REVISED MCTP_Handbook_v1.1_20221020.pdf

Version 1.1

MCTP Handbook

The overall classification of this document is:

UNCLASSIFIED

As of: 20 OCT 2022 POC: S-5 1Version 1.1

Table of Contents

Introduction Welcome to the Mission Command Training Program!

This guide is intended to provide our team a start-point and quick reference for our purpose, organizational identity, culture, and method of operation. It provides Soldiers, Army Civilian Professionals, and contracted support personnel an initial understanding of our team, and where you fit within it. It answers core questions of who we are, what we do, and an overview of how we do it. Finally, it provides you with references and links for frequently asked questions ranging from our lexicon (MCTP has its own vocabulary oriented on design and execution of exercises) to administrative matters.

MCTP, located at beautiful Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, is a unique assignment. It provides an opportunity for military professionals (in and out of uniform) to refresh their mastery of doctrine, learn from experts across warfighting functions, and educate and train the force. Life in MCTP is characterized by generally predictable planning and preparation activities in garrison with great opportunities for time with family, five major exercises per year during which many of us travel, as well as other temporary duties in support of exercise, planning, or support to FORSCOM training requirements.

On behalf of our commander, again, welcome Warfighter! We hope you will find your time in our unit professionally invigorating, personally rewarding, and will warmly look back on your time with us.

Combined Arms Center Distinctive Unit Insignia

As of: 15 July 2022 POC: S-5 5

Combined Arms Center Shoulder Sleeve Insignia

MCTP Motto: Warfighters!

MCTP Crest:

Who is MCTP? MCTP is a TDA unit assigned to CAC-T, TRADOC, and is also the Army’s deployable combat training center (CTC). We train divisions and corps. We consist of a headquarters detachment, three “line” Operations Groups, one Operations Group for Special Operations Forces, and the MCTP headquarters which includes the World Class Opposing Force (WCOPFOR). We are a highly experienced team of active-duty military personnel (including sister services), Army Civilian Professionals (including a cadre of retired flag officer Senior Mentors), and contracted support personnel (both full time, and part-time exercise support personnel). Our organizational chart is below.

CEMA = Cyberspace Electromagnetic Activities COR = Contracting Officer Rep.

JED = Joint Effects Division NSL = National Security Law PROT = Protection Cell RC = Response Cell RM = Resource Management RSC = Red Senior Control

S-39 = IO, IJSTO, PO

SSE = S-31 / Space Support Element SMM = Senior Mentor Management UAPC = Unified Action Partners Cell

WCOPFOR

OPS GRP

MCTP HQ

Deputy to

CDR

Deputy

CDR

S-5S-1 S-6S-2HHD

MCTP CDR

DEP EX DIR

CSM

PERSONAL STAFF

XO Chaplain

SURGEON

NSL

PAO

SARC

EEO

SPECIAL

STAFF OG-A

OG-B

OG-C

OG-J

LNO

RSC

IRR FOR

CORPS

STAFF

DTG CPs

WCOPFOR

OG-J services requirements

S-4

RM

(S-8)

COR

SMM

S-3

DEP

S-3

S-33 S-37

SWO

CEMA

S-39

SSE

FIRES

JED CJSOTF

RC

OPS Group A Corps

OPS Group J SpecialOperationsForces

OPS Group B Divisions

OPS Group C Divisions

As of: 19 August 2022 POC: S-5

FUOPS

PROT

UAPC

S-35

SOF

PLANS

US

US

US

US

KM

1987 20222003 - 20151991

"Readiness for combat is our No. 1 priority…”

Focus

• Large Scale Combat

Operations

• Corps and Division HQs

• Army Service Component

Command exercises

• Information advantage stimulation

• x4 scenarios

Focus

• Mission Rehearsal

Exercises

• Force Protection Mobile

Training Teams

• Brigade Counterinsurgency

Seminars and WFXs

• x1 scenario

Focus

• Division and Corps

• Battlefield Command and Control in WFXs

Focus

• Division and Corps

• Battlefield Command and Control in WFXs

• Brigade Command and

Battle Staff Training

6As of: 18 July 2022 Proponent: MCTP XO

MCTP History: Evolution and Adaption MCTP’s organization, culture, and identity have been influenced by the Army’s own evolving operating concepts. The timeline below illustrates this evolution. Keep this context in mind as you read our unit’s history on the next page.

MCTP History MCTP began as the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP) in 1987, and was re-designated the U.S. Army Mission

Command Training Program on 10 May, 2011. Our original goal was to improve battlefield command and control through stressful and realistic combined arms training in a combat environment. BCTP met this need while also providing Division and Corps computer-driven simulation training. Initially composed of one exercise team, TeamA, and a group of contractors, MCTP executed its first warfighter exercise in January 1988 with the 9th Infantry Division (Motorized) at Fort Lewis, Washington. This validated the concept for a CTC collective training exercise for Divisions and Corps. Later in the year, MCTP established Team B to increase rotational capacity and the World Class Opposing Force.

The Gulf War and the end of the Cold War prompted the first calls to widen the program’s mission to address the dramatically altered world situation. From then on, MCTP’s mission range expanded both in the levels of headquarters it exercised and in the levels of conflict it simulated. MCTP added two teams, Team C, in 1992, to provide Brigade-level training in the new Brigade Command and Battle Staff Training (BCBST) program, and Team D in 1993 to pick up the mission of joint training for Army units operating at the joint task force (JTF) or Army force (ARFOR) level.

After the terrorist attacks of 11 September, 2001, MCTP established a special temporary mobile training team to conduct installation force protection seminars and readiness exercises. In preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom, MCTP developed a special seminar series on counterinsurgency for all deploying Brigades. In 2005, the WCOPFOR expanded into Operations Group – Contemporary Operating Environment. In 2008, MCTP continued to meet the needs of the Army with Teams Sierra and Foxtrot, which conducted seminars and embedded exercises for functional and multifunctional Brigades.

