Effectiveness of training in ethiopian defense force army; the case of northern command training center

The main purpose of this study is to assess the effectiveness of training provided in the Northern Command Training Center that is found in a place called Edaga Hamus – in Northern eastern parts of Ethiopia. Methodologically, this study is based on mixed/qualitative and quantitative/ approach of study. The subjects of this study include 125 individuals who participated in the training, 18 immediate commandants of the participants and 1 Deputy Commander of NCTC- interviewed and 10 instructors participated on Focus Group Discussion (FGD). Totally, 139 respondents were the subjects of this study. Operationally, the study was based on analysis of the primary data sources collected using structured questioner, semi-structured interviews with key informants, FGD and analyses of documents and personal observation. The findings of this research showed lack of proper design of curriculum based on systematic training need assessments. shortage in establishment of suitable mechanisms that help to trace factors that causative for less effectiveness of the training and lack of practicing appropriate training management system as key factors that contributed for less effectiveness of the training program launched by the center. The study recommends making curriculum revision with assistance of professionals. Launching of different capacity building programs for trainers in systematic and serious mode of training is very critical. Establishing relationships with universities that are available around the training center such as Adigrat university and working together on capacity building of the trainers specially on learning methodology and curriculum development and methods of training quality are important. It is also good to find ways to assist the learning and teaching process with IT and modern training simulators and to establish mechanisms that help to collect feedback from unit commanders about the practical performance of the trainees after they returned back to their units.