A collective task is a task on which an organization trains to be proficient in its designed capabilities or assigned mission (FM 7-0 Training). It involves multiple individuals or units working together to accomplish a common objective. Collective tasks are essential for units to operate effectively in combat and other operational environments.
Key Facts
- Definition: A collective task is a task on which an organization trains to be proficient in its designed capabilities or assigned mission.
- Mission Essential Task List (METL): The METL is a comprehensive listing of all the collective tasks that a unit is designed to perform based on its Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) design. It includes the primary tasks that are critical to the unit’s mission success.
- Supporting Collective Tasks (SCT): SCTs are tasks that support and enable the accomplishment of the METs. These tasks are logically trained together with the METs to build full capability and proficiency.
- Training and Evaluation Outlines (T&EO): T&EOs provide the doctrinal task, conditions, standards, and performance steps and measures for each collective task. They serve as a guide for units to train and assess their proficiency in the tasks.
- Combined Arms Training Strategy (CATS): CATS is a proponent-approved training strategy that identifies a unit’s METL and recommends collective tasks to train based on the unit’s TOE. It provides a roadmap for commanders and trainers to focus on building proficiency in specific collective tasks over a designated period of time.
Mission Essential Task List (METL)
The Mission Essential Task List (METL) is a comprehensive listing of all the collective tasks that a unit is designed to perform based on its Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) design. It includes the primary tasks that are critical to the unit’s mission success. The METL is developed and maintained by the unit’s higher headquarters and serves as a guide for training and readiness.
Supporting Collective Tasks (SCT)
Supporting Collective Tasks (SCTs) are tasks that support and enable the accomplishment of the METs. These tasks are logically trained together with the METs to build full capability and proficiency. SCTs may include tasks such as providing security, conducting maintenance, or providing medical support.
Training and Evaluation Outlines (T&EO)
Training and Evaluation Outlines (T&EOs) provide the doctrinal task, conditions, standards, and performance steps and measures for each collective task. They serve as a guide for units to train and assess their proficiency in the tasks. T&EOs are developed and maintained by the Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) and are used by units throughout the Army.
Combined Arms Training Strategy (CATS)
The Combined Arms Training Strategy (CATS) is a proponent-approved training strategy that identifies a unit’s METL and recommends collective tasks to train based on the unit’s TOE. It provides a roadmap for commanders and trainers to focus on building proficiency in specific collective tasks over a designated period of time. CATS is developed and maintained by TRADOC and is used by units throughout the Army.
Conclusion
Collective tasks are essential for units to operate effectively in combat and other operational environments. The METL, SCTs, T&EOs, and CATS are key tools that units use to train and assess their proficiency in collective tasks. By understanding and using these tools, units can ensure that they are prepared to execute their assigned missions successfully.
FAQs
What is a collective task in the Army?
A collective task is a task on which an organization trains to be proficient in its designed capabilities or assigned mission. It involves multiple individuals or units working together to accomplish a common objective.
What is the purpose of the Mission Essential Task List (METL)?
The METL is a comprehensive listing of all the collective tasks that a unit is designed to perform based on its Table of Organization and Equipment (TOE) design. It includes the primary tasks that are critical to the unit’s mission success.
What are Supporting Collective Tasks (SCTs)?
SCTs are tasks that support and enable the accomplishment of the METs. These tasks are logically trained together with the METs to build full capability and proficiency.
What are Training and Evaluation Outlines (T&EOs)?
T&EOs provide the doctrinal task, conditions, standards, and performance steps and measures for each collective task. They serve as a guide for units to train and assess their proficiency in the tasks.
What is the Combined Arms Training Strategy (CATS)?
CATS is a proponent-approved training strategy that identifies a unit’s METL and recommends collective tasks to train based on the unit’s TOE. It provides a roadmap for commanders and trainers to focus on building proficiency in specific collective tasks over a designated period of time.
How do units use collective tasks to train?
Units use collective tasks to train by developing training plans and conducting training exercises that focus on the tasks that are critical to their mission success. They use T&EOs and CATS to guide their training and assess their proficiency.
Why are collective tasks important?
Collective tasks are important because they enable units to operate effectively in combat and other operational environments. By training on collective tasks, units can improve their ability to work together as a team and accomplish their assigned missions successfully.
What are some examples of collective tasks?
Some examples of collective tasks include conducting an attack, defending a position, providing security, conducting maintenance, and providing medical support.