By 2017, MCTP consisted of eight operations groups. Groups Alpha and Delta were to train ASCC, Corps and Division-level staffs; Charlie conducted Brigade warfighter exercises; groups Bravo and Foxtrot trained functional and multi-functional Brigades;

Juliet trained Special Forces units; Sierra trained sustainment Brigades; and X-Ray (expanded and re-named Operations Group COE) responsible for exercise planning, exercise control, and scenario design.

As the Army’s focus shifted from counter-insurgency to returning to large scale combat operations, MCTP refocused on warfighting at the Division and Corps level. To this end in 2020, the CAC commander directed the reorganization of MCTP into three Operations Groups: Alpha focused on Corps and ASCC training, and Bravo and Charlie focused on Divisions. Juliet was re-named the “Strategic Effects Group,” and X-Ray re-named to the Plans and Exercises Directorate (PLEX). Other operations groups folded into Alpha, Bravo, and Charlie as MCTP continued to provide support to division and corps level functional and multi-functional brigades.

MCTP assessed the effectiveness of these changes throughout 2021. In 2022, the MCTP commander assessed that the reorganization of the “line” operations groups was effective, however the growing demands for complexity and multi-domain operations simulation within Warfighter Exercises required further evolution. This resulted in the disbanding of PLEX, the restoration of SEG to Operations Group Juliet, and the merger of all PLEX and some SEG billets into a single doctrinally structured headquarters.

MCTP’s unit awards include The Army Superior Unit Award, awarded on 15 October 2009 for outstanding meritorious service from 1 January 2007 to 31 December 2008 and again on 5 May 2014 for the period of October 2010 to 30 September 2011.

As of: 24 May 2022 Proponent: S-5

MCTP History: Colonel John M. McHugh and the McHugh Training Center

On May 18th, 2010, the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP) lost Colonel John McHugh, Chief of Operations Group Alpha, to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan. A year later, the U.S. Army renamed former Battle Seminar Facility on Fort Leavenworth, as the Colonel John M. McHugh Training Center training facility to honor the fallen Soldier. The building name change coincided with a change in title from BCTP to the Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) to reflect the Army's training strategy changes and use of "mission command" terminology instead of "battle command."

The Colonel John M. McHugh Training Center is a first-class instruction facility, utilizing the latest information technology to conduct conferences and seminars in support of MCTP exercises. It has also been utilized when needed for public events such as Fort Leavenworth's 2011 Martin Luther King Jr. observance. It was a building familiar to McHugh prior to his departure for Afghanistan.

The training center is part of Townsend Hall, which was named after Edwin Franklin Townsend, an officer who joined the U.S. Army in 1854. He was assigned to the western frontier where he explored newly-acquired territory. Later he served during the Civil War, gaining recognition for his courage through brevet promotions. In 1890, Townsend became the Commandant of the School of Application for Cavalry and Infantry, the predecessor of Fort Leavenworth's acclaimed Command and General Staff College.

Like Townsend, John McHugh was a graduate of the United States Military Academy. In 1986, he was commissioned into the Aviation Branch and was soon flying UH-60 Blackhawks. He flew in Operation Desert Storm with a cavalry squadron and later commanded several units and served as a trainer in others, including the National Training Center and BCTP. Prior to being assigned to BCTP a second time, he was deployed for Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Following his graduation from the U.S. Army War College, McHugh became the Chief of Operations Group Alpha. As part of his duties, he went to Afghanistan in 2010 to assess training needs in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. While traveling on May 18, 2010, as part of a convoy, McHugh was killed in Kabul when a suicide bomber detonated a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device. Col. McHugh became one of the most senior-ranking U.S. officers to die in Operation Enduring Freedom and the only Battle Command Training Program member to die in combat.

As of: 19 July 2022 Proponent: S-5

What does MCTP do?

Mission: MCTP designs, plans, executes, and controls Warfighter Exercises (and other exercises – as directed) to train Commanders and their staffs to achieve FORSCOM approved training objectives on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Army.

Commander’s Intent Expanded purpose: MCTP prepares FORSCOM units to fight and win in large-scale combat operations against a free-thinking opposing force in a contested, multi-domain environment.

Key Tasks:

1. Design realistic scenarios and produce mission orders to inform the training audience’s operations process.

2. Plan, execute, and control Warfighter exercises to support unit training objectives.

3. Develop and maintain an immersive training environment that balances training objectives with a challenging experience.

4. Challenge the training audience with a free-thinking opposing force.

5. Observe, coach, train, and teach FORSCOM units. Provide informal feedback on staff processes, products, and tools and formal feedback through After-Action Reviews and Final Exercise Reports.

Endstate: Warfighter Exercises achieve unit training objectives, training audiences are prepared to fight and win in multi-domain environments, and MCTP key observations are shared across the Army. Leaders in MCTP enhance their knowledge and expertise in the practical application of doctrine and increase proficiency in operational art.

As of: 20 July 2022 POC: S-5 10

MCTP supports the Chief of Staff of the Army through the planning and execution of multi-echelon constructive large scale combat operation exercises in order to ensure the Army’s ability to fight and win in multi-domain operations. These exercises occur in richly developed operational environments and plausible scenarios characterized by battle with a competitive opposing force able to contest all domains.

This enables Army formations, especially at the division and corps level, to exercise systems and processes, apply theory and doctrine to tactical problems, and allow commanders to employ operational art. MCTP’s Warfighter exercises are not only targeting exercises or command post validations. MCTP rigorously trains leaders from corporals to lieutenant generals for the rigors of multi-domain warfare against peer or near-peer threats; thus, MCTP directly supports the Chief of Staff of the Army to ensure the Army’s operational force, as a component of the Joint force, stands ready to protect our nation’s national security interests.

