Exportable Training Concept Viable Option for Troops
What is it'
This month, the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC), a subordinate command of the Joint Multinational Training Command in Grafenwoehr, Germany, packed up its Exportable Instrumentation System (EIS) to test the Army's Exportable Training Center (ETC) concept, while training Soldiers at Fort Bragg from the 82nd Airborne Division's, 2nd Brigade.
The JMRC plans, coordinates and executes mission-rehearsal exercises to prepare units for major combat operations, irregular warfare, and security and stability operations in the European command and central command areas of operation.
Normally, the JMRC trains forces from the United States, stationed in Europe, and units from allied nations bound for peacekeeping missions or combat in Iraq, Afghanistan and Kosovo. When training in Europe, the staff only brings enough equipment to train up to a battalion.
Testing the ETC meant moving JMRC capabilities, more than 600 personnel - a professional staff civilian role-players, analysts, technicians and equipment to Fort Bragg, N.C., from the Hohenfels training area in Germany.
What has the Army done'
With an increase in the number of brigade combat teams (BCTs) and high operational tempos, combat training centers (CTC) are hard pressed to provide all BCTs with a CTC rotation prior to deploying for combat or other missions.
The ETC concept is designed to make up that difference by deploying the pillars of the CTC, observer controllers, instrumented after-action review, and opposing forces, to an installation and training the unit at their home station.
Planning for the rotation began in early 2006, when the Army G3 directed an exportable capability. By the end of 2006, the HQDA G3 directed U.S. Forces Command (FORSCOM) and U.S. Army Europe Command to initiate coordination to conduct CONUS Training using the EIS. After two postponements, in June 2008, the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., was identified as the unit to be trained in March 2009.
The Army's first ETC based in the contiguous United States (CONUS) will be located at the National Training Center in Fort Irwin, Calif.
Why is this important to the Army'
The ETC was a unique training experience for 82nd Soldiers. The Soldiers experienced an external assessment for the BCT at home station, which included instrumented after-action reviews. During the "Proof of Principle Exercise," the JMRC proved the ETC concept could be used for training Soldiers in the future.
Resources:
<a href="http://www.jmrc.hqjmtc.army.mil/" target="_blank">Joint Multinational Readiness Center Web site</a>
<a href=" http://www.hqjmtc.army.mil/" target="_blank">7th Army Joint Multinational Training Command Web site</a>
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