National Training Center: Success Tips for Battalion Signal Officers
Abstract
This article provides battalion S-6s throughout the force with 10 simple tips to aid in both the execution of a National Training Center (NTC) rotation or deployment into an active theater of war. These tips are based on the observations of Signal observer coach/trainers over the past year of rotations at the NTC. It is by no means an all-inclusive checklist for success, but it does provide a quick set of tips to keep BN S-6s from running into the same frustrations of previous BN S-6s. As units move through their exercise, we gain an appreciation for how adaptable, flexible, and motivated our Soldiers and leaders are to accomplish the mission and get it right. Every unit has its own unique set of challenges as they prepare for and then move through the training area. No one unit is an expert in every facet of operations. These 10 tips will help keep BN S-6s from making some of the common mistakes that units tend to make when deploying to the NTC: Know your unit's communication assets; Remember the lower Tactical Internet (e.g., combat net radios like SINCGARS, FBCB2, HCLOS, and TACSAT), which can provide critical voice and data links to units on the move, those that do not have access to larger communication networks, and when adverse weather affects the upper Tactical Internet; Consider using smart books to remember all of the various configurations, settings, IP addresses, and other information required to install, operate, and maintain a unit's communication systems; Review digital battle drills and SOPs; Develop Run Estimates and COMSTAT reporting procedures within the battalion; Plan for continuous power needs -- primary and backups; Think of Mission Command as a weapon system; Relationships are key; Bring everything; and Know the architecture.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2012
- Accession Number
- ADA577754
Entities
People
- Michael S. Ryan