JRTC Trainer-Mentors gain valuable battle command system skills through Battle Command Systems Integ

By Diane R. Walker, Combined Arms Center-Training ContractorApril 27, 2011

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1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – During a Battle Command System Integration graduation ceremony, Brigadier General Paul E. Funk II talks with Joint Readiness Training Center trainer-mentors about the value of learning to integrate the Army’s multiple battle command systems and how m... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
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FORT LEAVENWORTH, Kan. - When Major Lucas Yoho volunteered to attend the U.S. Army's Battle Command Systems Integrator (BCSI) course, he expected to learn skills that would help him assist rotational units attending the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). He just didn't have a clue how much.

"This was one of the best classes I've ever taken on digital Army training systems and probably in the top three of all Army courses," commented Yoho. He was among 13 JRTC trainer-mentors who just completed three weeks of BCSI training on battle command system capabilities, limitations and how to integrate them successfully.

"I will definitely push this class-and the Digital Master Gunner course-for every unit coming to the JRTC," Yoho said, adding that typical units only use 20 to 30 percent of battle command system potential. "The class will help units coming to JRTC but more importantly, it will help them do operations when they deploy. I just wish I'd taken it when I was just coming out of the Maneuver Captains Career Course."

The three-week Battle Command Systems Integration course offered at Fort Leavenworth, KS, is designed to create subject matter experts who can train and mentor an operating unit's Digital Master Gunners and Battle Command System Operators on how to integrate their respective systems within the Tactical Operations Center (TOC). BCSI graduates are a commander's subject matter experts on how to connect Command and Control digital systems to support an integrated Common Operational Picture (COP). Developing these homegrown experts helps reduce the need for S6 and field service representative support and overall battle command system downtime. The Soldiers also gain the required knowledge and ability to conduct training on the systems at home station.

While Lucas and his fellow trainer-mentors were pleased with what they learned during the course, the BCSI instructors were impressed by the dedication and commitment of the JRTC trainer/mentors. "This was the most professional group we've ever had," said Major Sean Ontiveros of the Collective Training Directorate's Staff Training Division. "They were very engaged and stayed beyond the normal class time to really learn how to make the systems work together. Our instructors got a lot from them, too."

Talking with the BCSI class members during their graduation ceremony, Brigadier General Paul E. Funk II discussed the value of the BCSI training and the shortage of Soldiers who know how to make battle command systems work together. "You guys are part of the process to make sure we can do this," he said.

The next two BCSI courses start June 6 and July 10. Command and Control Digital Master Gunner (C2DMG) classes are scheduled for May 9 and Aug. 1. For a complete schedule and other course details, visit the Army Training Network (https://atn.army.mil - requires AKO login ID/CAC) and type "BCSI" or "DMG" in the search box. If you have questions or feedback about either class, send an e-mail to leav-ctd-dmg@conus.army.mil.

The two-week C2DMG class, also held at Fort Leavenworth, is designed to develop subject matter experts on a command's Command Post of the Future (CPOF). They develop troubleshooting skills to resolve common problems for the Tactical Battle Command and its integration with other systems.

Part of the Training and Doctrine Command, the U.S. Army's Combined Arms Center-Training delivers training programs, products and services to leaders and units in support of Army readiness. Wherever Army training occurs, the Combined Arms Center-Training helps make it happen. To learn more about the Combined Arms Center-Training, visit http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cac-t/, www.facebook.com/usacactraining or www.twitter.com/usacactraining.

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