MCRP 7-20A.2 — Event And Exercise Design

MCRP 7-20A.2 governs the design of standards-based Marine Corps unit training events and exercises within training plans.

Search MCRP 7-20A.2

  • Publication number: MCRP 7-20A.2
  • Title: EVENT AND EXERCISE DESIGN
  • Date: 27 Jan 2023
  • Proponent: 03000 Operations & Readiness
  • Status: Current

View MCRP 7-20A.2 on armypubs.army.mil


It covers designer mindsets, design principles, planning teams, life-cycle milestones, analysis, scope, parameters, blueprints, and scenario resources. It requires leaders to seek training opportunities that improve proficiency within time, money, and resource constraints.

Applies to: This publication is for unit training leaders (officers, staff noncommissioned officers, and noncommissioned officers) at the battalion/squadron level throughout the Fleet Marine Forces.

Topics covered

  • Training event design
  • Training exercise design
  • Design principles
  • Planning and design teams
  • Event and exercise life cycle
  • Training and Readiness event lists
  • Blueprint development
  • Scenario event resources

Questions and answers

What does MCRP 7-20A.2 provide guidance for?

Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 7-20A.2, Event and Exercise Design, provides guidance for Marine leaders and trainers on how to create standards-based unit training events and exercises.

How are training events and exercises used?

Training events and exercises represent the implementation of the unit training plan.

What are training events and exercises intended to provide?

Trainers and leaders create events and exercises as opportunities for Marines and units to learn, perform, and be tested according to the published standards.

What must leaders seek when training Marines and units?

Leaders must seek opportunities to train their Marines and units to achieve the greatest gains in individual and unit proficiency within time, money, and resource constraints.

What do MCRP 7-20A.2 and its associated family of MCRPs cancel?

In conjunction with MCTP 7-20A, MCRP 7-20A.2 and the associated family of MCRPs cancel MCTP 8-10A, Unit Training Management Guide, dated 25 November 1996, erratum dated 2 May 2016, and change 1, dated 4 April 2018; and MCTP 8-10B, How to Conduct Training, dated 10 August 2005, erratum dated 2 May 2016, and change 1, dated 4 April 2018.

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