Argumentative Paper: Two Important Army Principles of Training
The United States Army prepares troops for military operations through training based on ten principles of training listed in the Army Field Manual 7-0 (2016). The Army Doctrine Publication 7-0 has narrowed it to four (2019). As training is the core of what the Army does, perhaps, the two most important principles are to train as you fight and train to standard.
Train as You Fight
Training is an important part of learning any new skills. However, if the training is not conducted in the actual setting or similar scenario needed for the skill, it will be more difficult to react or remember. It is no wonder that the Army's first principle of training is to train as you fight, and it is a very important one. Training in an environment that is closest to the real-life scenario helps Soldiers to be better prepared when the time comes for them to perform. This cannot be truer for Sergeant First Class (SFC) Harvey Jones (2017) who originally discounted vehicle roll-over drills thinking that he will never use the skill. Through the persistence of a junior Soldier who saw value in the training, SFC Jones executed the drills. He was later faced with having to use the skill during a combat operation training scenario when his tactical vehicle experienced an actual rollover. Fortunately, he remembered what to do in the event of a roll-over through rehearsing the drill so many times and he credits the training for saving his life.
Live-fire exercises are a good way that the Army utilizes the train-as-you-fight principle. Soldiers can learn marksmanship skills and proficiency during weapons qualification ranges where the targets are mostly in a fixed position. During the live-fire exercise, Soldiers are exposed to a scenario that is close to an actual event of combat. In turn, Soldiers get the feel of the potential event and be better prepared. Instilling this principle of training in Soldiers not only results in a well-prepared force, but it will have a strong effect on the confidence and performance of the Soldiers. This creates a positive and effective training culture, fost...
