TE-17_Draft_OG-C_SOP_20150403.pdf

UNCLASSIFIED

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY

August 2013

Mission Command Training Program

Operations Group C

Standard Operating Procedure

03 April 2015

TTHHEE OOVVEERRAALLLL CCLLAASSSSIIFFIICCAATTIIOONN OOFF TTHHIISS DDOOCCUUMMEENNTT IISS

MISSION COMMAND TRAINING PROGRAM

OPERATIONS GROUP C

STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE

History. This Operations Group C (OG-C) Standing Operating Procedure (SOP), dated 03 April 2015, supersedes that of 2007.

Summary. See the abstract on the following page.

Applicability. This SOP is applicable all personnel of OG-C and the training audiences (TAs) that they coach, teach and mentor.

Proponent. The delegated proponent to refine or revise this SOP is the Deputy Chief of Operations Group (DCOG).

Distribution. The objective remains to preserve this SOP as an overall unclassified Government product that is not approved for public release, but that does not require further dissemination control. Thus, our contractor-prepared "rules and workarounds" books continue to remain separate. This SOP is available on electronic media (posted on SharePoint) and is intended for use by OG-C personnel and by OG-C training audiences.

BOBBY R. THOMAS, JR.

COL, FA

Chief, Operations Group C iii

ABSTRACT

(U) Organized in eight chapters, this single document constitutes the Operations

Group C (OG-C) Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Chapter I presents OG-C’s mission, organization and an overview of the Exercise Event Life Cycle (ELC) in which it operates. Chapters II and III discuss OG-C Exercise and Scenario Design, respectively, and Chapters IV and VI describe the Standalone Brigade Warfighter

Exercises (BWFXs) and Embedded Warfighter Exercises (WFXs) that OG-C exists to conduct. Chapter V outlines the organization and conduct of the Mission Command

Training (MCT) events that precede BWFXs and WFXs, while Chapter VII defines

Knowledge Management policies and procedures for OG-C. Chapter VIII concludes the

SOP by not only specifying OG-C supply SOP, but also amplifying certain aspects of

COG policy related to official travel and other administrative matters. Appendix A provides a glossary of acronyms and a list of significant publications referenced throughout the SOP. Appendix B consolidates, by division, the duties of various OG-C team members mentioned in the SOP into a helpful “index of BWFX duties” that references and complements context. Two appendices remain in draft, to be refined during April 2015. When completed, Appendix C will consolidate relevant material from each chapter into BWFX Handbook that, directed solely at the training audience

(TA) will serve as a generic memorandum of agreement (MOA). Likewise, Appendix D will complement this SOP as a more detailed handbook to inform the Exercise Director

(EXDIR) about his duties and those of the Higher Headquarters Response Cell (HHRC).

iv

TABLE OF CONTENTS [SEE NAVIGATION PANE IN MS WORD 2013]

Page

ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................... III

TABLE OF CONTENTS [SEE NAVIGATION PANE IN MS WORD 2013] ............ IV

LIST OF FIGURES ......................................................................................................... V

LIST OF TABLES ......................................................................................................... VI

CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION: OPERATIONS GROUP C MISSION,

ORGANIZATION AND THE EXERCISE EVENT LIFE CYCLE (DCOG)

CHAPTER II EXERCISE DESIGN, PLANNING CONFERENCES AND

SURVEYS (OPS)

CHAPTER III SCENARIO DESIGN, OPPOSING FORCES AND EXERCISE

CONTROL (PLEX)

CHAPTER IV ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF STANDALONE BRIGADE

WARFIGHTER EXERCISES (PLEX)

CHAPTER V MISSION COMMAND TRAINING BY OG-C (OC/T)

CHAPTER VI ORGANIZATION AND CONDUCT OF EMBEDDED

WARFIGHTER EXERCISES (PLEX)

CHAPTER VII KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (OPS)

CHAPTER VIII ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPLY (DCOG)

APPENDIX A GLOSSARY AND REFERENCES

APPENDIX B INDEX OF BWFX DUTIES

APPENDIX C TA BWFX HANDBOOK (OPS)

APPENDIX D EXDIR HANDBOOK (PLEX)

v

LIST OF FIGURES

FIGURE Page

1-1 (U) ORGANIZATION OF OPERATIONS GROUP C

2-1 (U) WARFIGHTER EXERCISE (WFX) EVENT LIFE CYLE

3-1 (U) PLEX MISSION AND ORGANIZATION

3-2 (U) BRIGADE WFX (BWFX) COMPETITIVE AREA

3-3 (U) IRREGULAR FORCES IN BWFX AND WFX SCENARIOS

4-1 (U) TEN-DAY BWFX MODEL

4-2 (U) FIVE-DAY SPLIT BWFX MODEL, PHASE 1 (MCT)

4-3 (U) FIVE-DAY SPLIT BWFX MODEL, PHASE 2 (SIMULATION)

4-4 (U) OG-C AJUDICATION FLOWCHART

6-1 (U) TRAINING AUDIENCES ASSOCIATED WITH EACH

OPERATIONS GROUP DURING EMBEDDED WFX

7-1 (U) SAFE ACCESS FILE EXCHANGE

7-2 (U) OG-C STANDARD POWERPOINT FORMAT

8-1 (U) CITY PAIRS PROGRAM FARE FINDER

8-2 (U) TRAVEL AND PARAMETER WORKSHEET

8-3 (U) STATE-BY-STATE HOTEL TAX EXEMPTIONS

C-1 (U) TEN-DAY BWFX MODEL (KEY EVENTS)

C-2 (U) FIVE-DAY BWFX MODEL, PHASE 1 (TA VERSION)

