Background and Purpose:
Skill-based training in the armed forces underpins operational effectiveness and combat readiness, playing a critical role in empowering personnel. Coaching, as an interaction-oriented approach, has been recognized as an effective method for deepening learning and enhancing the efficiency of skill-based training. This study aimed to develop a coaching-based model for advancing skill-based training in the educational centers of the Iranian Army Ground Forces.

Methods:
This descriptive–causal study applied a mixed-methods design. In the qualitative phase, data were gathered through literature review and semi-structured interviews with 12 experts, selected purposively until theoretical saturation. The expert pool included senior managers, training specialists, and faculty members of AJA universities and training centers with at least a master’s degree and over 20 years of experience. In the quantitative phase, a researcher-developed 37-item questionnaire was distributed to 150 participants, determined using Cochran’s formula and selected through stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis (qualitative) and confirmatory factor analysis (quantitative).

Findings:
The proposed model comprised four dimensions: coach communication, learner motivation, coach self-management, and coach technical competencies. Convergent and discriminant validity of the constructs were supported by CFA results.

Conclusion:
Findings suggest that enhancing skill-based training in military contexts requires coaching to evolve beyond mere knowledge transfer, functioning instead as an interactive, motivating, and trust-building process that strengthens both individual and organizational learning outcomes.