company / team operations

C07-1 “Train the Force!”

Company / Team Operations

Company / Team Operations

National Training Center

Fort Irwin, CA

Information BriefingInformation Briefing

Unclassified


PurposePurpose

To Provide an Overview of Training Rotations at the NTC And Discuss Company / Team Trends ObservedDuring Training Rotations At the National Training Center


AgendaAgenda

Introduction

Overview of the National Training Center - Mission Statement- Role of the Observer-Controller- Training Rotation- Typical Task Force Timeline

Rotational Trends

Recommended Company Commander Focus

Home Station Training

Conclusion


Provide Realistic Combined Arms and Joint Training Focused on Developing Troopers, Leaders and Unit’s of America’s Army for Success on the 21st Century Battlefield

Mission of the National Training Center

Mission StatementMission Statement


Mission of the Cobra Team

Train Armored Task Forces and Cavalry Squadrons, Based on Doctrine and Tactics, Techniques and Procedures, So They Improve Their Warfighting Capabilities, Leaving the NTC Better Trained Than When They Arrived

Mission StatementMission Statement


“The Only Difference Between Real Combat and Your NTC Rotation Is That in Real Combat You Don’t Get a Second Chance to Learn From Your Mistakes - Use Every OpportunityTo Hone Your Warfighting Skills Here…”

- LTC(P) Dennis E. Rogers, Cobra 07

NTC QuoteNTC Quote


Create the Conditions for Armored Task Forces and Cavalry Squadrons To:

- Train Realistically, but Safe- Get Better Every Day and Improve Warfighting Proficiency by the End of the

Rotation- Maintain Discipline and a Winning, Warrior Spirit- Understand How To Set Conditions to Improve Homestation Training

Coach and Teach Army Doctrine, and Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTP)

Facilitate the Learning Process by Conducting After Action Reviews

Assist Rotational Units With MILES and MILES II/SAWE

Enforce the NTC Rules Of Engagement (ROE)

Enforce Safety

Role Of The OCRole Of The OC


Training RotationTraining Rotation

SUNSUN MONMON TUETUE WEDWED THUTHU FRIFRI SATSAT

Reception, Staging, Onward Movement, and Integration (RSOI)

Training Days 0-14

Move-Out

Force on Force

Live FireDownloadFinal RM

Regeneration / Between Rotation Days (BRD)

Arrival


Task ForceTask ForcePlanning TimelinePlanning Timeline

CTM

1200 1800 2400 0600 1200 1800 2400 0600

~ 1200 Hrs Continue the Mission

1600 Hrs = Co/Tm AARs Complete1800-2000 Hrs = TF AAR

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5 Refinement

Step 1

42 Hours

14 Hours (1/3) *as in example above

8.5 Hours (1/5)

6 Hours (1/7)

LDBATTLE

2BATTLE

3

1300-1400 Hrs = BDE OPORD1600 Hrs = Mission Analysis Complete

1700 Hrs = Commander’s Guidance2030 Hrs = COA Development Starts

2230 Hrs = Wargame Starts2400-0200 Hrs = Order Reproduction

0500 Hrs = OPORD Review0600-0700 Hrs = Issue OPORD

Co/Tm OPORD CompletePLT OPORD Complete

PLT RehearsalsCo/Tm Rehearsals

TF RehearsalsBDE Rehearsals

Final TF Rehearsal


Reconnaissance And Surveillance Planning And Execution

Synchronization And Integration Of Combat Multipliers

Integration Of Fires In The Close Fight

Planning And Building Flexibility Into The Orders Process

Field Maintenance - Fault Identification And Repair Part Tracking

Rotational TrendsRotational Trends

Typically, Rotational Units Have Difficulty With...Typically, Rotational Units Have Difficulty With...


