ARMOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SPRING 2021 - United States Army
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Thunderbolt Blast ARMOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SPRING 2021 SFC EVALUATION BOARD The Office of the Chief of Armor would like to congratulate the 101 Sergeants First Class who were selected as “Most Qualified” on the recent centralized board. CMF 19 MQ selections were 10.4% of the total evaluated individuals, as compared to CMF 11 (4%), CMF 12 (4.6%), CMF 13 (6.4%), and CMF 14 (2.4%). MASTER GUNNER PRE-ASSESSMENT COURSE (316TH CAVALRY BRIGADE) The 316th CAV BDE at the direction of the Armor Commandant is pleased to announce the start of the Master Gunner Pre-Assessment Course (MGPAC). The course, previously known as SABOT Academy, launched on March 2 nd , 2021, and is the culmination of months of hard work by our Master Gunner Course instructors in 3-16 CAV SQDN and civilian training management planners in the BDE. MGPAC is a two week Commander’s Assessment Tool for unit instruction at their installation, taught by units’ Master Gunners. It includes common core, platform specific, and hands-on instruction. This combination standardizes Soldier knowledge and provides opportunities to build weapon and platform confidence prior to Master Gunner course attendance. The school developed the MGPAC Practical Exercises to address specific topics to best train and reinforce the level of knowledge necessary, study techniques to achieve success, and instill the appropriate attention to detail required to achieve success once students arrive at Fort Benning for their respective Master Gunner course. The course is broken down into the four different Programs of Instruction (POIs) to help students prepare for their specific course (Master Gunner Common Core, M1A2 [Abrams] Master Gunner, Bradley Master Gunner, Stryker Master Gunner). CHIEF OF ARMOR COMMENTS Greetings from Ft Benning. The cadre and faculty of the Armor School started 2021 strong! We made tremendous gains along all of our lines of effort, and our COVID resilience is as strong as ever. Since December, we have trained 902 privates, 190 NCOs, and 150 LTs to ensure the operating force has the personnel they need. 194 th Armored Brigade and 316 th Cavalry Brigade made significant progress to improve Officer PME, OSUT and functional courses. 194 th Armored Brigade is in full implementation of the 22-week OSUT for 19Ds and 19Ks. 316 th Cavalry Brigade updated the programs of instruction (POI) for the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course (ABOLC), Scout Leaders Course (CLC) and the Cavalry Leaders Course (CLC). We conducted our annual POI Review Board with each brigade as well. This review ensures our requirements match our outcomes, and our courses align with current doctrine and training guidance, resources are allocated correctly, and friction is identified for resolution. The men and women in these two brigades developed outstanding products, and the Soldiers and Leaders who attend OSUT, ABOLC, SLC and CLC will definitely enjoy the fruits of their labor. The 2022 Sullivan Cup - Best Tank Crew competition planning efforts have already begun, and we look forward to hosting the most lethal and technically proficient tank crews here at Fort Benning. The USAARMS team also worked to enable lethality. We created the Pre Master Gunner Assessment Couse, it is available now on MilSuite. The course provides divisions a standardized curriculum to prepare candidates for Master Gunner Course attendance at Fort Benning. We created modules with practical exercises to ensure the level of detail, method of testing, study habits, and attention to detail are established well before attending the course. Additionally, battalions and brigades can choose specific FORCE DESIGN UPDATES (FDUs) There will be a key term update to DA PAM 600-25 in upcoming changes, removing the term “key development” (also known as “KD”) and replacing it with “career developmental assignment”, or “CDA” for short. This aligns to Army talent management initiatives. Additionally, USAARMS has completed the Force Design Update (FDU) for retitling certain “02B” positions to “19A” specific positions. This creates an increase in 418 authorizations in the AOC from 1LT-LTC.
