1.       References:

 

a.       FM 7-0, Training the Force

 

b.       FM 25-101, Battle Focus Training

 

c.       FORSCOM/ARNG Reg. 350-2, dated 27 Oct 99

 

d.       GaARNG, DCS-OPS-T, Memorandum dated 31 Jan 02, Subject: Command Training Guidance for Training Years 2003-2006

 

e.       GA-78TC-CDR, Memorandum dated 06 May 03, Subject; Command Training Guidance for Training Years 2004-2008

 

f.         878th Engineer Battalion SOP 350-1.dtd 1 Oct 99

 

2.       Purpose: To provide training guidance for the 878th Engineer Battalion for training year 2006.

 

3.       Mission Statement:

 

878th Engr Bn mobilizes and deploys by air and sea.

 

Increases the combat effectiveness of Division, Corps and Theater Army Forces by accomplishing general engineering tasks and limited mobility, countermobility and survivability tasks.

 

Constructs, repairs and maintains main supply routes, buildings, structures and utilities.

 

Performs rear area security operations when required.

 

4.       Command Emphasis:

 

Everything we do must  be geared towards the retention of Soldiers. Well planned and properly executed training is our best retention tool. We need to develop two-year training plans and achieve the requirement of 120-day lock-ins for IDT training. Units will conduct back-briefs, rehearsals, and AARs to standard for ALL training events. Commanders must insure that their NCOs are attending the required NCO schools and Non-MOSQ Soldiers are attending MOS producing schools. Retention interviews required by OPORDER 1 will be on the training schedules. These interviews will be planned and executed like any the other training event. We must continue to integrate NMC training, CTT, and Force Protection into all training events. Maintenance training will target training deficiencies of ULLS-G operators, trouble-shooting skills, and hydraulic system repair. Utilize annual training to correct General Engineering weaknesses and conduct Force Protection training at the platoon level. Units will conduct a Convoy Live-Fire Exercise in addition to the required IWQ and CSW qualification. IDT training plans should be used as a building block towards executing annual training missions. Units will use their IDT time to train individual and squad level tasks. AT will be used to train platoon and company level tasks.

 

5.       Focus:

 

a. Personnel Readiness: Personnel Readiness is our primary goal.  To achieve personnel readiness, leaders at all levels must become involved.  Commanders are responsible for all areas of personnel readiness.  Personnel readiness is defined as having a fully qualified, fit-for-duty, fully deployable soldier assigned and functioning in every TOE/TDA position.

 

(1)     Strength Management: The keystone of personnel readiness is strength management.  Listed below are actions that are required:

 

(1)     Fill every vacant and projected vacant position in every unit.

(2)     Keep the loss rate at 18% or less.

(3)     Keep late ETS reports below 1%.

(4)     Establish an active Family Support Group in every unit.

(5)     Establish an active Sponsorship Program in every unit.

(6)     Establish an active ESGR Program in every unit. 

(7)     DMOS qualify every unqualified soldier.

(8)     Maintain NO-VAL pay, (Possible Non-Participation Report), below 1.5% in every unit.

(9)     Publish a monthly newsletter – every unit.

(10)  Be actively involved in the Non-Prior Service Training Program (NPSTP) (Battalion task).

(11)  Assign a Unit Public Affairs Representative in every unit.  Furnish monthly press releases and articles as appropriate  to the local press.

(12)  Conduct annual benefits briefings.

(13)  Schedule an annual Strength Management Assessment Model (SMAM – formerly known as the unit climate survey).

(14)  Conduct and document retention interviews monthly, IAW ANNEX C, OPORD ONE.

(15)   Every unit-training schedule will depict a recognition/awards ceremony quarterly at one of the formations.  This should only take 5-10 minutes.  Promotions, awards and other recognition should be made at this time.

(16)  Units will include recruiting and retention activities as part of their training briefs and will indicate these in their training schedules.

(17)  Units are limited to one MUTA 6 per training year.  Any additional MUTA 6’s must be personally approved by the Commander, 78th Troop Command or his designated representative.

