PLANNING

1
Chapter 3

• PLANNING

As of 14 Jan 00
2
Enabling Learning Objectives
A. Define the planning horizons, assessments,
commander's guidance, and calendars/schedules in
relation to long-range, short-range, and
near-term planning. B. Describe the
relationship between unit assessment and training
strategies done in long range planning. C.
Explain training assessment ratings of "T"
(trained), "P" (needs practice), and "U"
(untrained). D. Briefly describe both time
management systems. E. Describe the purposes of
a Quarterly Training Brief (QTB) and Quarterly
Training Guidance (QTG). F. Define pre-execution
checks. G. Describe the elements/principles
found in conducting an effective training
meeting.
3
Training Planning Process
METL
LEADS TO
COMMANDERS GUIDANCE
TRAINING PLANS
ASSESSMENT
BASIS FOR
TRAINING EXECUTION
EVALUATION AND TRAINING FEEDBACK
FM 25-101 PG 3-2
4
3 Planning Horizons

• Long Range Plan (1 year out)
• results in Long Range Training Calendar
• Short Range Plan (1 quarter out)
• results in QTG, QTC, and QTB
• Near Term Plan (6-8 weeks out)
• results in training meeting and schedule.

ELO A
5
Long-Range Planning Process

• Starts with unit assessment
• Battalion commanders publish planning calendars
  (long-range guidance).
• Commanders training strategy determines training
  requirements.

COMMANDERS GUIDANCE
UNIT ASSESSMENT
PRODUCES
LONG-RANGE CALENDAR
FM 25-101 PG 3-2
ELO B
6
Commanders Guidance

• Command training guidance (CTG) is required for
  brigade level and higher.
• Long-range planning calendars are required for
  battalion level and higher.
• Looks out one year, published four months prior
  to start of the FY (AC)
• Looks out three years, published six months prior
  to start of the FY (RC)

FM 25-101 PG 3-3
7
T, P, U Assessment

• Commanders assessment of training proficiency on
  METL tasks is rated
• T (Trained)
• Can perform task to standard
• Only sustainment training needed
• No significant shortcomings
• P (Needs Practice)
• Can perform task with some shortcomings
• Complete retraining not required
• Refresher training required
• U (Untrained)
• Cannot perform task to standard
• Prepare comprehensive training strategy
• Retrain all supporting tasks not performed to
  standard

ELO C
FM 25-101 PG 3-13
8
Unit Assessment

• Compares current level of training with the Army
  standard.
• Is a continuous process.
• Commander bases assessment on
• Personal observation.
• Evaluation results.
• Training/qualification records.
• Input from key subordinates (feedback loop).

FM 25-101 PG 3-2
ELO C
9
Training Assessment

• Required for each METL task
• Snapshot of current collective, leader, and
  soldier task proficiency
• Compares task proficiency to Army standard
• T, P, or U rating
• Used to determine QTG/YTG

FM 25-101 PG 3-8
ELO C
10
Time Management System

• Protects training time for subordinate units
• Three-cycle system (green-amber-red)
• Prime time training
• Mission
• Support
• Two-cycle system more common in CS, CSS, and RC
  units
• Prime time training
• Support/administration
• Important in RC to maximize limited training time
• Slice units systems should align with supported
  units

FM 25-101 PG 3-6
ELO D
11
Time Management SystemsGreen-Amber-Red

• Green
• Multiechelon collective, leader, and soldier
  tasks
• All soldiers at training
• Resourced
• Minimal administrative distracters
• Amber
• Small unit, crew, leader, and soldier training
• Limited collective training for select units
• Individual education and training classes
• Periodic services performed
• Fill support requirements only after red
• Available for EDRE

FM 25-101 PG 3-7
ELO D
12
Time Management SystemsGreen-Amber-Red

• Red
• Supports training of units in green cycle
• Supports missions accomplished with unit
  integrity
• Limited soldier, leader, crew training
• Maximum leaves and passes
• Routine medical, dental, and admin actions

Examples
Post supportHoliday Half-days
JRTC NTCGunnery FTX
Weapons Qualification
ELO D
FM 25-101 PG 3-7
13
Prepare the Long-Range Training Calendar

• Post the time management system (green-amber-red)
• Post required training events
• Schedule other requirements
• Schedule unit-controlled exercises and training
• Note AC units may use SATS

FM 25-101 PG 3-7
14
Short-Range Planning Process
(DRAFT) QTG (AC) QTC (AC)
UNIT ASSESSMENT
PRODUCES
TRAINING ASSESSMENT
(DRAFT) YTG (RC) YTC (RC)
QTB (AC)
QTG QTC
PUBLISH
YTB (RC)
YTG YTC
FM 25-101 PG 3-8
15
Commanders Guidance (QTG/YTG)

