"RISING TIDE LIFTS ALL BOATS"
Currently the U.S. Army's annual Common Task Training (CTT) and the marine corps' Marine Battle Skills Training (MBST) are "check-the-block" training events that are not fully embraced as the-go-to-war training exercises they could be and need to be. To empower both organizations to a higher level of excellence we need to create an event very much like the Army's Expert Infantryman's Badge (EIB) where there is a visible reward/incentive to taking this training to heart, and a more realistic and challenging means to conduct it. We call this "TacQuest". One reward for passing TacQuest would be continued ability to wear the Army beret. Unlike EIB which is just for Infantry branch, another possibility could be the Tactical Excellence Badge (TEB) which would be for ALL branches of the Army and require annual re-certification. Or each branch creating its own TacQuest to cover CTT and branch-specific tasks.
TacQuest is a war scenario that squad-sized units must pull together to overcome; an oddessy; an adventure, a quest. This yearly training event could also be called TacChallenge. Sort of like General David Grange's "Mangudai" concept or an "EIB on steroids" or a military version of "Eco-Challenge" it would be an "envelope" war patrolling event format containing the year's CTT or MBST test stations.
The idea is an adventure shared by a squad-sized group.
Everyone is in a TOE Squad.
First, the warfighting skills-oriented PFT which should be a 6-mile ruck march for speed.
Then having already read a PME book, do written test and an oral presentation.
Each squad then builds a terrain model of the PatrolEX area and where each Station Rally Point (RP) is. If its CTT, its CTT Stations. MBST, EIB etc.
Each squad member writes up a Concept/Course Of Action (COA) sketch and an OPerations ORDer (OPORD). These are collected and graded.
One COA is selected and this Patrol Route is plotted on maps by each member. Each squad war games their COA using an observer/controller (OC) as referee and an OPFOR player on their terrain model.
Each member will then take turns being Squad Leader, Team Leader, compass, point, pace man during each movement to the RP.
Squad camouflages self, use hand/arm signals, dismounted movement formations, challenge/password tested.
Units insert into the TacQuest "maneuver box":
*Airborne parachute drop
Squads move out to the stations they choose but they must finish them all by a set time.
"MINI-JRTC" OR "ROBIN SAGE"
The following is a real-world realistic scenario derived from real American experiences in Vietnam, Haiti and Bosnia. Its like a small-scale, home station version of the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) or the JFSWCS "Robin Sage" event culiminating the training of every SF Soldier at the CMF 18 series qualification or "Q" course. This is just one role-playing scenario possible.
Situation enemy: Each squad has just entered the mythical country of Bujko. Bujko is in a state of civil war with armed factions running around the country who when they are not killing each other are trying to kill American peacekeepers. These OPposing FORces (OPFOR) are on the loose. If they engage and kill/wound you (each squad member with casualty card in BDU pocket), you must render first aid then MEDEVAC carry your fallen to the next RP. Movement must be tactically sound and stealthy. An OC accompanying the OPFOR units decides the outcomes if MILES gear is not used. Non-MILES Soldiers wear a 3x5 card with a number on their chest, if the enemy can call out the number with weapons aiming, a "hit" is registered by the O/C. A movie analogy for TacQuest would be like the "Magnificent Seven", where professionals come to the aid of a small town to help it repel bad guys.
Situation friendly: American forces must patrol the countryside and appear regularly at the many local villages of Bujko to re-assure the populace that their local government has the insurgency under control. At each village stop (the RPs) joint training events will be conducted with the villagers learning valuable CTT/MBST or EIB task skills so they can set up their own village defense force to repel the armed guerrillas threatening to take over their country. This Patrol-Ex does not stop until your squad has made it to each RP and had each member pass that station. We must impress the local populace with your determination and expertise. The only place safe from OPFOR is at the RP guarded by the village defense force. One Station should be a company-sized defense where the squad creates either a primary, alternate, supplementary positon and digs fighting holes to standard, overhead cover, range cards, squad/platoon fire plan sketches to assist the villagers in repelling an OPFOR attack.
The last Station is a 12 mile speed march back to the Assembly area and the "war" is over for that Squad patrol. Until next year's "tour of duty".
THE PAY-OFF: SKILLED SOLDIERS/MARINES
Those that Complete the "TacQuest" "Apocalypse NOW" whatever we call it in the time allotted get to wear the Army beret and a GOLD sword TEB. Those that do it in more time, say 3 days, a SILVER TEB. Those that take longer, say 4 days get a BRONZE TEB. No squad returns to base until every members has passed EVERY station.
I'm thinking a long sword badge in subdued cloth that can be sewn to the BDUs like an EIB and a metal pin-on for Class "A" uniforms. Think an EIB with a sword sideways instead of a rifle.
The TEB would be in Gold, Silver, Bronze according to the time it takes for the teams to complete the mission.
The CIB, EIB would be worn over the TEB, both long rectangles.
LOW/NO COST TRAINING NOW
-The TacChallenge/Quest need not be a high cost exercise-- need to incorporate existing AASLT/ABN training into scenario if it is already a part of the METL/YTP. Making jumps costs money, and it costs airlift assets! If we already have dedicated support or executing the AASLT or airdrop was already part of our scheduled training, then HOOAH! use ground vehicles/dismounted movement to reach the "maneuver box".
-The Germany military has their bronze/silver/gold scheutzen badges. A lot of guys in the AC have them. Perhaps a German Bundeswehr liaison can provide us what they have for requirements-- maybe we can "cut and paste" from there. It works for them and it can work for us! I think the Cav guys at Ft Knox have Boeslager--.
-Focus on indiv/team/squad drills and SL 1-2 CTs is a great basis for the TacQuest. Key here is putting the skills together in a fun and challenging envelope.
We are trying to achieve tangible and non-tangible (dare we say holistic--"esperit de corps") results. First off, a test of unit individual training, by testing these skills. Second a confidence builder. 3rd off, a team builder. We can use this to simultaneously test and train, as new members will participate--they won't get a badge-- nor will the other team members unless they are a "go" at the skills. Hence team peer pressure to learn the job. Add a 4 day pass for all people who meet badging standards. And weekend training the weekend after for teams and leaders whose teams do not make badge standard! This is not punishment but it is the "other side" of the incentive.
*Air Assault heliborne insertion
*Motor convoy (troops sandbag vehicles)
*Mechanized AFV insertion
*Dismounted movement
