TE-15_Exercise_Director's_Guide.pdf

Exercise Director’s Guide

U.S. Army Mission Command Training Program Fort Leavenworth, Kansas

1 June 2013

FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY

DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

UNITED STATES ARMY TRAINING AND DOCTRINE COMMAND

OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMANDING GENERAL FOR COMBINED ARMS

415 SHERMAN AVENUE UNIT 1

FORT LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS 66027-2300

REPLY TO

ATTENTION OF:

ATDC-C

MEMORANDUM FOR EXERCISE DIRECTORS, WARFIGHTER EXERCISES (WFX)

SUBJECT: Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) Exercise

Director's Guide

1. This Memorandum introduces the Mission Command Training

Program Exercise Director's Guide. This guide provides you with information concerning your role in the design and execution of a WFX.

2. The primary focus of a WFX is leader development. All MCTP

Exercises must be relevant, dynamic, and stressful events that reinforce our “train as you fight philosophy”. Accomplishing this begins with the service you are preparing to perform as a

MCTP Exercise Director. The duties are challenging, requiring not only a doctrinally sound application of operations and tactics, but also an understanding of how a MCTP Exercise is designed and executed. Exercise Director personal involvement, early in the process, is critical to the success of this training event. The guidance you provide will set conditions for the Exercise and have a direct impact on the training and readiness of our Army. The Guide provides you with the concepts and tools you need to perform this critical task.

3. Your direct interaction with the MCTP Commander and Chief

Controller will ensure your intent for this capstone training event is met. Together, we will reach our goal -- a well trained

Army, ably led by bold, aggressive and innovative leaders prepared to conduct unified land operations.

DAVID G. PERKINS

LIEUTENANT GENERAL, USA

Commander, Combined Arms Center

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter 1: MCTP Overview 1-1

Chapter 2: Exercise Director Responsibilities 2-1

Chapter 3: Exercise Design and Planning 3-1

Chapter 4: Exercise Execution 4-1

A. General. The Mission Command Training Program Exercise Director's Guide is designed to provide an Exercise Director (EXDIR) with an understanding of the MCTP exercise paradigm and your role throughout the process. The guide consists of four chapters. The introductory chapter provides an overview of the rotational events associated with an exercise, and also describes how the EXDIR interacts with the various elements of MCTP. The second chapter provides an overview of the Exercise Director’s responsibilities. Chapter three provides an overview on exercise planning and the exercise operational environment. Chapter four explains how the EXDIR, with MCTP executes and controls an Exercise.

B. The MCTP mission statement reads:

MCTP supports the collective training of Army units as directed by the Chief of Staff of the Army (CSA) and scheduled by Forces Command (FORSCOM)in accordance with the Army Force Generation

(ARFORGEN) process at worldwide locations in order to train Leaders and provide commanders the opportunity to train on mission command in Unified

Land Operations (ULO).

C. Group Alignment.

1. To meet this mission MCTP conducts a variety of exercises the priority of which is the multi-tiered, multi-echelon WFX. This exercise embeds, corps, division, functional and multifunctional commands / brigades / groups, and brigade combat teams (BCTs). Additionally, MCTP conducts mission readiness exercises in support of the Joint Staff, J7 (Suffolk). Though the types of exercises vary, the role of the EXDIR remains essentially the same for all exercises.

2. Since the Army remains involved in overseas contingency operations, MCTP’s training priorities remain the preparation of Army units deploying as part of the joint and combined force. Yet with guidance from the Army Chief of Staff, MCTP will focus training on atrophied skills in preparation for a non-deploying unit’s progression through the ARFORGEN training cycle.

MRXs for units deploying against named operations

WFXs for units prioritized in the ARFORGEN

WFXs for all other units

Chapter 1: Mission Command Training Center Overview

D. Exercise Overview

1. Mission Rehearsal Exercises (MRX). A MRX is focused on preparing a unit for deployment against named operations. MRXs are directed by FORSCOM Commander, tied to a specific Geographic Combatant Command and scheduled based on either the unit’s deployment date(s) or a DA directed Transfer of Authority (TOA) if replacing a unit already deployed.

2. Warfighter Exercise (WFX). The WFX is typically a 10 day simulation driven command post exercise. It is a multi-echelon, fully integrated tactical CPX. Warfighter exercises are not used to validate unit war plans, but use a Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE) that test the unit’s ability to conduct successful unified land operations. Because many OPLANS are developed against a known threat and therefore may not fully address all aspects of unified land operations, the CSA has directed WFX increase the rigor and stress to cover these potential shortfalls.