MCTP is a professional organization recognized for critically analyzing large scale combat operations to increase readiness across the force. MCTP systems and processes nest with doctrine and apply military problem solving methodologies that improve warfighting. Every Warfighter Exercise is uniquely designed to achieve unit training objectives within a complex, multi-echelon and multi-domain operating environment. Senior Leaders across the Army actively recruit MCTP members, resulting in greater career opportunities throughout the Army. Members of MCTP, Soldiers, Army civilians and contractors view themselves as members of one team; a mighty team of Warfighters! Team members take pride in the organization, treat all with dignity and respect, and find both professional and personal gain.

What is our Commander’s vision for the organization?

As of: 20 July 2022 POC: S-5 11

What is MCTP’s “Product?”

• MCTP led academics

• Warfighter exercises executed at up to three external sites

• Real time feedback to units and Army through observation, embedded mentors, and after-action reviews

• Training audiences execute in field conditions with organic equipment

• Leverages technology to train headquarters

• Tests interoperability with allies and partners

Strategic Complexity In Plausible Scenarios

Distributed Multi-Echelon Exercise Execution

Blended Live and Constructive Training

• Immersive operating environments

• Integrate warfighting functions in large scale combat operations

• Unscripted, free thinking opposing force

• Simulate Unified Action Partners, the Joint Force, allies, and partners

As of: 24 June 2022 POC: S-5

MCTP prepares US Army and allied divisions and Army corps for large scale combat operations against a peer opposing force in environments contested across all domains through the execution of tailorable, scalable, immersive simulation-based capstone training events. We design exercises, develop plausible scenarios, provide academic instruction, and deliver a challenging and immersive training experience capped with formal instrumented after-action reviews (AARs).

What is a Warfighter Exercise?

A “Warfighter” is the operational name for an Army distributed, simulation supported, multi-echelon tactical command post training exercise. It is the primary product of MCTP to ensure readiness of FORSCOM units to fight and win in large scale combat operations in the multi-domain environment against a peer threat.

• Why. Prepare FORSCOM units to fight and win in large-scale combat operations against a free-thinking opposing force in a contested, multi-domain environment.

What. “Warfighter” is the operational name for an Army distributed, simulation supported, multi-echelon tactical command post training exercise.

• Who.

• Directed by the Chief of Staff of the Army.

• Scheduled by the CG of US Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) with training audiences identified five years out.

• Conducted by MCTP, assisted by FORSCOM tasked higher command (HICOM)

• Controlled by the exercise director, assisted by the MCTP commander and the

Exercise Control Group.

• Supported by FORSCOM, TRADOC, 1st Army, National Guard Bureau (NGB), Regional Simulation Center (RSC), US Air Force Air Combat Command (ACC), 505th Command and Control Wing (CCW), the Army Joint Support Team (AJST), retired general officers serving as senior mentors, and other agencies.

• When. Five times per year.

• Where. MCTP can deploy to up to three locations globally with the World Class

Opposing Force (WCOPFOR) and some elements working from Ft. Leavenworth, KS.

• How. Plausible large scale combat scenario derived from TRADOC G-2 approved common base scenario (DATE). MCTP adapts the scenario to meet approved training objectives and incorporate guidance from Army senior leaders. MCTP, assisted by immerses training audiences in the scenario through stimulation provided by computer simulations, staff processes, and a free thinking WCOPFOR. MCTP provides detailed feedback, facilitates AARs, and records lessons learned.

“Warfighter Exercises” are abbreviated as “WFX” and assigned a numeric code of fiscal year, and sequence number (ex. “WFX 23-1” is the first WFX of FY 23).

As of: 23 August 2022 POC: S-5 12

How do we do it? MCTP’s core functions MCTP performs six core functions to deliver a WFX, described below. Different assignments in MCTP will have different focus and levels of emphasis, but we all contribute to synchronizing these functions.in our operational approach.

Control Exercises

Monitors, synchronizes and controls the stimulation of designated training units during the execution of the

WFX to ensure that training units have an opportunity to meet their training objectives based on the guidance of the exercise director, chief controller, and Operations Groups’ chiefs.

Provide Observations &

Feedback

Observe, coach, and train WFX audiences; Instructs academics tailored to unit needs and provides feedback to the Exercise Control Group to ensure training objectives are achieved.

Design Fictional Scenarios &

Orders

Produce the fiction (stimulation) not provided by the simulation that immerses the

Training Audience in the scenario.

(Environment)

- Design Scenarios -Produce Fictional Orders

- Develop Storylines

- Create Actionable Intelligence

Plan Exercises

Identify problems unique to each exercise, govern planning processes in accordance with army doctrinal planning and exercise design frameworks.

Receive and incorporate input from external agencies and provide feedback at echelon. Request, allocate, and manage resources including facilities.

Synchronize detailed planning effortsacross the organization.

Competitive

WCOPFOR

Provides a “free thinking,” near-peer competitive, operational level hybrid threat that challenges the execution of collective tactical tasks by Army service components, corps, divisions, and brigades while stressing and challenging the ability of commanders and staffs to guide, integrate, and synchronize Army forces throughout the conduct of unified land operations.

Employ C4I Instrumentation

Provide linkage of command and control systems with simulation of large scale combat in multi-domain operations to facilitate the immersion of training audiences within plausible scenarios.

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-5 14

Warfighter Operational Approach MCTP works with training audiences to nest planning, preparation, and execution efforts to the achievement of training objectives. Each WFX is unique and tailored to its training audiences and their training objectives.

However, WFXs share many key activities and events. These may be grouped in five major lines of effort and divided into the four phases of the operations process (plan, prepare, execute, and assess).

inputs from

Starting State Phase 1 Phase 2 Phase 3 Phase 4 Objectives End State Planning Preparation Execution Assess

MCTP

receives planning

Lines of Effort

LOE 1 – Observe, Coach, and Train

OBJ 1: Directly assist training objective accomplishment through OCT assistance in education, in execution, and after action reviews.

