Training the Next “Old Bill” for the Contemporary Operating Environment

Training the Next “Old Bill” for the Contemporary Operating Environment by Captain William F. Shakespeare and Captain Wes Loyd The mission to train all 19D cavalry scouts for the U.S. Army, Army Reserve, and National Guard is the responsibility of the 5th Squadron, 15th (5-15) U.S. Cavalry Regiment, Fort Knox, Kentucky. In 16 weeks, the drill sergeants and cavalry instructors of the squadron transform citizen volunteers into the next generation of “Old Bill,” serving as the eyes and ears of our ground combat forces. The recruits must learn 134 basic combat training and 82 19D10-specific tasks prior to graduation, with the expectation that these new scouts can contribute on day one in a scout platoon conducting full-spectrum operations. Cavalry scouts are assigned to every formation in our Army, including airborne, air assault, light infantry brigade combat teams (IBCT), and armored cavalry regiments. Additionally, “heavy” scout platoons within the heavy brigade combat team (HBCT) combined arms battalions are assigned three M3 cavalry fighting vehicles (CFVs) and five M1114 HMMWVs per the modification table of organization and equipment (MTOE). Based on these force structure modifications (task force modularity) and the fact our Army finds itself conducting full-spectrum operations within the demanding contemporary operating environment (COE), 19D one station unit training (OSUT) was modified to meet those demands. The challenge faced within the only organization responsible for producing 19Ds for our Army remains how to train critical soldier and scout skills while meeting the needs of an ever-changing force. The aim of this article is not to merely describe the training conducted at Fort Knox, but to set a specific level of expectations maneuver leaders should have of new 19D10 cavalry scouts arriving at their first duty station. What New Scouts Bring to the Force Based on the complexity and number of tasks required of today’s 19D10s, there is no way to produce expert scouts within 16 weeks. The squadron standard is to produce competent and confident scouts who can contribute on day one. Recent modifications (within the past three years) to the training program and environment include weapons immersion, combatives, more dismounted operations, mounted combat patrol live-fire exercises, urban operations, and forward operating base (FOB) operations. Fundamental scout skills, such as weapons training, first aid, navigation, communication, and basic reconnaissance skills, remain core competencies taught throughout the cycle. The greatest benefit of OSUT is shaping new scouts from day one. During the reception and integration ceremony, recruits are met by cadre wearing spurs and Stetsons. They are immediately exposed to the “red and white” concept, along with the soldier’s creed and Army values. Contrary to the many popular stories in the media today, discipline is instilled from day one. The Army values and discipline are critical traits for scouts in today’s COE. Scouts must prove they do not only memorize the Army values, but live the Army values; otherwise, they are sometimes recycled as a “values” failures. Throughout OSUT, scouts remain in the same organization for the 16-week cycle; they complete a basic combat training (BCT) phase and an advanced individual training (AIT) phase. The first 9 weeks of OSUT is devoted primarily to BCT tasks; some 19D-specific skills are taught to scouts and reinforced throughout the remainder of the cycle. The remaining 7 weeks of OSUT, however, are focused strictly on 19D10-specific training (AIT). 12 — May-June 2007

Physical Training Physical training (PT) in OSUT is based on the standardized physical training (SPT) program and the Army conditioning drills. Throughout the 16-week cycle, scouts receive 60 hours of structured physical training. Additional PT is led by the cadre, and during evenings and AIT, scouts can perform PT on their own, either outside the barracks or at the squadron fitness facility. Scouts do not graduate from OSUT without passing an Army physical fitness test (APFT); most graduating classes average 230-240 points. A scout who arrives at his duty station and cannot pass minimum APFT standards obviously failed to continue his routine workouts while on leave between training and reporting to his unit; he was not “pushed” through the system. To help combat the rise in scouts who cannot meet the minimum physical training requirements, the squadron initiated a fitness training unit (FTU). Administered by Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, this organization has a distinct role and purpose crucial to the success of the fitness program. When any group of new scouts begins training, a certain percentage of scouts struggle with the newly imposed physical training regime based on conditioning drills 1, 2, and 3. While minor physical weaknesses are