Must Answer The Commander’s PIR

Maximize All Assets... Scouts, Company / Teams, FISTs, etc

Scouts Have No Clear Task & Purpose

Size Of NAIs Too Large... No Focus

Communications And C2 Of The R&S Force

Reconnaissance & SurveillanceReconnaissance & Surveillance

Planning and ExecutionPlanning and Execution


Reconnaissance & SurveillanceReconnaissance & SurveillancePlanning and ExecutionPlanning and Execution

Recommendation: Assign Responsibility For R&S Planning Issue Guidance Early Integrate As a Battlestaff Product Plan With the Proper Tools (NAI / TAI / DP Link) Rehearse / Coordinate With Higher and Adjacent Units Update the Plan / Issue FRAGOs


Battle Command - Commander’s Do Not Envision How The Enemy Fights... And How We Will Fight

Leaders Do Not Understand The Capabilities & Limitations Of Systems, Time, And Space

Units Struggle With Wargaming

Leaders Lack Flexibility And Initiative In Battle Execution

Simulation Vs Field Application / Execution

Synchronization & Integration Synchronization & Integration

Of Combat MultipliersOf Combat Multipliers


Recommendation: Leaders Must Understand System Capabilities and

Limitations All BOS Must Be Addressed During Wargame Become Proficient at Developing Synch Matrix and

Decision Support Matrix Establish Habitual Relationships With “Slice” Elements and

Include These Units in Home Station Training Events Conduct Orders Drills / MDMP Training; Including All BOS

Elements

Synchronization & Integration Synchronization & Integration Of Combat MultipliersOf Combat Multipliers


Integration Of Fires And Maneuver... During Wargaming

Synchronization Of Scheme Of Indirect Fires With Scheme Of Maneuver

Loss Of Focus: Too Many EFSTs

Transition Of Fires: Deep To Close

Developing And Executing The Observation Plan

Integration Of Indirect FiresIntegration Of Indirect Fires

In The Close FightIn The Close Fight


Recommendation: Commander Must Clearly Articulate the EFST TF S3 / XO and FSO Ensure Integration During Wargaming The FSO Advises the Commander on the Capabilities and Limitations of Fires FSO Develops Adequate Triggers Based On:

Time and Space Relation to Terrain and Enemy TF Scheme of Maneuver

FSO Develops: Scheme of Fires Observation Plan

Integration Of Indirect FiresIntegration Of Indirect FiresIn The Close FightIn The Close Fight


ESSENTIAL FIRE ESSENTIAL FIRE SUPPORT TASKSUPPORT TASK

A Task for Fire Support to Accomplish That Is Required to Support a Combined Arms Operation. Failure to Achieve an EFST May Require the Commander to Alter His Tactical Plan. A Fully Developed EFST Has a Task, Purpose, Method, and Endstate.

Task (WHAT) - Effects of Fires Against a Specific Enemy

Formation And/or Its Function (May Include Duration & When) Purpose (WHY) - In Terms of and Its Relation or Contribution to the

Scheme of Maneuver Method (HOW) - To Acquire the Enemy Formation and Deliver the

Means From a Fire Support Asset to Achieve the Desired Effects Endstate - Quantifiable Assessment to Determine If Task Is

Accomplished & If Purpose Achieved

- White Paper, Fire Support Planning for The

Brigade and Below (Draft), 6 Jun 97


Not Prepared To Execute The MDMP In A Time Constrained Environment

Receive Incomplete Guidance From The Commander

Units Do Not Develop Flexible Plans

Do Not Adjust The Plan As Conditions Change Across The Battle Operating Systems (BOS)... Running Estimate

Planning & Building FlexibilityPlanning & Building Flexibility

Into The Orders ProcessInto The Orders Process


Recommendation: Staffs Must Become More Proficient in Identifying Branches and Sequels to the Operation… ID During Wargaming Staffs Must Complete a Decision Support Matrix and Template As Part of Each MDMP Leaders Must Accurately Track the Battle and Staff Officers Must Maintain a “Running Estimate”… Necessary to ID Changing Condition Ensure Battle Tracking During Home Station Training Events

Planning & Building FlexibilityPlanning & Building FlexibilityInto The Orders ProcessInto The Orders Process


Units Deploy With A Garrison Based Logistics System... Not Focused On Field Operations

Organizational Maintenance... PMCS, Diagnostics, Maintenance Requests... Not Timely Or To Standard

Maintenance Management.... Company / Teams And Higher Rely Completely On Good Comms

Leaders Lack Focus On Building Combat Power

Field MaintenanceField Maintenance


Recommendation: Ensure a Solid System Exists for the Flow of 5988Es Develop a Tracking System that Allows the BMO to Shift

