DA Form 7860: Cryptologic Support Team Scorecard Tier 3

DA Form 7860: Cryptologic Support Team Scorecard Tier 3 – DA Form 7860, officially titled “Scorecard for Cryptologic Support Team MI Training Strategy Tier 3”, is a U.S. Army form used to evaluate and document the training proficiency of Cryptologic Support Teams (CSTs) within Military Intelligence (MI) units.

Published on February 1, 2020, by the Department of the Army (TRADOC proponent), this form serves as a standardized assessment tool under the Military Intelligence Training Strategy (MITS) for Brigade Combat Teams, specifically Tier 3, which focuses on crew-level certification.

Download the official form here: DA Form 7860 PDF

Purpose of DA Form 7860 in Army Training

The primary purpose of DA Form 7860 is to provide commanders, trainers, and evaluators with an objective scorecard to measure a Cryptologic Support Team’s readiness in Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) and related cryptologic operations.

It ensures teams achieve proficiency in critical tasks such as managing tactical SIGINT collection, assessing collections, and developing SIGINT products. This aligns with broader Army goals for multi-domain operations and intelligence readiness.

Tier 3 training emphasizes collective crew performance in realistic scenarios, often using systems like Prophet and TROJAN, and integrates with exercises at home station or Combat Training Centers (CTCs).

Key Components and Structure of DA Form 7860

DA Form 7860 is a multi-page fillable PDF designed to capture detailed training data. Typical sections include:

  • Team Information: Unit designation, team members, ranks, and MOS (e.g., 35N, 35P cryptologic roles).
  • Training Objectives: Specific Tier 3 tasks from TC 2-19.403, such as SIGINT survey, voice intercept, and direction finding.
  • Performance Metrics: Go/No-Go evaluations, quantitative scores, and qualitative observations across training tables (e.g., crawl-walk-run phases).
  • Evaluation and Feedback: Trainer comments, recommendations for improvement, and certification status.
  • Administrative Details: Dates, signatures, and references to supporting regulations.

The form promotes standardization, accountability, and continuous improvement in cryptologic training.

How DA Form 7860 Fits into the Military Intelligence Training Strategy (MITS)?

MITS is a tiered framework (Tiers 1-4) outlined in Training Circulars like TC 2-19.403 for Brigade Combat Teams.

  • Tier 1: Intelligence Warfighting Function certification.
  • Tier 2: MI platform certification.
  • Tier 3: Crew-level tasks (where DA Form 7860 applies for Cryptologic Support Teams).
  • Tier 4: Individual MOS proficiency.

Tier 3 uses the scorecard to validate teams on tasks supporting the intelligence cycle, ensuring they can provide actionable intelligence in contested environments. It integrates with enablers like IEWTPT (Intelligence and Electronic Warfare Tactical Proficiency Trainer) for simulation.

This strategy addresses challenges in maintaining perishable technical skills for SIGINT professionals.

Who Uses DA Form 7860 and Why It Matters for USA Soldiers?

U.S. Army MI units, particularly within Military Intelligence Companies (MICO) in Brigade Combat Teams, use this form. Key users include:

  • Cryptologic Support Team leaders and members (SIGINT analysts, collectors).
  • MI Company commanders and trainers.
  • Evaluators at training centers and during unit certification events.

For American service members, mastering these standards directly impacts mission success, force protection, and operational superiority against near-peer adversaries. Proper use of the scorecard helps identify gaps early, reducing “cold starts” during deployments.

Best Practices for Completing and Using DA Form 7860

  1. Prepare Thoroughly: Review TC 2-19.403 Chapter 8 or relevant sections before evaluation.
  2. Conduct Realistic Training: Use live, virtual, and constructive simulations replicating multi-domain threats.
  3. Document Objectively: Provide specific, actionable feedback rather than generic comments.
  4. Integrate with Broader Training: Link results to unit METL (Mission Essential Task List) and ARFORGEN cycles.
  5. Maintain Records: Use the form for periodic assessments to track progress toward certification.

Commanders should combine it with other MITS scorecards (e.g., for HUMINT or GEOINT teams) for comprehensive MI readiness.

  • Official Source: Army Publishing Directorate (armypubs.army.mil) for the latest form version.
  • Prescribing Publication: TC 2-19.403 – Military Intelligence Training Strategy for the Brigade Combat Team Tier 3.
  • Supporting Strategy: Army Intelligence Training Strategy documents.
  • Similar Forms: DA Form 7861 (SIGINT Collection Team), DA Form 7862 (Intelligence Processing Crew), etc.

For USA-based units, consult your local MI training command or USAICoE (U.S. Army Intelligence Center of Excellence) for guidance on implementation.

Enhancing Cryptologic Readiness with DA Form 7860

DA Form 7860 is more than paperwork—it’s a critical enabler for building lethal, intelligence-competent teams ready for today’s complex battlespace. By providing a clear, standardized scorecard for Tier 3 Cryptologic Support Team training, it helps ensure U.S. Army MI forces maintain a decisive edge.

Regular use of this form, combined with robust training programs, supports higher readiness levels and better outcomes in multi-domain operations. Download it today from the official Army site and incorporate it into your unit’s training management.