Jake,

My name is Joe Callejas and I am an OC/T out of Fort McCoy. I have done 2 rotations at NTC as a rotational training unit (RTU) (one as a company XO and one as a BN S-4) and one as an OC/T with Team Wagoneer.

Think about the missions that you will have to complete and plan accordingly. Obviously having a ton of batteries for your NVGs is…[Read more]

Hi Chris!

I spent a few short stints at Fort Bliss our the past few years. I found life at Fort Bliss to be enjoyable. like many things in life, they are what you make of it. It’s warm, of course, but there’s plenty of things to do in the area. The food options in the area are top notch, there are a bunch of outdoor places to hike, explore and…[Read more]

Ron,

Here is a CONOP my MED TM Detachment did for a M9 range. Also, listen to Steve… he kind of hits everything I would say.

I hope this helps.

~ Joe

Kristen,

This is a great questions and one that is near and dear to my heart.

I was an HHC XO when I was a LT in the 82nd. I wish I could say that I had it all figured it out, but I worked crazy hours. I would come in early, before PT, and get as much “desk” work done as I could. When you are an XO, I always felt there was 1 to 2 meetings I had…[Read more]

You may or may not be aware, but the Army has published TC 4-11.46 Sustainment Unit Gunnery and Live Fire Exercise Strategy. This a relatively new TC (DEC 2016). Chapter 7 goes through crew evaluations. I hope this helps.

Dallas,

As an OC/T I can tell you the biggest issue I witness with LOG units is how we effectively secure ourselves. It warms my heart to see you training this important Collective Task. Task and Evaluation Outline (TEO) 63-CO-0727, Conduct Unit Defense, is what we use to evaluate units at all CTC rotations. If you go through the TEO, it will l…[Read more]

Dallas,

As a former special forces maintenance company commander I am very aware of managing expectations especially when it comes to readiness and training. Although a MTOE change would help tremendously, honestly, its not a realistic option. Instead focus on the things you can affect as a commander. Here are some good starting points.

1) What…[Read more]

Armel,

The above posts hit all the right points. Know you equipment, know your soldiers, and know how it fits into the overall mission. As a commander, I would love it when staff sections would ask me to get in on their training. For example, if you as an S-6 go to the training briefing and see Company X is out doing a range maybe you can ask the…[Read more]