C-3 (U) FIVE-DAY BWFX MODEL, PHASE 2 (KEY EVENTS)

D-1 (U) ORGANIZATION OF THE HIGHER

HEADQUARTERS RESONSE CELL

vi

LIST OF TABLES

TABLE Page

B-1 (U) INDEX OF BWFX DUTIES

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION: OPERATIONS GROUP C MISSION, ORGANIZATION

AND THE EXERCISE EVENT LIFE CYCLE (DCOG)

(U) The Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) supports collective training of Army units as directed by the Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army (CSA) and scheduled by U.S. Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) in accordance with the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) process. It trains leaders on mission command during the planning and conduct of unified land operations. As part of MCTP, Operations Group C (OG-C) conducts or supports combined arms training that replicates joint, interagency, intergovernmental, and multinational operations in warfighter exercises (WFXs) for brigade combat teams (BCTs) and their subordinate battalion task forces.

(U) To accomplish this mission, OG-C is structured and manned to design, conduct and observe standalone brigade warfighter exercises (BWFXs) to stimulate the training objectives of a single BCT training audience. It also assists MCTP to design and conduct of multi-echelon, multi-tiered WFXs that provide expeditionary-focused, realistic demanding training, and leader development opportunities, in decisive action scenarios, to commanders and their staffs on the unit’s approved training objectives. The WFX program is the CSA’s exercise program and a culminating training event within the ARFORGEN process for units designated as a contingency expeditionary force or regionally aligned force. When embedded in multi-echelon, multi-tiered WFXs, OG-C trains one or two BCTs or functional/ multifunctional brigades. When focused solely on Army National Guard BCTs and active duty BCTs not conducting culminating training events at a maneuver combat training center (MCTC), OG-C conducts up to six standalone BWFXs per fiscal year.

(U) During standalone BWFXs, OG-C designs, controls and observes BCT performance in a simulation-driven scenario in the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE) that allows the brigade to filter relevant information in a complex operational environment (OE) to plan and conduct a mix of offense, defense and stability operations to defeat an uncooperative, uncompromising hybrid threat (HT) that is composed of both regular and irregular forces who act within the context of their own internal objectives and who use tactics, doctrine, and equipment representative of a composite of forces that the brigade could encounter in future combat operations.

During embedded WFXs, OG-C assists MCTP to design, control and observe portions of the multi-echelon, multi-tiered WFX that relate to the one or two brigade combat teams (BCTs) or functional / multifunctional brigades that OG-C may observe.

(U) OG-C consists of a headquarters element, an administration and supply element, and three divisions manned by active duty and National Guard military personnel, Department of the Army civilians (DACs), and contractors: the Observer Coach / Trainer (OC/T) Division, the Plans and Exercises (PLEX) Division and the Operations (OPS) Division. Organized by the six warfighting functions (WFFs) and led by the Chief Observer Coach / Trainer (CHOT), OC/T Division is the largest division and responsible to observe, coach and train brigade leadership concerning current military doctrine, particularly the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP). In this framework, OC/T Division plans and conducts MDMP-related Mission Command Training (MCT) with OG-C training audience(s) before each BWFX or WFX. OC/T Division also provides MDMP-related feedback to the training audience in the final after action review (FAAR) and final exercise report (FER) that follow the exercise itself.

OC/T Division also provides key WFF-specific input to both PLEX and OPS before and during each exercise. See Figure 1-1.

(U) Figure 1-1, Organization of Operations Group C.

(U) Led by the Chief of Plans and Exercises (CHEX), PLEX is comprised of Scenario Design (SD), Exercise Control (EXCON) and Opposing Forces (OPFOR).

Scenario Design is the element of PLEX that is responsible to create the complex operating environment of each BWFX using doctrinal operational variables. Assisted by contractors, SD designs and controls the role players, irregular forces and other wrap-around data for the BWFX competitive fight, including intelligence, sustainment and joint air-ground integration. In both BWFXs and WFXs, it produces and manages the Master Scenario Event List (MSEL), coordinating and integrating key WFF-specific input from OC/T Division to stimulate unit training objectives that the Warfighter Simulation (WARSIM) does not sufficiently address, relating to areas such as stability operations, non-lethal targeting, media, cyber electromagnetic activities (CEMA) and information operations.

(U) Closely related to SD, the EXCON element of PLEX synchronizes and manages the stimulation of training units during the execution of the WFX. EXCON controls the HHRC, adjacent units, response cells, work stations, and other elements that are not part of the training audience, ensuring that they are properly trained and rehearsed in preparation for the exercise. EXCON manages the synchronization and timing of exercise MSEL injects. Based on the guidance of the COG, EXDIR and SM, EXCON ensures that the training units have an opportunity to meet their training objectives and outcomes.

(U) Collaborating with SD, the OPFOR element of PLEX designs and controls the regular portion of an uncooperative, uncompromising hybrid threat (HT) that is composed of both regular and irregular forces who act within the context of their own internal objectives and who use tactics, doctrine, and equipment representative of a composite of forces that the brigade could encounter in future combat operations.

Together, the OPFOR regular forces and the irregular forces designed and controlled by Scenario Design place realistic rigor and stress on commanders and staffs during the BWFX. All OPFOR, whether in OG-C or OG-X, are certified by the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence (G-

2) and operate under the doctrine outlined in Training Circular (TC) 7-100 series of manuals describing the hybrid threat. OPFOR characteristics comply with TRADOC G- 2 guidance in order to represent the most current threat capabilities outlined in the TRADOC World Wide Equipment Guide (WEG). While OG-C OPFOR do not participate in embedded WFXs, they continue to design OPFOR of upcoming BWFXs and coordinate with OG-X to pursue cross-training and exercise augmentation as appropriate.

