How to Build an Army Training Plan Using T&EOs

Training & Evaluation Outlines (T&EOs) are the backbone of the Army’s training system. They define the task, the conditions under which you train, and the standards a unit or Soldier must meet to be evaluated as “trained.” Whether you’re a new team leader or a seasoned senior NCO, understanding how to build a training plan using T&EOs is essential to doing your job the way the Army expects.

This guide breaks down the Army’s doctrinal process, how to read and use T&EOs, and which forms, tools, and documents leaders use to plan training events.

Private Luis Aguilar, B Company 296 Brigade Support Battalion, evaluating a notional casualty prior to treatment at Camp Hovey, Republic of Korea on April 10, 2025.

DVIDS - Images - Camp Hovey, RoK E3B Train Up Day 3 [Image 2 of 5]

1. What a T&EO Is For

T&EOs are standardized Army products that outline:

• The task

• Conditions under which the task must be performed

• Standards required for a “GO”

• Performance steps

• Evaluation criteria

• Resources, such as ranges, ammunition, equipment, and personnel

The Army expects leaders to use T&EOs to:

• Plan training

• Resource training

• Execute training to standard

• Evaluate performance

• Assess readiness and retraining needs

This guidance comes directly from FM 7-0: Training, ATP 7-0.1, and Training Management resources on the Army Training Network.

2. How the Army Builds Training (FM 7-0)

The Army’s training cycle follows four phases: Plan – Prepare – Execute – Assess. T&EOs play a role in every phase.

PLAN

• Identify the unit METL (Mission Essential Task List) (e.g. - Survivability or Conduct defensive operations)

• Choose supporting T&EO tasks that build toward METL proficiency

• Develop the unit training plan (short-, mid-, and long-range)

• Determine land, range, resource, ammo, and personnel requirements

• Input events into DTMS, if available

PREPARE

• Build a detailed training event outline

• Conduct a risk assessment (DD Form 2977)

• Request land, ammo, facilities, equipment

• Conduct rehearsals, PCIs, PCCs

• Verify that resources match the T&EO requirements

EXECUTE

• Train the task exactly as written in the T&EO

• Use the performance steps as the event outline

• Leaders/O-Cs evaluate according to T&EO standards

• Capture performance notes and deficiencies

ASSESS

• Rate the task T / P / U

  • T – Trained

  • P – Practiced

  • U – Untrained

• Identify retraining priorities

• Update DTMS or internal tracking

• Feed the results into future training plans

3. Army Forms & Documents Used in Training Planning

There isn’t one single “training plan form.” Instead, the Army uses a collection of documents to create, record, and resource training.

DD Form 2977 – Deliberate Risk Assessment Worksheet (DRAW)

Required for nearly every training event.

DA Form 7566 – Composite Risk Management (older version)

Still used in some units but generally replaced by the 2977.

Range / Land / Facility Requests

Installation-specific formats (RFMSS, TAMIS, etc.).

DA Form 5434 (for schools/Soldier support)

Not for everyday training, but used when coordinating certain events.

DA Form 5988-E / DA Form 2404

Equipment status and inspection forms tied to training readiness.

Training Meeting Templates (FM 7-0)

Used to synchronize events at the platoon, company, and battalion level.

OPORD / FRAGO Format (ATP 5-0.1)

Used when training is part of a larger field operation or exercise.

Leaders typically assemble their training plan using:

• The T&EO itself

• DD2977

• Training outline or OPORD

• Range / land / ammo request

• Resource forecast

• Rehearsal plan & PCIs/PCCs

• Evaluation checklist

• Leader notes for After Action Review (AAR)

This mix forms the complete “training packet.”

4. How the Army Wants Leaders to Use T&EOs

According to FM 7-0 and ATN guidance, leaders must:

• Select tasks that support METL

• Use the exact conditions and standards the T&EO specifies

• Train repetitively until standards are met

• Evaluate honestly

• Retrain quickly

• Use results to update future plans

The Army’s training doctrine is clear: T&EOs exist to keep training standardized across all formations, regardless of installation or leadership style.

Train to standard, not to time.

5. Final Thoughts

Using T&EOs properly isn’t just an administrative requirement — it’s the backbone of how the Army generates readiness. If you understand how to select, plan, resource, execute, and assess T&EO-based training, you’re already ahead of most leaders.

This unofficial guide is designed to give you the clarity the Army sometimes doesn’t. Use it to build better training, run better events, and get your formation to “Trained.”