Standards in Training Commission (STRAC)
U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 2nd Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment “Battle,” 3rd Mobile Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division, engages targets while qualifying with the M7 Next Generation Squad Weapon during a live-fire range at Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, Feb. 5, 2026. The qualification demonstrates the unit’s transition to the Army’s newest service rifle, enhancing lethality and accuracy on the modern battlefield. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Austin Paredes)
The Standards in Training Commission (STRAC) methodology is outlined in Department of the Army Pamphlet (DA Pam) 350-38, Standards in Weapons Training. The published STRAC strategies provide commanders with the Department of the Army (DA)-approved individual, crew, and collective weapons training strategies and identify the resources required to execute that training. Units use STRAC tables to calculate their baseline training ammunition needs based on their assigned personnel, weapons, and required readiness levels.
As described in AR 5-13, training munitions requirements are derived from the appropriate training strategy table multiplied by the weapons systems or the number of authorized personnel listed on the unit’s approved MTOE/TDA. MTOE (Modified Table of Organization and Equipment) units are deployable, combat-coded forces, while TDA (Table of Distribution and Allowances) units are generally non-deployable, administrative, and support organizations.
Three of the most common terms that are thrown around when discussing ammunition training requirements are the following:
STRAC Standard (Minimum). The total types and quantities of munitions required to execute individual qualification and crew certification tasks and a live-fire exercise event (RA) and a field training exercise (RC) each year, as defined in DA Pam 350-38. The standard is the minimum quantity of munitions the Army requires for home-station training for a given year. POI and CTC requirements are additive to the STRAC standard.
STRAC Strategy (Maximum). The total types and quantities of munitions required to execute 100 percent of the Army’s home-station training strategy each year, as defined in DA Pam 350-38. The strategy is the maximum quantity of munitions the Army requires for home-station training for a given year.
Note: Program of Instructions (POI) and Combat Training Centers (CTC) requirements are additive to the STRAC Strategy.
Above STRAC. If a unit requires more ammunition than the baseline STRAC standards allow for specific training events, leadership must manually submit justifications and letters of acceptance to higher headquarters for approval.
The Army Munitions Requirements Council of Colonels (AMRCoC) approves additions, deletions, and modifications to STRAC and POI training strategies. A supporting council of colonels to the Training General Officer Steering Committee (TGOSC) that manages Army training for the Deputy Chief of Staff (DCS), G–3/5/7, as explained by Army Regulation 350–1, Army Training and Leader Development.
Ultimately, the STRAC methodology serves as the logistical pillar of Army readiness, ensuring that ammunition requirements are directly tied to data-driven training strategies rather than guesswork. By establishing clear baselines for minimum standards and maximum strategic limits, DA Pam 350-38 enables commanders to forecast resource requirements with greater predictability while maintaining the flexibility to request Above STRAC assets when it is mission essential. Through oversight by councils such as the AMRCoC, the system ensures that as tactics and weapon systems evolve, the Army’s training ammunition resources remain aligned with its capabilities.
References
AR 5-13, Army Munitions Requirements, Prioritization, and Authorizations Management Policy, https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1020692
AR 350-1, Army Training and Leader Development, https://armypubs.army.mil/ProductMaps/PubForm/Details.aspx?PUB_ID=1030846
ATS awarded contract in support of Department of Army’s TPO ATSC STRAC Division, https://www.appliedtrg.com/2024/04/04/ats-awarded-contract-in-support-of-department-of-armys-tpo-atsc-strac-division/