USMC Battle Skills (BST) Test (aka. Common Skills Individual Training Events) - DODReads (2024)

Contains Official guidance on the equipment, implementation, rules procedures for the new Marine Corps Battle Skills Test (USMC BST)

Battle Skills Test Downloads

Battle Skills Test Points of Contact

• Master Sergent D.D. RIDGEWAY TECOM(C466) TEL: (703) 784-1348 EMAIL: DAX.RIDGEWAY@USMC.MIL
• Mr. T.J. APPLETON TECOM(C466) TEL: (703) 784-3032 EMAIL: TY.J.APPLETON.CTR@USMC.MIL
• Major N.P. DMOCHOWS TECOM(C466) TEL: (703) 784-3038 EMAIL: NATHAN.DMOCHOWSKI@USMC.MIL

Battle Skills Test (BST) Links

• USMC BST Training support packages: https://vcepub.tecom.usmc.mil/sites/directorates/mtesd/SitePages/AnnualTraining.aspx
• IMM module: https://mctims.usmc.mil/UnitTrainingManagement/imm/pages/Default.aspx
• Entry Level Training T and R Manual: https://mctims.usmc.mil/TNRManual/Pages/communityhome.aspx?CommunityId={7F5CB6E7-5BF6-469F-9E35-37AA269E7635}&Name=Entry Level Training

Battle Skills Test (USMC BST) Equipment List

• Service rifle or replica
• Magazines
• Dummy rounds
• Maps
• Compasses
• Protractors
• Map pens
• Individual first aid kits (IFAC) or training IFAK
• VHF radios such as the AN/PRC-152

USMC BST Messages (MARADMIN)

Messages taken from –> https://www.marines.mil/News/Messages/MARADMINS/

CALENDAR YEAR 2019 GUIDANCE FOR THE BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM (USMC BST)

R 022055Z APR 19
MARADMIN 209/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/CALENDAR YEAR 2019 GUIDANCE FOR THE BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM//
REF/A/MARADMIN 693/17//
REF/B/NAVMC 3500.18D//
NARR/REF A ANNOUNCED IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM. REF B IS THE APPROVED MARINE CORPS COMMON SKILLS TRAINING AND READINESS MANUAL.//
POC/D.D. RIDGEWAY/MSGT/TECOM(C466)/QUANTICO/TEL: (703) 784-1348/EMAIL: DAX.RIDGEWAY@USMC.MIL//
POC/T.J. APPLETON/CTR/TECOM(C466)/TEL: (703) 784-3032/EMAIL: TY.J.APPLETON.CTR@USMC.MIL//
POC/N.P. DMOCHOWSKI/MAJ/TECOM(C466)/QUANTICO/TEL: (703) 784-3038/EMAIL: NATHAN.DMOCHOWSKI@USMC.MIL//
GENTXT/REMARKS/1. This Marine Administrative Message (MARADMIN) provides amplifying guidance to the Battle Skills Test (BST) in Calendar Year (CY) 2019 and addresses issues identified since implementation in January 2018.
2. USMC BST Execution. The BST will continue to be executed in accordance with reference (a).
2.a. There are no waivers for BST annual training and evaluation. All Marines (E1-O10) will complete the training as set forth in reference (a).
2.b. Commanders are encouraged to conduct the BST as part of their unit training plans but have the latitude to execute in the best manner for their units. In cases where a unit lacks the weapons or equipment specific to the BST, the task can be conducted as a knowledge-based evaluation.
3. BST Training Support Packages (TSP). Training and Education Command (TECOM) has updated all TSP’s for CY 2019. Units can download TSPs from the TECOM SharePoint site at: https:(slant)(slant)vcepub.tecom.usmc.mil/sites/directorates/mtesd/sitePages/Home.aspx.
4. BST Reporting. Commanders are responsible for the accurate reporting of the BST in the Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS). Commanders will ensure completion rosters and data entries are entered into the Individual Marine Management module located in the Unit Training Management (UTM) section of MCTIMS.
4.a. At the present time, only 29 of the original 30 BST events are reflected in the MCTIMS UTM module. Per reference (b), the former standalone training and readiness event, “search an individual” is now a performance step under the “handle detainees” event. When reporting training in UTM, units will report completion for both the “handling detainees” and “searching an individual” events.
4.b. Marines reporting to units following entry level training and their MOS schools, will be entered into MCTIMS as BST complete for that CY; e.g., Marines reporting from the School of Infantry to Second Battalion, First Marines in July, will be run as BST complete in MCTIMS for that CY.
4.c. BST events in MCTIMS are tied to sustainment intervals in reference (b). There are 10 BST events that have a training and readiness standard with a six-month sustainment interval. Due to MCTIMS reporting limitations at this time, units will be required to make a second entry into MCTIMS after 1 July (if the BST was conducted between 1 Jan to 30 Jun) for those events with six-month sustainment intervals. TECOM is working with MCTIMS to correct the problem. There is no need to re-train/evaluate those events.
5. Administration. Contact the TECOM point of contacts for questions regarding the BST and this MARADMIN.
6. Release authorized by Major General, William F Mullen III, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//

