MCO 1553.3C — Unit Training Management (utm) Program

MCO 1553.3C governs the Marine Corps Unit Training Management Program and standards-based training for combat readiness.

Search MCO 1553.3C

  • Publication number: MCO 1553.3C
  • Title: UNIT TRAINING MANAGEMENT (UTM) PROGRAM
  • Date: 9 Aug 2023
  • Proponent: 01000 Military Personnel
  • Status: Current

View MCO 1553.3C on armypubs.army.mil


It covers mission essential tasks, training and readiness standards, unit training plans, training events, and formal learning venues. It requires commanders and units to plan, evaluate, and progressively improve training aligned with those standards.

Applies to: This Order provides policy for the implementation of the UTM Program throughout the Marine Corps in order to aid commanders in the development and execution of training plans that will ensure all Marines and Marine units attain and sustain combat readiness.

Topics covered

  • Unit Training Management
  • Mission essential tasks
  • Training and readiness standards
  • Unit training plans
  • Training events and exercises
  • High risk training
  • Formal learning venues

Questions and answers

How does the UTM Program apply training principles to unit training plans?

The UTM Program combines and applies Marine Corps training principles and the Systems Approach to Training and Education (SATE) to the design and implementation of a unit training plan. (paragraph 4)

How are mission essential task lists reviewed and validated?

Commanders review and validate their assigned mission essential task list (METL), comprised of core tasks assigned by unit type and other tasks as deemed necessary by higher headquarters (HHQ), mission, or commander’s discretion. (paragraph 4)

Who is responsible for a unit’s training?

The commander is responsible for the unit’s training. (paragraph 1)

What must unit training be aligned to?

All training is aligned to T&R standards, derived from the unit’s METs. (paragraph 2)

What are T&R manuals used for?

T&R manuals provide a building block approach for progressively challenging training, from individual to collective events that support MET proficiency. (paragraph 1)

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