MCTP hosts training academy ahead of new season of warfighter exercises

By Maj. Orlandon HowardSeptember 12, 2021

Col. Bryan Babich, Mission Command Training Program commander, talks to an audience about the organization's mission and purpose during a training academy for Observer Coach/Trainers at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., September 9, 2021. The academy...
Col. Bryan Babich, Mission Command Training Program commander, talks to an audience about the organization's mission and purpose during a training academy for Observer Coach/Trainers at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., September 9, 2021. The academy facilitates OC/T’s certification beginning with in-person instruction and a doctrine test. (Photo Credit: Maj. Orlandon Howard) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Leavenworth, Kan. -- The Mission Command Training Program hosted its Observer Coach/Trainers Academy at Fort Leavenworth, September 8-9, 2021. The academy facilitates OC/T’s certification beginning with in-person instruction and a doctrine test.

The OC/Ts have diverse backgrounds, military specialties, and expertise. The academy ensures they have a common baseline of knowledge. The second phase entails ongoing internal certification with their operations groups to train and validate more specific knowledge, skills, and competencies.

“This certification process is a great tool for talent development and quality assurance,” said Col. Bryan Babich, MCTP commander. “It ensures OC/Ts understand the organization and our processes, while also instilling the necessary skills, knowledge, and techniques expected of highly professional OC/Ts.”

“We owe it to the formations we train.”

Maj. David Spangenberg talks to an audience about the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) during a training academy for Observer Coach/Trainers at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., September 9, 2021. The academy facilitates OC/T’s certification...
Maj. David Spangenberg talks to an audience about the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) during a training academy for Observer Coach/Trainers at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., September 9, 2021. The academy facilitates OC/T’s certification beginning with in-person instruction and a doctrine test. (Photo Credit: Maj. Orlandon Howard) VIEW ORIGINAL

MCTP is a Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) unit that hosts the Army’s warfighter exercises to train divisions and above in large-scale combat operations. They provide OC/Ts and expert senior mentors to train commanders and staff on military planning and operations during exercises.

MCTP’s next warfighter exercise starts at the end of September. It will train the Army’s newly reactivated V Corps nearly a year after their uncasing ceremony. The exercise will be distributed between the U.S. and Germany, where MCTP’s OC/Ts, senior mentors, and exercise support staff will deploy to support.

Uncasing
(from left) Retired Lt. Gen. James Terry and Command Sgt. Maj. William Johnson, join new command team Lt. Gen. John Kolasheski and Command Sgt. Maj. Billy Webb in uncasing the V Corps colors at an activation ceremony in front of the Lt. Gen. Timothy J. Maude Complex at Fort Knox, Kentucky, Oct. 16, 2020. (Photo Credit: Charles Leffler) VIEW ORIGINAL