(U) The OPS Division leads and integrates the aspects of exercise design for each BWFX and WFX on behalf of OG-C. Led by the Chief of Operations (CHOPS), this includes responsibility to arrange life support and transportation for the exercise, to compile the exercise support manning document (ESMD), to build and resource the room layout, or simulation control plan (SCP), and to write and monitor fulfillment of the memorandum of agreement (MOA). During the exercise event life cycle (ELC), OPS Division manages the planning process, site survey and planning events. During exercise execution, OPS Division manages accountability, transportation, supply and communications, while providing the core of the Command Post (CP) for the exercise control group (ECG) that is formed by the Chief of Operations Group (COG), the Exercise Director (EXDIR) and Senior Mentor (SM). Although OPS Division contains no contractors, it relies on them to fulfill technical design requirements.

(U) To synchronize the planning, preparation and execution of each OG-C BWFX and WFX, OPS Division manages the exercise event lifecycle (ELC). The ELC begins with the COG sending a welcome letter to the training audience brigade commander at approximately 377 days before Warfighter Day (W-Day), which is the planned start of execution (STARTEX). The ELC includes four planning events: the concept development video teleconference (CDVTC), the initial event planning (IEP), the main event planning (MEP) and the final event planning (FEP), three coordinating events: the site survey(s), the Exercise Director's brief (EDB), and the final coordination video teleconference (FCVTC), and two training events: the mission command training (MCT) and the WFX execution. Other than the site survey(s), MEP and BWFX/WFX execution, all events normally take place at Fort Leavenworth, KS. For MCTP exercise schedule and training audience units and locations, see this link:

https://combinedarmscenter.army.mil/orgs/cact/MCTP/s3/SiteAssets/MCTP_CALEND ARS.aspx. For these events merged with the OG-C Long Range Calendar, see https://combinedarmscenter.army.mil/orgs/cact/MCTP/charlie/default.aspx For more detailed discussion about the BWFX or WFX ELC, see Chapter II.

CHAPTER II

EXERCISE DESIGN, PLANNING CONFERENCES AND SURVEYS (OPS)

(U) Within Operations Group C (OG-C), the Operations (OPS) Division has primary responsibility for exercise design, which it fulfills by properly managing the Exercise Event Life Cycle (ELC) of each standalone Brigade Warfighter Exercise (BWFX) that OG-C conducts. This is true for the five-day, “split-model” BWFX in which OG-C observes training audience (TA) MDMP months in advance and for the ten-day model, in which the TA conducts its MDMP and simulation back-to-back. For embedded Warfighter Exercises (WFXs) that involve multiple operations groups of Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), OPS Division likewise ensures that OG-C makes timely and accurate contributions to the ELC that Operations Group X (OG-X) manages for all of MCTP. In all of this, OPS Division ensures that OG-C operates in accordance with U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Regulation (TR) 350-50- 3 and this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

(U) Shown in Figure 2-1, the ELC describes the process of planning, preparing and executing exercise-related events that begins after the Army Force Generation (ARFORGEN) Synchronization and Resourcing Conference (ASRC), at approximately 370 days before the start of the exercise (STARTEX). (Note that TR 350-50-3 defines WFX STARTEX as “W-Day” and this SOP defines BWFX STARTEX as “E-Day.”) The ELC includes four significant planning events: the concept development video teleconference (CDVTC), the initial event planning (IEP) conference, the main event planning (MEP) conference, and the final event planning (FEP) conference. It also includes three important coordinating events: the site survey, the briefing to the Exercise Director (EXDIR), and the final coordination video teleconference (FCVTC).

Per TR 350-50-3, all ELC events must take place on or near Fort Leavenworth, other than the site survey, the MEP, and the exercise itself. During embedded WFXs and split-model BWFXs, OG-C observation of TA MDMP constitutes a separate, but related, training event called Mission Command Training (MCT – for more information, see Chapter V). This chapter compares and contrasts OG-C contributions to the ELC of each BWFX and WFX.

(U) Figure 2-1, WFX Event Life Cycle (ELC). For both standalone and embedded WFXs, the ELC includes the concept development video teleconference (CDVTC), the initial event planning (IEP) conference, the main event planning (MEP) conference, the final event planning (FEP) conference, the site survey, briefing to the Exercise Director (EXDIR), and final coordination video teleconference (FCVTC).

At any time, Operations Division of OG-C manages several exercises, each at a different point in the ELC.

(U) To design any embedded WFX or standalone BWFX, OPS Division observes the basic ELC timeline of planning and coordination conferences that MCTP uses to design embedded WFXs, with several important differences. For embedded WFXs, OPS does not conduct its own CDVTC on W-370. Instead, OG-C and its TA(s) simply participate in the CDVTC that Operations Group X (OG-X) conducts for all of MCTP. OPS does, however, host a CDVTC for each standalone BWFX on E-370 that addresses exercise design while PLEX introduces scenario design. Whereas OG-X hosts a weeklong IEP for all TAs at Fort Leavenworth on W-330, followed by another weeklong FEP at Fort Leavenworth on W-100, OPS conducts the OG-C BWFX IEP and the BWFX FEP by similarly-timed VTC. MCTP normally conducts embedded WFX briefings to the Exercise Director (EXDIR) on Fort Leavenworth on W-74, but OG-C normally conducts its briefing to the EXDIR by VTC.