 

(2)     MOSQ/soldier qualification: If a soldier is not MOSQ, then he/she shall be programmed for a MOS school within 12 months of assignment.  If a soldier is not capable of attending school, then the soldier will be evaluated by the first line leader (FLL), to establish the capability of the soldier to achieve DMOSQ.  If deemed capable, then the FLL shall develop a plan with the soldier, establishing the road to success.  If it is determined that the soldier is not capable, then the chain of command will counsel the soldier and present the soldier with alternative positions within the command.  If no position is determined to be available within the immediate command, then prior to the counseling, the unit shall coordinate with the next higher headquarters S-1 for other opportunities for the soldier.

 

(3)     Our Leaders: Officers, Warrant Officers and NCOs shall likewise receive their appropriate levels of military schooling.  Their first priority is to have the level of schooling commensurate with their rank.  Until this is achieved, they will not attend Annual Training with their unit.  For enlisted soldiers, you must mentor them to enhance their promotion potential by working on areas of weakness found on their Enlisted Promotion System (EPS) assessments.  OES/NCOES boils down to basic monitoring of a soldier’s career.  Your counseling and care is the key to success in this area of responsibility. 

 

b.       Leadership: Lead by example: No exceptions, leaders set the standards.

 

(1)     Officers Plan – NCOs execute.  Officers must be capable of planning and overseeing training and leading their units in combat or in support of combat operations.  NCOs must be capable of carrying out training plans and executing the wartime mission.  Officers will take ownership in the plan and in turn be held accountable for the outcomes.  Commanders and Platoon Leaders will ensure that they are an integral part of the training management program.  First line leaders are responsible for assessment, selection, and planning of training. 

 

(2)     Our NCOs are to be focused on executing their responsibilities for individual training.  MOSQ, CTT, APFT, and Weight Control are all sergeants’ business.  Commanders will actively empower their NCOs and then hold them responsible for their duties.

 

c.   Soldier Discipline.  Leaders will ensure that their Soldiers display proper military bearing at all times.  Commanders will conduct in-ranks inspections during morning formations to ensure that their soldiers are in compliance IAW AR 670-1.  Unit formations will be executed IAW FM 22-5. Military courtesy will be exhibited by all Soldiers.

 

6.       Individual Training.

 

            a. Inactive Duty Training (IDT).  IDT is based on the current METL assessment, and completion of those mobilization tasks that prepare the unit for deployment.  These tasks must be mastered before the unit can successfully train at the collective level. 

 

b. My individual training priorities are:

 

(1)  MOS Qualification.

(2)  NCOES

(2)     Individual Weapons Qualification.

(3)     Crew-served Weapons Qualification.

(4)     CTT Improvement.

 

c.       Individual training programs must incorporate MOS and common survival tasks based on an IDT assessment of the unit’s METL.  The METL is the foundation of both individual and collective training proficiency.

 

d.       Priority of school funds is shown below.  Utilize EPS principles and focus on actual training requirements.

 

(1)     Initial Skills Acquisition (MOSQ, OBC, and WOC).

(2)     Career Development (OAC, WOAC, CAS3, WOSC, CGSC, WOSSC, BNCOC, ANCOC, and ASI).

(3)     Special Skills – Air Assault, Ranger or Airborne only if required by MTOE. 

(4)     Refresher/Proficiency.

 

e.       Performance Measurement / Goals.

 

(1)     Personnel assigned in authorized MTOE (UMR) positions = 100%.

(2)     Duty MOS Qualification = 85%.

(3)     Physical Fitness Test (APFT) Pass Rate (of soldiers participating in the APFT) = > 90%. Units will develop individual fitness plans to address the needs of those who do not meet Army weight and physical standards.

(4)     Individual Weapons Qualification = > STRAC Standards. (For “D” UIC units, the requirement will be those established under “Daylight Fire and NBC Familiarization Fire.  The predominant weapon assigned to the unit will establish the weapons system.)

(5)     CTT Pass Rate => 90% (Measured over a two year period).

 

7.   Leader Training.

 

a.       The training of leaders is the most important responsibility of commanders.  At all levels, commanders and leaders must be personally involved in training the trainer.  For commanders, an important part of training junior leaders is accomplished by mentoring during the development process.  The CSM, 1SGs, and platoon sergeants must also actively participate the development of junior leaders.

 

b.       Unit Leader Development Program.  This program has not been well implemented to date.  I want this fixed.  We must develop leaders at all levels through time and experience.  Commanders need to focus their leader training to address the needs of their junior leaders.

 

(1)     Unit leader development programs have been called the Officer Professionalism Development Program, ODP, NCODP, etc.  I want relevant, battle focused training conducted for all levels of leadership.  The ULDP will focus on training leaders to lead.  This is to normally take place outside of the drill period.  Drill periods will focus on the training of the junior soldiers by the senior soldiers.  I expect my leaders to CONDUCT TRAINING.

 

(2)     Listed below are required topics to be taught in addition to those topics that each commander selects to cover in his/her unit leader development program.  The training will be documented and kept on file in the unit training records:

 

(a)  SMART Training.  (All levels)

(b)  The Training Evaluation Support System (TESS).

(c)  First Line Leader Training (All Levels)

 

8.   Unit Training.

 

a.       Training highlights for the year include:

 

DRILL                           EVENT      

OCT                              WEIGH-IN, APFT, SRP, PMI

NOV                             M9/M16 AWQ

DEC                             FAMILY DAY, PERSONNEL READINESS

JAN                              GENERAL ENGINEERING, MOBILITY/COUNTERMOBILITY

FEB                              GENERAL ENGINEERING

MAR                             UNIT SURVIVABILITY

APR                             GENERAL ENGINEERING, UNIT SURVIVABILITY, WEIGH-IN,

APFT MAKE-UP

MAY                             GENERAL ENGINEERING, DEFEND THE UNIT

JUN                              MOBILIZE/DEPLOY

JUL                               MOBILIZE/DEPLOY, BCST (BN), AT-06, 100% INVENTORY

AUG                             100% INVENTORY, MAINTENANCE

SEP                             MOBILITY/COUNTER MOBILITY, UNIT SURVIVABILITY,

GENERAL ENGINEERING

 

b.    The very heart of our business is to train soldiers, both individually and collectively.  We should practice multi-echelon training in order to maximize our most critical resource - time.  For soldiers to be trained, they must be present for Drills and AT.  Our responsibility is to provide an interesting and challenging training experience.

 

c.       Inspections are a Commander’s tool for determining unit readiness.  They are an integral part of the training process.  Inspections will be coordinated with the Ga STARC and DOD Headquarters.  Units shall receive no more than one inspection per year, (excluding reinspections).

 

d.       Focus your collective training on the unit’s wartime mission.  Train to operate as a team and learn how to synchronize with the adjacent units and the battalion staff. Forecast and request the necessary training support early enough in the planning cycle in order to maximize training value.

 

e.       Pre-Mobilization Training Focus.  The FORSCOM Commander’s guidance is that Reserve Component Combat Support/Combat Service Support units train to the company level.  Walk before you run.  The training emphasis for IDT periods will be individual tasks.  We will focus on section, platoon, and company level collective training during AT.

 

f.         Post-Mobilization Training Focus.  I expect the bulk of collective training to happen here. Commanders will develop a Post-Mobilization Training Plan for their unit.  This plan will be maintained in the unit’s mobilization file.  This plan should be updated and reflect correlation with the unit’s Quarterly Unit Status Reports (USRs).

 

g.       METL Training. Commanders will determine which METL tasks are considered post-mobilization and which are considered pre-mobilization tasks.  Pre-mobilization tasks will be the focus of training for all units. 

 

h.       Lanes Training.  Situational Training Exercises (STX) are the standard training method.  STX examples are fully described for most units in their Mission Training Plans (MTP).   Utilize STX during IDT as much as possible.

 

i.    Training Schedules.  Monthly IDT training schedules will be based on the unit Yearly Training Calendar (YTC).  Training schedules will be prepared IAW FM 7-0 and 25-101 and submitted through the Standard Army Training System (SATS 4.2).  Training schedules must reflect the actual dates and locations of where the training will be conducted.  All training scheduled is task, condition, and standard intensive, not time intensive.  A draft training schedule is to be submitted to the battalion NLT 120 days prior to the event.  Training schedules are created from the first line leader up based on the assessments of the first line leader and the unit commander.  Training schedule development is not the responsibility of the training or readiness NCO.  Commanders will assess their units after each major training event to determine readiness.  First line leaders will select the individual tasks to be trained IAW their knowledge of their Soldier’s abilities and the commander’s assessment and training plan.  Commanders will take responsibility for the planning of their unit’s training and ensure that the training supports the METL.

 

j.         We must train to maintain by integrating individual, crew, and unit level maintenance into all training.  Property management and supply discipline are our combat multipliers.

 

k.    While small unit training is occurring, leader and staff training should be executed in a multi-echelon fashion at higher levels.  Operations orders (OPORD) will be developed to drive all collective and major training events.  Staffs must be proficient in providing centralized planning and operational guidance to commanders.

 

l.    Integrate all components into training events.  Include things like survivability skills, CTT, crew drills, crew coordination, maintenance, personnel accountability reports, and so on.

 

m.   Focus toward attaining genuine crew, squad, section, and platoon proficiency.  Teamwork produces quality.  Once this is achieved, stabilize crews.

 

n.    Development of training and evaluation outlines will be prepared and reviewed for each collective training event.

 

o.       Performance Measurement / Goals.

 

(1)     Inactive Duty Training (IDT) Attendance = > 90%.

(2)     Annual Training (AT) Attendance = > 90% (Constructive Attendance).

 

p. Innovative Readiness Training (IRT). In accordance with NGB policy, IRT exists to provide a training opportunity for our soldiers to enhance their military skills while providing a service to local communities. The program is intended to build upon the long-standing tradition of the National Guard acting as a good neighbor at the local level, in applying military personnel to assist worthy civic and community needs. IRT projects consist mainly of engineering, construction, or transportation project accomplished by GaARNG units for the benefit fo local communities. Examples include grading land, constructing buildings, or improving drainage for a local community or non-profit agency.

 

(1) IRT projects are an important retention tool the GaARNG. Our soldiers gain a strong sense of purpose and accomplishment from helping their local communities through participation in IRT projects.

 

(2) Projects require approval by TAG-GA. All requests will be forwarded through channels. Units are not authorized to commit to support unit a project is approved. These projects should not exceed three drill periods (12 total UTAs). The IRT should be tailored such that it enhances the units training.

 

            q. Training and the environment.  Proper environmental management and coordination are not only necessary to comply with law, but they also benefit the mission by keeping operations on schedule and maintaining good public relations. All leaders must become aware of the environmental regulations, policies, and procedures at all training locations. This includes training at HOST, civic-action projects (IRT), Fort Stewart and Fort Gordon.

 

h. Maintenance Training.  Units will dedicate 25% of IDT training time for PMCS.  Unit commanders will ensure that their maintenance personnel have 50% of their IDT training time for hands-on maintenance training and MOS training.  This is IAW AR 750-1.  This includes scheduled services (25% of services performed on IDT periods by M-Day personnel) and ULLS-G training. Scheduled services will be planned and conducted as a training event.

 

9.  State Mission Training.

 

          a.   The 878th Engineer Battalion staff will be expected to participate in the conduct of an emergency preparedness exercise annually.  The exercise will focus on traditional MSCA missions.  Traditional missions include natural and manmade emergency situations such as winter storms, hurricanes, and civil disturbances. Additionally, the battalion is tasked with a state critical infrastructure (CI) mission. The battalion staff will disseminate plans and information as soon as they become available from higher.

 

          b.   The 878th Engineer Battalion has an “on-the-street” mission and will complete the 4-hour annually training requirement on performing traditional street missions as identified in the 500-1 series regulations and plans.  This training focus should not be confined to honing traditional “stomp and drag” civil disturbance techniques, but should focus on area security and public safety missions task performance.  These missions include patrolling by vehicle and on foot, conducting basic sentry duties at fixed posts, detecting possible surveillance, reacting to potential bomb threat situations, directing civilians, and terrorism counteraction planning.  Training will be task oriented and not time oriented.  This means that the amount of time devoted by a unit during its IDT period will be based on the level of experience within the unit. Civil disturbance training will be conducted by junior leadership within the companies. Training will be documented and documentation will be forwarded through this headquarters to the State Security Manager at the Joint Operations Directorate.

 

            c. Force protection planning and awareness should be incorporated into all phases of training. Our personnel, as our greatest asset, should always be encouraged to remain aware of their surroundings and to be mindful of the need to promote an active effective security posture. Leaders are charged to ensure that proper security measures and procedures are applied when conducting training.

 

 10. Training Strategy / Resourcing.

 

           a.  Train for the Future.  I expect commanders to ensure expenditures for MOS and leader training are consistent with future force structure plans and MTOE documents.  As new MTOE documents become available, I expect commanders to begin to implement these documents one year out and to plan to be fully trained and equipped by the E-date. This includes identifying and requesting MOSQ for Soldiers having to reclassify due to the new MTOE scheduled to take effect in TY07. The unit restationing plan will be disseminated as soon as possible.

 

           b.  New Equipment Training (NET).  We anticipate we will continue to receive new equipment.  Reduced resourcing means fielding packages will be smaller.  Plan equipment fielding as a part of your YTC and plan to conduct required individual training as a part of your IDT training plan.  Do not expect NET to mean more training dollars.  Although some funding may be provided, we cannot expect it to meet all of our requirements. 

 

11. Training Management.  FM 7-0 and FM 25-101 will provide the basis for how we conduct and manage training.  Learn the training process outlined in these documents.

 

a. Conduct training planning on a continuous basis rather than taking an annual approach.  Maintain a continuous long-range (12 months) calendar with specific resourcing identified.  Each quarter, add a quarter to your calendar.

 

b.       Do detailed planning, coordination and synchronization.  This allows for prioritizing and planning training to best utilize limited resources.

 

c.       Allow adequate time to adjust plans to enable units to lock-in training 120 days out.

 

d.       Communicate the plan and require leaders to conduct their preparation and planning prior to the MUTA/UTA date.  All training should be preceded by rehearsals conducted by the chain of command.

 

e.       Assign responsibilities; make them clear; and maintain accountability.  It will prevent communication breakdowns.

 

f.         Training meetings are non-negotiable.  They will be held on a monthly basis.  Training meetings provide guidance for forming training schedules.  The battalion commander plans to attend at least one of the company training meetings on a quarterly basis.  They will also be used to review/assess the results of the training that was previously conducted.  Ensure your R&R NCO is present.  TC 25-30 is the reference guide for the conduct of training meetings.

 

g.       Minimize training distracters by properly identifying required events early in the planning process.  Schedule HIV testing, panographic x-rays and/or DNA testing, or command inspections, as training events throughout the training year.  If these events are planned properly, they enhance personnel readiness, which is our number one priority.  If we do not plan them properly, they can become distractions.

 

h.       This command will conduct an ATMS and YTB for TY07 in March of 2006.

 

i.         Teach the upcoming training events standards prior to the unit conducting the training.  Ensure that leaders have demonstrated their understanding of the standard as a part of leader training.

 

j.         Battalion staff will utilize at least 50% of available drill time for staff training.  Primary staff officers are responsible for developing training plans for their sections and for coordination with other staff sections for integrated training. 

 

k.       Our NCOs are to be focused on executing their responsibilities for individual training.  MOSQ, CTT, APFT, Weight Control, Weapons Qualification, and individual tasks that support the commander’s METL are all sergeants’ business.

 

12.  Training Execution.   You will prepare for training using battalion and company training meetings and RMPs.  I expect all training to be planned in detail and resources identified 120 days out. 

 

a. T-90, I expect instructor personnel to be identified.

 

b. T-60, I expect resources to be on hand and the instructor preparing for his presentation.

 

c. T-30, I expect the commander or senior NCO in the unit to evaluate a rehearsal of the instruction to be presented.

 

d. All training will be evaluated and documented by the leadership of the unit no later than T+30 and recorded in the unit’s training files.

 

e. Changes to training events within the 90 day window will be submitted through the chain of command. 

 

13.   Training Evaluation / Assessment.

 

a. A key to our training strategy is rigorous, candid assessment of our pre-mobilization training status.  Commanders must use all the tools available to them to evaluate training/readiness status.  Once weaknesses are identified, be aggressive in implementing changes to correct them.  TRAIN, EVALUATE, and IMPROVE.

 

b. The Training Evaluation Support System (TESS) will be used by commanders as the foundation for the unit’s Yearly Training Plan/Calendar.  The TESS is the tool to help the commander track overall unit readiness.  When properly maintained, the TESS provides an excellent summary of the units’ status in personnel, maintenance, equipment, and training.  The TESS is a living document which must reflect the current training readiness status and the results of formal training evaluations.  Commanders will review and update their TESS after each training event as necessary.  ALL units will utilize the TESS regardless of whether they are scheduled to receive an external evaluation during the AT period.

 

c. After Action Review (AAR) will be conducted following all performance oriented training.  It is not restricted to field exercises.  AARs may be formal or informal.  Leaders conducting an AAR must ensure they are planned, properly prepared, and conducted in an effective manner.  They will also be planned for on the units training schedules.

 

14.  Safety/Risk Management.  

 

a.   As an organization, we demand responsible action, which includes protecting our soldiers as they accomplish their mission.  Everyday, as we respond to the State’s and Nation’s needs, we expose our soldiers to hazards in uncertain and complex environments.  We do this with the full knowledge that there are inherent risks associated with any military operations.

 

b. The purpose of Risk Management is to identify operational risk and take reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate hazards.  Risk management allows us to operate successfully in high-risk environments.  Leaders at every level have the responsibility to identify hazards, take measures to reduce or eliminate hazards, and then to accept risk only to the point that the benefits outweigh the potential losses.  The Army’s doctrinal manuals articulate the risk-management process, our principal risk reduction tool.  Risk management is not an add-on feature of the decision making process but rather a fully integrated element of planning and executing operations.

 

c.   Risk management will be a routine part of planning and executing operational missions.  Risk management will help preserve combat power and retain the flexibility for bold and decisive action.  Proper risk management is a combat multiplier we can not afford to squander.  Commanders will employ risk management procedures in accordance with GaPAM 385-10, 1 Oct 97, to preclude unacceptable risks to the safety of personnel and property.  Risk Assessment worksheets will be completed, reviewed, approved (in accordance with GaPAM 385-10) and attached to the training schedules, mission planning documents and operation orders. Risk Assessment worksheets are to be considered a living document that will be updated as the situation changes. “Canned” assessments are not the standard and will not be accepted.

 

        d.   Quarterly safety training/meetings will be scheduled, executed and documented.  A copy of the training completion documentation will be forwarded to the battalion S-3.

 

        e.   The following are mandatory training requirements to be conducted annually:

 

(a)     HAZCOM Training IAW NGR 385-10.

(b)     Fire prevention training – how to use a fire extinguisher and the hazards involved with the incipient stage of fire fighting.

(c)     Pre-Annual Training SOP review covering all the integrated risk management techniques for unit specific METL tasks and identified known hazards associated with the unit mission.

(d)     Proper lifting techniques.

(e)     Personal protective equipment, i.e. eye protection, hearing conservation, foot protection, respiratory protection.

(f)       Heat stress prevention/cold weather operations.

(g)     Prevention of slips, trips and falls.

 

         f.   Safety must become integrated in all phases of training (AT, IDT, ADSW, MOB) and the ways to accomplish this are as follows:

 

(a)     Involve the Unit Safety Officer in mission planning to help identify hazards and recommending controls.

(b)     Ensure that the commander’s safety intent is effectively communicated through the chain of command down to the individual soldiers.

(c)     Ensure that NCOs are aware that they “own” the safety program (responsibility and authority).

 

         g.  Discipline.  Soldiers are clearly aware that intolerable behaviors/deviation from safe operating practices will not be condoned.

 

   h.   Use the Risk Management/Assessment (FM 101-5) five step cyclic process and matrix.

 

          i.    Commander’s Protection (Safety) Guidance.

 

(1)     Goal.  Avoid accidental deaths, injuries, and equipment loss.

 

(2)     Objective.  Reduce human error, material failure and environmental effects during the performance of combat functions.

 

(3)     Priorities.  Continuously improve readiness in the following areas:

 

(a)     Self-discipline.

(b)     Enforcement of standards.

(c)     Training to standard.

(d)     Procedures and standards that are clear and practical.

(e)     Support to standard.

 

j. Commanders are reminded to ensure accidents are reported in a timely manner IAW ltr, TAG-GA, DCS-AVN-SOHO, subj: Accident Investigating, Transporting and Record Keeping (NGR 385-10/AR 385-40), dated 25 May 94.  In addition, Annual Training Safety Clearance (Appendix P, GA NGR 350-1) must be completed prior to completion of AT and submitted through channels to DCS-AVN-SOHO for approval. Bottom line, all serious incidents must be reported to higher via the Serious Incident Report (SIR).

 

k. The chain of command from squad leader to the Battalion Commander is the 878th Engineer Battalion’s safety officers.  Leaders use AR 385-10 and NGR 385-10 as your guide for risk management.  Commanders will certify safety of training events; Commanders will act personally as safety officers for training events; NCOs make safety happen.

 

l. Ultimately, leaders will make decisions that place our soldiers in harms way.  That is inherent in the responsibility of command.  We have tools to help you, and I expect you to use them.  But, they are tools at best.  No tool can substitute for the exercise of responsible judgment.  I expect commanders to create an environment in which the lives and well being of our soldiers are an integral part of the accomplishment of our mission.  Our soldiers deserve no less.

 

 15.  Force Protection.  Commanders must protect combat power through aggressive force protection efforts that will enhance our ability to execute our state or federal missions quickly and decisively with minimal losses.  Commanders must continually review their unit’s FP posture and crosswalk it with the current and changing policies and threat levels.  Risk management based on threat is key to determining our vulnerability and our prioritization of resources.  We will use these tools to protect our soldiers, family members, and critical resources.  Hazards that cannot be adequately controlled at a level will be elevated to the next level for resolution.  Risk management is a primary tool for ensuring that force protection is maximized within training and combat operations.

 

            a. I expect all my commanders to:

 

(1)     Comply with current OPORDs, FRAGOs and Messages related to Force Protection Condition.

(2)     Be prepared to conduct consequence management IAW CONPLANs and provisions of OPLAN 500-1 (April 2001). (AR 525-13, 5-12)

(3)     Implement and execute the Army AT/FP standards identified in Chapter 5, AR 525-13 as designated and modified in the GaARNG AT/FP plan (TBP).

(4)     Appoint a BN Level ATOs IAW AR 525-13, 5-9 (Level II certification required). Level II certified ATOs (NCOs or officers) are recommended at company and separate detachment level to serve as advisors to unit commanders.

(5)     Provide Level I AT training, via certified Level II instructors, to soldiers and within 6 months of overseas deployment and annually to all CONUS-based personnel if the CONUS DoD Terrorism Threat Level is promulgated above “Moderate.” (DODI 2000.16).

(6)     Harden the target and reduce vulnerability to all types of aggressor categories by conducting command compliance inspection programs, mandatory briefings and assignment of staff oversight for:

 

(a) The Army Physical Security Program (AR 190-13)

(b) Physical Security of Arms, Ammunition and Explosives (AR 190-11)

(c) Security of Unclassified Army Property (AR 190-51)

(d) Risk Analysis for Army Property (DA PAM 190-51)

(e) Subversion and Espionage Directed Against the U.S. Army (SAEDA) (AR 381-12)

(f) Operations Security (AR 530-1)

(g) Information Security (AR 380-5)

 

b.   Nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) defense training constitutes an essential pillar of operational and tactical deterrence against the proliferating foreign NBC threat.  The units ability to perform under all NBC conditions is key to force protection.  Commanders will ensure that units are fully trained to sustain operations and defend against all Homeland Security and battlefield NBC hazards.

 

           c. Within the information operations area, information protection training and the integration of realistic information system security scenarios into collective training and daily mission operations are essential to help protect the force through protection of critical information and information systems.

 

            d. Antiterrorism – In accordance with AR 525-13, all commands will implement an aggressive antiterrorism training program.  The 878th Engineer Battalion has the goal of Level II certified soldiers within the battalion and companies.  Antiterrorism / Force Protection (AT/FP) training consists of level I, II and III training.  Staff responsibility to manage this program will reside with the S-2.

 

(1) Level I training will be provided by Level II instructors to soldiers and dependents within 6 months of overseas deployment.  Training will be annotated on deploying soldier’s orders.

 

(2) Level II certification will be provided to selected soldiers E6 to O3 by appropriate certifying agencies.  Level II instructors will be qualified to give AT/FP briefings to soldiers before overseas deployment.  Level II certified NCOs or officers will serve as advisors to battalion, company/battery, and separate unit commanders.  The battalion will maintain a minimum of two trained Level II soldiers at all times.

 

(3) Level III certification will be provided to O-4 to O-5 battalion commanders in the pre-command course.  Level III certification instructs the commander on what to expect from Level II advisors. 

 

            e.  Physical Security Program.  The unit commander will appoint in writing a Physical Security Officer.  The physical security officer /S-2 is responsible for developing a unit physical security plan (AR 190-13 para 1-23b(3)).  The unit commander will designate in writing Mission Essential Vulernable Areas (MEVAs) and conduct risk analysis on all MEVAs (190-13 para 1-23b(10-12), 1-24a(4), and 2-4(2).  The physical security plan will cover MEVAs, restricted areas, close of business procedures and security of unit during times of unrest as a minimum.

 

16.  Mission Review.  I want commanders and first sergeants to keep up with the untrained soldiers and to develop programs to improve the unit DMOSQ and retention.  Soldiers matter.  They are our most precious asset.  We must do what it takes to provide them with the highest level of readiness.  I want you to review our services and determine how well satisfied our soldiers are with the support we are giving them. Determine our improvement by measuring and charting:

 

            a. How we spent our time? How do we spend the soldier's time?

 

            b. How we spent the organization's money? Track our funding priorities and measure last quarter's spending success Project next quarter's spending results.

 

             c. How we utilized the organization's human resources? Measure five digit DMOSQ improvement, leader skills improvement, and team/crew/platoon improvement.

 

             d. Satisfied soldiers are directly related to retention. If they are not satisfied, they will not stay in the Georgia Army National Guard.

 

f. Improvement criteria is based on how many untrained soldiers, leaders, crews, teams, sections, etc. were trained during the quarter without degradation. If degradation occurred, find the cause, propose change, and implement a solution.  At the next meeting, confirm the solution worked.

 

Our greatest responsibility in peacetime is to prepare our soldiers to fight and win the next war. Leaders must conduct all training with this in mind.

 

ESSAYONS!

 

 

 

 

ROWELL A. STANLEY

LTC, EN, GaARNG

Commanding     

 

Copyright © 2001 878th Engineer Combat Battalion (Heavy)
Last modified: May 06, 2006