Tag Archives: NTC Update

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Maintaining at Pace

An NTC Update Series of Articles

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In February 2020, the NTC Operations Group published an article entitled “Winning the Maintenance Fight At Pace.”  The article highlighted some common shortcomings with regards to creating a culture of maintenance in our formations as well as tips for building a solid maintenance program capable of performing in any environment. In March, the Officers and NCOs of Operations Group at the National Training Center built upon that article in an effort to help us all understand specific tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that can allow the Army to maintain combat power while simultaneously conducting large scale combat operations against a near peer threat.

Spc. Michelle Metzger, a motor transport operator with 1487th Transportation Company, Ohio Army National Guard, applies grease to her vehicle at Multinational Base – Tarin Kot, Afghanistan, Aug. 12, 2013. U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sgt. Jessi Ann McCormick
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National Training Center Update (MAR 2020)

Defensive Operations Against a Near-Peer Threat

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While nearly every leader prefers to maintain an offensive mindset, defensive operations serve a purpose and are listed as a Mission Essential Task for nearly every formation in our Army.  While applications vary, defensive operations often allow our Army to retain decisive or key terrain, attrite or fix an enemy force, or counter an enemy action.  Each rotation at the National Training Center, at some point, stresses a unit’s ability to conduct a defense.

U.S. Army Soldiers, assigned to 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, provide enemy fire from a mountaintop during Decisive Action Rotation 16-09 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., Aug. 28, 2016.
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Cavalry Defensive Operations Against a Near-Peer Threat

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Cavalry troops frequently fail to provide early warning to the protected force while performing a screen. Units are placed on disadvantageous terrain, fail to array in depth, and neglect to incorporate available aerial reconnaissance to extend observation and maximize reaction time and maneuver space.

A U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 1st ABCT, 3rd ID., scans for simulated enemy forces during Decisive Action Rotation 20-04 at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., Feb. 11, 2020. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Brooke Davis, Operations Group, National Training Center.)
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Armor and Infantry in the Defense Against a Near-Peer Threat

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The main reason we conduct a defense is to set the conditions to transition to the offense. At the company level and below we must recognize the significance of properly preparing for defensive operations.  Units planning against a near peer threat at the National Training Center (NTC) will focus on preparing for an attack or conducting the seven steps of EADEV in preparation for a defense, but rarely do units prepare simultaneously for both.  Commanders must think through transitioning into defensive operations prior executing offensive operations.

Soldiers position vehicles to simulate taking over an enemy town during an exercise at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 7, 2019. (US Army Photo by Sgt. Mason Cutrer).
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Planning and Integrating Obstacles and Indirect Fires in the Defense

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Successful defensive operations against a near peer threat require units to thoroughly conduct engagement area development. Most units are able to effectively execute defensive operations, but struggle with the detailed planning required for obstacle emplacement and the time distance analysis required to choose effective locations for obstacles, indirect fires, and direct fires.

U.S. Army Soldiers participate in live-fire training during Exercise Saber Guardian in Varpalota, Hungary, June 5, 2019. U.S. Army Europe and Romanian land forces lead Saber Guardian, which is designed to improve the integration of multinational combat operations. Photo By: Army Spc. Jospeh Knoch.
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Defensive Operations for the Field Artillery Battalion

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The purpose of this paper is to provide a context for Field Artillery (FA) units executing defensive operations in a Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE). The specific unit of focus for this paper is the Brigade Combat Team’s (BCT), Direct Support (DS) Field Artillery (FA) Battalion. The primary audiences for this paper are Fires Battalion Staff Officers and Non-Commissioned Officers, Battery and Forward Support Company Commanders, and First Sergeants. This paper is a collaboration of Key Developmental billet complete Observer Coach Trainers (OC/Ts) with an aggregate of ~100 rotations of experience at the National Training Center (NTC) Fort Irwin, CA.

Troopers from the Field Artillery Support Squadron, 3rd Cavalry Regiment, support Iraqi army operations with artillery fires from their M777A2 Howitzers. (2nd Lt. Jamie Douglas/Army)
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Lift Aviation Assets in the Defense and Counterattack

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Defensive operations for a Brigade Combat Team (BCT) are complex operations requiring the synchronization of numerous units across multiple lines of effort. Critical to the success of any defensive operation and to subsequent counterattacks is the BCT’s ability to rapidly move personnel and equipment across the battlefield to support sustainment as well as movement and maneuver operations. Aviation assets are particularly valuable in the defense because of their speed, mobility, and versatility.[1] Directly or indirectly, lift aviation is able to support each of the fundamentals of the defense (disruption, flexibility, maneuver, massing effects, operations in depth, preparation, and security).[2] These valuable assets, require in depth planning and analysis prior to executing the defense to ensure efficient execution.

Army AH-64 Apache aircrews conduct formation practice at Camp Williams, Utah, June 5, 2019, before the funeral flyover for Army Air Forces 2nd Lt. Lynn W. Hadfield, whose remains were recovered after being listed as missing in action for 74 years. (U.S. Army photo).
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NTC Update (MAR 20)

Engineer Success in the Defense Rapid Preparation, Execution, and Transition

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Although the defense is an opportunity to inflict tremendous casualties and damage to enemy forces, many Army units and leaders view the defense with suspicion. Leaders often choose to spend the vast majority of training time on offensive tasks rather than defensive fundamentals. With appropriate planning and preparation for defensive operations, units can halt the enemy’s momentum, regenerate their own combat power, and then regain the initiative for offensive operations. According to ADP 3-90, this is the primary purpose of the defense[1]. When properly utilized, Engineers shape the battlefield, enhancing maneuver units ability to stop the enemy’s advance and destroy them in an engagement area (EA). If units overcome the following common friction points observed during National Training Center (NTC) rotations they can aggressively train and prepare to repel a fierce enemy attack – at NTC or wherever America needs them.

Soldiers from A Co, 116 Brigade Engineer Battalion, position their M1150 Assault Breacher Vehicle during a live-fire training exercise at the National Training Center (NTC) in Fort Irwin, Calif., June 12, 2019. (Photo by: Cpl. Alisha Grezlik, 115th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)
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National Training Center Update (NOV 2019)

CO & PLT Observations & Best Practices

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In October 2019, the National Training Center distributed “Recommendations for Commanders to Consider During Home Station Training” to correct a few common shortcomings seen among rotational units. Mastering the fundamentals at echelon and the associated ability to truly focus units on training identified critical collective tasks to a high standard topped the list of recommendations for Commanders to consider.

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NTC Update (NOV 19)

Scout Platoon & Cavalry Troop Observations & Best Practices

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Reconnaissance formations constitute an invaluable asset on a modern battlefield. The notion that sophisticated enemies, equipped with air defense, electronic attack, as well as cyber capabilities will just allow us to remotely sense their actions prior to commitment of our forces is quickly fleeting. Responsible for answering Commander’s Priority Intelligence Requirements during either reconnaissance or security operations, Cavalry Troops and Scout Platoons often have less time than other maneuver units before being required to act. For the average Scout Platoon or Cavalry Troop, simple tactical mistakes can have catastrophic effects on a larger formation’s ability to understand the situation or maneuver effectively against a determined enemy. The ability to operate continuously utilizing sound SOPS, basic maneuver techniques and tactics at the crew, section, and platoon level, as well as the ability to share information collected are just of the few tasks these units must do exceedingly well to accomplish their mission. 

U.S. Army Soldier assigned to 3rd Cavalry regiment, “Brave Rifles” Fort Hood, TX, surveys the area with a FGM-148 Javelin on Oct. 27, 2019. (Photo: Spc. Jessica Rutledge)