(U) One significant difference between the ELC of an embedded WFX and the ELC of a standalone BWFX involves the higher headquarters operation plan (OPLAN) or operation order (OPORD) on which the OG-C TA(s) will conduct MDMP. For an embedded WFX, OG-C sometimes observes, coaches and trains functional brigades, such as engineer, military police, or theater aviation brigades that provide support for a theater or corps, depending on how OG-X has designed the exercise and its scenario.

For TA brigades that provide theater-level support, OG-X will produce the Joint Task Force (JTF) OPLAN on W-195. For TA brigades that provide corps-level support, the lead operations group for the Corps TA conducts the Corps MCT on W-180, so that the Corps can publish its OPLAN on W-150. If there is no corps-level TA, then OG-X also produces this document by the same date. For other OG-C embedded WFX TAs, whether brigade combat teams or multi-functional brigades, the lead operations group for the Division TA, normally OG-A or OG-D, conducts the Division MCT on W-135, so that the Division can publish its OPLAN on W-105.

(U) Although OG-C does not formally participate in corps or division-level MCTs, at least three OG-C personnel, one from each OG-C Division, continually interact with both OG-X and the lead operations group for the division and/or corps, advocating the training objectives and interests of OG-C and its TA(s). Both the Operations Point of Contact (OPSPOC), to whom the Chief of Operations (CHOPS) delegates exercise planning authority for a particular exercise, and the Observer Coach/Trainer Point of Contact (OC/T POC), who the Chief Observer Coach/Trainer designates to follow a particular TA, endeavor to understand the timing and content of the higher headquarters OPORD and/or OPLAN as it develops throughout the ELC. In addition, the OG-C Chief of Exercise Control assigns a PLEX Exercise Coordinator (EXCOORD) to follow each WFX from start to finish from both a scenario design and exercise control perspective. Both the OPSPOC and the EXCOORD attend each OG-X weekly exercise planning team (EPT) meeting for their exercise, as well as any collaborative meetings held by the lead operations group, and any OG-C internal meetings for the exercise, notifying the OC/T POC to attend each meeting as appropriate. The EXCOORD not only pursues WFX issues to closure with the OPSPOC, the OC/T POC and other members of OG-C as necessary and keeps OG-C stakeholders informed, but he or she also serves as the primary developer of the OG-C Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) for any embedded WFX or standalone BWFX.

(U) To support either a five-day, “split-model” BWFX in which OG-C observes a National Guard training audience (TA) MDMP during a Mission Command Training (MCT) event, or to support a unitary, ten-day BWFX, PLEX prepares and delivers the OE and a 52nd Infantry Division (52ID) OPORD to the TA as a series of detailed planning products that complement the TA drill schedule. At the 60 day mark, or at least two inactive duty training (IDT) periods, prior to the BWFX, OPS GRP C posts the following documents to the portal: 52 ID OPORD, all annexes, and Command Post of the Future (CPOF) files in “.ref” format. Additionally, an RFI tracker tool will be posted to the portal to provide the TA the ability to submit RFIs to the 52 ID staff. The TA will post their MDMP products for OC/T Division to review and provide feedback prior to the MCT that constitutes the first phase of the exercise. For more about BWFX scenario design, see Chapter III.

(U) Monitoring PLEX Division’s scenario design work, the OPSPOC organizes OG- C participation in the first WFX or BWFX ELC planning event, the CDVTC on W-370 or E-370, and personally conducts every BWFX CDVTC with OC/T Division and PLEX support. For embedded WFX CDVTCs, the OPSPOC monitors the OG-X timeline and ensures attendance and appropriate participation by the OC/T POC, EXCOORD and other OG-C key leaders. After introductions and a brief overview of the exercise and design processes, MCTP presents its WFX training methods to the TAs, each TA provides its vision and end-state for the WFX training event, and the EXDIR issues guidance concerning scenario design within the available and approved operating environment. The senior TA provides a timeline in which it will deliver approved, nested training objectives to embedded subordinate TAs, so that all TAs can submit approved training objectives to MCTP NLT fourteen days before the IEP.

(U) For BWFX CDVTCs, the OPSPOC or the CHOPS delivers the brief overview of the ELC and OG-C exercise design to the TA, while the CHEX, Assistant CHEX or Chief Scenario delivers an overview of OG-C scenario design, and the OC/T POC or the CHOT presents OG-C’s BWFX training methods, emphasizing how the TA must develop good training objectives before the IEP. Ideally, the TA bases its training objectives on a good Mission Essential Task List (METL) assessment. The TA subsequently provides its vision and end-state for the BWFX and then either the COG or CHEX concludes by issuing scenario design guidance concerning the approved operating environment.

(U) Next, the OPSPOC organizes OG-C participation in the second WFX or BWFX ELC planning event, the IEP on W-330 or E-330. It sets the stage for the Main Event Planning (MEP) conference and following the CDVTC, the OPSPOC collects and prepares IEP briefing materials, and develops and sends two memorandums to the TA, one that explains the IEP and one that explains the MEP. For an embedded WFX, the IEP is a three-day event hosted by MCTP at Fort Leavenworth that establishes the basic scenario and framework for the exercise.

(U) OG-C conducts each BWFX IEP by either Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) Defense Connect Online (DCO Connect, see http://www.disa.mil/Services/Enterprise-Services/Applications/Defense-Connect- Online) or VTC in its conference room, attended by representatives of each OG-C division, OG-C contractors, and MCTP technical control/C4I. Based on approved training objectives that the TA submitted fourteen days before the IEP, previous EXDIR guidance, and any guidance that OG-C COG has issued for a BWFX, MCTP proposes to the TA(s) a training scenario that includes specific command and control relationships, areas of operation and assets available. During the IEP, participants finalize the exercise timeline and training site(s), so that detailed planning and synchronization can take place throughout the remainder of the ELC. At each training site, the training facility manager provides an overview of space available to accommodate the exercise, while the senior TA begins to build and validate the communications architecture that will be required to support tactical communications and services during any WFX or BWFX. Each IEP concludes with a TA back-brief to MCTP concerning exercise and scenario design, including command and control relationships, area(s) of operation and assets available.