Transcript of ARMOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER SPRING 2021 - United States Army
Thunderbolt Blast ARMOR SCHOOL NEWSLETTER
SPRING 2021
SFC EVALUATION BOARD
The Office of the Chief of Armor would like to congratulate the 101
Sergeants First Class who were selected as “Most Qualified” on the recent centralized board. CMF 19 MQ selections were 10.4% of the total evaluated individuals, as compared to CMF 11 (4%), CMF 12 (4.6%),
CMF 13 (6.4%), and CMF 14 (2.4%).
MASTER GUNNER PRE-ASSESSMENT COURSE (316TH CAVALRY BRIGADE)
The 316th CAV BDE at the direction of the Armor Commandant is pleased to announce the start of the Master Gunner Pre-Assessment Course (MGPAC). The course, previously known as SABOT Academy, launched on March 2nd, 2021, and is the culmination of months of hard work by our Master Gunner Course instructors in 3-16 CAV SQDN and civilian training management planners in the BDE. MGPAC is a two week Commander’s Assessment Tool for unit instruction at their installation, taught by units’ Master Gunners. It includes common core, platform specific, and hands-on instruction. This combination standardizes Soldier knowledge and provides opportunities to build weapon and platform confidence prior to Master Gunner course attendance. The school developed the MGPAC Practical Exercises to address specific topics to best train and reinforce the level of knowledge necessary, study techniques to achieve success, and instill the appropriate attention to detail required to achieve success once students arrive at Fort Benning for their respective Master Gunner course. The course is broken down into the four different Programs of Instruction (POIs) to help students prepare for their specific course (Master Gunner Common Core, M1A2 [Abrams] Master Gunner, Bradley Master Gunner, Stryker Master Gunner).
CHIEF OF ARMOR COMMENTS Greetings from Ft Benning. The cadre and faculty of the Armor School started 2021 strong! We made tremendous gains along all of our lines of effort, and our COVID resilience is as strong as ever. Since December, we have trained 902 privates, 190 NCOs, and 150 LTs to ensure the operating force has the personnel they need. 194th Armored Brigade and 316th Cavalry Brigade made significant progress to improve Officer PME, OSUT and functional courses. 194th Armored Brigade is in full implementation of the 22-week OSUT for 19Ds and 19Ks. 316th Cavalry Brigade updated the programs of instruction (POI) for the Armor Basic Officer Leader Course (ABOLC), Scout Leaders Course (CLC) and the Cavalry Leaders Course (CLC). We conducted our annual POI Review Board with each brigade as well. This review ensures our requirements match our outcomes, and our courses align with current doctrine and training guidance, resources are allocated correctly, and friction is identified for resolution. The men and women in these two brigades developed outstanding products, and the Soldiers and Leaders who attend OSUT, ABOLC, SLC and CLC will definitely enjoy the fruits of their labor. The 2022 Sullivan Cup - Best Tank Crew competition planning efforts have already begun, and we look forward to hosting the most lethal and technically proficient tank crews here at Fort Benning. The USAARMS team also worked to enable lethality. We created the Pre Master Gunner Assessment Couse, it is available now on MilSuite. The course provides divisions a standardized curriculum to prepare candidates for Master Gunner Course attendance at Fort Benning. We created modules with practical exercises to ensure the level of detail, method of testing, study habits, and attention to detail are established well before attending the course. Additionally, battalions and brigades can choose specific
FORCE DESIGN UPDATES (FDUs) There will be a key term update to DA PAM 600-25 in upcoming changes, removing the term “key development” (also known as “KD”) and replacing it with “career developmental assignment”, or “CDA” for short. This aligns to Army talent management initiatives. Additionally, USAARMS has completed the Force Design Update (FDU) for retitling certain “02B” positions to “19A” specific positions. This creates an increase in 418 authorizations in the AOC from 1LT-LTC.
MGPAC content is now available to any person who has access to MilSuite at https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/mgpac. Practical exercises and assessments are contained on a separate MilSuite Group for unit Master Gunner use only at https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/mgpac-instructor; the link contains a section for MGPAC instructors to apply to receive full access to the site and all instruction materials.
