COFT Matrix: What Do the Numbers Mean?

rv I I i d L uu 11 Ie--IY“wi b I Command Serbeant Major Jhkb FryeroahdaPai s IVIean-C *,.: - *... I - As a whole, we as armor leaders are falling short in our responsibility to provide meaningful feedback to our tank crews when using the Unit Conduct of Fire Trainer. Commanders at all levels, as well as COFT inshuc-tor/operators, should have an indepth knowledge of the COFT matrix and, most important, must have the ability to translate numerical levels of proficiency into meaningful words. Inshuctor/operators on COFT have been known to say, “Why do I need to know the matrix when the computer does the work and recommends the next exercise?” Although this is true, how much good does it do for a tank crew to progress blindly through the matrix without the benefit of knowing exactly where its weaknesses ’.,.. and strengths are? Numerical progress has to be translated into words. ‘Tank commander, you are at TAl, RA5, and SM1; as a crew, you are at TA3, RA10, and SM2. Do you have any questions? OK, see you at your next session.” “Gee, thanks.” The example above is anon-starter. We, as leaders, must realize that most tank crews have no clue as to the meaning of these numbers. It is up to us to talk to the crewmembers in a language they can understand. First, we must educate ourselves. We must know what each number represents. The table below applies. Refer back to the example of a COFT final brief. The meaningful COFT Numbering System Exercise Numbering Exercise System Reticle Alm ldent if ler Mgmt Group 3 4 5 2 Commander 3 Shwt Range Mulo Targets 2 Long Range Sngle Targets I a1

2. Sta Own vs Sa Tgts

3. Mov Om vs Sta Tgts

4. Sta Own vs Mov Tgts

5. Mov Om vs Mov Tgls

6. S a o v Own vs Sta/Mov x2 Reticle Alm Target Repilcatlon. 6

2. h l t e d. Qn& 1, N d

4. cwss P M

5. CWSS Manual Cmdrffiunnu

1. Norms1 2. Nghl 3.

4. stabbad

6. G A S P a m

7. GASWsnual translation would go something like this. ‘Tank commander, on the commander’s matrix, you are currently shooting in daylight with unlimited visibility. Your own vehicle is stationary, and you are engaging stationary targets/trucks. You are employing the CWSS in the manual mode, and your targets are at short range. As a crew, you are shooting in battlefield conditions. Your own vehicle is stationary and your targets are stationary. You are in an NBC environment, and your targets appear singularly at long range.” In order for us to translate this information, we must know, as an I/O, the commander/gunner matrix and the matrix movement rules, along with the translation of the numbers. We have all leamed this in the I/O courses, but our biggest failing is that we don’t use it when we should use it, for the tank crews, before, during, and after training sessions. In addition, the I/O can explain to the crew what is holding it back, if anything, using the computer generated grades for target acquisition, system management, and reticle aim. With this type of feedback, COFT training takes on new meaning. Crews will know where they’ve been and where they’re going. As armor leaders, they deserve the best instruction. Give it to them! CSM Jake Fryer is the Command Sergeant Major of the Armor Center. Paul D. Foran is a COFT instructor/operator, Weapons Department, USAARMS. ARMOR - 49