Pre-deployment training effectiveness for Army National Guard units mobilized to deploy in support of combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan: an evaluation study

An evaluation study of the effectiveness of pre-deployment training for Army National Guard Soldiers that are designated to deploy in support of combat Operations in Iraq and Afghanistan. This study evaluated the effectiveness of pre-deployment training based on the following research questions: (1) To what extent is the Department of Defense meeting its organizational goal of training and certifying 100% of National Guard deployable Soldiers that can safely and effectively execute their mission during combat deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan and return home from deployment; (2) What is the Soldiers’ knowledge and motivation related to displaying proficiency in all unit and individual tasks; (3) What are the interactions between Department of Defense and Army National Guard organization culture and resources and the Soldiers’ knowledge and motivation; (4) What are the recommendations for the DoD’s organizational practice in the areas of knowledge, motivation, and organizational resources for the Soldiers designated to deploy in support of combat operations. ❧ The participants in the study were Soldiers that served in the National Guard and participated in pre-deployment training prior to their combat deployment. The study used a mixed methods approach to data gathering using surveys and interviews. Participant responses established three themes: (1) A need for an increase in both financial and physical resources for training; (2) Equal treatment and consideration with their Active Duty Counterparts; (3) Increase in regional and cultural awareness training. Through the implementation of a pilot program described in this study Soldiers will receive the pre-deployment training they require to safely execute their mission in a combat environment. The training that Soldiers receive prior to deployment is vital for their safety when operating in a non-permissive, combat oriented deployed environment.