The Training Management Directorate (TMD) published the second in a series of Training Circulars (TCs) to further amplify subjects introduced and discussed in training doctrine publications ADP 7-0 and FM 7-0, Training. TC 7-0.2, Training Meetings, provides Army leaders the fundamental processes and procedures to plan and conduct training meetings. This publication applies to all Army leaders and the three components of the Total Army: the Regular Army, the Army National Guard, and the Army Reserve.
TC 7-0.2 expands on the fundamental concepts of conducting training meetings, primarily at the company level, though the techniques and concepts can be applied at multiple echelons. It guides leaders to develop necessary techniques to conduct effective training meetings and tools that assist in planning and coordinating training events. Leaders are encouraged to expand, modify, and develop their own techniques as required.
TC 7-0.2 contains two chapters. Chapter One, “Training Meeting Fundamentals,” discusses the purpose of training meetings and establishes three primary goals executed in three phases in the training meetings: assessment, coordination, and event planning. Chapter One also introduces the T-Week concept, which assists leaders by providing a methodological timeline to discuss event planning milestones. The chapter outlines the purpose, objectives, and participants of training meetings, including support personnel.
Chapter 2, “Training Meetings Battle Rhythm,” outlines specific techniques and agenda recommendations by phase. It describes participant roles and details each phase with techniques to assist in discussing training. In Phase I participants review last week’s training. The feedback input by the platoon leaders and platoon sergeants is critical to assessing METs, leader tasks, and individual task proficiencies of the unit. Company leaders also discuss agenda items and ensure training assessments are recorded. During Phase II participants review training guidance and run pre-executions checks. In the third phase of the training meeting, the commander discusses future planning.
TC 7-0.2 contains three appendices. Appendix A, “Platoon Training Meetings,” provides platoon leaders with details on conducting effective training meetings at the platoon level. Platoon training meeting objectives are to gather training feedback and observations from subordinate leaders and discuss preparations for short- and mid-range training events. The appendix also outlines organization of the meeting and responsibilities, the agenda for the meeting, preparations for training, and tips for a successful meeting.
Appendix B, “Battalion and Brigade Training Meetings,” briefly describes participants and recommended agenda items. It provides a general overview of the participants and agenda of the meeting. At the brigade and battalion echelons, commanders refine mid-range training guidance, plans, and training calendars. They focus on overall long-range training plan progress and ensure training resources for subordinate organizations are coordinated. Commanders also monitor and aggressively eliminate potential training distracters impacting planned training.
Appendix C, “T-Week and Pre-Executions Checks,” is a detailed example of planning considerations from the development of the unit training plan through event execution and after action review (AAR). Planners use the T-Week concept as a guide to assist in planning training activities that should occur in anticipation of each event. Each T-Week has an associated series of training activities that help guide planners and advise the commander of the actions the unit must accomplish to execute an effective training event. During training meetings, T-weeks provide a common framework of reference when discussing actions to take when planning each training event.
TC 7-0.2, Training Meetings, expands on the fundamental concepts of conducting training meetings at multiple echelons and is applicable to the Total Army. It provides leaders with detailed information on performing critical leader tasks in the training management process. The TC series includes:
TC 7-0.1: After Action Reviews (Published)
TC 7-0.2: Training Meetings (Published)
TC 7-0.3: Plan an Event (Forthcoming)
TC 7-0.4: Training and Evaluation Outlines (Forthcoming)
Interested parties can find a list of Army Training Circular publications at Army Publishing Directorate – Training Circulars. Readers can find TC 7-0.1, After Action Reviews, and TC 7-0.2 Training Meetings, 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, is the Army’s training management proponent. As such, TMD develops Army training doctrine for publication, administers the Army Training Network (ATN), and maintains the Army Training Management System (ATMS). ADP 7-0, FM 7-0, the Platoon Leader's Guide to Training Management, and much more can be found on the ATN Webpage at https://atn.army.mil
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