This paper describes research concerning the nature of basic skills prerequisite to the learning and performance of a single, technical job (31M10, Multichannel Communications Equipment Operator) in the Army, and development of an instructional program to teach the skills. The work involved six phases carried out over a 2-year period: (1) analysis of the 31M10 job and course to identify prerequisite skills, (2) verification of the identified skills, (3) design and development of a basic skills course to teach the verified skills, (4) construction and validation of a screening/diagnostic test to identify trainees deficient in the skills and to assign them to appropriate lessons, (5) development of instructional materials, and (6) validation of the basic skills course. One of the findings of the study was that the course developed could be used to teach basic skills, but that the skill retention rate was not as high as expected, possibly because of lack of opportunity for the trainees to practice the skills immediately following completion of the course. It was concluded that the procedures used in this project could be used to define and teach basic skills prerequisite to other technical jobs. (Procedures and results of each phase are discussed, and conclusions and recommendations are drawn for functional basic skills training in the military.) (Author/KC)