(U) Following any WFX or BWFX IEP, the OPSPOC accomplishes several administrative actions NLT W-280 or E-280. The OPSPOC surveys, for COG to review, approve, and subsequently brief to the MCTP Commander, the transportation and lodging rates and possibilities at multiple airports and hotels near the training site, as published by the GSA City Pairs program at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/27228 and the per diem rates listed by both the Defense Travel System (DTS) and GSA at http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877 (for more about OG-C travel arrangements, see Chapter XI). The OPSPOC also produces the exercise welcome packet, macro calendar and tri-chart for CHOPS approval and subsequent delivery to the TA. The OPSPOC then obtains the modified table of organization and equipment (MTOE) and approved training objectives for the TA, before drafting an initial, unit-specific memorandum of agreement for use during the remainder of the ELC.

(U) The most significant planning event that the OPSPOC organizes is the MEP on W-210 or E-210. For an embedded WFX, the MEP is a five-day event that is hosted by the senior headquarters, or, if equal headquarters are participating, the location where the majority of the training units will be located for the exercise (within each training site, the senior TA is responsible to allocate the available command post sites to participating TAs). Each BWFX MEP is a two-day conference hosted by the TA unit, often near the

BWFX training site. In any case, the MEP is typically combined with a site survey that determines usable space available in the training facility and/or adjacent command post sites, as well as network, power and life support capacity for the exercise. The OG-C site survey team, which is normally comprised of one contractor and either the OPSPOC or a DAC, personally validates this information, physically whenever possible, and compiles a briefing that feeds into the MEP.

(U) For each WFX or BWFX MEP, the OPSPOC prepares or manages OG-C contributions to several exercise design products. Collaborating with the TA and the training facility manager, the OPSPOC prepares a draft Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that delineates responsibility for BWFX execution requirements. Ultimately signed by OG-C, the TA headquarters and the training facility manager, this critical document explains who will fulfill each requirement in accordance with garrison and TA operating procedures. With PLEX Division assistance, the OPSPOC prepares the Exercise Support Manning Document (ESMD) for a BWFX, which is based on the approved troop list for the exercise and lists all personnel, including MCTP and its augmenting personnel, but not the TA, who will support or interact with the TA during a particular exercise by duty position, rank, and occupational skill. With Contractor assistance, the OPSPOC also prepares the Simulation Control Plan (SCP), which is based on the ESMD and the space, chairs, tables and tactical and simulation systems required to support each duty position and function during the exercise. It lays out a diagram of each training facility and denotes the physical and digital support requirements. For an embedded WFX, the OPSPOC monitors MCTP’s preparation a similar MOA, ESMD and SCP that support all of MCTP, ensuring that OG-C contributions are timely and accurate.

(U) The MEP is not only an OPS Division event, but it is also a MSEL scripting event that a PLEX representative attends to collaborate with the TA and any other participating operations groups. As the primary developer of the OG-C Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) for any WFX or BWFX, it is normally either the primary or alternate EXCOORD who attends for this purpose, but the appointing Chief of Exercise Control (EXCON Chief) or the PLEX Chief (CHEX) can attend instead. In any case, the PLEX representative is responsible for the OG-C portion of the developing scenario design. It is he or she who builds or refines scripted events as appropriate, in coordination with TA training objectives, the OG-C Chief of Scenario, OC/T Division input and the input of any other operations groups, particularly OG-X during an embedded WFX MEP. For more on MSEL development, see Chapter III.

(U) The fact that OG-C PLEX Division is responsible for scenario design influences the ESMD to which OG-C contributes for an embedded WFX. Whereas other operations groups have surrendered exercise control and scenario design capacity to OG- X to support WFXs that involve all of MCTP, OG-C maintains and trains its own scenario design capacity to support its unique and primary mission to conduct standalone BWFXs. This scenario design capacity does not yet appear on OG-C’s Table of

Distribution and Allowances, but OG-C has already split its OPS division into two divisions: a legacy Operations Division responsible for Command Post Operations, Exercise and Technical Design and a smaller PLEX Division responsible for scenario design, Exercise Control and Opposing Forces. As an OG-C Division, the core of OG-C PLEX participates in each OG-C exercise, whether standalone BWFX or embedded WFX to provide the best possible stimulation to the OG-C training audience(s), to maximize PLEX training on its core function of EXCON/Scenario Design, and to maintain OG-C PLEX Division integrity and esprit de corps. The OPSPOC arranges for up to six of the following OG-C PLEX positions to appear within the scenario design portion of each WFX ESMD: PLEX Chief (D), Assistant PLEX Chief (N), Chief EXCON/Scenario (D), Chief EXCON/Scenario (N), Exercise/MSEL Coordinator (D) and Exercise/MSEL Coordinator (N).

(U) To conclude each MEP, MCTP planners and/or the OPSPOC compile all relevant information into the four primary source documents: the MOI, MOA, ESMD and SCP.

They also assess the developing scenario, including the MSEL, and confirm the timeline in which the TA(s) will receive OPLAN and/or OPORD information to conduct MDMP before and/or during the MCT (for more about MCT requirements, see Chapter V).

They end the MEP with a briefing that addresses each of these elements to the participants, with a record copy to key leadership, highlighting any issues that require continued planning, decision and/or action.