Chapter 1: Mission Command Training Center Overview

A. Define Exercise Director’s role and responsibilities

1. The Exercise Director (EXDIR) is a general officer of at least equal, but preferred to be at least one grade higher, than the training unit commander. Through the MCTP exercise design and execution structure, the EXDIR issues exercise directives that create specific start of exercise (STARTEX) conditions and enforces the essential conditions called for by the training objectives. During execution, the EXDIR monitors the conduct of the exercise and the training unit’s progress toward achieving exercise training objectives by ensuring the training environment promotes realistic commander centric training.

2. During the exercise, the EXDIR, in concert with Senior Mentors, acts as an honest broker and ensures a level playing field and enforces the Exercise Parameters and the Exercise Rules of Engagement (EXROE). The EXDIR may also role play as the training unit’s higher commander in order to directly influence the training unit’s actions and focus during the exercise. The EXDIRs roles and responsibilities may include but are not limited to the following:

Review unit training objectives.

Approve unit task organization.

Approve front, rear and flank noncompetitive units play/role.

Approve specific exercise STARTEX conditions.

Approve exercise directives.

Ensure adherence to all milestones agreed to between the training unit, MCTP, and the EXDIR HQ.

Ensure and effective training environment IOT create realistic command centric training.

Act as a mediator enforcing the use of the Decisive Action Training Environment

(DATE) doctrine and hybrid threat doctrine

In conjunction with the Senior Mentor (SM) and Unit Commander, ensure unit training objectives are met.

Participate in daily White Cell Meetings as the decision authority to control the exercise environment, influence the flow and tempo and make any adjustments to the exercise as required.

Provide guidance to the exercise higher headquarters (HICOM) on requirements to meet training objectives.

As required to meet training objectives, facilitate the leveraging of installation resources and personnel.

Encouraged to observe all unit training events (Rehearsals, CUBs, Operations, AARs).

Chapter 2: Exercise Director Role and Responsibilities

Represent MCTP at the General Officer level for issues affecting the quality of the exercise.

B. Additional Exercise Senior Leaders

1. The Deputy Exercise Director. The MCTP Commander normally serves as the Deputy Exercise Director (DEP EXDIR) for CORPs and Division exercises. He makes the routine decisions that keep the exercise running within the EXDIR’s intent. The Commander, MCTP advises the EXDIR on all facets of the conduct of the exercise. In the absence of the MCTP Commander, the Chief, OPS GRP X is the DEP EXDIR.

2. Chief of Air and Space (CAS). The CAS commands 505 Command and Control Wing Detachment 1 which is in direct support to MCTP. The CAS is a member of the White Cell, and is the EXDIR’s principal advisor on all air and space issues. EXDIR guidance for air and space is transmitted through the White Cell to the CAS for coordination.

3. Senior Controller / Chief Of Staff. The OPS GRP X Chief serves as the Senior Controller / Chief of Staff for the MCTP Commander during the planning / execution of embedded WFX. The Chief of Staff is responsible for overall design and execution of exercises and responsible for the synchronization of efforts in the exercise control group

(ECG).

4. Senior Mentor (SM). Senior Mentors are CSA appointed retired General Officers who coach/mentor each training audiences’ senior leaders. They work in direct coordination with the training Chiefs of OPS GRP (COGs) and the unit commander.

The SMs are chartered to:

Ensure the training unit and MCTP adhere to published standards as outlined in Army doctrine.

Develop leaders.

Ensure discipline within the operational and strategic framework developed in the scenario.

Support the decisions of the MCTP leadership in resolving any issues associated with the planning and conduct of a exercise.

Provide recommendations to the EXDIR for metering the exercise based on the progress of the training unit’s progress toward achieving approved training objectives.

Provide guidance and direction to the OPSGRP observer/trainers collection efforts.

A. The EXDIR plays a critical role in a WFX and his focused involvement early in the planning process is key to the overall success of the exercise.

B. Concept. Exercise planning is an iterative process stretched across the ELC.

Exercise planning events have established required inputs and outputs. Outputs required informed decisions by training unit representatives at all planning events.

Designated decision makers must come with guidance from commanders to the training events in order to deliver appropriate outputs upon completion of the event. MCTP continues the planning and refinement of the outputs to prepare inputs or scenario products at established timelines to feed the training units operations process. For specific attendees, inputs, outputs, and agendas of planning events see XXXXXX Embedded exercises use a parallel planning model for training units nested under other training units.