Maintenance Priorities BMO Should Brief Maintenance Estimate During Mission

Analysis and at OPORDs

Field MaintenanceField Maintenance


RecommendationsRecommendations

For The Company Commander, It Is Difficult to Do Everything Well... Here Are Some Recommendations to Focus Your Efforts

TTP For Company Commanders


Time ManagementTime Management

Discussion: Units Are Not Setting and Adhering to an Established Timeline Not Adhering to 1/3 - 2/3 Rule Units Not Trained to Meet Specific Requirements in Time Allotted

Recommendation: The Company Must Establish a Realistic Timeline and Enforce It Make Maximum Use of Parallel Planning / Preparation Timeline

Must Train Prior to Arrival to NTC Some Units Can Meet 6 Hr Window - Others Need 8-10 Hrs Exercise Orders Process at Home Station Under Same Conditions As NTC


Example TimelineExample Timeline

ENEMY

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

DAY__

CSS

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

DAY__

TLP (C2)

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

DAY__

MNVR / ENG / FS

0000

0600

1200

1800

2400

DAY__

List EnemyEvents

List PlanningEvents

ListBOS

CriticalEvents

List Logistical

Events


Time ManagementTime ManagementFor Offensive OperationsFor Offensive Operations

Set

TF DirectedWARNOMission AnalysisRecon ForwardTF OPORDTF BackbriefsRehearsalsUpdated Unit StatusSleep Plan

Sequential

Map ReconMake Tentative PlanRecon ForwardIssue OPORDCO / PLT PlanningCO / PLT OPORDCO / PLT RehearsalsRehearsalsLOGPACPCIsR&SStand0ToIntel UpdatesBoresighting / ZeroMove TAA - FPOLMove PP - ATK PSN

Simultaneous

Movement to TAAEstablish SecurityEstablish OPsM8 Alarms OutPMCSLOGSTAT & PERSTATPCCCO / PLT Rehearsals

- Contact Drills- Action Drills- SBF & ABF Drills

Load PlansPCITDC TAA - FPOLLU with AttachmentsLOGPACAdjacent Unit Coordination

Daylight

Use It or Lose ItSecurityPatrolsRecon LDPCCPMCSBoresightingCO / PLT Rehearsals


Time ManagementTime ManagementFor Defensive OperationsFor Defensive Operations

Set

TF DirectedWARNOMission AnalysisRecon ForwardTF OPORDTF BackbriefsRehearsalsUpdated Unit StatusSleep Plan

Sequential

Map ReconMake Tentative PlanRecon EAs and BPsMark TRPs and ObstID Proposed BPsMark Veh PositionsID TriggersCo / Tm Fire PlanOccupy BPsProof EAsRehearsa Fire PlanExecute DeceptionRehearse Cont PlanSZ RPOLStand-ToIntel UpdateDefend NLT

Simultaneous

Establish SecurityEstablish OPsM8 Alarms OutEstab Wire CommoPrepare Rng CardsConfirm Rng CardsSupervise Dig EffortPrepare PLT SketchCO / PLT Def Prep StatusOccupy DeceptionOccupy HideTDC RoutesLOGPACAdjacent Unit CoordPMCSStockpile CL IV / VProof Obstacles

Daylight

Use It or Lose ItSecurityPatrolsRecon EAsMark TRPsSite ObstaclesID TriggersSite Veh PositionsBoresight / ZeroRehearse EAsRange CardsSector SketchesRehearse O/O MsnPCCPMCS


Intelligence PreparationIntelligence PreparationOf The BattlefieldOf The Battlefield

Discussion: Leaders Are Not Proficient at Conducting IPB Failure to “See the Enemy” and “See the Terrain” Often Result

in Mission Failure… Meeting the Enemy Unprepared

Recommendation: Train Leaders at All Levels on Intelligence Preparation of the

Battlefield Conduct TEWTs and Professional Development Seminars to

Increase Appreciation For Terrain Become Proficient in Threat Weapons Capabilities… “How Will

the Enemy Employ His Assets?”