(U) Following the MEP, CHOPS collaborates with CHOT to request an appropriate number of augmenting OC/Ts (AOC/Ts) through Headquarters, MCTP NLT W-140 or E-140. For a BWFX, the CHOPS contrasts shortfalls in current OG-C manning with the ESMD that CHOT has recommended for the specific TA brigade. For an embedded WFX, CHOPS consults the standard MCTP OC/T coverage template for the specific type of TA brigade(s) assigned to OG-C, whether brigade combat team(s) or functional or multifunctional brigade(s), and contrasts this with vacancies in current OG-C manning. CHOPS subsequently confirms with CHOT whether or not each specific vacancy needs to be filled and whether or not OG-C needs any additional subject matter expertise beyond either the BWFX ESMD or the WFX standard coverage template(s).

On W-130 or E-130, representatives of each MCTP operations group gather at the Exercise Decision Board to compare requests, to justify requests, and to cross-level OC/Ts internally, before the MCTP Commander approves and sends a prioritized request for any remaining shortfalls through Combined Arms Center – Training (CAC- T) to TRADOC NLT W-120 or E-120. Having also attempted to resource the MCTP Augmenting OC/T (AOC/T) request, Combined Arms Center-Training (CAC-T) returns TRADOC’s final sourcing decision to MCTP NLT W-75 or E-75. Based on this, OG-C delivers a final ESMD update to the MCTP Commander on W-65 or E-65 and then arranges AOC/T travel on W-20 or E-20.

(U) The last planning event that the OPSPOC organizes is the Final Exercise Planning (FEP) conference on W-100 or E-100. For an embedded WFX, the FEP is a five-day event hosted by MCTP at Fort Leavenworth that solidifies all concepts and finalizes all source documents. OG-C conducts each BWFX FEP by either DCO Connect or VTC in its conference room. The FEP defines with precision how the exercise will be conducted and resourced. All timelines and events within the exercise are addressed, to include a timeline of training prior to STARTEX, the exercise battle rhythm, and the schedule for after-action reviews (AARs). MCTP planners and/or the OPSPOC review the exercise planning milestones to ensure that recent planning efforts have not changed the STARTEX conditions. For an embedded WFX, MCTP also conducts a deliberate war game to adjudicate the impact of any shaping operations that will occur prior to STARTEX, allowing TAs to account for shaping operations when planning and to appropriately adjust the STARTEX strengths of both friendly and enemy units. Each FEP determines the date(s) on which OG-C will ship equipment and the BWFX FEP ends with a review of the final MOA that is ready for signatures, while an embedded WFX FEP concludes with an optional out-brief to the EXDIR in which MCTP planners highlight not only progress, but also any unresolved problems that may require EXDIR attention.

(U) After the FEP, MCTP planners and/or the OPSPOC construct and deliver an Exercise Director’s Brief on W-74 or E-74. This briefing constitutes a conditions check by the EXDIR. Whether for a WFX or BWFX, it is conducted by either DCO Connect or VTC with the EXDIR, the MCTP Commander and the COG(s) of any participating operations group(s) in attendance. In it, MCTP planners and/or the OPSPOC supported by PLEX review exercise and scenario design, highlighting any decisions that the EXDIR may need to make. The briefing also includes the OPFOR concept, the MSEL, and the exercise battle rhythm. It concludes by addressing any resourcing or planning issues that may require EXDIR decision or action.

(U) The final coordinating event that MCTP planners and/or the OPSPOC perform with the TA is the Final Coordination Video Teleconference (FCVTC) on W-60 or E-60.

The FCVTC is a conditions-check by WFX or BWFX action officers of MCTP, the TA and any outside elements providing support to the exercise, whether for the higher command (HICOM), response cells, etc. In it, the action officers review exercise milestones status, coordinate Reception, Staging, Onward movement and Integration (RSOI) of traveling units, confirm fulfillment of all SCP and ESMD requirements, including augmentee OC/Ts, and resolve any issues that remain open before shipping equipment and moving personnel. Following the FCVTC, the action officers immediately bring any unresolved issues to the EXDIR and subsequently notify all exercise participants once these are resolved.

(U) The final briefing that the OPSPOC compiles before deploying to a WFX or BWFX is the Deployment Briefing to OG-C. In it, the OPSPOC presents the WFX or BWFX timeline and calendar, including the dates of advance party (ADV) arrival and equipment setup, main body arrival and departure, in-briefings, rehearsals, training, STARTEX, ENDEX, and each of the after action reviews. The OPSPOC then reviews the personnel who will participate in the exercise, other than the training audience, from the EXDIR and Senior Mentor to OG-C augmentee OC/Ts and other part-time support, per the final ESMD. Subsequently, the OPSPOC reviews by-name travel and hotel arrangements, while orienting OG-C to the roads and airports involved and to the training site and the training facility itself. The OPSPOC concludes the briefing by orienting OG-C to the TA organization and manning, including key leader biographies, a footprint of subordinate units, and a roll-up of TA participation in the Observer Trainer Academy.

(U) OG-C manages its exercise planning cycle in a sequence of four weekly meetings. Normally held each Thursday morning in the Splinter Conference Room (SCR), these meetings are the division-level Long Range Calendar (LRC) review, the OPS-internal Exercise Planning Huddle (EPH), the division-level Exercise Planning Working Group (EPWG) and the division-level Exercise Planning Update Brief (EPUB).

(U) The first weekly meeting in this sequence is the LRC review. In it, CHOPS leads the division chiefs and contractors representatives to briefly review the status of all ELC events that take place within the next 370 days. For any BWFX or WFX that is first entering this 370-day window, OG-C initiates planning and reviews any applicable COG welcome letter for immediate publication.