1. Concept Development Video Teleconference (CDVTC) [W-370(AC)/W-570(RC)].

The CDVTC is the first planning event. This event is hosted by the EXDIR and attended by training unit commanders and staff, and MCTP chief controller, OPS GRP COGs and key staff. MCTP will conduct introductions and brief overview of the exercise design process. MCTP will present the methods in which it operationalizes standing joint, Army, and MACOM training guidance. Training audience commanders provide their vision and endstate for the training event. The EXDIR give guidance as to the design of the scenario within the available approved operating environments. The senior headquarters provides a timeline to deliver approved training objectives to embedded subordinate training units. All approved training objectives must be delivered to MCTP NLT 14 days prior to the IEP. Units are not required to nest training objectives, but failure to consider exercise higher headquarters objective may result in a disjointed aspect of the exercise to ensure an opportunity to meet objectives. This event is not funded for travel and is conducted at various locations through digital means.

2. Initial Event Planning [W-330/W-530]. The IEP is a 3 day event conducted at FLKS, with exceptions outlined in Ch. 3-1b, and hosted by MCTP. The IEP establishes the scenario and framework of the exercise. MCTP will use approved training objectives and the EXDIR guidance received in the CDVTC to provide a proposed scenario consisting of the geostrategic situation, the nature of the conflict, the joint C2, and Army Mission Command structure, assets available to each training unit, operations area(s). Additionally, the IEP finalizes all exercise timelines and locations in preparation for the detailed planning and synchronization of the of the remainder of the ELC.

Finally, the senior training unit at each site will build the communications architecture required to support the tactical communications and services needed for the WFX. The installation MCTC manager will give a facilities overview to the planning event with available space to feed the site survey. The conclusion of the IEP is a back brief of the scenario to the EXDIR and training unit commanders or their representatives. The IEP can be done distributed, over digital means, if required.

Chapter 3: Exercise Design and Planning

3. Site Survey(s) [NLT W-300/W-500]. Senior training units at each exercise site will host a 3 day site survey for MCTP and other non-resident training units. The site survey of the training location(s) will be conducted following the determination of the troop list and training units at each site. MCTP has a capacity for 2 training sites.

MCTPs participation in the site survey is focused on the MCTC space available, network capabilities, power, and life support. The senior training headquarters will be responsible for allocation of command post sites to other training units. The site survey gathers required information and compiles a briefing that is fed into the MEP. Site Surveys are programmed events, however the MCTP or unit commander has the option to forgo the event should it not be deemed necessary. MCTP will send a small element to site surveys if training units require one, but MCTP does not. When possible the site survey will be conducted in conjunction with the MEP for that location.

4. Main event planning [W-300/W-500]. The MEP is a 5 day planning event hosted by the senior headquarters, or if equal headquarters the location where the majority of the training units will be located for the exercise. This event is combined with a site survey. The MEP is also a MSEL scripting event. The main event planning codifies the scenario into actionable products or simulation requirements. This is done through working groups within the event that coordinate to provide input into draft source documents.

a. The memorandum of instruction covers the planning timeline and milestones for information and product delivery for the WFX. The draft MOI is the architecture for the required interactions of the remainder of the ELC. This document is signed by the EXDIR and is submitted to his headquarters following the MEP. For an example MOI see XXXXX.

b. The memorandum of agreement is the administrative and logistical agreement between MCTP, the senior training headquarters and each location, and the manager of the MCTC. This document outlines MCTP requirements for the execution of exercise and denotes what requirements the training units will have of MCTP based on garrison and unit operating procedures. For an example MOA see XXXXX.

c. The exercise support manning document is a compiled listing of all supporting personnel. This list does not include the training units, only the response cells provided by those units. The exercise support manning document is based on the approved troop list and contains the duty position, rank, and occupational skill of each person required to effectively replicate subordinate and flank units and their interactions with training units.

d. The simulations control plan is a diagram of the MCTC facilities and denotes the physical and digital support requirements of each room in the MCTC to support the exercise. The SCP is based upon required space, chairs, and tables for the personnel on the ESMD and the required tactical and simulation C4I systems required based on the required function of each cell.

At the conclusion of the MEP, MCTP planners should be able to complete the 4 source documents, and develop the scenario into an OPLAN for issue to the training audience prior to the mission command training. This event concludes with an out brief of all working groups. The EXDIR may choose to receive this out brief and any impacts to continued planning will be brought to his attention for decision or action.

