US ARMY COMMUNITY SERVICE CENTER

Advance Sheet for Lesson:

US Army Spouse Workshop: Understanding the structure and roles of the Brigade Combat
Team
1. OVERVIEW
There has been an ever growing need for an optional course that gives Army spouses the
opportunity to become better acquainted with Army unit structure. A detailed breakdown of a
Brigade Combat Team and how it functions will provide spouses with an in depth understanding of
specific jobs. The workshop will also take the time to highlight the importance of spousal roles
within a Brigade Combat Team and how those roles are directly and indirectly effecting the
Brigades readiness. This would allow them to be more in tune with why their Soldier trains the
way they do and would allow them to become more supportive of their job and its impact on the
organization.
This course will be provided to the new military spouse as the family begins to in process their
new duty station. It will be the responsibility of the post in-processing center to manage and
facilitate the course. As, this course is optional for new spouses it will be the responsibility of the
Soldier to encourage their spouse to attend the course. Soldiers will also be authorized to attend
the course with their spouse to provide comfort and support. The course will also be available
retroactively to any spouse that has an interest.
The learning goals of this workshop will reflect how the participant is expected to understand and
retain the information being presented on the Armys Brigade Combat Teams.
2. LEARNING GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
GOAL: Develop an increased understanding of the Armys three Brigade Combat Teams
structures.
OBJECTIVE 1: The learner will be able to identify the differences between the three major
Brigade Combat Teams
Action: Analyze current Army structure through the lens of US Doctrine
Condition: Using readings, references, class lecture, and group discussion.
Standard: Analysis will include:
1. Brigade Combat Teams in relation to major Army Divisions
2. Key difference in the Brigade Combat Team structure
Learning Domain: Cognitive
Level of Learning: Analysis
OBJECTIVE 2: The learner will be able to describe the functions and mission of each Brigade
Combat Team.
Action: Analyze how each Brigade Combat Teams functions through the use of US Doctrine
Condition: Using previous analysis, readings, references, class lecture, and group discussion.
Standard: Analysis will include:

1. The Purpose of each Brigade Combat Team

2. Who their specific mission shapes the Operational Environment
3. What assets do they contribute to the overall scope of the Army structure
Learning Domain: Cognitive
Level of Learning: Analysis
GOAL: When given relevant information, participants will gain awareness of how they directly
influence Army readiness.
OBJECTIVE 3: The learner will be able to list organizations that create opportunities for spousal
inclusion across the Army.
Action: Present organizations in and out of the Army that are available for spousal participation
Condition: Within an academic environment and facilitated by the Workshop Facilitator.
Standard: The discussion will include:
1. Break down of spousal based organizations
2. The analysis to support the need of active spousal involvement
3. The underlying fundamentals of how these organizations play a crucial role in unit cohesion
4. A general consensus will be reached
Learning Domain: Cognitive
Level of Learning: Analysis
OBJECTIVE 4: The learner will be able to identify the roles available to spouses within Brigade
Combat Teams.
Action: Present the information on specific roles available to spouses within a Brigade Combat
Team
Condition: Within an academic environment and facilitated by the Workshop Facilitator.
Standard: The discussion will include:
1. Break down available full-time. part-time, and volunteer positions for spouses
2. The analysis to support the need of active spousal involvement in Brigade Combat Teams
specifically
3. A general consensus of the importance spouses play in the careers of their Soldiers
Learning Domain: Cognitive
Level of Learning: Analysis
3. ISSUE MATERIAL
Advance Issue. The advance sheet will be provided digitally to the students NLT 24hrs prior to
the Workshop.
Bring to Class. Students must bring a notebook with pen or pencil. It is also highly encouraged
to bring a laptop or tablet for digital participation.
During Class. The students will be given copes of Field Manual 3-96: The Brigade Combat
Team, Family Readiness Leaders Handbook, Army Regulation 210-22: Private Organizations on
Department of the Army Installations. These will be aggregated and sent back out to the students

digitally for retention and use in the future. There will be a PowerPoint given during the course that
will be available in hard copy.
4. COURSE SCHEDULE
See Appendix A
5. ASSESSMENT PLAN
Students will be evaluated by their Small Group Instructor on (1) multiple choice and open answer
questions for the pre-assessment (2) group discussion for the post-assessment.

Appendix A
Spouse Workshop
Proposed Training Schedule
Date

Start
Time

End
Time

Location

Description

TBD

0900

0930

TBD

Course Introduction and Overview

0930

1130

TBD

Present material in accordance

with Objective 1

1130

1300

Student
Choice

Lunch

1300

1500

TBD

Present material in accordance

with Objective 2

1500

1630

TBD

Present material in accordance

with Objectives 3 and 4

1630

1700

TBD

Group discussion and Workshop

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