Tag Archives: NTC Update

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NTC Update (NOV 19)

Forward Support Company Observations & Best Practices

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The Forward Support Companies (FSC) provide direct logistic support to each maneuver battalion in a Brigade Combat Team (BCT). The FSC Commander is responsible for assisting the battalion S4 and, executing logistics support according to both the BSB and supported maneuver commander’s guidance, and serving as the link between organizations (FM 3-96, 9-7). To accomplish these tasks, the FSC echelons assets across the battlefield throughout the company trains, combat trains, and field trains. Synchronizing these elements requires unfettered communication between the key nodes at each echelon including the supported battalion Tactical Operations Center (TOC), Combat Trains Command Post (CTCP), and Field Trains Command Post (FTCP). Manning and equipping the CTCP and FTCP is an implied task for the FSC but, it should be well defined. A symptom of BCTs tendency to perform collective training at the battalion level and of FSC culture which prides itself on not requiring support from the BSB is that Forward Support Companies struggle to provide adequate support during large scale combat operations (LSCO). 

Crew members and mechanics from Golf Forward Support Company, 101st Brigade Support Battalion, 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Infantry Division, reinstall an engine during National Training Center Rotation 16-08 in August 2016. (Photo Credit: Capt. Jonathan Camire)
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NTC Update (NOV 19)

BSB HQ (Field Feeding & Mortuary Affairs) Observations & Best Practices

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This paper outlines observations and describes best practices of Brigade Support Battalion Headquarters and Headquarters Company’s Field Feeding Section and Mortuary Affairs (MA) Soldiers while deployed during large-scale combat operations (LSCO). Successful field feeding teams deploy prepared and proficient in several key areas, which include but are not limited to utilization of the commodity shops, synchronization with BN staff, and maintenance management. The Field Feeding Section provides field-feeding support with the use of all available equipment and personnel within the specified time constraints in the mission OPORD and in accordance with (IAW) the approved Army standards identified in commanders guidance, applicable internal and external TASOP, and approved Army regulation. 

The field feeding team from 1-89 Cavalry won the corps-level competition last year and placed second in the U.S. Army Forces Command-level competition. (Photo Credit: Courtesy photo)
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NTC Update (NOV 19)

BSB Maintenance Company Observations & Best Practices

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This paper outlines observations and describes best practices of Field Maintenance Company (FMCs) while deployed as rotational training units (RTUs) to the National Training Center (NTC) during FY19. Identifying lessons learned and best practices allows FMC commanders and Leaders to better assess, plan, and prepare units for Large Scale Combat Operations (LSCO). Successful FMCs come to the NTC prepared and proficient in several key areas, which include but not limited to utilization of the commodity shops, synchronization with BN staff, and battalion maintenance meeting. The Army’s two-level maintenance system (field and sustainment levels) generates and regenerates combat power, which is critical for fight and win during LSCO. The Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) can maximize its FMCs potentials to enhance the Forward Support Company (FSC) capabilities to sustain supported unit’s combat operations. 

Although the number of Army accidental fatalities has steadily declined over the past several years, Soldiers are still injuring themselves in preventable accidents. Courtesy photo. (Photo Credit: U.S. Army photo)