5. Mission Command Training . MCT is a 5 day training event conducted at Fort Leavenworth, KS (see Ch.3-1b for exceptions) which assists in building the commander’s command and staff team. For a corps MCT occurs at W-270, for a division, W-240, and for other training units at W-210. For RC division, MCT occurs at W-440. Each training unit will receive a MCT hosted by the OPS GRP providing their OCT coverage at the WFX. The MCT purpose is to provide the training audience academic seminars and an opportunity to conduct planning focused on the application of Army operations doctrine and command and staff processes. The MCT is fed by a OPLAN that issued 30-15 days before the MCT and is briefed to the training unit on day 1 of the event. The MCT is built around the training audience commander, and the academic seminars assist the commander in achieving the following goals:

Understanding current doctrine and its application.

Improving command and staff teamwork.

Providing a model for further training.

Improving warfighting skills.

The unit commander establishes specific training objectives. At the conclusion of the MCT, the command and staff team should have:

Successfully completed at least MDMP Step 3 – COA Development.

Enhanced staff coordination, decision-making and associated mission command through the entire operations process.

A common understanding of commander's critical information requirements.

For corps and divisions the embedded WFX uses the MCT as a team building event for subordinate training units as well. Additional participation by other training units at the higher training units MCT allows for parallel planning and increased awareness of the subordinate units’ capabilities. The COA developed at the culmination of the MCT will be used by the other training OPS GRPs as inputs into subordinate units’ MCTs.

Units are encouraged to conduct deployment training following the MCT. MCTP can provide academics on deployment planning. The OPLAN will contain the sequence of force flow into theater and the APOD/SPODs to be used in the scenario. The deployment training is a unit coordinated event, as such the unit is responsible for creating or coordinating for time phased force deployment list data, installation management command, and USTRANSCOM support to their deployment training.

6. Final Event Planning [W-90/W-180]. The final event planning solidifies all concepts and draft source documents. This event is a 5 day event hosted by MCTP at FLKS (see Ch 3-1.b for exceptions). This event uses working groups focused on clearly defining how the exercise will be conducted and resourced. All timelines and events within the exercise will be addressed with a training timeline prior to the start of the exercise (STARTEX), the exercise battle rhythm, and the schedule for AARs. MCTP will review the milestones to ensure that the current planning progress will have no impacts on STARTEX. Lastly, a wargame will be used to adjudicate any shaping operations that occur prior to the STARTEX. This allows for units to conduct planning for shaping operations and the effects fed into the STARTEX strengths of friendly and enemy units. This event ends with an optional out brief to the EXDIR. Unresolved issues or potential problems affecting STARTEX requiring the EXDIR attention will be forwarded to his headquarters.

7. Exercise Directors Brief [W-74]. The EDB is a conditions check with the exercise director. This briefing is done over video teleconference with the EXDIR, MCTP commander and chiefs of OPS GRP. MCTP will review the exercise scenario and highlight potential decisions the EXDIR will be required to make during the exercise, the OPFOR concept of the operation, MSEL storylines, and the exercise battle rhythm.

MCTP will address any potential issues of outstanding resourcing or planning requirements that could impact the exercise for his decision or action.

8. Final Coordination Video Teleconference [W-60]. The FCVTC is a action officer level conditions check to review the exercise milestones status, coordinate the RSOI for traveling units, confirm SCP and ESMD requirements have been fully sourced and resolve any final issues prior to the shipping of equipment and moving of personnel.

This event is led by the chief controller and has participation from planners of all training units, response cells, the HICOM, and outside elements supporting MCTP. Any unresolved issues at the close of the FCVTC will be brought to the attention of the EXDIR and all participants will be alerted once resolved.

A. General. The EXDIR influences the flow and tempo of the exercise through decisions he makes during the White Cell Meetings. The White Cell meets once a day to review what has happened and project what will happen during the course of the exercise. The EXDIR will have opportunities to make decisions, based on the operational/tactical situation, to best influence the unit's training objectives. There are several tools available to the EXDIR for use in shaping the exercise environment.

B. Exercise Control Group (ECG).

1. MCTP organizes into seven major elements to constitute an Exercise Control

Group (ECG) to support the of an exercise: Command Group (EXDIR, Deputy EXDIR, and Senior Mentors), BLUFOR higher headquarters(HICOM), the Operations Group(s), Exercise Control (EXCON), Chief of Air and Space (CAS), Scenario Design, and World Class Opposing Force (WCOPFOR). The details of this structure are shown in Figure 4-1. The following paragraphs describe the organization and functions of these seven elements.

