Sergeant’s Time Training: 23 Topic Ideas & Success Tips

Last updated on July 3rd, 2026 at 08:36 am

Sergeant’s Time Training (STT) is one of the most important training sessions in the Army, designed to enhance soldiers’ skills, build leadership qualities, and ensure readiness for any challenge. As an integral part of the Army’s training routine, it’s led by NCOs who guide their troops through a variety of hands-on exercises that range from tactical drills to leadership development.

Whether you’re an NCO looking to improve your training sessions or a soldier interested in understanding the purpose and benefits of STT, this blog post will share practical topic ideas, success tips, and strategies for making the most out of Sergeant’s Time. From improving physical fitness to honing leadership skills, let’s explore how to maximize the impact of STT for you and your team.

What is Sergeant’s Time Training & Who Conducts It?

23 Training Topic Ideas for Sergeant’s Time Training

What you will find below are 20 different topics you could teach about in your next Sergeant’s Time Training. Feel free to use any of these topics as you see fit. Just keep in mind, you know your Soldiers best and know what topics will benefit them the most.

# 1: Call for Fire

You could sign out a radio from the Supply Sergeant and take your troops to a local training area to practice the call for fire. You could start out with a brief class on the subject, do a demonstration, and then let each Soldier get some experience doing the call for fire themselves.

# 2: Creating a Personal Budget

You could find someone who is really good at handling their money, maybe even a local CPA, and have them do a class on “how to create a budget.” Have them give your Soldiers a sample budget, recommend some books on the topic, and help each Soldier come up with their own budget.

# 3: How to PMCS a Vehicle

Most people assume that Soldiers know how to do this correctly. I disagree. You could have a class covering how to PMCS a vehicle step-by-step, using the required technical manual. You could also evaluate each Soldier doing a PMCS and provide them constructive feedback.

# 4: Overview of the Thrift Savings Plan

You could have your unit’s finance officer or NCO visit with your Soldiers during Sergeant’s Time Training and do an overview of the Thrift Savings Plan. They could review how it works, what the different options are, what the pros and cons are, the tax advantages, the power of compound interest, etc.

# 5: How to Maximize Your Retirement Pay

You could help each Soldier get a printout of their retirement points. You could take that information and show each Soldier how to visit the online retirement calculator to see how much their pension will be when they retire. You could also talk about different ways to earn more retirement points (or a larger pension) by getting promoted, going to school, serving on ADOS, etc.

# 6: How to Evaluate a Casualty

This is another basic Warrior Task that many Soldiers forget how to do properly. You could have your unit medic give a class about evaluating casualties. Do a demonstration and show each Soldier what they should do. Then you can let each Soldier practice and provide them with some constructive feedback.

# 7: How to Set up a Field Tent

You could sign out some tents from your unit’s supply section and have your Soldiers practice assembling and disassembling it. This is a basic skill that every Soldier should know how to do. It’s also a perishable skill.

# 8: How to Operate a Vehicle in a Convoy

You could teach a class on convoys and then have your Soldiers prepare for a convoy. You could teach your Soldiers how to write a convoy order, how to stage vehicles, how to get a convoy clearance, or a wide variety of other things.

# 9: How to Operate/Load/Unload a M2 50 Cal

Another great idea for Sergeant’s Time Training is to teach your Soldiers how to use the M2 50 Cal properly. Many Soldiers have no idea how to do this. You could start out with a basic class and teach them how to assemble or disassemble the weapon. Or, you could teach them how to do a functions check or load the weapon.

# 10: Land Navigation

There are tons of different things you could do with Land Navigation. You could take your Soldiers to a local LAND NAV course. You could also teach a class on map reading. You could do mounted or dismounted LAND NAV. The options are endless.

# 11: How to Write an OPORD

You could teach your Soldiers the basics of OPORDs. You could take a unit OPORD and discuss the key elements of it. You could also assign each Soldier a “fake” mission where they must write an OPORD for it.

# 12: How to Conduct an Inventory

Another great idea for Sergeant’s Time Training is to teach your Soldiers how to conduct an inventory the right way. Have your Supply Sergeant give them a short class and then do a mock inventory with each Soldier. Show them the forms and paperwork that is required with each inventory.

# 13: How to Fill Out a DA Form 638 and Submit Someone for an Award

You could teach your Soldiers how to fill out a DA Form 638 to submit someone for an award. You could have each Soldier write up an award for someone and then give them feedback on their write-up.

# 14: Unit History

One of my favorite ideas for Sergeant’s Time Training is to teach a class on the unit’s history. Study the battles, the famous Soldiers, and the Medal of Honor recipients from your unit. Talk about the unit crest and motto. At the end of the class give each Soldier an exam to test their knowledge.

# 15: Battlefield Visit

Depending upon where you are assigned geographically, there is a good chance there is a battlefield within a one to two hour drive. If possible, do a battlefield visit and talk about what happened, what went well, and what the key learning points were.

# 16: How to Prepare a Risk Assessment

Another idea for Sergeant’s Time Training is to teach your Soldiers how to prepare a risk assessment. You could teach a class on how to prepare one the right way and then you could have each Soldier prepare a risk assessment of their own. At the end of the class you could provide feedback to each Soldier about what they did right and did wrong with their risk assessment.

# 17: Watch a Movie

You could watch a movie with your Soldiers and assign each Soldier a character in the movie. Once the movie is finished you could have each Soldier talk about what the character did right and wrong, what they would have done differently if they were that person, and what the key learning points were. Some great movies might include Band of Brothers, Saving Private Ryan or A Bridge Too Far!

