE® review in 2016:

·         LOG 101 Product Support Fundamentals (resubmittal of previously approved course following planned 2016 revision and retitling of course)

·         LOG 200 Product Support Strategy Development, Part A

·         LOG 204 Configuration Management (following completion of current course revision)

By way of background, the American Council on Education (ACE®) is the major coordinating body for all the nation’s higher education institutions, representing more than 1,600 college and university presidents and more than 200 related associations nationwide. It provides leadership on key higher education issues and influences public policy through advocacy. ACE® does not grant or award college credit for courses. They do, however recommend credit hours for many courses sponsored by DoD Service Schools and organizations to include the Defense Acquisition University, other government agencies, and business and industry. The DAU iCatalog contains detailed information on using ACE® recommended credits.