Figure 4-1. MCTP ECG Exercise Structure

2. ECG Huddle. The ECG Huddle is a daily meeting of the ECG members chaired by the Chief Controller. The Chief Controller articulates the EXDIR guidance to the

MCTP ECG

Exercise Structure

“White Cell”

BLUFOR Higher

Headquarters

WCPMESII

(MCC)

Maneuver Cntrl

Cell

OPFOR Higher

Headquarters

Corps / Div

CP

Div / Bde

CP

Response

Cells

OSC/DTG

DTG/BTG

Response

Cells

Competitive

Headquarters

WCOPFOR

THE

FIGHT

Simulation

Center NGIT

Training

Audience

THE COE

TRNG COG

OPSGRP A or D

EX DIR

O/Ts

DEP EX DIR

(BCTP CDR)

Sr Controller

(COG COE)

EXCON

(OPS GRP A or D)

DEP EX DIR Air & Space

(DEDAS)

Senior Mentor

(SM)

Chapter 4: Exercise Execution

Needs update planners. The Chief Controller evaluates the progress of the exercise and assigns responsibilities per EXDIR’s Guidance received at the daily White Cell meetings. The ECG Huddle is usually held at the end of the day prior to shift change. All White Cell participants are required to attend and inform the Chief Controller of any issues that might require EXDIR Action. ECG Huddles will begin during the Pre-STARTEX phase to ensure that all phases of preparation are on track and STARTEX will begin as planned.

3. Exercise Battle Rhythm

a. Throughout execution, Operations Group X will develop and update the exercise battle rhythm. The following is a synopsis of the routine meetings and briefings conducted by the ECG during exercise execution.

b. Consolidated Battle Rhythm Validation. Prior to STARTEX, Plans and

Operations Division (POD), with assistance from the OPSGRPs, will verify each training unit’s battle rhythm and de-conflict the ECG battle rhythm as required. The intent of this process is to ensure that the EXDIR and other executive members of the ECG have the ability to observe key training unit battle rhythm events. It is not possible to de-conflict every event, therefore EXDIR guidance is critical.

4. EXDIR Conditions check. Prior to STARTEX, an EXDIR conditions check is conducted in order to verify that all systems, personnel, and leaders are prepared for exercise execution. This is a decision briefing where the EXDIR will approve the STARTEX time based on all conditions are met for successful execution.

5. White Cell

a. General. The White Cell meetings are the EXDIR's venue for directing the flow and tempo of the exercise. These meetings result in an exercise environment in which the training unit can pursue its training objectives. White Cell meetings are conducted at least once every 24 hours. A White Cell meeting is convened to provide the EXDIR with an update on all aspects of the exercise, provide a forum for the EXDIR to make decisions and provide guidance.

b. Agenda. The White Cell meeting is orchestrated by the COG X (Chief

Controller). The following topics are covered:

Media Video

Issues

Anticipated Decisions

Weather [simulation]

ECG Battle Rhythm Review

Training Audience Updates

Scenario Design Update

Approved OPFOR DSM

Air and Space Update

Media / OSINT Highlights

SME / Role Players

Distinguish Visitors

Decisions / Remarks

EXDIR Guidance

c. Attendees. No training unit personnel are permitted in the White Cell meetings. The EXDIR approves all visitor requests to the White Cell. The following personnel always attend the White Cell meetings:

EXDIR

DEP EXDIR / MCTP CDR

Chief Controller

HHQs Chief of Staff

HHQs G3, G2

OPSGRP COGs

Chief of Air and Space

OPSGRP Chief OT

MCC OIC

NGTS Team Chiefs

MCTP SWO

C4I Chief

OPFOR FWD

Scenario Design Chief

Synthetic Media

Plans and Ops Chief

EXCON Chief

d. White Cell Brief. The White Cell briefing acts as the daily decision making brief as well as the exercise synchronization brief. The white cell briefing is chaired by the EXDIR and attended by each of the Senior Mentors, the OPSGRP COGs (or their representative), the HICOM OIC, and the MCTP Commander. The Chief Controller is overall responsible for the execution of this brief and serves as the facilitator for the briefing. It provides a highlight of events projected for the next 24 hours as well as a recap of significant events over the last 24 hours. The critical output of this brief is the EXDIR’s approval for the execution of planned storyline injects for the next 24-48 hours and his guidance concerning any changes in the scenario, enemy actions, or other issues relating to the exercise.

