TMD publishes training circular to augment FM and ADP 7-0

The Training Management Directorate (TMD) recently published the first of a series of Training Circulars (TCs) to further amplify subjects introduced and discussed in training doctrine publications Army Doctrine Publication 7-0, Training and Field Manual 7-0, Training.

TC 7-0.1, After Action Reviews, provides Army leaders with processes and procedures to plan and conduct effective after-action reviews. The publication provides a detailed guide to planning, preparing, conducting and following up AARs. Users of the TC must be familiar with Army training doctrine as described in ADP 7-0 and FM 7-0.

The publication expands on the fundamental concepts of after-action reviews as a primary tool leaders use in planning and conducting effective training evaluations and assessing training proficiency. TC 7-0.1 helps leaders to develop after action reviews that guide training participants in the self-discovery of how to better perform tasks. This publication applies to all Army leaders and the three components of the Army including the active Army, the Army National Guard, and the United States Army Reserve.

TC 7-0.1 contains four chapters. Chapter 1 of the publication discusses the purpose of AARs, the general characteristics, and how leaders and training audiences benefit from properly implementing them. The AAR is a primary tool in training evaluation and assessing training proficiency. By focusing on task standards and describing specific observations, leaders and Soldiers work together to identify strengths and weaknesses and determine how to improve task performance.

The first chapter covers the types of AARs, both formal and informal, and describes the use of training aids to support the discussion of the training. The chapter also covers using AARs during lane training to provide immediate feedback to participants and allow leaders to quickly adjust performance in further iterations until the desired proficiency is met. The chapter closes with a discussion of how the AAR is used in combat situations to quickly and effectively apply lessons learned to improve operational performance.

AARs are integral to lane training

Chapter 2 introduces the procedures leaders use in planning, preparing, and evaluating AARs. It lists the steps in planning an AAR, who observes and facilitates, who attends, what training aids are required, and when and where AARs should occur. This chapter outlines the selection, training, and certification process for evaluators, as well as how to identify task evaluation standards. The chapter also discusses the unit’s overall approach to planning evaluation and how AARs are used to adjust performance weaknesses while sustaining performance strengths.

Consolidating AAR Feedback

Chapter 3 provides a step-by-step guide for leaders conducting AARs - introducing the rules for all participants to follow, the overall agenda, topics, objectives, and intent of AARs. The chapter explains the facilitator’s job of summarizing what happened and guiding discussion of key events either in chronological order, by warfighting function, or by themes/issues. The third chapter also provides guidelines for facilitators and addresses safety issues.

Chapter 4 gives an overview of the follow-up actions that must take place after an AAR. These actions can include immediate retraining, revising standard operating procedures, and integrating and sharing lessons learned. This chapter stresses the importance of recording lessons learned to improve task performance across the Army.

U.S. Army National Guard soldiers of the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment conduct an after-action review (AAR) with the support of Observer Coach/Trainers (OC/Ts) from First Army, 188th Infantry Brigade, to identify improvements after completing a combined arms movement drill as part of the eXportable Combat Training Capability (XCTC) on June 15, 2024, at Fort Cavazos, Texas. U.S. Army photo by SSG Neil McLean.

TMD is developing additional training circulars to further expand the discussion of select topics and provide leaders with detailed information on performing critical leader tasks in the training management process. Topics for future TCs include training meetings, planning an event using the eight-step training model, and training and evaluation outlines.

Visit Army Publishing Directorate – Training Circulars to find a list of Army training circular publications. TC 7-0.1, After Action Reviews, can be found at the link above or on the Army Training Network (ATN) at https://atn.army.mil.

TMD, part of the Combined Arms Center-Training at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., is the Army’s training management proponent. TMD develops Army training doctrine for publication, administers the Army Training Network, and maintains the Army Training Management System. ADP 7-0, Training, FM 7-0, Training, the Platoon Leader's Guide to Training Management, the Small Unit Leader Tool, the Digital Job Book, and much more can be found on the ATN webpage at https://atn.army.mil