corrected within the first few weeks of training for most scouts, other scouts require extensive attention focused on their physical development. The FTU is designed for such a situation. While designed primarily to improve push-ups, sit-ups, and 2-mile run abilities, placement in the FTU can result from other physical shortcomings that may hinder a soldier during cavalry scout OSUT, or any physical difficulty that may hinder soldiers after graduation. Entrance requirements for the FTU vary based on the individual being recommended for admittance, and many times are based on a subjective decision that placing a soldier in the FTU would benefit both the soldier and the training unit. Common triggers include failing the basic physical fitness test (BPFT) at the conclusion of BCT, failing the APFT, an inability to physically perform due to illness, or to physically keep up after continued training at troop level. Final FTU placement authority rests with the squadron commander, who oversees all FTU transfers for the sake of preserving unit integrity, and reserving the FTU as a last resort for physical success. Typically, scouts who fail the APFT, pass within 2 weeks. On average, there are typically five scouts assigned to the FTU with four drill sergeants serving as cadre. Physical training is conducted twice daily, with a mix of APFT-oriented training, combatives, alternate cardiovascular training (stationary bike or elliptical machine exercise), as well as strength training exercises. The FTU is an overwhelming success; within the past year, the cavalry scout OSUT FTU graduated more than 60 scouts from the program who may have otherwise failed to complete training and graduate. Weapons and Fighting Skills Basic rifle marksmanship (BRM) starts in week two and ends with record fire at the end of week four. During this time, drill sergeants use all “extra” time for BRM reinforcement training. All training conducted is in accordance with regulations; scouts qualify from the prone supported, prone unsupported, and kneeling positions, using their M16A4 and iron sights. Gone are the days of using a foxhole. Scouts are not introduced to M4s and own-the-night sights until advanced rifle marksmanship (ARM) training due to the table of distribution and allowances (TDA), which allocates M16A4s to 5-15 Cavalry, though most cavalry units are now using M4s. In an effort to ensure graduating scouts are familiar with M4s, close combat optics (CCOs), and reflexive firing techniques, scouts draw an M4 with pre-mounted optics for ARM. This training includes simulation training with the engagement skills trainer (EST) and live-fire range time for scouts who fire at 25-meter silhouettes that have a bowling pin in the center of the target, as well as night engagements. During ARM, scouts are introduced to fundamental target acquisition using the M68 optic and PEQ4. Scouts begin weapons immersion within the first week by signing for their M16A4s, which will be with them 24 hours a day. Weapons immersion teaches scouts everything from accountability of their assigned weapon to clearing-barrel procedures. Following rifle qualification, scouts are issued five blank rounds and their weapon control status changes daily, based on the event, condition, or scenario. Whenever scouts enter buildings, they clear their weapons using appropriate measures and a clearing barrel. By the time a scout graduates, he will have cleared his weapon to the point of automatic proficiency. The versatility required of 19D cavalry scouts in today’s organizations makes it imperative they remain proficient in various weapons systems. Weapons systems, such as the M249, M240B, M2 .50-caliber, MK-19, Javelin, and AT-4 are being used on the battlefield and will remain on the scout platoon MTOE for the foreseeable future. Scouts receive blocks of instruction on all these weapons throughout their training cycle, while conducting live-fire exercises, with the exception of the Javelin. Since some training may be “The squadron standard is to produce competent and confident scouts who can contribute on day one. Recent modifications (within the past three years) to the training program and environment include weapons immersion, combatives, more dismounted operations, mounted combat patrol live-fire exercises, urban operations, and forward operating base (FOB) operations.” May-June 2007 — 13 conducted early in the cycle, reinforcement training is conducted throughout the remainder of the cycle to ensure scouts retain these skills. They must be a contributing member from day one in a scout platoon conducting full-spectrum operations. The Modern Army Combatives Program (MACP) evolved over the course of the past 12 years and the 1st Armor Training Brigade remains at the forefront in implementing this program. MACP has two mottos: “The winner of hand-to-hand com bat is the one whose buddy shows up first with a gun,” and “the defining characteristic of a