BATTLE SKILLS TEST AND RELEASE OF THE 21ST EDITION OF THE GUIDEBOOK FOR MARINES

MARADMIN 058/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/BATTLE SKILLS TEST (USMC BST) AND RELEASE OF THE 21ST EDITION OF THE GUIDEBOOK FOR MARINES//
POC/LEON PAPPA/TECOM MTESD GSB/(703) 784-3035/EMAIL: LEON.PAPPA@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. During 2018, the Marine Corps implemented the Commandant directed Battle Skills Test (BST) Program to reinforce the ethos of “Every Marine a Rifleman” by ensuring that every Marine, regardless of rank or unit, maintains a standardized level of proficiency in common skills. Earlier in 2018, Training and Education Command published 30 Training Support Packages (TSP) to assist leaders in preparation for their instruction and to be used when Marines demonstrate their proficiency when tested. Today, Marines are successfully meeting the intent of the BST Program by employing leader-led training to sustain non-military occupational specialties specific core skills across the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
2. Recently, the 21st edition of the Guidebook for Marines was published. Generations of Marines are familiar with the Guidebook as it has long been issued to recruits and made available to lieutenants attending The Basic School. This 21st edition of the Guidebook retains the timeless Marine subjects such as History, Traditions, Courtesies, Law of War, Drill, Combat Formations, and Signals, while it updates subjects such as Weapons, Martial Arts, Communications, and Physical Fitness. Additionally, this newest edition includes an appendix identifying where BST skills are embedded into relevant chapters in the Guidebook for leaders to use as a reference to assist in training their units and for Marines to serve as an additional and relevant study guide for the BST annual training requirement.
3. As the BST moves into its second year of execution, Marines will have both the Guidebook and TSPs to help sustain the training on skills first learned during entry level training.
4. Release authorized by Major General, William F. Mullen III, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM

R 211500Z DEC 17
MARADMIN 693/17
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG MCCDC QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/IMPLEMENTATION OF THE REVISED BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM//
REF/A/DOC/NAVMC 3500.18C 2017//
NARR/REF A IS THE ENTRY LEVEL TRAINING AND READINESS MANUAL.//
POC/S.W. GLENN/LTCOL/TECOM MTESD/QUANTICO VA/TEL: 703-784-3038/EMAIL: STUART.GLENN@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. The purpose of this Marine Administrative Message (MARADMIN) is to provide the total force with guidance to implement the Battle Skills Test ( USMC BST) program.
2. Situation. The Marine Corps invests significant time and resources on entry level training. Recruits and officer candidates are introduced to critical skills that serve as the foundation for success in peace and in war. These skills are further reinforced as Marines attend their military occupational specialty (MOS) producing schools. It is imperative today, as it has been throughout the Corps history, for all Marines, regardless of MOS or rank, to sustain these skills. The Marine Corps will employ the BST program to ensure all Marines sustain basic combat skills and knowledge to be successful on the battlefield.
3. Mission. Effective 1 January 2018, the total force will conduct the training and evaluation of 30 tasks designated in the BST program in order to sustain skills common for all Marines.
4. Execution
4.A. Commanders Intent. The BST Program provides a structured approach for the service to ensure all Marines sustain proficiency in 30 of the 178 common skills taught during entry level training. The program will emphasize training using a leader-led, face-to-face approach. Small unit leaders (noncommissioned officers and above) will be the primary trainers and evaluators. Marines, private through general, will annually demonstrate their mastery of these common skills. Commanders will have flexibility in their approach to training and evaluating their units.
4.B. Concept of Operations. The BST Program effectively begins 1 January 2018 as a calendar year requirement. However, commanders can immediately start incorporating BST training into their unit training plans and are encouraged to begin preparing their small unit leaders to conduct and evaluate the 30 common skills. Training support packages (TSP) and associated performance evaluation checklists for each of the 30 USMC BST skills are online to assist small unit leaders. The TSPs provide small unit leaders the required information, performance steps, and evaluation criteria to facilitate leader-led training. The training is designed to be conducted in any environment from garrison to field, on the flight line, in the motor pool, maintenance bay, or on ship. Units may find that many of these skills are already embedded in their unit training plan, thereby minimizing the impact of the BST Program. Commanders determine how and when the training and evaluation will occur throughout the calendar year. Options range from training and evaluation over the course of a year to training throughout the year and then consolidating evaluation into a culminating event to foster esprit de corps. For example, training and evaluation can be combined in a teach it, test it method where Marines are evaluated immediately after the training is conducted, or Marines can be trained and then evaluated on a later date. All Marines have previously been taught these skills during entry level training, thus the expectation is that Marines have the ability to easily refresh and sustain these skills. However, if unable to pass, Marines will have multiple opportunities to remediate. Commanders have the entire calendar year to ensure their Marines train and pass all 30 of the skills, and will ensure that training is recorded.
4.C. Coordinating Instructions
4.C.1. Commanders will include the BST Program in their commanders training guidance, training plans, and training records.
4.C.2. Commanders are responsible for the accurate reporting of training in the Individual Marine Management (IMM) module in Marine Corps Training Information Management System (MCTIMS). The IMM module can also provide the commanders with an assessment of their commands progress in completing the BST tasks.
4.C.3. Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC) will use the HQMC Inspector General 1553.3 Unit Training Management checklist as part of the Commanding Generals Inspection Program to ensure units comply with the program. Units will be inspected on their commanders training guidance, unit training plan, and record keeping within the MCTIMS IMM module.
4.C.4. Commanders should consider mastery/non-mastery of BST skills when assigning proficiency marks, fitness report markings, and recommendations for promotion.
4.C.5. The 30 skills of USMC BST Program are:
4.C.5.A. Basic Infantry skills:
Conduct observation
Defend a position
Describe the use of deadly force
Employ a map and compass
Handle detainees
Identify anomalies
Perform actions with a service rifle
Perform immediate action upon contact with the enemy
Perform weapons handling procedures with a service rifle
Search an individual
Stand a sentry post
Visually identify indicators of improvised explosive devices
4.C.5.B. Communications:
Communicate using hand and arm signals
Operate a VHF radio
Submit a message
4.C.5.C. First Aid:
Apply a tourniquet
Describe phases of tactical combat casualty care
Treat a cold weather injury
Treat a heat injury
4.C.5.D. History:
Identify significant events in Marine Corps history
Identify the historical significance of Marine Corps uniform items
4.C.5.E. Leadership:
Apply the components of the decision cycle (OODA loop)
Describe Marine air-ground task force organizations
Describe operational security
Describe stresses of combat
Describe The Code of Conduct
Describe rights of a prisoner of war
Prepare for combat
4.C.5.F. Uniform Code of Military Justice:
Describe Article 15, Non-Judicial Punishment
Describe Article 31, Rights of the Accused
5. Administration and Logistics.
5.A. Administration. Units will be able to download the required training material TSPs from the Training and Education Command (TECOM) SharePoint site and in MCTIMS. Units will record the completed training using the IMM module in MCTIMS where all annual training is currently recorded. Training clerks and personnel with the appropriate MCTIMS permissions will be able to roster Marines against approved TSP events. Units will be able to generate reports tracking their progress regarding the 30 required BST tasks.
5.B. Logistics. The design of the USMC BST Program purposefully limits the equipment required to conduct the training and evaluation. Units will need the following equipment to conduct all of the 30 tasks: service rifle or replica, magazines, dummy rounds, maps, compasses, protractors, map pens, individual first aid kits (IFAC) or training IFAK and VHF radios such as the AN/PRC-152. Units that do not have access to this equipment should conduct training with modifications. Alternative training solutions will be developed to meet the intent of the training.
6. Command and Signal.
6.A. Points of Contacts:
6.A.1. Lieutenant Colonel Stuart Glenn, Marine Air Ground Task Force Training and Education Standards Division, TECOM, stuart.glenn@usmc.mil, (703) 784-3038.
6.A.2. Ty Appleton, BST Program Manager, ty.j.appleton.ctr@usmc.mil, (703) 784-3032.
6.A.3. Joe Bradley, MCTIMS support, joe.l.bradley@usmc.mil, (703) 432-2201.
6.B. Links:
6.B.1. Training support packages: https:(slant)(slant)vcepub.tecom.usmc.mil/sites/directorates/mtesd/SitePages/AnnualTraining.aspx.
6.B.2. IMM module: https:(slant)(slant)mctims.usmc.mil/UnitTrainingManagement/imm/pages/Default.aspx.
6.B.3. Entry Level Training T and R Manual: https:(slant)(slant)mctims.usmc.mil/TNRManual/Pages/communityhome.aspx?CommunityId={7F5CB6E7-5BF6-469F-9E35-37AA269E7635}&Name=Entry Level Training.
7. This MARADMIN is applicable to the Marine Corps Total Force.
8. Release authorized by Lieutenant General Robert S. Walsh, Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command.//

ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM

R 211610Z DEC 17
ALMAR 046/17
MSGID/CMC WASHINGTON DC DMCS//
SUBJ/ANNOUNCEMENT OF THE BATTLE SKILLS TEST PROGRAM//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1. As Marines, we take great pride in our ethos, Every Marine a rifleman, and our goal is for every Marine to possess the requisite knowledge and skills required to fight and win on the modern battlefield. One of the foundational hallmarks of the Marine Corps is that any Marine of any military occupational specialty can pick up a service weapon, cadre into a fighting unit, and employ that weapon in a tactical situation on the battlefield. The Marine Corps makes a significant investment in entry level training to achieve this end-state. Every enlisted Marine must graduate from Marine Combat Training to become a basic rifleman and every commissioned officer must pass The Basic School to become a provisional rifle platoon commander. This approach to basic training creates a shared bond and warfighting capability that ensures every Marine is prepared to fight and win in every clime and place.
2. Consistent with the Marine Corps Operating Concept that embraces our naval character, expeditionary mindset, tenets of maneuver warfare, and fighting as a combined arms force, it is imperative that we maintain our warfighting ethos and develop leaders at every echelon by renewing our focus on sustaining basic combat skills. We will achieve this objective by reinvigorating and integrating Battle Skills Test ( USMC BST) training and evaluation into unit and individual training regimens across the total force.
3. Effective 1 January 2018, commanders at all levels will plan, implement, and record BST training and evaluation as a part of their unit training plan. Marine Corps noncommissioned officers (NCO) will lead the charge at the small unit level, ensuring proficiency is maintained in individual BST skills through leader led and knee-cap to knee-cap training venues. NCOs are the center of gravity to success for the BST program, and preparing NCOs for the sustainment, training, and evaluation of their Marines is a leadership imperative. BST training will ensure every unit, regardless of mission, maintains a standardized level of proficiency in basic combat skills which in turn will enhance the unit’s overall combat capability.
4. I have approved a concise list of 30 BST training and readiness events and associated training support packages (TSP) that cover the functional areas of history, Uniform Code of Military Justice, first aid, leadership, basic infantry skills, and communications. The TSPs for these designated events are available on the Marines.mil website. Unit commanders will utilize TSPs to train and evaluate their Marines. Individual BST training and evaluation will be recorded and tracked utilizing the Marine Corps Training Information Management System.
5. In order to ensure accountability for the execution of unit level BST training and evaluation, I have directed the Inspector General to include BST completion as an inspection requirement on the Unit Training Management Inspector General Checklist.
6. I understand and accept that this is an additional task to complete. That said, as we look to meet present and future challenges, it is crucial to recognize that our expeditionary readiness mindset and the warfighting capability manifested in the phrase every Marine a rifleman is built on individual proficiency in BST skills.
7. Robert B. Neller, General, U.S. Marine Corps, Commandant of the Marine Corps.//

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Air Force Links: ADLS Login (1.3k US) – Air Force ATAAPS (1.6 US ) – Air Force Webmail (3.6k US)
Marine Corps Links: Battle Skills Test (40 US) {USMC BST=260} — MARADMIN (22k US) — Marine Pay Charts (800 US)