Training Management Process in The Army

Training of the army is regarded both as an art and a science (Army Unit Training Management). It, therefore, requires a brief mix of activities and processes that are suitable for imparting the best knowledge and skillset to those enrolled in training. The army unit training unit details the army's training management processes that entail continuous procedures that army leaders and commanders have to develop to ensure efficiency. Training management is supposed to combine resources, materials, guidance, and time to fulfill training objectives. Therein, it entails aspects such as rehearsals, pre-execution checks, and after-action reviews, all which must lead to better military operations. All of these management operations require input from various people such as commanders and soldiers, where the former must show essential information, knowledge, proficiency, and experience in developing training programs that suit unit and soldier training requirements (Whiteman 9).  

Rehearsals that entail familiarization of operation procedures are essential for both the military leaders and soldiers. Through rehearsals, these groups of individuals can understand what requires of them and grasp the concepts of operations. Challenges can be identified beforehand and mitigated. Repetitions also increase coordination of staff and all those involved in the transactions. Each of the rehearsal types, i.e., back brief, combined arms, support, and battle drill/SOP rehearsals, differ in nature and complexity, with the overall goal of making missions a success (Chapter 12). Pre-execution checks that act as a precursor to rehearsals or combat operations help prepare soldiers and leaders beforehand. They, therefore, provide attention to detail to increase resourcefulness and efficiency in the whole process. These final checks may encompass many aspects and resources such as equipment, vehicles, personnel, and overall mission knowledge. Through pre-execution tests, soldiers and army leaders mitigate both apathy and complacency which inhibit unit readiness. After a performance, whether in the form of a training event or an operation, after-action reviews help analyze the whole situation to make amends or improvements in subsequent outings (Chapter 16). The after-action reports which detail everything in a written format will act as a future reference for actions that took place. Apart from being used for correctional purposes, they applied for historical purposes. Leaders would mainly find these after-action reviews useful as a premise for requesting changes on how operations are done and the resources required. Standard operating procedures may hence be revised or strengthened depending on the situation, to achieve unit proficiency (Chapter 16) further.  

To complement the physical training process, a web-based information system named to the army learning management system (ALMS) offers training to soldiers (Army Unit Training Management). Besides, the system provides additional services such as collaboration, scheduling, and career information. Individuals can get training access to material remotely with the right set of technological tools. The army training information system is mentioned to be cost-effective, efficient, and convenient for individuals around the globe (Army Unit Training Management). The collective aim of these web-based programs is to equip soldiers with the right kind of information and preparation to defend the country. It adds to the versatility of training programs, hence supporting the training management process. 

The training management process, as enabled by the web-based information system, pre-execution checks, rehearsals, and after-action reports, can be regarded as necessary in sustaining the country’s security organs. Being accommodative and broad-based, these processes give individuals the chance to join the army and serve the nation as soldiers, both in domestic and international duty. With the ever-increasing global threats, the country’s devotion to training soldiers shows its commitment to keeping the country safe from acts of terror, violence, and disorderliness. The army training management, therefore, remains relevant in today's military. 

There, however, are challenges in implementing the management process, as is seen with the discordant nature of training management and execution. The problem has always been to link the gap between leader development, training, and actual combat performances. A balance had struck between these aspects, failure to which the processes become flawed and ineffective. Web-based information systems such as the ALMS have tried to solve the problem of accessibility and mobility of would-be soldiers (RAND Corporation). With the ability to train and recruit from any place, this technique will offer benefits to both the military and individuals who ordinarily, albeit willing to serve, would never get the chance. The problem may, however, lie in coordinating all web-based trainees and validating their readiness after investing resources in training. This calls for needs to learn from the other industries that use distance learning and technological tools to deliver programs remotely to individuals (RAND Corporation).  

Overall, military leaders may see the need to improve army training management processes to adapt to evolving global situations that are increasingly leading to attacks that are no longer physical. Expansion of technological capabilities is one significant factor that could offer a good case for reviews in the military, with multiple threats potentially emanating from this direction. This calls for reviewed training methods and goals. Above, there is a need to pay attention to after-action reviews and reports. Whether formal or informal, the reviews can go a long way in identifying best practices that can utilize in future operations.  

References

1. After Action Reviews and Reports. 2017. Training Management and the Warfighting Functions. Ch. 16.
2. 'Army Learning Management System (ALMS)'. Atsc.Army.Mil, 2019, https://www.atsc.army.mil/tadlp/delivery/alms.asp.
3. 'Army Unit Training Management'. Www.Army.Mil, 2014, https://www.army.mil/standto/archive_2014-03-07. Accessed 22 Sept 2019.
4. RAND Corporation. 'Army Distance Learning Can Enhance Personnel Readiness'. Rand.Org, 2019, https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_briefs/RB3028/index1.html.
5. Rehearsals and Pre-Execution Checks. 2019. Training Management and the Warfighting Functions. Ch. 12.
6. Whiteman, Colonel Wayne E. Training And Educating Army Officers For The 21St Century: Implications For The United States Military Academy. DEFENSE TECHNICAL INFORMATION CENTER, 1998, https://apps.dtic.mil/dtic/tr/fulltext/u2/a345812.pdf. Accessed 22 Sept 2019.