Warrior is the willingness to close with the enemy.” Implementing MACP into 19D OSUT inherently produces a stronger, more confident cavalry scout. Combatives training is incorporated into weeks 5 through 16 of the 19D OSUT training schedule to ensure that scouts not only learn basic skills, but are given the opportunity to perfect their technique. The intent of 19D OSUT combatives training is to ensure that all scouts have combatives drills 1 through 3 embedded in their muscle memory. Initial entry training (IET) scouts who complete 19D OSUT depart Fort Knox with the basic fundamentals of combatives and are ready to fight when called on to do so. Combatives training increases the individual scout’s confidence and provides him another option when confronting another person, who may or may not be an enemy, without necessarily resorting to deadly force. The Final Test The capstone exercise of 19D OSUT is the End-of-Course Situational Training Exercise (EOC STX). This 7-day event is designed to replicate COE conditions in a tactical field environment executed from a FOB located in the Fort Knox training area. The event is broken down into day-long exercises with each platoon executing a different “lane” over a 4-day period. Lanes include urban operations, dismounted combat orienteering, mounted (task force modularity) 3x5 (3 Bradleys, 5 HMMWVs) maneuver training, and FOB operations. The intent of the EOC STX is to revisit as many tasks taught throughout the cycle as possible to reinforce, through repetition, the technical and tactical fundamentals that are a must for every cavalry scout. It remains the final “validation” exercise of 19D

OSUT.

The intensity and level of detailed COE conditions applied during the EOC STX are left up to the imagination and creativity of the troop cadre. Some examples include: media on the battlefield where a member of the cadre will play the role of a media correspondent and question/film scouts during a training exercise. The recording is then used to facilitate the after-action review (AAR) process and pass lessons learned to other scouts who may not have been “interviewed.” Civilians on the battlefield (COBs) are used throughout training exercises to increase the complexity of any given situation. One of the COE events that tests the scout’s values and ethics (sometimes an intangible) is a often-used scenario where a member of the cadre’s chain of command (acting with the knowledge of observer/controllers) orders a scout to shoot a wounded prisoner of war, either as retribution or stating they do not have time to care for enemy wounded. Regardless of the scout’s decision (most choose the morally correct choice), the situation (ethical dilemma) is discussed during the AAR. All scouts are exposed to threat weapons, including the AK-47, PKM, and rocket-propelled grenade (RPG). The 1st ATB had the barrels plugged, yet they provide functioning weapons to incorporate into training. The focus is on how to properly clear the weapon if recovered on the battlefield. Urban Operations The urban operations lane provides scouts with a realistic scenario in which to practice urban combat skills first taught during the BCT phase of OSUT. The base scenario involves movement (dismounted or mounted in M1025s), usually to the squadron shoot house, and cordon and search operations are conducted to provide intelligence of an additional target house located at the 1st ATB military operations on urbanized terrain (MOUT) training facility. Once at that location, the cadre may opt to use paintball guns as an additional means to reinforce urban initial military training (IMT) with an instant feedback mechanism. Paintball operations are limited by weather conditions, require additional safety procedures, and sometimes focus scouts on getting a “kill,” rather than applying appropriate tactical fundamentals. Nonetheless, paintball remains a very popular training tool for new cavalry scouts. The urban operations lane forces scouts to use a myriad of tasks they learn over their first few weeks of training, while providing an evaluation tool for cadre to ensure the scout is proficient in those tasks. Combat Orienteering The dismounted combat orienteering lane is designed to challenge scouts’ dismounted skills. Platoons normally break up into two dismounted sections and must conduct reconnaissance of specified named areas of interest. Student leaders plan missions and routes to develop junior leadership skills while the cadre assists as observers/controllers. The focus is placed on short-duration dismounted movement in a tactical environment to “Scouts begin weapons immersion within the first week by signing for their M16A4s, which will be with them 24 hours a day. Weapons immersion teaches scouts everything from accountability of their assigned weapon to clearing-barrel procedures.” 