MCTP

produces and delivers scenarios and C2 systems, mission command, and professiona OCTs that facilitate a transparent exercise that challenges training audiences, and enables the Exercise Director and Ops Group COGs to assist

FORSCOM

units in achievemen of training objectives.

FORSCOM

including training audiences and scenario

LOE 2 – Evolution of OE s

OBJ 2: Multiple operational environments developed and maintained for use in WFXs adapted to executable orders released to training audiences in conjunction with HICOM HQs.

guidance.

MCTP

organizes for conceptual and detailed planning within and

LOE 3 – WFF Synchroni zation

WFX

OBJ 3: The WFX scenario serves as the doctrinal test of training audience’s abilities to employ the operations process and mission command, as well as a means to inform the Army’s understanding of tactical gaps across

DOTMILPF.

gathers tools from past exercises while Ops

Groups and the staff work with

LOE 4 – Training Audienc e Stimulat ion

OBJ 4: Training audiences interact with complex operational variables within a plausible scenario, resulting in an immersive training experience that stresses systems and processes in planning, preparation, and execution.

training audiences to nest planning with training objectives.

LOE 5 –Exercise Design and Control

OBJ 5: Simulation as well as HICOM and MSEL inject stimulations create a convincing fictional world, driving the entirety of the training audience to visualize of the evolving tactical problem-set and require unity of effort across all staff functions.

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-5 15

Warfighter Planning and Execution Model Each mission requires our team to adapt well honed tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) to the unique character of each exercise. The ‘lifecycle’ of an exercise begins when the FORSCOM “Army Synchronization and Resourcing Conference” (ASRC) identifies training audiences and locations. MCTP moves from conceptual and detailed planning approximately one year out from execution. Our model orients on our commander and employs Army Design Methodology (if needed) and MDMP. It includes collaborative planning conferences tied to MDMP steps, as needed. MCTP planning results in exercise OPORDs that govern us in execution, and in a family of fictional OPORDs that govern training audiences.

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-5 16

Integrating Cell Proponency:

S-37

S-1 S-2

S-4 S-6

S-8

S-3

OGs

DCO/Chief of Staff

Plan Plans S-5

Prepare

FUOPS

S-35

Execute

CUOPS

S-33

Assess Plans S-5

S-5

OPT Why: Ensure shared understanding and unity of effort across MCTP OPT Who: WFX OPTs consist of representatives from the whole staff, all with inputs into both fictional and factual planning

Proponency Transitions:

Where: Bldg 429, OPT Room 326 When: Per Battle Rhythm, Tuesdays-Thursdays, 1100 or 1400 OPT What: OPT proponents govern the application of TC 7-101’s exercise design model within the Army operations process through the application of Design, MDMP, and RDSP across time

Ops Process Plan Prepare Deplo yment

Execute Assess

Event MCTP Br

OPOR

D ief

Br ief Rede ploy

S-5 S-35 S-33 S-5 AAR

Product

As of: 21 July 20

OPOR

(a

Ds ll)

MC

Deplo

FRAG

TP

ymen t

ORD22 POC: S-5

FE R

TC 7-101 ADP 5-0 FM 5-0

• Initial Planning

• Task and Countertask

Development

• PMESSI-PT& OE

Development

• Orders, Plans, and

Instruction Development

• Mission Command

• Plan

• Prepare

• Execute

• Assess

• Design (4 frames)

• MDMP (7 Steps)

• RDSP

S-33

JED

S-35

WFX Planning: OPTs, Proponency, and Transitions MCTP’s center of gravity for WFX planning is an Operational Planning Team (OPT) consisting of a core of representatives from across the staff and Operations Groups that develop our plan to execute a WFX. By battle rhythm, the OPT meets weekly to synchronize efforts of working groups, ensure progress within the detailed plan-to-plan, compile MDMP outputs for briefings to the MCTP commander, and to prepare MCTP OPORDs and FRAGORDs for publication and briefing. OPT members are typically assigned to one to two exercises, and remain their organization’s point of contact for the exercise. Proponency of the OPT transitions between integrating cells based on time horizons and key events. Note that S-37, a functional cell, provides essential input to the OPT as changes to FORSCOM guidance, training audiences, and resourcing impact all aspects of WFX planning. OPT members will often also serve as the proponents for subordinate working groups that create and refine detailed aspects of the plan for a WFX (scenario, simulation control plan, exercise control, personnel manning, etc.) WFXs have many work groups, but only one OPT.

“Proponency” refers to MCTP’s primary advocate for a given effort. While the proponent is responsible for what their effort does, most aspects of WFX planning and execution require teamwork across our unit.

Ops Groups

Receipt of Mission & Concept

Development (MCTP Internal)

W-370

WFX

EXECUTION

28 DAYS

MCTP Exercise OPORD brief.

LCC OPORD

(as required)

W-60* W-75*

Corps/ESC

OPORD

W-45** W-60***

CORPS

Academics

W-180

AC DIV

Academics W-135

ASRC

SCHEDULING

OUT TO FIVE

YEARS

15 DAYS SET-UP

10 DAYS WFX

3 DAYS TEAR-DOWN

* LCC OPORD issued at W-60 only when a Corps is Senior Training Audience with an AC DIV Training Audience and W-75 when with a RC DIV Training Audience.

