Photo By Sgt. Adrianna Barnes | The Mission Command Systems Integration exercise held on Joint Base Lewis-McChord,...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - The 16th Combat Aviation Brigade certified unit leadership and staff on their ability to establish and operate a fully-networked Command Post during a recent weeklong Mission Command Systems Integration exercise on Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
The Mission Command Systems Integration exercise gave 16th CAB personnel more training and confidence in their ability to manage tactical information and utilize command and control procedures to conduct Command Post operations in a full spectrum environment. With trained and certified CP operators, the brigade commander and his staff are able to more effectively collaborate, decide, and lead unit operations.
“It is important to test the staff and our mission command capability, ensuring we are ready to execute our assigned mission,” said Lt. Col. Chris Petty, 16th CAB deputy commanding officer. “The MCSI training provided a great opportunity to exercise our systems and capabilities to maintain this perishable skill set.”
The exercise was conducted inside of a series of modular tents known as the Standardized Integrated Command Post System. The SICPS infrastructure is highly portable and can be set up in matter of minutes, allowing commanders the flexibility to sustain mission command from anywhere on the modern battlefield.
“The programs and tools used during MCSI allow our commander and his staff to quickly consolidate several information sources into central point of access,” said Capt. Joe Schultz, 16th CAB simulation operations officer. “By reducing the time needed to collect information, soldiers can focus more on analyzing data and converting it into actionable intelligence.”
MCSI training was broken into three separate phases. During MCSI Phase I, soldiers focused on physically establishing the Command Post. Key learning objectives consisted of connecting tactical power and communications and integrating all of CP's equipment into the structure itself. Phase I culminated in a voice and data communications exercise that ensured all CP equipment was successfully integrated into the Local and Wide area networks.
MCSI Phase II combined staff integration with the management of tactical information. During this phase, each individual brigade staff section became familiar with the equipment and layout. Leaders also took the time to optimize their areas and revise configurations.
“Phase II gave 16th CAB staff the opportunity to ensure that their systems were properly connected and talking to each other,” said Schultz.
During Phase III, 16th CAB staff conducted a weeklong series of battle drills by using the CP’s battle command tools to receive, store, process and analyze incoming information. By the end of the final Command Post Exercise, 16th CAB personnel were trained and certified to conduct CP operations critical to the success on the brigade’s operational objectives.
“The CAB staff got a lot out of the MCSI training,” said Petty. “It allowed the Brigade staff to validate our standard operating procedures, develop systems to manage information flow between headquarters, and to integrate live, virtual and constructive training to stress the staff.”
| Date Taken: | 01.25.2013 |
| Date Posted: | 02.19.2013 16:45 |
| Story ID: | 102234 |
| Location: | JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, WASHINGTON, US |
| Web Views: | 156 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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