Crawl-Walk-Run

Take a look at how to properly train your Soldiers...

Intro

The CRW method is a very common and well-established training methodology

It is centered around the notion that to properly train a Soldier you must breakdown the learning objectives into 3 increasingly complex training blocks. As the Soldier(s) gain knowledge/confidence/experience, the training intensity/complexity continues to rise. It is a very useful training aid method, as it creates a common training template for leaders across the military. CWR helps instructors tackle difficult and complex training block and enables them to sequentially increase the dynamics of training. It helps instructors breakdown the training blocks into managable sections and stick to a training schedule.

The military has the unique role in that it must be able to perform a series of tasks in a:

• garrison-like conditions (ideal working)

• inclement weather environment (rain/snow/darkness/field conditions)

• in a tactical situation under ENY observation/fires/attack etc.

• hybrid situation of the last 2 bullet points

The 3 part method consists of:

• Crawl

• Walk

• Run

Soldiers can interact with the trainer in the 'Crawl and 'Walk' ' phases

During the 'Run' phase, trainers wait until the training cycle is complete before critiquing

CWR is best utilized in the following manner:

• complete 1 CWR training cycle in a:
  
  • daytime controlled environment
    
    • indoor; climate controlled; regular uniform; no additional items etc.
  • nigh-time semi-controlled environment
    
    • fair weather conditions; full combat gear; with and without NVGs (no rain/snow etc.)
    • WITH inclement weather (no moon illumination; rain/snow etc.)
    • with audible/visual interference (light and noise)
    • changes in mission such as: casualty care; vehicle breakdown; leadership changes etc.

Crawl

The first phase of training is called the:

• Crawl

The 'Crawl' phase is usually comprised of the theoretical portion and/or practical exercise

If a subject is very long; intense; difficult etc., then the 'Crawl' phase is simply the theoretical portion

If the subject is smaller-in-nature and easier to teach, then a practical exercise is often performed

Soldiers having 'classroom' portion of a litter carry

Walk

The second phase of training is called the:

• Walk

Usually speaking, the 'Walk' phase is when the training block is performed with the trainee and the trainer confirming/adjusting the training block as needed

It is in this phase that training becomes more routine and 'muscle memory' is learned

The Walk phase is usually under controlled conditions so that the trainee can focus on the task at-hand

Soldiers during a basic 'Walk' portion of learning in simple uniform only

Soldiers during a basic 'Walk' portion of learning in combat gear

Run

The third and final phase of training is called the:

• Run

Usually speaking, the 'Run' phase is when the training block is trained to MEET STANDARD

Daytime RUN phase of strecher bearers low-crawling under strung barbed wire

CRW Implentation

There are several ways to implement CRW:

• cover the entire subject in each Crawl/Walk/Run phase

• break-down the subject into chapter and perform CWR phases

• utilize a 'hybrid' approach of the two above mentioned exapmles

If no time to train is available, then the unit should be planning the CWR training schedule

If time is short-at-hand then usually only 1 phase of the CWR system can be practiced

If time is available, then the entire CWR system can be used

CWR training is part of a larger Training Time Management program

A unit needs a planned training schedule that covers all the units critical task and is planned for several month in advance to cover the task progression ladder (basic/individual skills; SQD/small unit skills; PLT/company integration skills)

Training is best performed with a unit training cycle system. Such a system breaks down the unit into smaller training groups. If we take a PLT as an example; then it is broken down into SQDs; each SQD starts will individual skills (marksmanship; medical etc.); then half the PLT (2 SQDs) can practice small unit tasks as the other 2 SQDs act as OPFOR and training support. Then the SQD roles can be reversed. Soldiers can learn important lessons from playing OPFOR and supporting other Soldiers train (how to think from the ENYs perspective; how to give a block of instruction; the technical/logistical/planning it takes to make a training program).

Practical Exercise

CWR phased training:

• 'Basic Driver's Course'

Any mods that are used (such as ACE/towing etc.), be sure to CRW those too

There are several tasks related to driving (especially with mods) that can greatly increase user experience (repair; loading; fueling; cargo; air dropping etc.)

RUN...Don't Fly

Unless it's some Air Force thing...we don't 'fly'!

Keep you feet on the ground...unless your packing a chute!

Conclusion

The Crawl-Walk-Run method is a time tested training methodology

The idea is to start training at a slow and digestible pace and progress to more intense training

Military training must be performed under austere and denied areas

The CWR method allows for incremental training