** Corps OPORD issued at W-45 when AC DIV is Senior Training Audience *** Corps OPORD issued at W-60 when a RC DIV is a Senior Training Audience

RC DIV

Academics

W-60*** W-75*

CG,

FORSCOM

C2CD SVTC

W-270

CFLCC Order Issued to

Corps

(Corps) Order Issued to Divisions RC Div Order

Issued to RC BDEs

AC Div Order Issued to AC

BDEs

Final Event Planning (Optional)

W-100

Main Event Planning (Optional)

W-210

Initial Staff Coordination (Optional)

W-330

As of: 16 August 2022 POC: S-5

MCTP

Mission Analysis

Brief W-300

MCTP COA

DEV Brief

W-217

MCTP COA

Approval

Brief W-107

MCTP Prep Activities (Tabletop Exercises, Rehearsals, Deployment

FRAGORD

and Scenario brief)

Exercise Timeline Highlights The “lifecycle” of a WFX (often called the event life cycle or “ELC”) has several key events that are scheduled by referencing a

“W minus” day (number of days before the start of the exercise, on “W-Day.”). This “lifecycle” is occurring for 5-6 exercises simultaneously and planning future exercises must continue during WFX execution. MDMP briefings allow WFX planning OPTs to update and receive guidance from the commander. MDMP briefings precede two optional planning conferences. These conferences assist in sharing the outputs of MDMP and with training audiences, and informing senior leaders. While WFX planning is commander centric via MDMP, collaboration with training audiences and guidance from the FORSCOM appointed Exercise Director influences our commander’s guidance. However, the things we do internal to ourselves are the decisive operation for WFX planning.

The diagram below highlights major milestones of a WFX per a ‘doctrinal template.’

Non-MTOE

ETP

W-121

Exercise Locations Example WFXs are complex endeavors that involves deployment of hundreds of personnel and integration of a federation of simulation systems across multiple locations, often globally. Note that WFX locations also involve sites and their capabilities not inherent to MCTP, such as Hurlburt Field, FL, and Ft. Lee, VA.

As a member of MCTP, you can expect to travel periodically. MCTP ‘deployment’ lengths vary based on assignment and exercise requirements. They can range for less than two weeks for some OCTs, to three weeks for some staff, to approximately one month for some contracted support personnel. The map below shows an example WFX area of operations.Apart from CONUS forts and camps, MCTP often travels to Korea as well.

As of: 21 July 2022 Proponent: S-37

Exercise Resourcing

As of: 21 July 2022 Proponent: S-3 (Inputs from S-33 and 37)

Resourcing a WFX is a complicated effort made complex by changes based on operational requirements. No two WFXs are the same, and no WFX in execution looks exactly as it appeared when planning began. As such, WFX OPTs typically will continue to evolve running estimates to COAApproval...and even after COA approval, changes are still common. The items below are some of the important running estimates that help govern the resourcing of exercises in terms of time, people, and equipment.

Troop List (S-37). Related to, but different from the scenario’s fictional task organization. This document displays what units are filling what roles, and where during a WFX.

ESMED (S-33). “Exercise Support Manning and Equipping Document.” This document, reviewed annually and validated in COA approval, provides our recommendations and best guess for personnel, equipment, and locations for work cells, response cells, etc.

Simulation Control Plan (S-37). Concept for employing space within Mission Training Complex (MTCs) to ensure adequate space and ensure C4I integration. Goes to “by room, by box & seat” detail.

Exercise Timeline and Battle Rhythm (S-37). FORSCOM sets WFX dates and MCTP has a template for execution. Training audience and HICOM feedback refines with rehearsal windows, time for battle rhythm events, etc.

Exercise Task Organization: the Exercise Control Group (ECG)

As of: 16 August 2022 POC: S-5

• MCTP staff integrate with their HICOM counterparts via systems and processes

• Select MCTP personnel co-locate in HICOM HQ

• MCTP staff assists the HICOM in development of battle rhythm event inputs/outputs

• HICOM ops process focused on training audience immersion in fictional scenario

• ECG internal battle rhythm focused on exercise control and Exercise Director decision-making

MCTP, sometimes in conjunction with external agencies, task organizes Ops Groups and staff by exercise location. The staff integrates with the HICOM HQ to ensure unity of effort at one echelon above the senior training audience. The ECG main CP includes MCTP’s Current Ops Integration Cell (COIC) that synchronizes stimulation and meters the exercise based on Ops Group feedback. The diagram below illustrates an example WFX task organization, in this case WFX 23-1.

OG-C

ECG Satellite CP

SBHI

S-35S-33

XXXX

Exercise Director

HICOM

JBLM

MCTP HICOM

Team; S-5

Planner

HICOM SOJTF

XX

OG-B

ECG Satellite CP

FCCO

S-35S-33

25th ID

25th SB

25th CAB

25th D/A

4th ID

4th CAB

4th SB

4th D/A

WCOPFOR

ECG Rear CP

FLKS

OG-JOG-A

S-4JEDS-33 S-35S-2 HICOM

LNO to ECG

593 ESC

555 EN

17 FAB

I CORPS 1 SFG

ECG Main CP

JBLM

MCTP CDR

(DeputyEx.

Director)

S-6

505th CDR

(USAF DS)DCO

ECG Staff

OCT

OPFOR

SBHI

WFX Support

Control

FCCO

ECG MAIN

Coordination

Red Senior Control

DCoS Ops / Chief

Controller

WCOPFOR

LNO

Higher Command (HICOM) Integration

MCTP lacks the personnel and command and control systems to role-play the higher headquarters for training audiences. Therefore, FORSCOM identifies units to serve as the Higher Command (HICOM) during WFXs. For WFXs with a Corps training audience, the HICOM will serve as the CFLCC or JTF, and for WFXs with only division training audiences, the HICOM serves as a Corps HQ. FORSCOM tasks DIVs, Corps, and ASCCs with this role, and it is not uncommon for divisions and corps HQs to provide a higher echelon; for example, III Corps and XVIII Airborne Corps often provide HICOM for each other’s exercises. The exercise director normally is the HICOM unit commander.

HICOM integration is the process by which the ECG staff links with their HICOM counterparts to ensure unity of effort in setting of training conditions.

The HICOM is not an independent actor trying to “win” the WFX, but rather a training enabler. Each staff section has its own HICOM Integration SOPs. Additionally, the ECG and HICOM exchange liaison packages to physically embed and assist the HICOM in creating an immersive training experience.