• Converts long-range strategy into detailed
  training plans
• Who, what, when, where to train
• Provided in the QTG(AC) and YTG (RC)
• Unit assessment
• Priorities
• Slice integration
• Multiechelon training
• Resources
• New equipment impact
• Maintenance

FM 25-101 PG 3-19
ELO E
16
Quarterly and Yearly Training Briefing

• Briefed to commanders two levels above
• Discusses past, present, and future training
• Slice commanders participate
• CSM/1SGs brief
• Results in training agreement/written contract
• Senior commander resources
• Subordinate commander executes
• Part of leader development program

FM 25-101 PG 3-26
ELO E
17
Short-Range Planning Calendars (QTC/YTC)

• Published with the QTG(AC) and YTG(RC)
• Graphically depict QTG/YTG events
• AC units may use SATS to prepare
• Posted where soldiers can read them
• May be prepared at company and below as a
  management tool

FM 25-101 PG 3-23
18
Near-Term Planning

• Covers 6-8 week period prior to execution of
  training
• Weekly training meetings are required at
  battalion and company level
• Commander runs meeting with assistance from
  CSM/1SG
• Training issues only
• Bottoms-up input of training needs
• Approved training schedule published 4-6 weeks
  out
• Once published, training is locked-in
• Constitutes a lawful order
• Who approves company training schedule?

FM 25-101 PG 3-27
19
Pre-Execution Checks

• The informal planning and detailed coordination
  conducted during preparation for training.
• Become increasingly detailed during the near term
  phase.
• Key to ensuring trainers and soldiers are
  adequately prepared to conduct training to Army
  standard.
• Ensures that all planning and prerequisite
  training (soldier, leader, and collective) are
  conducted prior to the execution of training.

FM 25-101 PG 3-36
ELO F
20
Training Meeting Participants

• Battalion
• Commander
• CSM
• XO
• Company Cdrs
• 1SGs
• Specialty Plt Ldrs
• Slice Ldrs
• Bn Primary Staff
• Bn Special Staff
• Bn Opns NCO

• Company
• Commander
• 1SG
• XO
• Plt Ldrs
• Plt Sgts
• NBC NCO
• Motor Sgt
• Supply Sgt
• Slice Team Reps
• Other Key Leaders

Platoons have informal meetings to discuss
training and collect feedback from subordinate
leaders
FM 25-101 PG 3-19
ELO G
21
Training Meeting Agenda

• Review QTC/YTC
• Review training conducted (assess training)
• Refine and lock-in upcoming (near-term) training
• Review pre-execution checks
• Plan and coordinate training to address unit
  training needs and support requirements

FM 25-101 PG 3-29
ELO E
22
Near-Term Training

• Identify collective and soldier tasks
• Prepare draft training schedules
• Request training resources
• Request CL I, III, IV, V
• Begin pre-execution checks
• Commander approves final training objectives
• Confirm support requests
• Provide soldier tasks for integration
• (key NCOs)
• Identify trainer rehearsal requirements
• Identify training distracters and begin to
  eliminate

T6
T5
FM 25-101 PG 3-32
23
Near-Term Training

• Sign and lock-in training schedules
• Lock-in resources
• Identify and brief trainers/assistant trainers
• Post schedules in unit areas
• Begin rehearsals
• Ensure distracters are under control
• Fight hard to prevent/stop changes
• Intensify rehearsal and preparation periods
• Conduct back-briefs
• Begin gathering training aids and supplies

T4
T3
T2
FM 25-101 PG 3-32
24
Near-Term Training

• Complete pre-execution checks
• Obtain training aids
• Complete rehearsals
• Stop changes to scheduled training
• Brief soldiers on training
• Begin pre-combat checks
• Execute training
• Conduct AARs

T1
T
FM 25-101 PG 3-32
25
Preparation for Training

• Formal planning ends with publication of training
  schedules.
• Informal planning and detailed coordination
  continues (pre-execution checks).
• Prerequisite training is completed.
• Leaders are trained and rehearsed.
• Thorough preparation is the key to good training.

FM 25-101 PG 3-36
26
Chapter 3 Summary

• Commanders assessment is basis for planning
  training.
• Commanders guidance provides intent and focuses
  training.
• Time management system protects prime training
  time.
• Training assessment results in T,P,U rating based
  on Army standard.
• Training briefings and meetings are key to
  planning.
• Multiechelon training maximizes best use of time
  and resources.