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NEWS | April 2, 2020

Virtual Battle Assembly

By Courtesy Story U.S. Army Reserve Command

Effective immediately, the CAR/CG authorizes the use of Virtual Battle Assemblies (VBAs) for all Army Reserve Troop Program Unit (TPU) Commands. VBAs have been put in place to ensure Soldiers have the maximum means to maintain individual Soldier readiness, build resiliency, and provide stability and security to our Soldiers and families.

Commanders have the authority to change VBA dates to maximize participation and make up Battle Assemblies (BAs) that were impacted by COVID-19. Until further notice, all BAs are VBAs.

The examples below describe some of the training, fitness, educational and administrative options available to Soldiers.

  • Performance of Assigned Duties and/or Additional Duties – First line leaders are responsible for validating Soldier performance and ensuring leadership is informed during VBA. Acceptable activities include any assigned or additional duties consistent with the Soldiers’ day-to-day operation(s).
  • Physical Training – Soldiers will document – and first line leaders will validate – physical training (i.e. PT, PRT, ACFT Prep).
  • Online Courses – Includes mandatory annual requirements or any relevant type of military or civilian-equivalent courses.
  • Professional Development (i.e., OPD/NCOPD/LPD/SGT’s Time) – Training (i.e., OPD/NCOPD/LPD/SGT’s Time) can be accomplished over TELECON, video teleconference or collaborative program/app.
  • Administrative Requirements – Actions focused on meeting administrative/readiness requirements or contributing toward individual or medical readiness (e.g. Evaluations, Support Forms, Counseling, Promotion Packets, Awards, DD93s, SGLV, PRR, ARB).

The following resources outline some training options available:

  • Physical Training (ACFT) (https://www.army.mil/acft/) Link provides exercises from drills that support ACFT specific training. FM 7-22, Chapter Two, lists exercises such as strength training and conditioning drills. Soldiers are encouraged to perform the whole drill. Exercise modifications are also included so that Soldiers can train with and without equipment.
  • Online Courses (see AR 350-1 Appendix F Mandatory Training or Army Training Network (ATN))
    • Professional Development (OPD/NCOPD, Sergeant’s Time)
    • Health & Wellness
    • Career Management
    • Personal Finances
    • Leadership
    • Operations
    • Electronic annual records or birth month audit
    • Courses listed as compensable (approximately 500 from the Electronic-Based Distributed Learning list (see Appendix 1 to Annex T to FRAGORD 001 to OPORD 20-048 (USARC, USAR COVID-19 Response))
  • Administrative requirements
    • ARB Updates (https://selfservice.rcms.usar.army.mil/)
    • Army Fit updates (https://armyfit.army.mil)
    • Medical Readiness (https://us.army.mil)
  • Army Training Network (ATN) (https://atn.army.mil) Training aids and resources are available at ATN to enhance your Virtual Training. Review Small Unit Leader Tool Tutorials. Review Unit Training Management (UTM) for battalion- or brigade-level training.
  • Digital Training Management System (DTMS) (https://dtms.army.mil) Commanders should be deliberate in their planning for the VBA. Commanders will use training schedules and training plans for Soldier training awareness and to record the training that has been completed during the VBA period.
  • Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program (YRRP) Virtual Events (https://www.yellowribbon.mil/) Includes classes focusing on stress management, communication and financial planning. Soldiers can register for an eight-hour block of instruction and will receive a certificate upon completion. Commands can request a class roster to verify completion.
  • “Strong Bonds-Funded” Soldier/Family Virtual Resiliency Training (https://www.lovetakeslearning.com/about.php) This relationship-building program is available through ePREP; seven sessions (6 hours) Benefits include reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression and reduced frequency of physical aggression. USARC CH DIR POCs are brian.r.seidel.mil@mail.mil and ikechukwu.l.eweama.mil@mail.mil.

Updated April 2, 2020