The discussion of a particular environmental program assessment is covered in Chapter 6 . The planning cycle helps identify where specific actions take place. Figure 3-1 below highlights the parallel environmental protection actions that unit leaders must integrate into the planning, execution, and evaluation portions of a unit training cycle. The planning process begins with assessment. In-depth assessment determines a strategy to improve training proficiency on specific weaknesses and plan sustainment training on demonstrated strengths.
Assessment links the evaluation of completed training to the planning of upcoming training.
Commanders must assess the unit's internal and overall status of environmental training program and unit proficiency. Before effective planning can occur, it is essential to perform an assessment of the current status of a unit. Resources, such as major training areas, ammunition, and fuel, are allocated, and shortfalls are identified. The long-range plan synchronizes supporting units and agencies so that effective training events can be properly executed. This generally translates into annual training guidance.