Photo By Scott Sturkol | Range Control Technician Mark Confer with the Directorate of Plans, Training,...... read more read more
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“We’re going live on Range 26,” crackles a voice of a Soldier over the radio at the Fort McCoy Range Fire Desk.
“Roger, thanks, and out,” Range Control Technician Mark Confer says in a rapid response.
Calls like this to Range Fire Desk, which is operated by the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security (DPTMS), are a multiple times a day occurrence during peak training times at the installation. The desk operates communications with units using the range complex as well as Range Maintenance and other personnel throughout 46,000 acres of training areas on post.
“The desk is like the heartbeat of range operations,” said Tim Caucutt, Fire Desk supervisor.
Located in building 2954 with other sections of the DPTMS Range Management Branch, the Fire Desk has received upgrades over the past couple of years to make it a state-of-the-art communications center.
Along one wall are large monitors that shows where action is taking place anywhere on the installation.
“It’s a common-operating picture (COP) for all of Fort McCoy,” Confer said. “We have a way of tracking everything, seeing where people are working, and what ranges are hot. Essentially, we follow what’s going on all over the Range Complex.”
The computer software that provides the COP is part of an Army system linked with Fort Belvoir, Va.
“This system is so much better that what we had before,” Caucutt said. “After the system was installed here in March 2016, it took us a little while to learn more about it and what it can do. However, ever since, it has been a great system to have here. It helps eliminate a lot of human error.”
Confer said the system is especially helpful when directing people to locations on the Range Complex.
“When we can pinpoint directions for people, it saves time and energy,” Confer said. “That’s just one way this system of how we operate now is more efficient and beneficial to our customers.”
Caucutt and Range Control Supervisor Todd Vanderbush run the Fire Desk operations. Caucutt said there are generally two people per shift at the desk – one to watch the desk operations and the other to complete range riding if necessary.
“We also always have one person to work a swing shift so we have constant coverage,” Caucutt said.
The person assigned to manage the desk each day is the key player in the success of Fire Desk operations.
“That person is running the ballet out there on the ranges,” Caucutt said. “That person is the one who is constantly talking to people throughout the ranges to ensure things are going well.”
And it’s no doubt the Fire Desk personnel manage a large ballet when there are large training events on post, such as Operation Cold Steel II, the Combat Support Training Exercise or the Exportable Combat Training Capability exercise. In fiscal year 2017 alone, a record 155,975 personnel completed training at Fort McCoy.
“It can get real busy, but we’re up for the challenge,” Caucutt said.
In addition to the Fire Desk, the DPTMS Range Management Branch also includes Range Operations and its Scheduling, and Safety sections. It also includes Range Maintenance, Integrated Area Training Management (ITAM) and a contracted workforce for the tactical training bases, the Combined Arms Collective Training Facility and shoot houses, as well as collective training and combat in the cities facilities. ITAM includes Land Rehabilitation and Maintenance, Range and Training Land Assessment, and Geographic Information Systems.
Fort McCoy has supported America’s armed forces since 1909. The installation’s motto is to be the “Total Force Training Center.” The post’s varied terrain, state-of-the-art ranges, new as well as renovated facilities, and extensive support infrastructure combine to provide military personnel with an environment in which to develop and sustain the skills necessary for mission success.
Today, Fort McCoy has become the Army’s premier Total Force Training Center for Army Early Response Force early deployers to meet the Army’s operational demand requirements. Learn more about Fort McCoy online at www.mccoy.army.mil, on Facebook by searching “ftmccoy,” and on Twitter by searching “usagmccoy.”
| Date Taken: | 02.14.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 02.14.2018 12:58 |
| Story ID: | 266026 |
| Location: | FORT MCCOY, WISCONSIN, US |
| Web Views: | 197 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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