# 18: React to NBC Attack

If there is one type of training that often gets neglected in the military, it’s NBC training. You could have your Soldiers learn how to set up the NBC alarm. You could also teach a class on how to decontaminate equipment. You could visit a local gas chamber. Or, you could have your Soldiers put on their NBC gear to make sure they know how to use it properly.

# 19: Drill and Ceremony

Another idea for Sergeant’s Time training is to train on drill and ceremony. You could give a class on drill and ceremony and give each Soldier a chance to lead drill and ceremony with their peers. This could include formations, marching orders, or whatever else you deem relevant.

# 20: Operate an M249

My last idea for Sergeant’s time Training is to teach your Soldiers how to operate the M249 machine gun. I’m sure you have Soldiers who are already proficient with it, but many of your Soldiers might not have any experience with the weapon. Teach how to assemble and disassemble it. Teach them how to do a functions check. If possible, head to the range and let each Soldier get experience firing the weapon.

# 21: Army Values or Warrior Ethos

Teaching a class on the Army Values or Warrior Ethos is a great refresher training for Sergeant’s Time Training. Although your Soldiers have received training on these topics in Basic Training, some of this information is easy to forget.

# 22: First Aid

First Aid is an important skill every Soldier should know how to do. Even though Soldiers learn basic first aid in Basic Training, many people forget how to do it. This would be a great topic for your upcoming training.

# 23: How to Conduct an AAR

Every small unit leader (and future leader) should know how to conduct an After Action Review. You could teach a class on this topic and then have each Soldier lead their own After Action Review.

10 Tips for Success

Conducting a successful Sergeant’s Time Training (STT) session requires planning, preparation, and a focus on effective instruction to keep soldiers engaged and mission-ready. Here are ten tips to make your STT impactful and productive:

# 1: Plan Ahead and Set Clear Objectives

Before each session, set specific, measurable objectives for what you want your soldiers to achieve by the end of the training. Clear goals make it easier for soldiers to understand the purpose of the training and measure their own progress.

# 2: Make Training Relevant and Practical

Focus on skills and tasks directly applicable to soldiers’ roles and mission requirements. Practical, hands-on exercises increase engagement and ensure soldiers are better prepared for real-world scenarios.

# 3: Use Realistic Scenarios and Simulations

Whenever possible, use realistic scenarios that mimic actual combat or duty environments. Integrate stressors, such as time constraints or physical tasks, to make training more immersive and applicable to real-life situations.

# 4: Incorporate Tactical Decision Games (TDGs)

Encourage soldiers to think critically and make tactical decisions during training. This builds confidence and adaptability, preparing them to make quick, effective decisions in complex situations.

# 5: Assign Knowledgeable Instructors

Ensure instructors are proficient in the subject matter and able to answer questions thoroughly. Soldiers will gain more from the training if they know the instructor is a credible, experienced source of knowledge.

# 6: Encourage Teamwork and Communication

Design exercises that require soldiers to communicate effectively and rely on each other. This strengthens unit cohesion and helps soldiers understand the importance of teamwork on the battlefield.

# 7: Provide Immediate Feedback and After-Action Reviews (AARs)

Give constructive feedback immediately after tasks are completed, highlighting both strengths and areas for improvement. Conducting an AAR allows everyone to reflect on what went well and what could be improved.

# 8: Utilize Training Aids and Visuals

Use diagrams, charts, and physical training aids to enhance learning. Visual tools help clarify complex concepts and make training sessions more engaging and easier to follow.

# 9: Keep Training Dynamic and Interactive

Avoid lengthy lectures and encourage active participation. Keep sessions dynamic by including problem-solving exercises, equipment drills, and group discussions to maintain engagement.

# 10: Adapt to Different Learning Styles and Levels

Recognize that soldiers learn differently, and some may need extra time or different methods to grasp certain skills. Tailor your approach when necessary, offering additional support or alternative explanations to ensure all soldiers meet the training standards.

By incorporating these tips, you can deliver Sergeant’s Time Training that not only builds competence and readiness but also fosters confidence and cohesion within the unit.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, this is just a short list of good ideas for Sergeant’s Time Training. You are only limited to your imagination and to the needs of your Soldiers. If in doubt, get some ideas from your supervisor or peers. You could even ask your Soldiers what areas they would like training in.

Your key to success is to provide practical, relevant, battle focused training. Also, make sure you are prepared. Come up with a plan, do a few rehearsals, and make sure you have the resources on hand you need to succeed! Don’t wing it. Treat your Sergeant’s Time Training just as seriously as you would any other training event.

If possible get away from the armory or unit and go to a secluded training area where there are no distractions, preferably somewhere quiet. Another tip is to make sure your Sergeants and Staff Sergeants are leading the training. Let the senior NCOs supervise and give the junior NCOs a chance to teach their Soldiers. Make sure you get maximum participation. Try to make it a hands on event where there is a combination of instruction and application.

I’d love to hear some of your good ideas for Sergeant’s Time Training. What tips and what subjects do you recommend? To share your thoughts just leave a comment below. Thanks.

If you’re looking for a good book for your Soldiers’ (or your own) professional development, I suggest the great book “The Three Meter Zone”. Order it here on Amazon.

Suggested Reading:

1. NCODP Topics & Ideas
2. How to Map Out Your Military Career
3. How to Fast Track Your Military Career
4. Military Career Tips
5. How to Network in the Military

Recommended Resources

• Small Unit Leadership (My favorite book for NCOs)
• The Three Meter Zone