Don't Miss a Step!

The U.S. Army uses the 8 Step Training Model framework to guide training planning and execution. The model offers a visual of the process that is sometimes overlayed on a timeline to ensure appropriate milestones are met. Each step in the model addresses key aspects of the training event to assist the planners. It is not an all-inclusive list; however, it captures a large percentage of planning considerations to make an event successful. What makes this model effective is how each step is broken down and progressive. For instance, an organization would not benefit from doing step two without completing step one. People need to know what the plan is in great detail to properly train. Using a timeline to highlight projections and milestones also makes this model very effective. For example, training sites (step three) might require an eight-week lead time, so laying out the timeline early as a visual can ensure planners are managing time appropriately.

In most cases, the eight-step training model answers questions, identifies setbacks, raises or satisfies concerns. Generally speaking, if you put a training plan in front of a commanding officer and use this training model, you will get a seal of approval. If you elect not to show your planning efforts with this framework, and something goes wrong, you can certainly guarantee that this process will be questioned.

The 8-Step Training Model is a proven framework tested and tried for decades. There may be steps or aspects that can improve the process but why re-invent the wheel? Particularly in a large enterprise such as the U.S. Army. It is a concept that is trained early in a person's career, and it is universally understood across the force. The model is a good visual representation of planning and staffing that uses data points, information, and processes to execute an event, so don't miss a step!

Reference

Department of the Army. (2016). Train to win in a complex world. (FM 7-0). Retrieved from https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/pdf/web/FM%207-0%20FINAL%20WEB.pdf