Letter from the Editor
Audrey E. Ayers, PhD
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Audrey E. Ayers, PhD
Journal of Military Learning
Editor in Chief
From the battlefield instincts honed over years of service to the unspoken understanding shared within a cohesive unit, tacit knowledge underpins much of what makes a successful military. The Journal of Military Learning (JML) recognizes the importance of both codifying and cultivating this often-intangible expertise. This April 2025 edition explores the interplay of experience, narrative, and formal learning, offering valuable insights into how we acquire, share, and leverage the wisdom that shapes military effectiveness. Whether you are a seasoned leader reflecting on your accumulated insights or a newcomer eager to absorb the lessons of those who came before, the articles within these pages offer perspectives to enrich your understanding of military learning.
This issue features a compelling peer-reviewed study on embedding performance psychology practitioners within Army units, emphasizing the importance of leader buy-in for maximizing their impact. Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence, we also present a practical guide to effective prompting with large language models in professional military education. This timely piece equips readers with the skills to navigate the evolving landscape of AI-driven learning. Furthermore, we revisit key articles on tacit knowledge and the pedagogical power of storytelling for military instructors, offering enduring lessons for enhancing educational effectiveness. We encourage you to begin with the article exploring the nuances of tacit knowledge, allowing its framework to inform your engagement with the subsequent pieces.
As you delve into these articles, consider your own experiences: recall moments where instinct, intuition, or unspoken understanding played a crucial role, and reflect on how a more conscious awareness of your tacit knowledge might have further enhanced your actions and decisions. Your professional story continues to evolve, and we invite you to share your future contributions with the JML.
Moving forward, the JML will embrace a continuous publication model, ensuring a consistent stream of cutting-edge research and practical guidance throughout 2025 and beyond. We encourage you to contribute your expertise and insights to this vital conversation. The JML serves as a crucial platform for contemporary adult learning discussions, bridging military and civilian perspectives to drive continuous improvement in military education. Through critical analysis and a willingness to challenge existing paradigms, we can collectively unlock new possibilities for enhancing learning within our military community.
A detailed call for papers and the submission guidelines can be found at https://www.armyupress.army.mil/Journals/Journal-of-Military-Learning/Journal-of-Military-Learning-Archives/JML-April-2025/Announcements/.
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