R 310406Z Jan 19
MARADMIN 058/19
MSGID/GENADMIN/CG TECOM QUANTICO VA//
SUBJ/BATTLE SKILLS TEST AND RELEASE OF THE 21ST EDITION OF THE GUIDEBOOK FOR MARINES//
POC/LEON PAPPA/TECOM MTESD GSB/(703) 784-3035/EMAIL:  LEON.PAPPA@USMC.MIL//
GENTEXT/REMARKS/1.  During 2018, the Marine Corps implemented the Commandant directed Battle Skills Test (BST) Program to reinforce the ethos of "Every Marine a Rifleman" by ensuring that every Marine, regardless of rank or unit, maintains a standardized level of proficiency in common skills.  Earlier in 2018, Training and Education Command published 30 Training Support Packages (TSP) to assist leaders in preparation for their instruction and to be used when Marines demonstrate their proficiency when tested.  Today, Marines are successfully meeting the intent of the BST Program by employing leader-led training to sustain non-military occupational specialties specific core skills across the Marine Air-Ground Task Force.
2.  Recently, the 21st edition of the Guidebook for Marines was published.  Generations of Marines are familiar with the Guidebook as it has long been issued to recruits and made available to lieutenants attending The Basic School.  This 21st edition of the Guidebook retains the timeless Marine subjects such as History, Traditions, Courtesies, Law of War, Drill, Combat Formations, and Signals, while it updates subjects such as Weapons, Martial Arts, Communications, and Physical Fitness.  Additionally, this newest edition includes an appendix identifying where BST skills are embedded into relevant chapters in the Guidebook for leaders to use as a reference to assist in training their units and for Marines to serve as an additional and relevant study guide for the BST annual training requirement.
3.  As the BST moves into its second year of execution, Marines will have both the Guidebook and TSPs to help sustain the training on skills first learned during entry level training.
4.  Release authorized by Major General, William F. Mullen III, Commanding General, Training and Education Command.//