How detrimental is the ridiculous amount of web-based training to the new generation of "Soldier"?

A Soldier would have an Associates by the time they hit PFC if all those online certs were worth credits...

Web based training isn't ideal, however it is inexpensive and much better than nothing at all. It should also be pointed out that not all web based training is equal, some of the training is "game based" and requires thoughtful interaction with the program.

My impression and experience is that the military trains its personnel via a mixture of live, virtual, and simulated settings and chooses those mechanisms according to multiple factors e.g., what is the quickest and most verifiable way to train SAPR so that you can assure Congress that everyone has been exposed to its definition of Sexual harassment and the same best practices for shutting it down? If commanders and other leaders want to give that training personally there is nothing preventing them from doing so... other than training days and locations, proper certifications and expertise, and 100% synchronous availability of the training audience. In my opinion the option to deliver this material in a familiar, asynchronous, emotionally compelling , consistent and precise virtual module makes a lot of sense when you compare it to the cost of alternatives. It's not like service members will stop complaining about this if they get it from a live person in their chain of command giving the training. There is the same opportunity for service members to sit through and ignore or to get differing levels of training in a live setting. I don't mean to entirely dismiss your argument here. Maybe there is a bettter balance to be struck or an innovation to be explored. Like if you get the training live you can go two years between certifications. Or if you watch a documentary and write an OPED on an issue like why the problems of suicide and sexual harassment are still plaguing our profession then you can opt out of the next several courses. Maybe we should produce "after school specials" and put them on Netflix so that personnel are as entertained as they are educated. Anyway thanks for raising the issue. It's clear that there is something wrong here with the way this is coming across to the training audience. So something needs to change.