Training is everything and everything is training…  This was written on a wall in my basic training DFAC.  I’ve taken it on as a bit of a mantra in the years since.  So how did I as a commander handle it?

1.  Look at every training requirement you have deliberately.  What are the tasks, conditions and standards?  There are a lot of training requirements that overlap, especially in the NCO/Leader vs “joe” classes.  Frequently the leader classes are identical to the junior enlisted classes.  So as a Commander I executed the leader class for every solider where I could.  All the T/C/S are met for both.  Plus it helped since last months Junior Enlisted gets promoted and bang, they’re a leader.  Also when “joe” knows what’s expected of their leaders it adds motivation for the leaders to step up.

2.  During my time it became clear that last minute ankle biter was becoming the norm, so I began to prioritize my training.  What could I accept risk by shifting at the training meeting.  So we already knew what and where we were moving training.  Likewise we created “sacred” training events that were immutable.   It usually worked, 24/48 hour training stand downs can kill this plan.

3.  Make sure when your full time staff report training that they are clarifying to the boss the present for training aspect.  I had an unpleasant conversation with the BDE Commander once on a last minute requirement that only 75% of the company completed.  Once I went line over line with him for the remaining 25% who missed (including him and his CSM) he understood.  At this point I had a very large contingent of RSP soldiers who had not drilled yet and would complete their training later with the RSP drill.  Then I had the BDE staff away on site visits and then a smaller contingent of split soldiers executing other missions who would get the training when they drilled next.  So lesson learned, make sure your full timers are reporting why those who missed did so and can articulate what the make up plan is for those troops.  Also they learned to say XX% present for drill completed.

4.  Train at the appropriate level.  I was guilty of wanting to mass train too often esp with briefings.  Make sure you have solid train the trainer classes.   If possible find the holes that occur naturally as you transition or hurry up and wait to give briefs.

5.  Online training can be a bear.  Some of your troops can do this in the space between drill and I made sure NCOs and Officers understood this was an expectation of rank.  You don’t have time and we pay you for four days of work for two days of activity.  Earn the other two days by completing a class.  For my junior enlisted I got with the training NCO, there are numerous pay codes and dollars allocated aside to pay for some of this.  So for these troops certificate printed = money paid.

6.  Some classes are optional online or can be taught.  For example I could sit joes in a bleacher or in seats during lunch and have a school house trained AT level 2 give the AT level 1 brief.  Put the sign in beside the headcount and just like that AT level 1 is done.  Point is know the standards, how you can accomplish and think outside the box.