Training is the primary focus of a unit when not deployed. It requires the same level of detail, intensity, and focus that a unit applies to deployed operations. Unit Training Management (UTM) provides the how-to details of the US Army’s training processes. UTM provides the key how-to details that bridge the doctrine and the dynamic tools (ATN/CATS/DTMS/HQ DA Standardized METL) that make planning, preparing, executing and assessing unit training possible.
The content of UTM is delivered in several ways for Soldiers to use. The primary portal to UTM is through the Army Training Network (ATN). From ATN, users have access to view UTM and navigate to any part of it. There are also downloadable modules that can be used as is, or can be unit -modified for additional instructional purposes. And finally, UTM is delivered in a book format to download, or print as needed. See chap. 6, “Planning Training” in TLS6: The Leader’s SMARTbook, 6th Ed. for further discussion.
A. The Operations Process
The Army’s operations process provides a common framework for guiding commanders as they lead and manage unit training and leader development. Effective unit training results from a sound analysis of the unit’s mission and its ability to accomplish that mission. The higher unit’s mission, the unit mission-essential task list (METL), and higher commander’s guidance drive the commander’s selection of collective tasks on which the unit trains to accomplish mission success.
B. Mission Essential Task List (METL)
The unit’s mission-essential task list (METL) represents the doctrinal framework of fundamental tasks for which the unit was designed (its table of organization and equipment and table of distribution and allowances mission). METL proficiency enables the unit to adapt to unexpected situations during mission execution. Therefore, units strive to maintain mission-essential task readiness. The Department of the Army standardizes brigade and above METLs. Battalions and companies develop their METLs to support the METL of their higher headquarters. Units do not have the time or other resources to train on all tasks that support execution of their METLs across the range of military operations. Instead, the unit’s mission drives the focus of its training. When the unit is assigned a mission, the commander determines key collective tasks that support the METL and are essential to mission accomplishment. Training focuses on those key tasks and replicates the expected operational environment.
C. The Unit Training Plan (UTP)
Collective task proficiency results from developing tactical and technical, individual, leader, and lower-level collective skills through instruction, experience, and repetitive practice. Commanders develop a unit training plan to develop collective task proficiency. The unit training plan is expressed in an operation order to the unit. The unit training plan uses a crawl-walk-run approach that progressively and systematically builds on successful task performance before progressing to more complex tasks. Unit training initially focuses on developing proficiency in Soldier and small-unit skills, since they are the essential foundation for training more complex, higher-level collective tasks.
This article is an extract from “TLS6: The Leader’s SMARTbook, 6th Ed. (Military Leadership & Training in a Complex World)” by The Lightning Press. Download a free PDF sample and learn more at: TLS6: The Leader’s SMARTbook, 6th Ed. (Military Leadership & Training in a Complex World).
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