ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Ill. -- Preparing First Army Soldiers to serve as observer coach/trainers was the goal of a recent four-day course held here.
Thirty-seven officers and noncommissioned officers with Headquarters and Headquarters Detachment, First Army, U.S. Army Reserve Support Command and First Army headquarters attended the course taught by First Army Academy instructors March 28-31.
"The training goes over observer coach/trainer duties and responsibilities and on the proper way to facilitate an after-action report," said Sgt. 1st Class John Gregory, one of the six instructors who came here from the First Army Academy at Camp Shelby Joint Forces Training Center, Mississippi, to conduct the course.
First Army observer coach/trainers advise, assist, coach, mentor, teach and train reserve component Soldiers during training and exercises.
Soldiers began the course in the classroom, focusing on core OC/T competencies, duties and responsibilities, planning and executing a training exercise, how to conduct an after action review, and how to observe, coach and teach troop leading procedures. Then, they went to the field for hands-on experience in planning, executing and observing training, after which they facilitated an after action review for the "training unit" -- composed of their classmates.
Sgt. Bradley Knapp, a supply technician, with First Army U.S. Army Reserve Support Command, appreciated the training provided by the First Army Academy instructors.
"The First Army Support Command's recent OC/T certification training showed the resiliency and hard work of the entire unit, both through the certification process and the support role elements of entire training," he said.
"The OC/T training strengthened the leadership skills needed to ensure continuity of training for all Soldiers and units who are trained and mobilized by First Army," said Sgt. Vannessa Josey, a public affairs noncommissioned officer with First Army U.S. Army Reserve Support Command. "The training has given this unit a better foundation and knowledge needed to properly validate each unit that goes through our mobilization centers."
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