OSUT RIFLE MARKSMANSHIP (194TH ARMORED BRIGADE)
HHC 194th restructured and repurposed the Rifle Marksmanship (RM) training committee to provide insightful and effective support to Companies/Troops across the Brigade. The committee is focused along three lines of effort: cadre proficiency training, direct support to command teams in cycle, and on-site coaching/guidance. Cadre proficiency is the primary vehicle by which we categorically improve marksmanship training across the Brigade. HHC 194th executes quarterly (or occasionally monthly) the Rifle Marksmanship Instructor Course (RMIC) and the Master Pistol Instructor Course (MPIC). Both of these courses are grounded in the idea that “Train the Trainer” is the single most important facet of the 8 Step training model, and the one we are best positioned to influence. The RM committee also teaches a portion of instruction to all incoming Drill Sergeants to familiarize them with TC 3-20.40 and best practices for achieving success during White Phase training. Command support focuses on training resourcing, site selection and scheduling advice for the Company command teams prior to execution of the “new” rifle qualification tables. HHC has amassed a body of knowledge regarding best range land to use, when to best leverage simulations to achieve success, and specific drills for cadre to reinforce during after-hours training time. Command teams derive discernable benefit from the lessons of those who went before them, and HHC serves as a continual node through which this information flows. On-site coaching and guidance assists units on the ground during their RM training. The RM committee primarily assists with remedial training of Trainees who are struggling to meet the standard. While on site, the committee members pass along TTPs which the Drill Sergeants can then utilize during future range time. It is worth noting that the intent of this support is not to “run” the range in lieu of the supported unit, rather to strictly enhance the quality of critical training on site.
DOCTRINE
MCOE’s Directorate of Training and Doctrine (DOTD) Doctrine and Collective Training Division (DCTD) prepared multiple publications for Army-wide implementation, or review, by the maneuver force during this past quarter. On 19 January, Army Publishing Directorate (www.armypubs.army.mil) published FM 3-96, Brigade Combat Team for official Army-wide implementation. ATP 3-90.5, Combined Arms Battalion is in the final stages of revision with an expected publication in early 3rd QTR FY 21. FM 3-98, Reconnaissance and Security Operations entered Final Draft staffing just after the New Year, with a projected publication in late 3rd QTR FY 21. DOTD and the DCTD branch teams appreciate the feedback received during the revision of both of these manuals. Upcoming for publication in 2nd QTR FY 21 are: TC 3-20.11, Training to Proficiency, Maneuver Company and Troop, and STP 17-19D1-SM-TG, Soldier's Manual And Training Guide, MOS 19D, CAVALRY SCOUT, Skill Level 1. DCTD remains dedicated to updating the force via the Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) newsletter, the Thunderbolt Chapter of United States Cavalry and Armor Association Facebook page and our Twitter page (@MastersManeuver). For questions or concerns, please contact the DCTD at [email protected]
classes from the curriculum and train Soldiers (of any rank) based on knowledge gaps inside their organizations. I appreciate everything you do for our branch and the Army. Treat ‘em Rough! BG Kevin D. Admiral 52nd Chief of Armor