HICOM Integration Principles

• Always orient on the training audience’s training objectives.

• Maintain the integrity of the training audience’s immersion.

• Continuously monitor the operational environment.

• Provide time and space for exercise director to influence direction of the exercise.

“Who Wears What Hat?”

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-35 21

HICOM Key Functions

• Place a demand signal on training audiences through battle rhythm systems and processes.

• Transmit exercise director guidance through orders and directives.

• Provide a venue to enable CDR to CDR dialogue.

Training Audience Immersion MCTP strives to create, evolve, and control a plausible scenario that allows training audiences to employ mission command as they will in combat. MCTP stimulates training audiences in a simulation of large scale combat in multi-domain operations through a combination of computer simulations and analogue wargame techniques.

Depending on your assignment, you may rarely interact with this effort, but we all need a basic understanding of it, and how we all work together to make “the game” transparent to the units we train. We strongly discourage any discussion of “gamisms” with training audiences by our role players and work cells/response cells.

Training Audience Perception MCTP “Behind the Scenes”

Complete replication of warfare through the Warsim computer simulation communicated through C2 systems.

Multiple computer simulations, scripted events, and analogue wargame techniques communicated by multiple means.

VS

As of: 22 July 2022 POC: S-5 22

WFX simulations provide:

• Terrain & ground movement and maneuver

• Rotary wing aviation & unmanned aerial surveillance

• Most intelligence functions

• Some fixed wing air capabilities

• Direct fire (no fratricide)

• Most indirect fire, some Joint fires (fratricide possible)

• Some friendly air defense artillery, ex. SHORAD

• FM retransmission

• Field services and CL III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX

• Casualty evacuation (low died of wounds rate)

• KIA evacuation from theater

MCTP staff processes provide:

• Space, maritime, and some air domain activity

• Electronic warfare

• Friendly/Enemy cyber effects

• Information operations

• Some intelligence functions ex. HUMINT injects

• Civilians on battlefield / prisoners of war adjudication

• Administration requirements

• Rail and convoy operations from PODs

• APOD/SPOD friction & functionality

• Media, Unified Action Partners

• Blue/red adjacent unit activity & strategic context

Training Audience Immersion: Simulations

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-33

C2 Adaptors

Model Simulation (Combat, Intel, Log, lethal effects, and After Action Review System)

JLCCTC Stimulates:

• Forward Area Air Defense Command, Control and

Intelligence

• Distributed Common Ground System - Army

• Maneuver Control System

• Air and Missile Defense Workstations

• Command and Control Personal Computer

• Joint Battle Command Platform (JBC-P)

• Global Command and Control System-Army

• Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System

• Command Post of the Future/Command Post

• Computing Environment/ Command Post Computing

Environment (CPCE)

Army Mission Command & C2 Exercise Control (ExCON)

Technical Control (TechCON)

Constructive training uses computer models and simulations to exercise command and staff function. MCTP employs the Joint Land Component Constructive Training Capability (JLCCTC) to deliver simulations in WFXs. JLCCTC, which includes WARSIM, provides the simulated operational environment in which computer-generated forces stimulate and respond to the processes of the commanders and staffs. JLCCTC provides a digital Common Operating Picture (COP), allows selected small units to realistically simulate high resolution combat activities. JLCCTC also provides an interface to C2 Systems allowing commanders and their staffs to train with their organizational real-world C2 equipment.

JLCCTC Overview http://www.pcrush.com/images/hi-res/457091.jpg http://www.pcrush.com/images/hi-res/457091.jpg http://www.pcrush.com/images/hi-res/457091.jpg http://www.pcrush.com/images/hi-res/457091.jpg

•Not simulated •Requires scripting to imitate space-based capabilities

•Live OPFOR offensive cyber •Operational effects through scripting and work-arounds

•CAS, DCA, and interdiction simulated in competitive box

•Scripting outside box

• IO, APOD/SPOD functions, some INTEL scripted

•Shortfalls in urban ops

•Limited simulation capabilities

•Requires extensive scripting

Integrating un-fielded or newly fielded capabilities and multi-domain operations (MDO) in warfighter exercises requires simulation manipulation, adjudication management, and subjective scripting to emulate effects in large-scale combat operations. Unfortunately, our simulation cannot keep up with un-fielded and newly fielded systems and munitions, or all activities across multiple domains. WFX “workarounds” and stimulation of multiple domains requires continuous MCTP functional adjudication management and personnel investments. Also, simulating un-fielded or newly fielded capabilities, scripting, and effects adjudication in WFXs may not accurately reflect performance or effects in large-scale combat operations. Warfighters can’t be perfect, however they provide the immersion required for our audiences to train. The next page discusses these limitations.

MDO in WFXs AR 350-50 - “Rigor. During a CTC experience, commanders will train with the equipment they would expect to take to war, to the extent possible.”

FORSCOM Bus. Rules and TR 350-50-3 Training audiences may only use new non-MTOE equipment in WFXs if:

• scheduled for fielding during the current ReARMM,

• is supportable by MCTP, and

• is approved by FORSCOM.

As of: 18 July 2022 POC: S-5 25

Immersion: Un-fielded Capabilities and Multi-Domain Operations

Rules and Workarounds : Mitigate WFX Constraints

As of: 18 July 2022 POC: S-5 26

MCTP operates the largest entity count JLCCTC MRF-WARSIM simulation in the Army and new scenarios (Baltic, Korea) in large scale combat outpaces its current technical capacity. To address this, MCTP established and annually updates a book of “Rules and Workarounds.” A large portion of the “deployed” MCTP footprint during a WFX is managing Rules and Workarounds to keep training audiences stimulated despite simulation limitations.

MCTP WFX Challenges / Issues:

- MAP / PLAYBOX Limitations

- (Size and detail) – Deep Shaping Effects.