14 — May-June 2007 test navigational skills and patrolling techniques. Opposing force (OPFOR) requirements are often eliminated by using other 1st ATB training events to collect intelligence while adding realism and gaining resource efficiencies. Mounted Modularity Tactical Training Over the past year, 5-15 Cavalry implemented the mounted tactical training lane during the EOC STX to expose scouts to the mixed CFV and HMMWV section/ platoon formations found in combined arms battalion scout platoons. The training concept uses the framework of a combined arms battalion scout platoon zone reconnaissance or screen mission to validate individual scout tactical tasks. This lane also provides excellent multi-echelon training opportunities to simultaneously refresh the cadre’s warfighting skills. Training typically consists of a force-on-force maneuver, with an OSUT platoon split into two maneuver sections, organized with mixed sections of one M3 CFV and one M1025, while conducting a screen and a zone or area reconnaissance. This force-on-force, heavy-light training enables both sections to practice and experience mounted maneuver in numerous duty positions, to include terrain driving experience on both vehicles, operating the M2 and M240B machine guns, and the 25mm chain gun as a gunner, and while serving as a “light” or “heavy” dismounted scout. A secondary benefit of the mounted maneuver lane is the refresher training it provides for the troop’s cadre. Throughout the lane training, troop cadre fill roles as section sergeants, platoon sergeants, and platoon leaders. They develop five paragraph orders, direct maintenance, control direct and indirect fires, and maneuver vehicles. This second-order effect enhances the cadre’s readiness as they practice section/platoon-level troop leading procedures. In one training day, the mounted modularity lane provides a phenomenal training event integrating dozens of training opportunities from tactical terrain driving, establishing an observation post, call for fire, and operating a long-range advanced scout surveillance system (LRAS3) to vehicle maintenance and recovery. Forward Operating Base Procedures During the EOC STX, the entire troop operates out of FOB Saber, deploying from the FOB daily to one of the other three STX lanes. Each platoon conducts a rotation of 24 hours on FOB security while the other three platoons conduct training in other locations. The intent of the FOB lane is to test soldiers’ proficiency at guard duty tasks and 19D10 skills required to conduct entry control point (ECP) operations, security patrols, and quick reaction force duties, all which reinforce the mentality of maintaining continuous security. While on the FOB lane, scouts are charged with manning guard positions, an entry control point, a tactical operations center, and securing/defending the FOB. Troops gain training efficiencies by using the constant movement of cadre and training platoons to provide the realism of “daily life” at a FOB. OPFOR and aggressor forces act against the FOB at all hours of the day and night. Because of this constant probing, scouts are exposed to repetitious tasks, such as challenge and password, vehicle/personnel searches, guarding enemy prisoners of war, and reacting to indirect fire contact. Scouts also conduct field expedient construction of the FOB facilities and perimeter, and maintenance of equipment, weapons, and vehicles while they rotate shifts. Many troops also use this time to conduct a nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) exercise; reinforcement training on construction of a sector sketch; or troop leading procedures for future STX lanes. Operations in and around FOB Saber lend themselves naturally to exposing scouts to COE conditions. While on the FOB, scouts react to indirect and direct “The dismounted combat orienteering lane is designed to challenge scouts’ dismounted skills. Platoons normally break up into two dismounted sections and must conduct reconnaissance of specified named areas of interest. Student leaders plan missions and routes to develop junior leadership skills while the cadre assists as observers/controllers. The focus is placed on short-duration dismounted movement in a tactical environment to test navigational skills and patrolling techniques.”

fire engagements against the FOB and run a 24-hour traffic control point (TCP) where they react to civilians, vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices, conduct personnel searches, execute self-and buddy-aid tasks, and call for medical evacuation. Perhaps the most important and overlooked COE condition these future cavalry scouts encounter is learning to live on a FOB. The FOB provides shelter and security, but little else in comfort. This austere environment forces scouts to learn good field hygiene and sanitation. Reinforcing discipline, they assist the cadre in servicing generators, heaters, and tents. With each platoon assigned a sector for security, they learn to improve their assigned fighting positions throughout the

STX.

