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Wittman Opening Statement for Hearing on Professional Military Education

Role of Professional Military Education in Officer Development 

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman (R-VA), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, today released the following prepared remarks for the subcommittee’s fifth hearing on professional military education (PME): 

“This afternoon, the subcommittee conducts its fifth hearing on officer in residence professional military education.  This hearing focuses on how the joint PME education requirements fit into overall leader development for the military services, and how well the individual services capitalize on the skills of joint educated officers though carefully managed follow on assignments.   

“I note that our witnesses, each well qualified, come from varied communities within their services, reflecting the differences in approach and emphasis we’ve seen throughout this study. 

“Since the panel collectively provides the subcommittee senior expertise and perspective on joint officer education policy, education programs, assignments, and requirements matters, I welcome your views on the overall effectiveness of the joint PME system and how well it serves your respective organizations.  While I see no point in making all services adopt the same approach, we should ensure that the broad officer education and training system achieves its intended objectives, both to educate officers in joint matters and to meet specific military service leader development requirements as well.  Our testimony to this point is positive, but your frank assessment of any necessary changes is welcome.”