diff --git a/atvm/AGENTS.md b/atvm/AGENTS.md
index f39009d..8016403 100644
--- a/atvm/AGENTS.md
+++ b/atvm/AGENTS.md
@@ -158,6 +158,8 @@ Re-create blacklist:
 - Do not include Gold Disk IDs in `--build_name`.
 - `--build_name` must not contain spaces; use `-` between words.
 - Prefer distro-scoped filtering (for example `--containsVm redhat9`) when possible.
+- Always include `--ignore_force_shutdown` on `cmc-templates.py` commands unless the operator explicitly asks not to.
+- Default to `--use_specified_plugin iscsi` unless the operator explicitly requests a different plugin.
 - Do not reference `cypress.atvm-config.ts` by default.
 - Unless the operator explicitly asks for another config, use ATVM config files with `gold` in the filename (for example `cypress.atvm-config-gold.ts`).
 - If the operator-specified ATVM config file is missing, fail fast and report the missing filename.
diff --git a/atvm/atvm-automation-guide.md b/atvm/atvm-automation-guide.md
index e555ae2..47e1995 100644
--- a/atvm/atvm-automation-guide.md
+++ b/atvm/atvm-automation-guide.md
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ Run ATVM CMC automation tests on the designated automation VM without unintended
 - Do not include Gold Disk identifiers in `--build_name`.
 - `--build_name` must not contain spaces; use `-` between words.
 - For multiple VMs in same distro, use distro-scoped filtering (`--containsVm`) instead of long explicit VM lists.
+- Always include `--ignore_force_shutdown` on `cmc-templates.py` commands unless the operator explicitly asks not to.
+- Default to `--use_specified_plugin iscsi` unless the operator explicitly requests a different plugin.
 - Before preparing a new run, always check whether automation is already running.
 - Always report whether automation is currently running.
 - If running, ask whether to terminate; terminate only with explicit approval.
@@ -64,7 +66,7 @@ Typical sequence:
 
 ## Command Pattern
 ```bash
-python3 cmc-templates.py --template <template> --config_file_path ./<config-file> [template options...]; \
+python3 cmc-templates.py --template <template> --ignore_force_shutdown --config_file_path ./<config-file> --use_specified_plugin iscsi [template options or explicit plugin override...]; \
 python3 ./run-sorry-cypress.py --config_file <config-file> --build_name <hyphenated-description-no-spaces> [--categorize]
 ```
 
@@ -130,6 +132,8 @@ When asked for one VM or a VM set:
 - choose requested template/options,
 - choose correct config file for intended Gold Disk,
 - default to a config filename containing `gold` unless the operator explicitly says otherwise,
+- always include `--ignore_force_shutdown` on the template-generation command unless the operator explicitly overrides that default,
+- default to `--use_specified_plugin iscsi` unless the operator explicitly requests another plugin or the template does not use plugin selection,
 - use a descriptive `--build_name` without Gold Disk IDs.
 
 ## Update Rule
diff --git a/atvm/atvm-automation-runs.md b/atvm/atvm-automation-runs.md
index a9e2a49..7ce53e4 100644
--- a/atvm/atvm-automation-runs.md
+++ b/atvm/atvm-automation-runs.md
@@ -145,3 +145,12 @@ This file stores run-specific examples only when a run produced a new learning r
   - Treat every ATVM status request as a request for live run status unless the operator explicitly asks for something else.
   - If no automation is active, reconstruct status from the most recent historical run artifacts and logs.
   - For categorized runs, always aggregate all same-run category batches so the response covers the full run scope.
+
+## Run Learning: 2026-03-17 (Default ignore-force-shutdown and iscsi plugin)
+- Observed requirement:
+  - The operator wants `--ignore_force_shutdown` included on every ATVM automation run by default.
+  - The operator wants plugin selection to default to `--use_specified_plugin iscsi` unless a different plugin is explicitly requested.
+- Action for future runs:
+  - Add `--ignore_force_shutdown` to every `cmc-templates.py` command unless the operator explicitly asks not to use it.
+  - Default plugin-bearing ATVM automation commands to `--use_specified_plugin iscsi`.
+  - Only switch away from `iscsi` when the operator explicitly requests `fc`, `both`, or another applicable override.