ABSTRACT
For many years, the United States Armed Forces have been interested and active in the fi eld of distance learning. Th ough the methods of distribution have evolved, the earliest examples were seen in the publication of training materials for use in battlefi eld locations during World War I. Many years later, facing aggression from the enemies of Japan and Germany during World War II, troops were given quick fundamental instruction at home, and then shipped off to face the enemy abroad. To supplement their training on the front lines, the military turned to researchers in education. Th is resulted in some of the earliest tools in instructional media and delivery of distance education. Various pamphlets, guides, cartoons and fi lms covered a wide range of topics-from how to disassemble an M-16 rifl e, to how to protect soldiers from communicable disease. Th is practical and vital training was produced with the intent of being delivered directly to the soldier, sailor, or airman in the fi eld to accomplish the training mission.
