Instructions on Conducting Military Training Classes

If you are conducting military training classes, you must do so in accordance with both mandates from Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and with specific unit regulations. Each military unit sets aside training time (traditionally, Thursdays) to educate and inform soldiers of new policies, tactics and procedures. TRADOC Regulation 350-70 provides clear guidance on the proper procedures for conducting military training classes. Army Field Manual (FM) 7-0, "Training the Force," also contains detailed information on how to conduct military training. Prior to conducting any training, you must submit a Department of the Army (DA) Form 7566, "Composite Risk Management Worksheet," to the unit commander for approval.

Download and complete DA Form 7566, evaluating the possible risks the training scenario might pose to service members. FM 5-19 contains complete instructions for filling out and filing a DA Form 7566. Submit your completed DA Form 7566 to your unit commander for approval.

Outline the task in accordance with FM 7-0 and write it down in your notepad. For example, if your task is to conduct a class on basic operation of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon (SAW), write: "Task: Conduct training on basic operation of the M-249 Squad Automatic Weapon known as the SAW." According to TRADOC Regulation 350-70, you must read this task verbatim to your students prior to beginning your class.

Write down the conditions of your training exercise in accordance with FM 7-0. For example, given the task of conducting a class on basic operation of the M-249 outside your battalion headquarters, write: "Conditions: An outdoor environment with access to a water source, shade and adequate lighting." According to TRADOC Regulation 350-70, you must read these conditions verbatim to your students prior to beginning your class.

Outline the standards pertaining to your training exercise in accordance with FM 7-0. For example, if you are conducting a class on the M-249 outdoors and must familiarize each student with basic operation of the weapon, write: "Standard: Ensure each soldier is familiar with basic operation of the SAW." According to TRADOC Regulation 350-70, you must read these standards verbatim to your students prior to beginning your class.

Gather all service members in your training location.

Call each service member's name to ensure everyone is present. If service members are missing, note their names so they do not receive credit for the training.

Read your task, conditions and standards in accordance with TRADOC Regulation 350-70.

Show service members the locations of restrooms and water sources as mandated by TRADOC Regulation 350-70. You must do this prior to beginning your class.

Begin your block of instruction, pausing to answer questions periodically.

Choose several service members to remain after class for clean-up. If you have a large training area or classroom, you will need at least five service members.

Dismiss the class.

Instruct the remaining service members on clean-up procedures. For example, if you used a classroom for your training environment, most units require you to ensure the room is clean before vacating it. In that case, ask service members to empty the trash cans and sweep and mop the floors.

Release the remaining service members to their supervisors after they are finished cleaning.