(U) The second weekly meeting is the OPS-internal EPH. In it, the CHOPS reviews with each OPSPOC and the Travel Officer how far OG-C has progressed toward each ELC event. OPSPOCs deliver detailed updates for all events that will take place within the next 150 days and highlight any changes since their previous update(s) to CHOPS.

Together, OPS ensures that OG-C performs timely and accurate coordination for each ELC event, including identification of those OG-C personnel who will travel, preparation of the consolidated travel tracker, confirmation of movement times and access arrangements and review of any associated products.

(U) In the EPWG that takes place the following week, CHOPS leads the OPSPOCs to coordinate and track progress toward each ELC event at the division level to achieve shared understanding while avoiding duplication of effort. Contributing attendees are CHOPS, CHOT, CHEX, Senior Analyst, OPSPOCs, OC/T POCS, PLEX POCs, contractor POCS, the Training Officer and JIEDDO. Using the MCTP exercise calendar, the OG-C LRC and previous COG guidance as inputs, CHOPS identifies who is working on what aspect of products and ensures that all contributors have refined and synchronized any ELC event that will take place within the next 90 days. During the meeting, each contributor delivers an update and the meeting also serves as a venue to receive any IEP, MEP, FEP or final coordination meeting out-briefs and to review training unit information. Outputs are an updated LRC, tasks to divisions, and items for decision or information in the next week.

(U) The final meeting in this sequence, the EPUB, takes place in the week that follows the EPWG. Based on EPWG outputs, it is a forum for decision briefings to the COG and focuses concerning ELC events that will take place during the next 90 days. It is also a forum for information briefings, or final updates, concerning ELC events that will take place during the next 30 days. Other than the COG, attendees are the same as in the EPWG.

CHAPTER III

SCENARIO DESIGN, OPPOSING FORCES AND EXERCISE CONTROL (PLEX)

(U) The Plans and Exercises (PLEX) Division of Operations Group C (OG-C) participates in the Exercise Event Life Cycle (ELC) to design and control simulation-driven scenarios in the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE) that stimulate the training objectives of each OG-C training audience (TA). PLEX has three elements, Scenario Design, Opposing Forces (OPFOR) and Exercise Control (EXCON), each of which is optimized to support OG-C’s unique and primary mission to conduct standalone Brigade Warfighter Exercises (BWFXs), but some of which do not participate in the embedded Warfighter Exercises (WFXs) that involve all of Mission Command Training Program (MCTP). Operations Group X (OG-X) designs and controls each embedded WFX, for which the PLEX Chief of Scenario and Chief of EXCON, supported by a Department of the Army Civilian (DAC) PLEX Exercise Coordinator (EXCOORD), design and control the Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) to stimulate TA training objectives in a complex operating environment (OE) that includes the irregular portion of the uncooperative, uncompromising hybrid threat (HT).

During execution of an embedded WFX, the PLEX Chief, Chief of Scenario, Chief of EXCON and EXCOORDs collocate with the OG-X Scenario Design Directorate (SDD) to stimulate the OG-C TA(s). The Chief of OPFOR deploys with them as Assistant PLEX Chief, reinforces OG-X OPFOR an Operations Officer or Battle Group Commander in the National Simulation Center (NSC), or continues the OG-C primary mission at home station to design and prepare upcoming BWFXs. See Figure 3-1.

(U) Whereas PLEX participation in an embedded WFX is MSEL-focused, the planning, preparation and execution of each standalone BWFX is much more demanding and not only involves all PLEX personnel and resources, but those of OC/T Division as well. Supported by each Warfighting Function (WFF) of OC/T Division, PLEX designs and controls a complex DATE scenario, including a complete OPORD by the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) TA higher headquarters, the 52nd Infantry Division (52ID).

Augmented by personnel who are external to OG-C or even MCTP, the PLEX Chief, Chief Scenario and OC/T Division WFF representatives serve as serve as a Higher Headquarters Response Cell (HHRC), issuing fragmentary orders (FRAGORDs), answering requests for information (RFIs), and providing guidance and other information to control the exercise throughout the 52ID battle rhythm as appropriate.

PLEX crafts the OE and 52ID OPORD to support each type of BCT TA, whether infantry, armor or Stryker, and to stimulate its approved training objectives with the TA-desired mix of simulation-driven, MSEL-supported offense, defense, and stability operations. Supported by four full-time contractors and augmented by additional part-time contract support during execution, the Chief of OPFOR designs and employs OPFOR in coordination with the PLEX Chief and Chief of Scenario. Supported by part-time contractors during execution, the Chief of EXCON manages adjacent units, response cells and any other exercise non-TA exercise participants, while supervising the two DAC EXCOORDs, who continue to design and control the MSEL in coordination with the PLEX Chief and Chief Scenario as they would during an embedded WFX.

(U) Figure 3-1, PLEX Mission and Organization. In accordance with training objectives (TOs), OG-C PLEX designs and controls a simulation-driven scenario in the Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE) that allows a maneuver brigade to filter relevant information in a complex operational environment (OE) to plan and conduct a mix of offense, defense and stability operations to defeat an uncooperative, uncompromising hybrid threat (HT) that is composed of both regular and irregular forces who act in the context of their own internal objectives and who use tactics, doctrine, and equipment representative of a composite of forces that the brigade could encounter in future combat.