Intelligence PreparationIntelligence PreparationOf The BattlefieldOf The Battlefield

1. Battlefield Area Evaluationa. Identify The Area Of Operationb. Identify The Limits Of The Area Of Interest

2. Terrain Analysis (IPB Product = MCOO)a. Observation / Fields Of Fireb. Avenues Of Approachc. Key Terraind. Obstaclese. Cover and Concealment

3. Weather Analysis

4. Threat Analysisa. Doctrinal Templateb. Threat Database

5. Threat Integration (IPB Product = Situation and Event Templates)a. Situation Templateb. Event Template = Drives Recon Effortc. Decision Support Template

IIIEvaluate The Threat

IPB

IDefine theBattlefieldEnvironment

IVDetermineThreat COAs

IIDescribe TheBattlefieldEffects


Impact Of TerrainImpact Of TerrainOn The OperationOn The Operation

Terrain Analysis: Understanding How The Terrain Will Influence Friendly and Enemy Actions

75 M

Narrow PassBut Room ForTwo Vehicles

Abreast

Wide PassBut

RestrictedTo TwoSingle

Lanes Due To Rocks

2300 M

Enemy Can RangeEasily From

Reverse SlopeOf IV Line

4500 M

Enemy Must CrossIV Line To

Range Past HighGround


Reconnaissance & SurveillanceReconnaissance & Surveillanceand Securityand Security

Discussion: Leaders Do Not Plan for Security and Battlefield Surveillance… Units Are Often Bypassed or Destroyed by Unseen Enemy Reconnaissance and Surveillance Occurs in the Assembly Area, Battle Position, and on the Offensive… Not Just in the Security Zone

Recommendation: Develop and Enforce SOPs for Establishing Security Define Exact Security Requirements in Priorities of Work Develop Internal R&S Plan for All Operations… Assign Responsibilities for NAIs (Where to Look), SIR (What to Look For), and Times to Look (Based on Event Temp)


Battle CommandBattle Command

Discussion: Leaders Have Difficulty in Determining Units Mission Essential Task and Purpose Leaders Do Not Assign Clear Task and Purpose to Subordinates Orders Are Often Incomplete and Lack Detail… Poor Scheme of Maneuver, Weak Paragraph 1, and No Paragraph 4 and 5

Recommendation: Leaders Must Be Thoroughly Knowledgeable of Doctrine Conduct Training on the Planning Process… Become Proficient in Developing and Writing Operations Orders Develop Leader Initiative… Leaders Must Know “the Why”, Not “the How” Fight the Enemy, Not the Plan


The “Why” of the The “Why” of the MissionMission

THE PLANTHE PLAN

LEADERSLEADERS

ACTIONACTION

SELF

ENEMYTERRAIN

PURPOSEPURPOSE

LD

1. The Plan Must Be Adjusted for Changes In…..2. The Situation…..3. By Leaders Who Are Empowered to Exercise Initiative…..4. Which Allows for the Performance of the Right Task at the Right Time!

- From Armor Magazine (July-August 1997) Article, “The Reason Why We Will Win”


AGILITY:AGILITY:Reacting to an Uncooperative Enemy

Battlefield Visualization: Continual Recognition Of Changing Battlefield Conditions

Running Estimates Continuous IPB Continuous R&S: Ensures We Maintain Initiative, Reduce

Uncertainty, & Keep The Enemy Guessing Disseminate Gathered Intelligence on the Enemy Refine The Plan Accordingly Issue FRAGOs (Written Or Verbal)


Company / TeamCompany / TeamCommand PostsCommand Posts

“The Company Command Post Assists the Commander and His Subordinate Leaders in Preparing for Battles by Providing a Centralized Point for Information Gathering and Dissemination, Coordination, Time Management, and Tracking of Unit Status.”

- Page 2-53, FM 71-1, 26 JAN 98

Keys to Success: Redundant Communication Nets Avoid Using Combat Vehicles White Light Capable at Night Large Enough to Use for Briefings Quick Setup and Takedown


“A Way”- FISTV Crew Needs to Train

At Home Station With Co/Tm- Increases Manning- Covers More Nets- Makes Brigade FS Net Avail

For Intel Traffic

“Another Way”- Reduces Risk of Losing FISTV

To TF Mission or Other Duty- Reduces Signature- Back up Vehicle: Commander’s

HMMWV, Maint or Medic M113

SICCUP or Tarp

OE254

OE254

TF CMDCO CMD

TF MORTCO CMD

TF CMDCO CMD



Manning Must Designate NCOIC (Eg. Master Gunner) Organize Into Two Shifts (Day and Night) With 3 Personnel Minimum Per Shift Designate Shift NCOs (Eg. Day - Gunner, Night - Senior Medic) May Require Augmentation From Platoons Each NCO Must Brief NCOIC at Shift Change

