ThreatMinutes: Empowering Soldiers With Bite-Sized Digital Learning

ThreatMinutes PLAA Playlist on YouTube

Although it is crucial for Soldiers to stay up to date with the latest information about rapidly evolving threats and opposing forces, the traditional approach of disseminating lengthy and complex intelligence documents or in-person briefings may not be the most effective way to engage Soldiers who tend to exhibit a more self-directed and exploratory learning style. To address this challenge, TRADOC G-2 has introduced ThreatMinutes, a series of videos under a minute long designed to introduce foundational information and concepts about real-world threats and the training Opposing Force (OPFOR).

“The most powerful way to learn is through exploration and discovery.” – Steve Jobs

Understanding ThreatMinutes

ThreatMinutes represent a high-potential, low-cost approach to military education.  The primary objective of ThreatMinutes is to provide junior Soldiers with a basic understanding of potential threats and the OPFOR in a manner that complements their nature as digital natives. These short-form videos are tailored to accommodate the emergent learning model familiar to these Soldiers of first framing the subject and then exploring more. By adopting a concise format and accommodating Soldiers’ exploratory learning style, ThreatMinutes offers a low-barrier entry point and serves as a steppingstone for Soldiers to explore more comprehensive TRADOC G-2 products to deepen their understanding of the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Advantages of Short-Form Learning

Short-form learning products have gained immense popularity due to their effectiveness in capturing the attention of the audience and delivering key information in a concise manner. The modern digital era, in which information is readily available at our fingertips, has shaped Soldier learning preferences – more inclined to consume quick and easily digestible content that can be accessed on platforms they use regularly. To understand the reach this information delivery format may generate, one need only to see the popularity of online media platforms like Instagram, YouTube and similar efforts by other social media platforms to accommodate consumption preferences.

The YouTube Shorts format chosen for ThreatMinutes is an ideal choice. With its specific size and 60-second limitation, it aligns perfectly with mobile-first consumption habits, ensuring content is delivered with maximum effectiveness. Furthermore, the use of video as a medium engages both visual and auditory senses, enhancing retention.

ThreatMinutes video examples

Empowering Soldiers Where They Are

One of the primary goals of ThreatMinutes is to empower the widest possible audience of Soldiers with foundational knowledge about potential threats and opposing forces. By providing easily accessible content on the TRADOC G-2 YouTube channel and the TRADOC G-2 Operational Environment website, these videos create a learning environment where Soldiers can educate themselves at their own pace. The short duration of ThreatMinutes encourages regular consumption, fitting seamlessly into Soldiers’ busy schedules.

Commanders and leaders at all levels can drive Soldier Threat knowledge by incorporating ThreatMinutes playlists into team training and implementing incentives for completion. Higher-level commanders may incentivize junior leaders by rewarding units that have a high percentage of Soldier completion.

Current and Potential Future Topics

The first wave of ThreatMinutes videos address our Pacing Threat, China, and the doctrinal training Opposing Force (OPFOR) —foundational topics for understanding potential adversaries and enabling training across the Army force. Going forward, TRADOC G-2 can expand the range of topics covered in ThreatMinutes to include emerging threat conditions for training implications, evolving military strategies, and relevant “In the News” threat conditions.  As ThreatMinutes continue to evolve and expand, they have the potential to play a pivotal role in shaping the knowledge and preparedness of the next generation of U.S. Army personnel.

Foundations – China’s PLAA (playlist on YouTube)

PLAA Introduction
Tactics: Offense, Defense    Capabilities: Fire Support, Engineers
Control Zones: Offense, Defense      Force Groupings: Offense, Defense
Brigade Structures: Overview, Heavy CA-BDE, Medium CA-BDE, Light CA-BDE
Maneuver Companies: Armor CO, Heavy Rifle CO, Medium Rifle CO, Light Rifle CO

The Training Opposing Force – OPFOR  (playlist on YouTube)

OPFOR Actors, Adaptive Strategies, Information Warfare (INFOWAR)
Offense:  Assault, Raid, Ambush, Reconnaissance Attack
Defense:  Defend Simple Battle Position, Defend Complex Battle Position