(U) PLEX preparation of the BWFX OE and OPORD is nested within the Exercise Event Life Cycle (ELC) that the Operations (OPS) Division manages to design OG-C training exercises in accordance with U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) Regulation (TR) 350-50-3 and this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

PLEX educates the TA about the DATE and the OG-C BWFX construct during the concept development video teleconference (CDVTC) on W-370 or E-370. During the CDVTC, the CHEX, Assistant CHEX or Chief Scenario delivers an overview of OG-C scenario design, while the OC/T POC or the CHOT presents OG-C’s BWFX training methods, emphasizing how the TA must develop good, Mission Essential Task List (METL) based training objectives before the IEP. PLEX begins to refine or develop the OE and OPORD based on the training objectives that the unit submits between the CDVTC and the initial event planning (IEP) conference on W-330 or E-330. PLEX locks this azimuth with the TA during the IEP.

(U) To support either a “split-model” or a traditional, unitary BWFX model, PLEX prepares and delivers its OE and OPORD to the TA as a series of products to complement the TA drill schedule. At the 60 day mark, or at least two inactive duty training (IDT) periods, prior to the BWFX, OPS GRP C posts the following documents to the portal: 52 ID OPORD, all annexes, and Command Post of the Future (CPOF) files in “.ref” format. Additionally, an RFI tracker tool will be posted to the portal to provide the TA the ability to submit RFIs to the 52 ID staff. The TA will post their MDMP products for OC/T Division to review and provide feedback prior to the MCT that constitutes the first phase of the exercise.

(U) PLEX follows several important principles to design the threat that appears in the OE and the corresponding 52ID OPORD. PLEX ensures that OPFOR doctrine and organization is incorporated into all exercise considerations. The OPFOR doctrine is outlined in Training Circular (TC) 7-100 series of manuals that describe the hybrid threat, its organization and its tactics. PLEX also complies with Army Regulation (AR) 350-2, Opposing Force Program, AR 350-50, Combat Training Center Program, and Field Manuals 7-100.1, Opposing Force Operations, and FM 7-100.4, Opposing Force Organization Guide to design regular threat forces and resources them with realistic capabilities in accordance with the TRADOC Worldwide Equipment Guide (WEG). It also complies with TRADOC Regulation (TR) 350-50-3.

(U) When building the irregular portion of the threat to stimulate unit training objectives, PLEX ensures that any irregular forces and/or criminal elements are consistent with the most recent version of DATE published by the TRADOC Intelligence Support Activity (TRISA). The Chief of OPFOR designs and employs the regular threat, while the Chief of Scenario designs and employs the irregular threat.

Together, they comprise an uncooperative, uncompromising hybrid threat (HT) that is composed of both regular and irregular forces who act within the context of their own internal objectives and who use tactics, doctrine, and equipment representative of a composite of forces that the brigade could encounter in future combat operations.

(U) Thus, PLEX places appropriate rigor and stress on commanders and staffs during a BWFX to force the TA to execute the mission command philosophy through the mission command warfighting function. The HT presents no easy challenge – the TA commander must issue mission orders to enable disciplined initiative within his intent and, with his staff, he must appropriately balance his art of command and the science of control. Commanders who drive the operations process by understanding, describing, directing, leading and assessing find greater opportunities for success, as do staffs who support their commander by conducting a disciplined operations process, by effective knowledge and information management, and by synchronizing information-related capabilities in accordance with Army Doctrinal Reference Publication (ADRP) 6-0.

(U) Although training objectives determine the level of irregular threat and the mix of offense, defense and stability operations that PLEX develops in the 52ID OPORD, PLEX employs the southern (Talysh) region of Atropia as the OE for each BWFX.

DATE version 2.1, which DATE applies to all US Army units (Active Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve) that participate in an Army or joint training exercise, provides detailed descriptions of five operational environments (OEs) in the Caucasus region; specifically the countries of Ariana, Atropia, Gorgas, Minaria, and Donovia. It discusses OE conditions through the Political, Military, Economic, Social, Information, Infrastructure, Physical Environment, and Time (PMESII-PT) variables, but it does not provide a complete scenario for any OE. In the southern Atropia OE, PLEX has added significant detail to accommodate each type of BCT TA, whether an armored BCT (ABCT), Stryker BCT (SBCT) or infantry BCT (IBCT) and its desire to focus more on offense, defense, or stability operations. The goal is to keep the baseline conditions stable, while allowing for any additional narrative to be added as required by the training tasks (see Figure 3-2 and DATE, version 2.1, p. 1-I-1).

(U) Figure 3-2, BWFX Competitive Area. In each BWFX, the division-level scenario and road to war remain the same, pitting each type of Brigade Combat Team training audience against portions of an Arianan Division Tactical Group that has seized oilfields in southern Atropia.

(U) In each BWFX, the division-level scenario and road to war remain the same, determining the elements, if not the strength, of the complex HT that the BCT TA will have to defeat. The scenario revolves around religious fundamentalism and the on-shore Neftchala oilfields and corresponding off-shore hydrocarbon resources of the Talysh Region in southern Atropia. Using politicized Islam as a pretext and seeking to establish regional hegemony by increasing its hydrocarbon holdings, the Fundamentalist Shiite Muslim government of Ariana organized its best Division Tactical Groups (DTGs) into a single Operational Strategic Command (OSC) that invaded the Secular Shiite Muslim country of Atropia and seized its Talysh Region after several days of combat.

Answering calls for aid by the Government of Atropia, the President of the United States directed the Secretary of Defense to establish Combined Joint Task Force – Caspian Sea (CJTF-CS), activated reserve and National Guard units, and began deploying forces, including the 3d Cavalry Regiment (3CR), 4th Infantry Division, 52ID and the TA, to re-establish the territorial integrity of Atropia.

(U) Having already obtained its limited war aims in this scenario, Ariana has tried without success to legitimize its gains among the international community by calling for a United Nations brokered peace conference.