Armed Forces Basic Skills Longitudinal Study: Part 2

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) and the Ministry of Defence (MOD), commissioned the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE) and the National Research and Development Centre for Adult Literacy and Numeracy (NRDC) to conduct a study into Basic Skills in the Armed Forces. NIACE is the leading non-government organisation in England and Wales for all types of adult learning and is committed to supporting an increase in the numbers of adults engaged in formal and informal learning and to widening access to learning opportunities to those who do not traditionally take part in education and training.

The aims and objectives of the study were to:

• To assess the impact of literacy and numeracy skills and literacy and numeracy interventions on the personal and professional development of Service personnel and on their operational effectiveness.
• To make recommendations for the most effective interventions and support for Service personnel in their first two years of service.

The study focused on recruits assessed with low levels of literacy or numeracy skills on joining the Armed Forces, and the support they received during their subsequent two years in uniform.

Vorhaus, J., Swain, J., Creese, B., Cara, O., and Litster, J.(June, 2012), Armed Forces Basic Skills Longitudinal Study: Part 2, BIS RESEARCH PAPER NUMBER 79, Department for Business, Innovation and Skills