Git Version Control for Training Management

Enhancing Unit Training with Git and Markdown

Introduction

This document outlines the process, advantages, and recommendations for using Git and Markdown to develop, manage, and deliver unit training. By leveraging Git, an open-source version control system, and Markdown, a lightweight markup language, units can significantly improve training efficiency, transparency, and effectiveness. This approach fosters a collaborative and responsive training environment essential for the modern operational force.

Current Situation

Several gaps in the current training process have been identified:

• Limited access to developed training resources by units.
• Limited interaction between instructors, students, and the operational force.
• Training materials often consist of slides instead of comprehensive lesson plans.
• Inconsistencies in training environment setup.
• Frequent “false starts” with units recreating existing materials.
• Lack of transparency and processes for updates and feedback.

Current Problem

Using slides instead of detailed lesson plans has led to several challenges:

• Difficulty in communicating and setting up training environments based on slide content alone.
• Challenges in transferring training content without extensive communication.
• Limited transparency and inefficient processes for updating materials and receiving feedback.
• Inefficient version control and expansion of training content.

The Possible Solution: Git and Markdown

By using Git and Markdown, units can create a dynamic, interactive training library:

• Training Library using Git and Markdown: Enables easy customization, rapid updates, and instant feedback.
• Unit Training Knowledge Management: Provides a platform for managing training materials without proprietary bottlenecks.
• Rapid Updates and Ground Truth Updates: Allows quick fixes and updates through pull requests.
• Direct Feedback: Facilitates direct feedback from unit trainers and students.

Advantages of a Markdown-Based Approach

For Developers

• Ease of Use: Markdown is simple to learn and use, allowing developers to focus on content rather than formatting.
• Version Control: Git tracks changes, enables reversion to previous versions, and facilitates collaboration.
• Transparency: Changes are visible to all team members, ensuring alignment.

For Instructors

• Consistency: Provides consistent lesson plans that are easy to share and update.
• Flexibility: Allows customization of training materials without extensive rework.
• Ease of Setup: Clear instructions and structured content simplify training environment setup.

For Students

• Accessibility: Students can access up-to-date training materials from anywhere.
• Engagement: Interactive and well-structured materials enhance the learning experience.
• Feedback: Students can provide direct feedback, improving the training materials.

Recommendations for Improvement

Use a Git-Based Version Control System

Git-based version control systems are ideal for managing unclassified training materials, such as:

• Unit training
• Sergeants Time Training (STT)
• Non-Formal Training
• Subject Matter Expert (SME) Exchanges

Git systems are free, open-source, and widely used in software development, providing a robust platform for managing training materials, tracking changes, and collaborating.

• Expand Content: Continuously develop and expand training materials.
• Develop Non-Formal Training: Create additional resources for non-formal training settings.

Enhancing Git Usage

• Create a Fork for a New Course or Exchange: Encourage trainers to create branches for new lessons to facilitate better version control and collaboration.

 Create a Fork for a New Course or Exchange

• Utilize Issues for Feedback: Use Git’s issue-tracking feature to collect and manage user feedback.
• Incorporate Pull Requests: Implement a process for reviewing and merging pull requests to ensure high-quality updates. SMEs and training developers should have merge permissions, while others can submit pull requests.

Utilizing Available Resources

• Learn Git Basics: Ensure all team members understand Git fundamentals.

 Learn Git Basics

• Refer to GitLab Whitepapers: Use resources to understand best practices and advanced Git features.

 GitLab Moving to Git Whitepaper

References

• Git Template for Instructional Design
• Learn Git Basics
• GitLab Moving to Git Whitepaper