- Equipment groups Limitations

- Limited to 100,000 items within Simulation

- Limited units and systems can be simulated

- WARSIM Concurrency

- Simulation unable to keep up with newly fielded systems and ammunition capabilities.

- Developers must program Played Items List (PIL) and Parameters

- WARSIM lack of EW/MDO capabilities. –

- Simulation lacks ability to provide most non-kinetic effects

1. RULES: directives that govern the conduct of a MCTP training exercise

2. WORKAROUNDS: a functionality or military operation not modeled, or not adequately modeled, within the simulation(s)

3. Applies equally to Blue Force (BLUFOR) and Opposing Force (OPFOR)

4. Violations: the willful circumvention or failure to apply or enforce the intent of the MCTP Rules and Workarounds

5. BLUFOR and OPFOR have equal opportunity to gain advantage over one another by application of doctrine, tactics and force levels

Training Audience Immersion: Scenarios MCTP creates fictional but plausible scenarios for training audiences. These scenarios, selected by FORSCOM, take two years to develop, and are tailored to each exercise. Scenarios can give units an opportunity to familiarize themselves with likely areas of conflict or can be set in a location that requires all new analysis. The Baltic scenario is currently our most executed scenario.

These are experienced through the construction of the terrain and units within simulations, and through the publication of a family of fictional orders describing the operational environment, road to war, and the higher headquarters’ plan. These orders are drafted by contracted augmentation to the staff (contract deliverable) but proponency resides with respective staff sections. Any person assigned to attend or support a WFX should familiarize themselves with the scenario by reading the associated OPORD, located on the SIPR Sharepoint and SIMLAN when published. If you don’t have one, you should get a SIPR token.

Caspian Scenario: 2012 – 2018 (WFX 18-1) Korea Scenario: WFX 18-2 – WFX 20-3

Pacific Scenario: WFX 23-1Baltic Scenario: WFX 21-1 to Present

Scenarios build Commander and Staff proficiency with challenging and diverse problems:

Operations Process, Authorities, Fires Integration, Operational Reach and Framework, Wet Gap Crossings

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-5 27

How Do We Operate in WFX Execution? An Overview.

Exercise Director’s Pre-

BriefScenario Synchronization

Meeting ECG Effects Coordination

Board

Execution

Information Advantage

Working Group

Sustainment Control Synch

Line Operations Group OCT

Azimuth Check

Exercise Control Group

Synchronization Meeting

Exercise Control Group Decision

Board

Line Operations Group Standup with Senior Mentors

Ops Group Meeting ECG Meeting

Opportunity for Feedback Including Senior Mentor Atmospherics

Execution Guidance

Exercise Director Decisions

Scenario Evolution

• Ops Group Feedback

• TNG OBJ Observations

• Requests for Stimulation

Feedback for Following Day’s Scenario Sync Meeting

Output:

Recommended Decisions Refinement

Adjustments

OCT Feedback

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-5 28

In execution, the ECG and Operations Groups create a feedback loop within the ECG. Operations groups provide continuous coverage of training audience COICs (at a minimum). OCT feedback provides senior mentors and Chiefs of Ops Groups with oversight of training audience activity across time. Ops Groups provide insights and requests for stimulation into the ECG Battle Rhythm to drive changes to the exercise and Exercise Director decisions.

WfF Leads

HQ DA

FORSCOM TRADOC

CAC &

CAC-T CoEs

HICOM &

Training

Audiences TPOs

Staff Counter-parts

Tasked LNOsS-3 & 33

DCOXO

OPT

S-5

S-33

DTO

S-35

FRAGORD

Staff Proponent

Staff Sync Staff

Dashboard Task Tracker

S-5

OPORD

CDR

Battle Rhythm Systems and Processes:

Monitor and ensure completion

Mission Command via mission orders publication

MCTP

External

Outputsl

Long Range Planning

Complex/Ill Defined Problems

Mid Range Planning Initial assessment/concept S

Range

• CSA WFX Guidance

• JNTC (J7)

• Multinational Interoperability GOSC

• USARC

• ASRC

• 1st Army

• NGB

• ReARMM

• WFX/ASCC Scheduling • CALL

• Army U

• TRDOC Regulations

• ASEP-C

• Garrison Orders

• ALLF GOSC

• G-8, CTCD Funding

• MICC-LVN

• Interoperability

• CTC CDR Conf

• “Master Plan”

• Key Observations

• Vision

• Guidance

• Campaign Plan

• Training

• Resourcing

• DTO Input

• Design

• MDMP

“Who else needs to know?”

How Do We Address Emergent Requirements?

MCTP’s organization, systems, and processes are built around WFX planning and execution. As with all units, MCTP also must address other requirements that emerge from a variety of sources. The MCTP staff and warfighting function leaders coordinate with numerous external agencies, each with their own authorities, interests, and influence.

MCTP ensures shared understanding of these emergent requirements from the multiple inputs into the HQ. Any emergent requirements should be routed to the attention of the DCO/chief of staff’s outer office (or the S-3 outer office when operations specific) for recording on the staff’s dashboard and delegation of proponency or appointment of an action officer. The diagram below depicts the system by which requirements emerge and how MCTP routes them for staffing. Simple requirements go to the obvious staff proponent or operations integrating cell. Complex and ill-defined problems route to S-5 for initial assessment/concept development before transitioning to the staff proponent, or S-5 will establish an operational planning team. In all cases, leaders ensure they do not delay in introducing emergent requirements to the organization to ensure the organization can respond to requirements with unity of effort.

S-37

DCO or S-3 Outer

Office hort Ops Requir ements

As of: 19 August 2022 POC: S-5 28

The Observer, Coach, Trainer (OCT)

As of: 21 July 2022 Proponent: S-5 with feedback from Ops Groups

Tips for future OCTs:

1. Get smart on the exercise prior to deploying. Get on SIPR and read the HICOM order, your training audience order, SOPs, etc.

