Too often, leaders complete their plan but neglect the
preparation required to execute quality training. Completing
the plan is necessary for good training, but is not sufficient
by itself. Planning and preparation are two of the
training management phases outlined in FM 7-0. The most
difficult work is preparation, where the detailed integration
is completed. If you’ve ever attended a substandard training
event, chances are that the leadership had a plan but didn’t
prepare for it. FM 7-0 describes preparation in several parts
(such as training the trainers and rehearsals) that overlap
with the eight-step training model. Several parts of the
troop-leading procedures (TLPs) described in FM 5-0, The
Operations Process (such as conducting reconnaissance, issuing
the order, and supervising and refining) also overlap
with the eight-step training model (see figure). The preparation
steps are essential skills that small-unit leaders must
know and demonstrate.