U.S. Soldiers assigned to Fox Troop, 2nd Squadron, 2nd Cavalry Regiment (2CR), conduct Combat Arms Training during Saber Strike 24 exercise at Bemowo Piskie Training Area, Poland, April 15, 2024. Saber Strike is a part of the Dynamic Employment of Forces to Europe for NATO Deterrence and Enhanced Readiness (DEFENDER) Large Scale Global Exercise. DEFENDER is a U.S. European Command scheduled, U.S. Army Europe and Africa conducted exercise that consists of Saber Strike, Immediate Response, and Swift Response. DEFENDER 24 is linked to NATO’s Steadfast Defender exercise, and DoD’s Large Scale Global Exercise, taking place from 28 March to 31 May. DEFENDER 24 is the largest U.S. Army exercise in Europe and includes more than 17,000 U.S. and 23,000 multinational service members from more than 20 Allied and partner nations, including Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Georgia, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. (U.S. Army photo by Eugen Warkentin)
Training exercises are scenario-driven, multi-echelon, and multi-task training events. Live training exercises most closely replicate combat conditions and are the most effective and valuable options. However, they can be demanding on unit and installation resources. Commanders manage land and range allocation, available time, fuel, and repair costs by integrating virtual, constructive, and mixed training environments into the unit training plan, along with live exercises, to achieve desired training objectives. According to Field Manual 7-0, Training, there are 15 foundational types of Army training exercises that vary in numerous ways such as training audience, internal or external evaluation, training environment, and resource needs. The different types of training exercises can be grouped in various categories such as live-fire exercises, command post and staff exercises, and maneuver exercises. This article groups exercises by similar resource intensity. The acronyms used to identify the different types of exercises in the article are found in the following table from FM 7-0.
Training Exercises, FM 7-0, Appendix F
The COMMEX, MAPEX, and TEWT are the least resource intensive exercises. Although multiple echelons may be involved in these exercises, the training objectives can be accomplished with fewer personnel, less equipment, and less time. A COMMEX is used to employ and test communications equipment and to train commanders, staffs, communications personnel, and small unit leaders in command, control, and communications procedures. Through a MAPEX, which is conducted using maps and digital displays, commanders and staffs can train control functions without deploying the unit. A rehearsal of concept (ROC) drill is a subcategory of a MAPEX which is used to synchronize and coordinate unit actions using overlays, terrain models, or sand tables. A TEWT is an exercise for unit leaders and staffs to conduct specific mission requirements while considering potential threat actions. Visiting actual terrain is a great opportunity for commanders to coach subordinates on using terrain and employing combined arms assets.
More resource planning and allocation are required for the CPX, STAFFEX, STX, LFX, and FCX, but the exercises are not necessarily resource intense. These exercises vary in complexity based on echelon, integration of combined arms, evaluation, and live fire. A CPX is a multi-echelon exercise focused on communication, command and control, and unit command post procedures conducted in garrison or in the field while replicating an operational environment. A CPX can be supported by a simulation or can be prompted by a tactical scenario and a Master Scenario Events List (MSEL), which is a chronologically sequenced outline of the events and key event descriptions that participants will be asked to respond to during an exercise. Similarly, a STAFFEX can be supported by a simulation, but the focus is on a unit staff and its training, functions, and competencies.
An STX is a task-based, limited exercise focused on movement and maneuver and designed to train a collective task, a group of related tasks, or battle drills. An LFX integrates movement and maneuver along with the employment of organic and supporting weapon systems using full-caliber or subcaliber ammunition to train and evaluate a unit’s ability to coordinate and control multiple direct and indirect weapon systems. An FCX is a live-fire exercise that trains and evaluates a unit’s ability to integrate direct and indirect fires using a reduced force. For example, a combined arms battalion might conduct an FCX with only command, platoon leader, and platoon sergeant combat vehicles along with a mortar section and a scout section.
Resource planning and allocation requirements are increased for the FTX, EXEVAL, CALFEX, MRE, and WFX due to the complexity of the exercises that comes with increasing the number of maneuvering elements, evaluators, training objectives, and the possible inclusion of live-fire conditions. The FTX is a task-based, simulated, tactical operation in a live training environment. Echelons that are fully exercised at the FTX include platoon, company, battalion, and brigade.
An EXEVAL is a scenario-driven evaluation of the unit’s training proficiency by leaders outside of the evaluated unit’s chain of command. A CALFEX, a multi-echelon, combined arms, maneuver exercise that trains and evaluates a unit’s ability to maneuver and integrate direct and indirect fires under live-fire conditions, is one of the most resource intensive exercises that can be accomplished at home-station.
A mission readiness exercise (MRE) is a corps and division level command and staff training exercise conducted as a final training event prior to deployment. Subordinate brigade level headquarters are included in the MRE, and elements of the brigades and subordinate battalions operate as part of the exercise. A unit could conduct an MRE in a mixed training environment to include some elements in virtual, constructive, and live environments.
A WFX is a distributed, simulation driven, multi-echelon tactical CPX in which a division or corps is placed against a live, free-thinking adversary. Warfighter exercises, which are directed by headquarters, Department of the Army, scheduled by Forces command, and conducted by Training and Doctrine Command’s Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), are focused on developing core warfighting competencies in coordination with unit training objectives that are established during communication between the unit commander and MCTP. Detailed WFX planning, preparation, and coordination between MCTP and training units begins about one year prior to execution.
A DEPEX or EDRE may involve installation FORSCOM and TRADOC planning and actions, and sister-service coordination and participation. A DEPEX is used to train tasks and procedures for units deploying from home stations or installations to potential areas of employment. The EDRE is a minimum notice DEPEX to test unit capabilities to respond to contingency operations. Commanders vary the scope of deployment exercises based on mission, time, resources, and training objectives.
More on training exercises can be found in Appendix F of FM 7-0.. FM 7-0 also has information on lane training, live-fire training, external evaluation, and more in other appendices. The Training Management Directorate, the Army’s training management proponent, manages resources that help units plan, prepare, execute, and assess training exercises. Resources can be found on the Army Training Network at https://atn.army.mil.
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