Annual Training (AT) Section Planning

Why AT Section Planning Matters

AT is the year's primary block of active duty training for SELRES (Selected Reserve, what most Marines call SMCR or the Reserves). Per MCRAMM Chapter 7, AT serves member's annual obligation, unit collective training, and operational readiness validation.

A well-planned AT.

• Achieves clear training objectives
• Maximizes time for individual and section development
• Prepares unit for mobilization potential
• Validates MOS proficiency
• Builds section cohesion

A poorly planned AT wastes 12-14 days of valuable training time.

Your Role in Section AT Planning

Each phase has specific tasks.

Pre-AT Planning (60-90 days out)

• Define section training objectives
• Coordinate scheduling per member
• Identify resources needed
• Coordinate with unit AT plan

Pre-AT Preparation (30 days out)

• Verify each Marine's readiness
• Address any gaps
• Coordinate travel
• Brief Marines on AT expectations

During AT Execution

• Lead section daily
• Track training accomplishment
• Address issues as they arise
• Coordinate with unit leadership

Post-AT Documentation

• Document training completion
• Submit awards if earned
• Update training records
• Lessons learned for next AT

Pre-AT Planning Steps

Step 1 - Define Section Objectives

What does your section need to accomplish?

• Specific MOS training
• Specific equipment training
• Specific certification renewals
• Specific section-level objectives
• Specific individual development

Write objectives down. Brief section leadership for alignment.

Step 2 - Coordinate Scheduling

For each Marine in your section.

• Verify AT availability
• Identify any conflicts
• Coordinate civilian employer notification
• Coordinate family preparation

Step 3 - Identify Resources

For section objectives.

• Training space requirements
• Equipment needs
• Specific training aids
• Coordination with other sections

Step 4 - Coordinate with Unit AT Plan

Your section's plan within unit's overall AT.

• Specific block of training time
• Specific resource sharing
• Specific dependencies
• Coordinate with unit operations

Pre-AT Preparation Steps

Step 1 - Verify Each Marine's Readiness

Per MCRAMM and section standards.

• AT orders generated via MROWS
• Medical readiness verified
• Family preparation complete
• Civilian employment notified

Step 2 - Address Gaps

For each readiness gap.

• Medical issues addressed
• Required training completed
• Family preparation finalized
• Specific issues resolved

Step 3 - Coordinate Travel

For Marines requiring travel.

• Travel arrangements
• Per diem coordination
• Lodging if needed
• Specific procedures

Step 4 - Brief Marines

Pre-AT brief for section.

• AT objectives and expectations
• Schedule and locations
• Resources available
• Specific training events
• Family expectations during AT

During AT Execution

Daily Operations

• Daily formation and accountability
• Training execution per plan
• Address any issues
• Coordinate with unit leadership

Training Documentation

• Document training accomplished
• Track individual progress
• Identify outstanding performance for awards
• Note specific issues for follow-up

Member Coordination

• Address individual member issues
• Counsel as needed
• Coordinate any pay or admin issues
• Support member welfare

Section Cohesion

• Build section relationships
• Address conflicts promptly
• Foster team dynamics
• Specific team-building activities

Post-AT Documentation

Training Records

• UD/MIPS entries for completed training
• MOS qualification updates
• Specific certifications updated
• Annual training credit

Awards

For Marines earning recognition.

• Submit award packages
• Specific procedures via S-1
• Coordinate with command

Section Lessons Learned

• What worked well
• What needs improvement
• Specific recommendations for next AT
• Brief unit leadership

Member After-Action

• Counsel each Marine on AT performance
• Document on Page 11 if appropriate
• Specific career counseling
• Set goals for next year

Common Section AT Planning Issues

Limited Time

12-14 days insufficient for objectives.

• Prioritize critical training
• Defer lower-priority items
• Specific recommendations to command

Member Conflicts

Marines have civilian conflicts with AT dates.

• Coordinate alternate AT periods
• Specific procedures per situation
• Family hardship considerations

Resource Limitations

Insufficient resources for planned training.

• Coordinate with command
• Identify alternatives
• Adjust plan if needed

Weather or External Disruption

Unplanned disruptions to AT.

• Adjust plan dynamically
• Maintain training value
• Document changes

Member Issues During AT

Specific member issues during execution.

• Address promptly
• Coordinate with unit leadership
• Specific procedures per situation

Section Tracker for AT

Maintain section AT tracker.

Update throughout AT cycle.

Coordination Touchpoints

AT planning touches.

• Unit S-3: For unit AT planning
• Unit S-1: For AT orders and admin
• PAC: For pay processing
• Other section leaders: For coordination
• Marines and families: For preparation

Common AT Pitfalls

No Specific Objectives

AT becomes "showing up" rather than purposeful training.

• Define specific objectives in advance
• Brief section on objectives
• Track accomplishment

Poor Pre-AT Preparation

Marines arrive unprepared.

• Pre-AT readiness verification critical
• Address gaps before AT starts
• Set clear expectations

Underutilized Time

Time wasted during AT.

• Plan training to fill time
• Identify productive activities
• Avoid unnecessary downtime

No Post-AT Follow-Up

Training accomplished but not documented.

• Document each completed task
• Update records
• Submit awards earned

Career Coaching During AT

AT provides extended time for member development.

One-on-One Counseling

For each Marine.

• Career goals
• Specific development needs
• Educational pursuits
• Specific opportunities

Mentorship

Junior to senior pairings.

• Specific mentor assignments
• Specific learning objectives
• Career discussion

Promotion Prep

For Marines approaching promotion.

• Records review
• Composite score discussion
• Specific preparation activities

Related Roles

AT planning connects through chain.

• Marines complete AT and contribute to section objectives.
• Admin at I&I processes AT orders and pay.
• Commanders approve AT plans and review outcomes.

Your section's AT execution determines unit AT success.