1) Media Video. At the onset of each White Cell meeting, Media will play a broadcast of next 24 hours news video to be presented to the training audience.

2) Exercise Information Requirements (EIR). Before STARTEX and during the exercise conditions check, the EXDIR will approve the recommended key information requirements for the exercise. In the event an EIR is triggered, it will be briefed at the ECG huddle and white cell to determine if any additional actions are required.

3) Simulations / C4I. The OPSGP Operations Officer briefs the status of the simulation, any problems encountered, the solutions implemented / recommended and impacts to the training audiences’ training objectives. This briefing is done by exception for only major issues that have degradation to the exercise.

4) Weather. SWO briefs the weather for the remainder of the exercise along with its impact on operations. Base weather is derived by MCTP from historical weather reviews and EXCON adjusts exercise weather to support training objectives IAW EXDIR guidance. The intent of any changes to historical weather is to replicate real-world weather norms and their impact on fielded systems. The EXDIR has the ability to modify weather conditions simulated in the exercise environment. The exercise weather is briefed for each 24 hour period of the exercise with projections out to 72 hours. An example of the use of weather conditions to influence the exercise would be to create unfavorable flying conditions to preclude the use of CAS or laser guided munitions due to excessive attrition of the WCOPFOR to these assets.

5) ECG Battle Rhythm Review. The Chief Controller will go over the next 24 hours’ key battle rhythm events that are important to the EXDIR, Senior Mentors, COGs, MCTP commander and other executive members of the exercise.

6) Scenario Design Update. The EXDIR can give guidance on modifications or additions to existing storylines to shape the exercise. Dynamic scripting can be done to further stimulate a storyline to ensure training objectives are being trained to standard. SMEs and role players are trained and ready to shape the environment in support of the EXDIR’s guidance.

7) Air and Space Update. Fixed and rotary wing air is an effective means of influencing the flow and tempo of the exercise. EXDIRs can increase the fixed wing sorties available or can give additional rotary wing assets to the training unit in order to influence the fight. These assets can also be used to shape the fight on the flanks of the training unit. The EXDIR should allocate combat power to the training unit though doctrinal shifts in priorities.

8) WCOPFOR. The WCOPFOR is a training tool that exists to provide the conditions against which the unit can conduct Unified Land Operations. The Chief Controller, through the WCOPFOR FWD, ensures the WCOPFOR CONOP is nested with the Training Audiences’ training objectives. Once forces are allocated to the tactical commander, subsequent decisions are fully competitive and free-play.

a) Red Forces Update. The WCOPFOR (FWD) OIC/POD Chief briefs the status of the WCOPFOR to include the current disposition of WCOPFOR units, unit strengths and any special topics.

b) Flank Unit Activity. The flank activity during the exercise allows the

EXDIR to shape the environment in support of the training unit. Success or failure of the units on the flanks can make the training unit react to the unexpected and allow greater flexibility in controlling the exercise. Additionally, WCOPFOR units can be task organized and employed into the competitive zone from the flanks to create more opportunities in the fight. Normally, flank units will enter the competitive zone fight only after indications of their potential employment have been accomplished through multiple intelligence feeds, usually over a 24 hour period. Flank unit activity is portrayed through the Maneuver Control Cell (MCC).

9) EXCON. EXCON will provide an update on the next 24 hour key MSEL injects relevant to the training scenario. In addition, OPS GRPs will discuss the last 24 hour training MSEL injects and how they impacted the training audience.

a) Blue Forces Update. The Senior Controller briefs the operational status of the training unit to include unit training objectives, theater and division overviews, the strength of the training unit and its major subordinate units.

10) Key Decisions Summary. The Chief Controller will review the key decisions needed from the EXDIR at the beginning and then again during the conclusion of the White Cell. These routinely involve weather for the next 24-48 hours and the next ATO cycle. Additionally, topics such as theater resource allocation, Maneuver Control Cell operations, or any changes to flank activity may be included in the key decisions portion of the briefing.

11) EXDIR Guidance. The White Cell concludes with the EXDIR approving recommendations and / or issuing additional guidance.

e. EXDIR Executive Session. The executive session is conducted immediately after the White Cell Meeting. This is a closed session that the EXDIR has with the OPS GRP COGs and Senior Mentors.