CSM COMMENTS Shoot, Move, and Communicate! The U.S Armor School continues its many efforts to build combat proficiency and lethality while driving modernization efforts in support of our Brigade Combat Teams. We are also reviewing Enlisted Career Management guidance outlined in DA Pamphlet 600-25 to ensure the Career Progression Plan supports Armor Branch efforts to remain the premier mounted and maneuver force on the planet. The current guidance regarding Critical Leadership Time (CLT) outlined in DA Pam 600-25 is under revision. One change is CLT at the lesser grader that is documented on evaluations will count towards CLT. Additionally, verbiage will focus more on obtaining expertise instead of ‘time” as a critical factor. We believe these changes are necessary to ensure leaders that perform the tough jobs at a lesser grade receive the credit they deserve and that guidance is focused on becoming tactical and technical experts, not chasing time. Upon implementation of the changes we will to inform the field. The U.S Armor School’s Master Gunner Division, with assistance from the Department of the Army Training Division completed the Master Gunner Pre-Assessment Course (MGPAC) for home station implementation. The course content is currently accessible on MilSuite at https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/mgpac. I want to personally thank all the NCOs, officers, and civilian leaders for their tireless effort creating this exceptional course. I encourage all Armor leaders to take advantage of this resource to build our next crop of Master Gunners and technical experts. Lastly, we will publish the first Armor School podcast NLT 31 March 2021. The first podcast will feature CSM Thomas Yaudas, 194th AR BDE and CSM Carvet Tate, 316th CAV BDE. They will be providing insights into their formations and how the organization is building lethality for our Army. Forge The Thunderbolt! CSM Tony T. Towns Thunderbolt 7
ARMOR SCHOOL LINKS
MCoE: https://www.benning.army.mil
Armor School: https://www.benning.army.mil/armor/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/USAARMS
Twitter: https://twitter.com/USAARMS
ARMOR Magazine: http://www.benning.army.mil/armor/eARMOR
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/ARMOR-magazine/122557661278366?ref=hl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ARMORMagazine
Blog: http://www.earmorcontent.com/blog
Armor Branch (HRC) Websites:
Officer: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Officer%20Personnel%20Management%20Directorate
Enlisted: https://www.hrc.army.mil/content/Enlisted%20Personnel%20Management%20Directorate%20(EPMD)
MGCC Sabot: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-350788
BMG Sabot: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/docs/DOC-486004
Weapons and Gunnery (MAIN PAGE): https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/weapons-and-gunnery
Charlie Niner Two: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/charlie-niner-two
Vehicle Crew Evaluators: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/vehicle-crew-evaluator
Gunnery SOPS: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/weapons-and-gunnery-standard-operating-procedures-sop
Individual Weapons: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/individual-weapons
Sabot Academy: https://www.milsuite.mil/book/groups/sabot-academy
HQ U.S. Army Armor School
Chief of Armor (706) 545-2029 BG Kevin D. Admiral
Armor CSM (706) 545-8169 CSM Tony Towns
Deputy Commandant (706) 545-8334 COL Sean Barnes
Armor Historian (706) 626-1491 Dr. Robert Cameron
OCOA Director (706) 545-1352 Mr. George DeSario
OCOA SGM (706) 545-7725 SGM Chris Carey
OCOA (Excellence in Armor, Armor and Cavalry Leadership Award etc…)
(706) 626-TANK (8265) [email protected]
ARMOR Magazine (706) 545-2698 [email protected]
194th AR BDE
COL Dawson Plummer CSM Thomas Yaudas
30th AG (REC) LTC Alicia Pruitt CSM Antoinette Green
1-81 AR LTC Nathaniel Davis CSM Richard Meeker
2-15 CAV LTC Ricarlos Caldwell CSM Steven Smerer
5-15 CAV LTC Colin Cremin CSM Larry Curry
316th CAV BDE
COL Peter Glass CSM Carvet Tate
1-16 CAV LTC Dan Snow CSM Christopher Shaiko
2-16 CAV LTC Chris Kane CSM Randal Edmondson
3-16 CAV LTC Brandon Cave CSM Noah M. Pugh
Other Agencies
ACM ABCT & RECON
COL Jason Rosenstrauch ACM IBCT
COL Ryan Morgan ACM SBCT
COL Damien Mason
(706) 626-2444 (706) 545-3911 (706) 545-7751
ACM SFAB
LTC Melvin Jackson Doctrine
Mr. David Guthrie MRD
Mr. John Miller
(913) 684-8843 (706) 545-7114 (706) 545-8355