By using FOB Saber to replicate an austere FOB, the squadron maximizes training opportunities to expose new 19D scouts to realistic and demanding COE conditions during the EOC FTX. Every soldier is required to perform 24-hour FOB security training, which is tough, realistic exposure to conditions and situations scouts face daily. Burcham Urban Assault Course The final exercise for 19D OSUT is conducted at the Burcham Urban Assault Course. This exercise is intended to expose scouts to a troop (-) mission, combining two OSUT platoons to execute an urban raid mission. While this is a collective-level training event, the emphasis remains on “grading” individual skills. To demonstrate what tactical NCO leadership should look like, drill sergeants and cavalry instructors serve in platoon leadership roles. At Burcham, scouts conduct a four-phase operation with two platoons. Phase I begins with platoons transported via truck to a nearby assembly area adjacent to the urban assault course. The first platoon then conducts a security halt inside the wood line, conducts a leader’s recon to the objective, seizes a three-story building by infiltrating through a sewer system (start Phase II), then secures and establishes a strongpoint in the building. At this time, the second platoon passes through the first and clears a hostile marketplace to end Phase III of the operation. Phase IV involves consolidation and reorganization on the objective. Unique to the Burcham Urban Assault Course is the ability of the full-time staff to design a wide-range of tactical scenarios and use the latest in training aids. To accommodate a brand-new platoon of scouts conducting collective training during this mission, the number of live (human) OPFOR is minimized on the objective. The role of OPFOR is primarily filled by motion-sensor activated pop-up targets. These targets are used in conjunction with automatic paintball guns to provide ‘feedback’ and realism to scouts as they clear rooms and seize buildings. Improvised explosive ‘chalk bombs’ and omega devices enhance the audiovisual realism of the scenario and emphasize the importance of mastering basic 19D10- level tasks to stay alive during combat while accomplishing their assigned mission. The EOC STX culminates with a 20 kilometer tactical foot march executed at the troop level. At the completion of the foot march, all soldiers standing receive their new cavalry scout disks in a “rites of passage” ceremony, inducting them into the U.S. Cavalry. Within a week of post operations maintenance, vehicle and equipment turn-in, and a graduation ceremony, these scouts will be assigned to any number of formations in the U.S. Army, which is where the most important part of the recruit’s transformation occurs — at his first duty station. “Old Bill” must take “New Bill” along for a ride and show him the ropes. His new first-line leader will complete the transformation, taking a competent and qualified 19D10 and turning him into an expert and member of a new team. The new scout has been taught the fundamentals and can now focus on the specific equipment, weapons, and tactics of his new organization. Likewise, “New Bill” can help “Old Bill” transform by accepting the institutional changes not yet fully incorporated by the force, including new rifle qualification positions, Army conditioning drills, and the MACP. What the force can expect are disciplined, competent and qualified 19Ds who are ready to make significant contributions on day one in a scout platoon conducting full-spectrum operations. SCOUTS OUT! Captain William F. Shakespeare is the troop commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 5th Squadron, 5th (5-15) Cavalry Regiment, Fort Knox, KY. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. His military education includes Armor Officer Basic Course, Airborne School, and Air Assault School. He has served in various command and staff positions, to include S4, 5-15 Cavalry, Fort Knox; XO, B Troop, 5-15 Cavalry, Fort Knox; and platoon leader, C Company, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry, Fort Riley, KS, and Iraq. Captain Wes Loyd is the troop commander, B Troop, 5-15 Cavalry, Fort Knox. He is a graduate of the U.S. Military Academy. His military education includes Armor Officer Basic Course, Armor Captains Career Course, Ranger School, and Airborne School. He served in various command and staff positions, to include XO, F Troop, 4th Cavalry, Vilseck, Germany; and platoon leader, 1st Platoon, A Company, 1st Battalion, 63d Armor, Vilseck. “The final exercise for 19D OSUT is conducted at the Burcham Urban Assault Course. This exercise is intended to expose scouts to a troop (-) mission, combining two OSUT platoons to execute an urban raid mission. While this is a collective-level training event, the emphasis remains on “grading” individual skills. To demonstrate what tactical NCO leadership should look like, drill sergeants and cavalry instructors serve in platoon leadership roles.” 16 — May-June 2007