"There will be new technologies, and some of these are expected. However, the principles of distance learning and teaching are relatively stable; the value needs to be assessed of each technology for how it helps improve the applications of these principles." (Moore & Kearsley, 2005, p. 305) What pre-eminent and accessible technologies train our soldiers most effectively and efficiently, regardless of global schedules and locations? Alan Davis, former vice president of Athabasca University, wrote that there are two essential elements that all educational systems should focus on: “the needs of the intended students and the learning outcomes of the course or program.” (Davis, 2004, p. 98) Introduction The United States Department of Defense (DOD) believes that virtual worlds (VW) are the answer to achieving the results needed by using VW to train soldiers. The DOD believes that VW modalities currently provide some of the most innovative and available technologies used to design teaching and learning systems. VWs provide U.S. soldiers with hands-on training anytime, anywhere. Through the DOD Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) initiative, individuals and units around the world receive specialized training on demand through distance education. The U.S. Army Research Institute has conducted several survey projects to identify specific technologies and methodologies that promote superior ADL experiences. Their findings reveal that VW technologies, such as Second Life, are effective and effective in training Soldiers with specific knowledge and skills for certain jobs, programs and missions. The DOD is determined to educate and train Soldiers with the most current and world-class methodologies for their DL c...... middle of document......6 March 2011 from: http://www .adlnet.gov/adlnews/Documents1/IITSEC%20Documents/IITSEC%202010/mills_ADL_VirtualWorlds_iitsec_2010-FINAL .pdfMoore, M. G., & Kearsley, G. (2005). Distance learning: a systemic vision. 2nd edition. Belmont, California:. Wadsworth.Neal, L. (2007). Elearn Magazine: Forecast for 2007. Retrieved March 1, 2011, from: http://www.elearnmag.org/subpage.cfm?section=articles&article=42-1United States Department of Defense. (1999). Continuous learning system for 2012: An advanced evaluation of distributed learning research. Retrieved April 8, 2011, from: http://www.dtic.mil/biosys/docs/reports-ADLTech.pdfUSAF Air University. (2010). Horizons in innovating learning through technology: Prospects for Air Force education benefits. 2010 Air University Report. Montgomery, AL: Retrieved from: http://www.au.af.mil/au/awc/awcgate/au/innov_report_a46_2010.pdf