Operations How to Track Is Not So Important As What to Track, but the CP Is a Command

and Control Node, So It Must Know Basics About the Company / Team The Commander Must Develop A Command Post SOP Most Frequently Forgotten Items:

- Task Organization Status and Times

- SITEMP Updates

- Timeline Management

- Adjacent Unit Locations



Direct Fire PlanningDirect Fire Planning

Discussion: Units Do Not Arrive at the NTC With a Clear Concept of How to

Develop a Direct Fire Plan Units Are Unable to Clearly Delineate Where They Desire to Kill

the Enemy and Then Develop Graphic Control Measures That Will Focus, Mass, Distribute, and Shift Fires Appropriately

Recommendation: Develop SOPs at All Levels That Include Standard Means for

Focusing Fires While Preventing Fratricide Based on the Principals of Fire Control, FM 71-1, Chapter 2

Use Terrain Boards and Field Exercises to Train That SOP


TRP1

Q1 Q2

Q3Q4

MEL3750m(TOW)

MEL2500m120mm25mm

FPL1000m

TRP2 TRP3

TRP4 TRP5

TRP6 TRP7

AE0100

Direct Fire PlanningDirect Fire PlanningTTP For The DefenseTTP For The Defense


TF FIRE PLAN EXAMPLETF FIRE PLAN EXAMPLE 05 06 07 08 09

40

39

38

37

36

35

34

PL TOW

PL TANK

PL FIFTYPL COAX

TRP1

TRP2

TRP3

TRP4

AE2002

AE2001A1

B1 B2

A2

3500M

2500M

1000M 800M

TM A TM BTM C


Actions On ContactActions On Contact

Discussion: Units Have Difficulty Reacting to Multiple Forms of Contact Units Tend to Stop When First Engaged Units Not Trained To React To, or Find Dismounted Weapons

(Eg. AT-5, 2A45M)

Recommendation: Train Actions on Contact Battle Drills for Multiple Forms of

Contact (Section, Platoon, and Company Level) Expand Home Station Training to Include Dismounted Systems Train for Enemy Fire From Adjacent Unit Sector


RehearsalsRehearsals

Discussion: Rehearsals Are Rarely Conducted to Standard Plan Not Well Disseminated to Subordinates Subordinates Uncertain of Commander’s Intent Rehearsal Becomes a Briefing

Recommendation: Develop Method to Quickly Build Rehearsal Site Ensure Subordinates Fully Understand the Plan Portray an Uncooperative Enemy Based on Most Likely ECOA Follow Logical Sequence… Focusing on Critical Events Allow Subordinates to Brief Actions, Orientation, and T/P


Risk ManagementRisk Management

Discussion: Leaders Do Not Incorporate Risk Management in Planning Process Risk Management Includes Tactical and Accidental Risk Subordinates Only Use Higher Headquarters Risk Assessment…

They Do Not Consider Risk at Their Level

Recommendation: Incorporate Risk Management in Planning Process… ID Risks / Hazards Throughout Actively Manage Those Tactical Risks That May Result in Mission Failure Get Input From Junior Leaders and Troopers Ensure Subordinates Complete RA


Risk ManagementRisk Management

Five Step ProcessFive Step Process

11. Identify Hazards. Identify Hazards

2. Assess Hazards

3. Develop Controls

4. Implement Controls

5. Supervise & Evaluate

Assess Hazards

Implement Controls

Supervise& Evaluate

IDENTIFY HAZARDS

Develop Controls & Make

Risk Decision

Conduct Risk Management Planning Concurrently With TLP / COA Development / Mission Planning


Home Station TrainingHome Station Training

1. Plan The Training

2. Train And Certify Leaders

3. Recon The Training Site

4. Issue The Training Plan

5. Conduct Rehearsals

6. Execute Training

7. Conduct AARs

8. Retrain (Meet Standards)

Eight Step Training Model


ConclusionConclusion

Overview of the National Training Center - Mission Statement- Role of the Observer-Controller- Training Rotation- Typical Task Force Timeline

Rotational Trends

Recommended Company Commander Focus

Home Station Training

company / team operations

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