DoDI 1322.26 is a Department of Defense Instruction titled “Distributed Learning (DL)”, and it serves as the DoD’s authoritative policy for how digital and technology‑enabled education and training are developed, managed, delivered, and evaluated across the Department. Originally issued in 2006 and most recently revised in October 2017, the instruction establishes department‑wide policy and assigns responsibilities for distributed learning used by both military and civilian personnel. Its purpose is to ensure that learning delivered through online, hybrid, or other technology‑based methods is effective, interoperable, and aligned with federal law and DoD training and education directives.

A key aspect of DoDI 1322.26 is its emphasis on modern learning technologies and data interoperability. The instruction authorizes the collection, portability, and management of learning experience data and promotes the use of common standards so learning systems can share and analyze data across the DoD enterprise. To support this, the instruction formally establishes the Defense Advanced Distributed Learning Advisory Committee (DADLAC) and assigns stewardship responsibilities to the Advanced Distributed Learning (ADL) Initiative. These organizations maintain the DoDI 1322.26 “References,” which are living technical guidance documents that define current standards, specifications, and best practices for distributed learning and are updated more frequently than the instruction itself.

In practice, when DoDI 1322.26 is cited as a reference, it signals that a program, system, or policy must align with DoD requirements for distributed learning—such as considering online delivery as a first option, ensuring accessibility, and using interoperable learning standards. It applies broadly across DoD Components, including the Military Departments and Defense Agencies, and underpins many education, training, and learning technology decisions throughout the Department. As a result, the instruction is commonly referenced in acquisition documents, learning system designs, and training policy guidance to demonstrate compliance with DoD‑wide learning governance