Education is a central component of Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Centers (MIRECCs) of Veterans Affairs. This paper focuses on the many components of education at the national level. The mission of the MIRECC initiative is to integrate all forms of scientific research and to quickly translate innovative findings and treatments into standard clinical practice. The centers' three basic goals are to partner with clinicians and investigators; inform or teach veterans, their families, clinical providers, and administrators; and to improve delivery of mental health care. On the local and regional level, MIRECCs publish newsletters, host regional conferences, and promote the development of innovative patient and treatment materials. National initiatives are beginning with conferences focusing on the needs of aging veterans. The National Education Groups works closely with a newly established postdoctoral fellowship program. To effectively improve the quality of care within the entire VA system will require more of this integrated, multidimensional approach. With the additional support added by Congress, the quality of the service delivery system has a chance to be greatly improved for all veterans. (JDM)