Unit Training:

How It Is Evaluated and Reported to the Congress

NSIAD-86-94, Jun 17, 1986

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Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO examined how the Department of Defense (DOD) evaluates the effect of unit training on readiness, specifically: (1) the methods commanders use to determine if their units can perform wartime missions; (2) training program output indicators to provide more information about the services' ability to achieve their training goals; and (3) assistance to Congress in making its budget decisions.

GAO found that: (1) the exact amount of unit training that the services conducted is not known because the funds are merged with other program funds; (2) the effect that increased unit training has on combat readiness is difficult to measure; (3) the military branches do not submit a breakdown of time spent on training; and (4) the services should inform Congress of the attainment of their training goals to enable Congress to understand how funding levels are meeting the services' needs.