2. Your warfighting function position does not mean you only collect on that position.

Everyone collects everywhere. If no one is on the CUOPS floor, then cover down and collect. There will always be someone of the CUOPS floor collecting.

3. Only select Ops Group leadership and senior mentors can give information or guidance to training audience commanders.

4. Keep conversations brief, 2 - 4 minutes to explain concepts to the TA. Do not have long conversations with them that keep them from doing their job. (Exception: If a member asks you for assistance, help them out even if it takes some time)

5. Maintain military bearing and professionalism with the TA.

6. Do not talk negatively about any aspect of what the TA are doing in the TA CP.

7. Be self sufficient; the training audience should not support you.

8. Offer best practices, solutions, TTPs, etc. Avoid personal opinions.

Other Tasks During OCT Shifts

• AAR development

• Final Exercise Report input

• Green Book AAR prep

• Review Orders / MSELs

• Synchronize with other OPS GRPS

The observer, coach, trainer (OCT) is the heart of the Army’s CTC program. MCTP provides OCTs to facilitate mission command training from Corps to Brigades through 24-hour coverage for unit command groups, staff, and key leaders in their respective command posts, as well as functional and integrating cells throughout the WFX. OCTs cover all warfighting functions, playing a critical role in providing feedback to the unit, informally, through everyday interactions, and, formally, through mid and final after action reviews (AARs) plus the final exercise report (FER). These events give the training audience actions to consider for sustainment and improvement.

MCTP OCTs are LTCs or senior MAJs that are branch-qualified, CGSC graduates, and have extensive field experience. OCT NCOs are SFCs-SGMs and have attended the Battle Staff Course or are United States Sergeants Major Academy Graduates. They are certified through a thorough training program, are experts on doctrine and in their specific Warfighting Functions, and are trained in providing feedback using the After-Action Review process.

OCTs provide 24 hour coverage of key requirements including the training audience main command post’s COIC floor, and warfighting function expertise at major battle rhythm events. OCT shifts may vary based on manning with 12 hour shifts common.

The OCT experience provides officers and NCOs with deeper substantive knowledge of their military profession, increases their proficiency in operational art and the practical application of doctrine, and exposes them to the challenges the Army could face in future conflicts. Officers and NCOs at MCTP are able to gain multiple careers worth of experience in a short time through observation of their training audiences. Furthermore, OCTs gain a unique perspective of the Army's trending challenges and their solutions. OCTs have the opportunity to help shape the way the Army will fight now and in the future.

OCT Certification Overview

As of: 21 July 2022 POC: S-37

Phase II: OCT Certification

Mod 10: Subordinate Organization (SO) Organization/Operations Mod 11: OCT Duties, Skills, and Responsibilities Mod 12: Conduct Seminar/Workshop Mod 13: Counterpart In-Brief Instruction Mod 14: AAR Instruction Mod 15: Execution of OCT Duties and Responsibilities Mod 16: Conduct Counterpart In-Brief Mod 17: Conduct Orders Crosswalk Mod 18: Understand Warfighting Functions and Joint Functions Mod 19: Conduct and Prepare an AAR Mod 20: Input to the Final Exercise Report Mod 21: Army and Joint Training Resources

Phase I: OCT Academy and Provisional Certification

OCT Academy Day 1 and 2:

Mod 1: Doctrine Test Mod 2: MCTP Program Overview Mod 3: Warfighter 101 Mod 4: Event Life Cycle Mod 5: OCT Professionalism Mod 6: The Art and Science of OCT Mod 7: Near Peer Threat Instruction and OPFOR Mod 8: MCTP Supporting Systems Mod 9: Doctrine Readings Additional Briefings not part of the Certification:

Call Brief (30min); NSC Brief (30min); CADD (30min)

Phase III: OCT Recertification and A/OCT Certification

- when an SO COG determines that an individual OCT requires additional refinement on the execution of their duties as an OCT.

- if the OCT is being reassigned and was previously assigned to MCTP as an OCT they will be required to attend the OCT academy.

Mod 22: AOCT Preparation and Training

180 Days to complete Phase II - SO/Staff/Special Staff Led

(Garrison and at the WFX)

Commander / COG Discretion Phase III - SO/Staff/Special Staff Led

(Garrison and at the WFX) Phase I – HQs Led

(Garrison)

Personnel assigned to MCTP as OCTs execute a three phase Program of Instruction (POI) managed by S- 37 (Phase I) and their Operations Group to gain and maintain certification. Certification ensures a baseline of skills, knowledge, and behaviors among OCTs, and helps ensure the quality of execution of the unit’s mission.

OCTs received training as soon as it is offered after arrival, and recertify at the Ops Group level every six months.

The below information outlines the POI, which new OCTs can review in detail. Contact S-37 for more information.

Purpose of the OCT Academy:

• Ensure every newly assigned OCT understands the CDRs expectations

• Train OCT eligible Officers and Noncommissioned Officers assigned/attached to MCTP in the necessary skills, techniques and knowledge required to perform duties as an OCT in support of WFXs and ASCC Exercises

Chief, Operations Group (COG):

The COG is the Senior Officer for the operations group. The COG directs the preparation effort for the exercise and setup. He directs the OCTs, the analyst collection effort, and reviews and approves the formal AARs.

Deputy Chief, Operations Group (DCOG):

Serves as the COG during split based operations. Assists in the direction of OCTs.

Chief of Operations (CHOPS):

The CHOPS is responsible for the Exercise Operations Center, tracks all operations; supervises administration, communications, and exercise control activities; sets up the AAR site; and coordinates with external agencies and the exercise control group.

Chief Observer, Coach, Trainer (CHOT):

Manages all OCTs and Augmentee Observer, Coach, Trainers (A/OCTs). The CHOT assists and provides input to the AAR build process and reviews the Final Exercise Report submissions. Leads the CHOT Huddle during shift changes.