Aligning Initial Entry Training with the Aim Point

摘要

How do we define and train for military engagement. Trainers have struggled with this question since the attack on the World Trade Center (9/11). The initial answer focused efforts to prepare Soldiers for the immediate combat they would experience in theater. While this was a great first effort, it resulted in training that literally evolved with the situation in Iraq. Over the course of this evolution in training, numerous lessons learned increased the effectiveness of training across all the Initial Entry Training (IET) bases and set the conditions for continued improvements. As we continue the long engagement in the Global War on Terror (GWOT), our senior leaders recognize the risk of specializing our training versus preparing Soldiers for the full spectrum of operations. With the current momentum for change within the IET environment, it is critical to analyze what the training requirements are to prepare Soldiers for both the current environment in Iraq as well as missions across the full spectrum of operations. This project analyzes the changes that took place in IET since 9/11, feedback from theater and the training centers, and guidance within our doctrine in order to develop and recommend ways to realign our IET training focus.