Skip to Content

Planning Considerations | Army PRT 2023

In the ever-evolving landscape of military training, effective planning remains the bedrock of cohesive, efficient, and effective unit training.

A well-devised training plan not only enhances combat readiness but also ensures the physical and mental well-being of the soldiers.

This article aims to provide commanders and Physical Readiness Training (PRT) leaders a framework to seamlessly integrate Army PRT doctrine into unit training plans.

Table of Contents hide
Goal
Session Elements
Toughening Phase PRT
Toughening Phase PRT Schedule
Condensed Time & Field Training
Sustaining Phase PRT
Initial Military Training Sustaining Phase PRT Schedule
Condensed Time & Field Training
PRT in Operational Units
Sustaining Phase PRT Schedules
Reserve Component
Sample Commander’s Policy Letter
Conclusion

Goal

The overarching objective of the Army PRT doctrine is to foster a unit of soldiers that are physically competent, battle-ready, and resilient. This involves tailoring training regimens to the individual needs of soldiers while ensuring collective competency in combat scenarios.

Session Elements

A typical PRT session is a well-orchestrated balance of warming up, skill development, strength and resilience exercises, and cooling down. Each element plays a pivotal role in preparing the soldier for the demands of the battlefield while minimizing the risk of injury.

A typical PRT session is a well-orchestrated balance of:

Table 1: Elements of a Typical PRT Session

ElementPurpose
Warm-upPrepares the body for physical exertion, reducing injury risks.
Skill DevelopmentRefinement of specific combat or physical techniques.
Strength & ResilienceBuild physical stamina and combat toughness.
Cool DownReturn the body to a resting state and reduce muscle stiffness.

Toughening Phase PRT

The toughening phase serves as the foundation for soldiers, particularly those fresh from the recruitment phase. This phase emphasizes building physical stamina, developing fundamental soldiering skills, and fostering team cohesion.

Bullet Points for Key Features:

  • Foundation for new recruits
  • Emphasis on physical stamina
  • Development of fundamental soldiering skills
  • Promotion of team cohesion

Toughening Phase PRT Schedule

A well-structured schedule is crucial during this phase. It provides the soldiers a clear roadmap of their progression, ensuring a balanced development of endurance, strength, and combat skills.

Condensed Time & Field Training

Given the limited timeframe, it’s vital to maximize training impact. This may involve high-intensity interval training, combined arms exercises, or scenario-based training drills. Field training, on the other hand, places soldiers in simulated combat environments, testing their application of the skills learned during PRT sessions.

Table 2: Comparison between Condensed Time and Field Training

Training TypeFocus AreaExpected Outcome
Condensed TimeHigh-intensity training modulesRapid skill and endurance enhancement.
Field TrainingSimulated combat environmentsApplication of learned skills in real scenarios.


Sustaining Phase PRT

Upon successful completion of the toughening phase, soldiers transition to the sustaining phase. This phase aims to maintain and enhance the skills and physical prowess acquired during the initial phase.

Initial Military Training Sustaining Phase PRT Schedule

The schedule during this phase is dynamic, accounting for the evolving needs of the unit and individual soldiers. While the fundamentals remain consistent, there’s greater emphasis on strategy, advanced combat techniques, and specialized training modules.

Condensed Time & Field Training

Time is always of the essence. The condensed time sessions in this phase are more intensive, focusing on refining combat techniques and bolstering physical endurance. Field training becomes increasingly complex, simulating real-world combat scenarios to test strategy, teamwork, and resilience.

Bullet Points for Key Features:

  • Transition phase after the toughening phase
  • Maintenance and enhancement of acquired skills
  • Emphasis on strategy and advanced combat techniques
  • Introduction to specialized training modules

PRT in Operational Units

Operational units, being the frontline of defense, require a tailored PRT regimen that addresses the unique challenges and demands of active combat scenarios.

Sustaining Phase PRT Schedules

Given the unpredictability of deployments, the sustaining phase PRT schedules for operational units are flexible. They strike a balance between maintaining peak physical condition and ensuring soldiers are mentally agile and adaptive.

Table 3: PRT Schedule for Operational Units

PeriodActivityPurpose
Week 1-2Skill RefinementFocus on honing specific combat techniques.
Week 3-4Physical DrillsStrength, stamina, and agility training.
Week 5-6Mock DeploymentsSimulate real-world scenarios to test physical and mental preparedness.

Reserve Component

The reserve component, though not always in active duty, plays a vital role in national defense. Their PRT regimen, while less intensive than operational units, ensures they remain combat-ready, capable of being deployed at short notice.

Bullet Points for Key Features:

  • Not always in active duty but vital for national defense
  • Less intensive training compared to operational units
  • Emphasis on remaining combat-ready
  • Training geared towards rapid deployment readiness

Sample Commander’s Policy Letter

A commander’s policy letter serves as a directive for PRT leaders, providing clear guidelines, expectations, and goals for the training regimen. It emphasizes the importance of PRT, the standards expected of the soldiers, and the commitment of the command to provide all necessary resources for effective training.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the successful implementation of the Army PRT doctrine hinges on meticulous planning, structured scheduling, and adaptability to the evolving needs of the unit and individual soldiers. Commanders and PRT leaders, armed with a clear framework and directive, can ensure the unit’s combat readiness and the well-being of their soldiers.

George N.
Latest posts by George N. (see all)

Posted on Last updated: