"We can't wing it, we have to use the capabilities we have," said Maj. Gen. Ted Martin, National Training Center and Fort Irwin commanding general.
With this sentiment more than 200 Soldiers from 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team 25th Infantry Division began more than a week of Enhanced Leader Training at Fort Irwin, Calif. Jan. 24 through Feb. 4.
The training, designed to prepare brigade and battalion commanders, staff members and command sergeants major how to execute their war fighting duties, not only tested the brigade's existing capabilities but provided mentorship and guidance on how they could improve, helping to eliminate the need to wing it.
"(LTP) provides training for the leadership on the military decision making process," said Col. Steven Adams, LTP chief. "It gives staffs a realistic repetition of going through the planning process- with coaches that can mentor them."
A coaching staff consisting of four former brigade commanders and eight former battalion commanders with a variety of combat experience facilitated training sessions they characterize as intense and fast-paced.
"We take our job title as coaches very seriously; the only reason we exist is to help units improve their processes and procedures and learn," said Tim Decker, a retired Army lieutenant colonel and LTP brigade staff coach.
Brigade staff members came together to create a clear picture of their political and physical environment and developed multiple possible courses of action, which were then presented to the brigade commander. Once a decision was made the battalion command teams refined the steps they would take to execute the commander's plan before moving Soldiers.
"I think we did a very thorough military decision making process plan," said Maj. Matt Hammons, 1/25 SBCT fires support officer.
As the exercise came to an end Soldiers said they learned something new, even those who had been there before.
"I learned a lot," said Sgt. 1st Class Jon Schneider, 1/25 SBCT aviation operations sergeant. "(The first time) I did the tactical side, this time I'm doing the officer side."
From the beginning to the end the hard work of everyone involved paid off.
"We've seen, both at the brigade headquarters and at the battalions, a great deal of growth from the first day we started to today," said Decker. "The brigade and the battalions have done very well."
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