Assessing Training & Retraining
Determine whether the standard was actually achieved, make an honest proficiency assessment, identify the cause of deficiencies, and retrain until required performance is demonstrated.
In this guide
Completion Is Not Proficiency
A calendar entry showing that training occurred does not prove proficiency. Assessment asks whether Soldiers or the unit can perform the required task to standard under the relevant conditions.
Use Evidence
Use evaluator observations, task standards, T&EOs when applicable, AAR findings, qualification results, repetitions, leader observations, and other relevant information. Strong assessments are grounded in demonstrated performance.
Diagnose the Deficiency
Before retraining, identify why performance failed. Was the issue knowledge, a prerequisite skill, equipment, SOP, communication, leadership, insufficient repetitions, or conditions that were not understood? Retraining the wrong cause wastes time.
Design Targeted Retraining
Retraining does not always mean repeating the entire event. Isolate the deficient step, provide instruction or demonstration, increase repetitions, then reintegrate the skill into the larger task and reevaluate it.
Reevaluate to Standard
The purpose of retraining is demonstrated improvement. Evaluate again against the same required standard. Do not lower the standard simply because the event is scheduled to end.
Record and Communicate Results
Leaders need accurate information to make future decisions. Record results through the systems and products required by the unit and communicate significant deficiencies, resource constraints, and retraining requirements through the chain.
Sustain Proficiency
Tasks that meet the standard still require sustainment. Determine how often they must be revisited based on complexity, personnel turnover, equipment changes, mission requirements, and observed skill decay.
Choose retraining based on the missed step
Assessment should explain what performance was demonstrated and what remains to be improved. Attendance and completion counts are useful administrative information, but they do not replace evaluation against a task standard.
Worked example
In a practice worksheet exercise, most participants identify missing information correctly but several calculate the final total incorrectly. Before repeating the entire class, ask them to demonstrate the calculation. If the cause is misunderstanding which entries count, reteach that decision and give a few focused examples. Then have them complete the whole worksheet again so the correction is tested in context. If the cause is an outdated worksheet instead, fix the reference before adding more practice. Record the performance observed and any remaining deficiency using the process required by the unit.
Your practice checklist
Choose a routine, non-sensitive example. Work through each step on paper or use these checkboxes as you read. Checks reset when you reload the page.
Common mistake to avoid
Repeating the same explanation more loudly is not a retraining method. Change the instruction or practice to match the specific difficulty, then observe another attempt. Also avoid labeling a skill as permanently mastered after one success. Personnel changes, infrequent practice, or changed equipment may create a need for sustainment training.
Explain it in your own words
Answer each question before revealing the explanation.
Should you lower the standard when time runs out?
No. Report the actual result and arrange the needed follow-up through the appropriate leader.
Why repeat the complete task after focused practice?
It checks whether the learner can integrate the corrected step with the rest of the task under the relevant conditions.
Sources & further reading
These are MILCOMPASS explanations and practice examples. The underlying doctrine is FM 7-0 — Training. Follow current official publications and applicable command guidance for real requirements.
- Training Management Directorate: evaluation and assessment
- Training Management Directorate: training and evaluation circulars
- Army Publishing Directorate: check the current publication
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