DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY
1ST BATTALION (FIELD ARTILLERY) , 355TH REGIMENT (TRAINING)
1ST BRIGADE (FIELD ARTILLERY) (OSUT)
384 ARMED FORCES DRIVE
GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS 75051
REPLY TO
ATTENTION OF:
AFRC-TOK-A-CCO 3 April 2001
MEMORANDUM FOR Battery Commanders and Staff Officers, 1st Bn (FA), 355th Regt (Tng)
SUBJECT: Yearly Training Guidance for Training Year 2001 CHANGE 2
1. References.
a. Memorandum, HQ 95th Division (IT), AFRC-TOK-OP (350), dated 4 April 2000, Subject: Yearly Training Guidance for Training Year 2001.
b. Memorandum, HQ 1st Brigade (FA)(OSUT), AFRC-TOK-AOP (350), dated 4 June 2000, Subject: Yearly Training Guidance for Training Year 2001 (TY-01)
See also Appendix A
2. Purpose. This training guidance will assess past training performance, identify goals and objectives and assign missions and priorities for Training Year 01.
3. Scope. This guidance applies to all batteries assigned to 1st Battalion (FA), 355th Regiment (Tng).
4. Mission. The mission of 1st Battalion (FA), 355th Regiment (Tng) is to train Field Artillerymen by conducting Initial Entry Training (IET) of 13B One Station Unit Training (OSUT) soldiers; and by conducting 13B refresher training of activated Individual Ready Reserve (IRR) soldiers upon mobilization.
5. Commander’s Intent. As members of 1st Brigade (FA) (OSUT), we are charged with establishing a standard of excellence which will ensure our continued success and future viability. I believe in allowing every soldier the opportunity to do his or her job with very little interference. I believe in the One Minute Manager approach, which translates into few meetings and more time doing the mission by actually being on the ground to perform the duty. I believe in the Army values and these values must be part of training and the way we conduct ourselves as soldiers.
6. Training Assessment.
a. General. The battalion continues to be successful in all its assigned missions with the exception of meeting the Drill Sergeant strength requirements of the BCT or OSUT mission. This only emphasizes the need to recruit and enroll more soldiers in the Drill Sergeant Training Program.
b. Strengths.
(1) This battalion continues to meet its Annual Training mission obligations, save total strength of Drill Sergeants. Assigned missions are carried out to standard. In addition, we have set forth an ambitious Unit Training Plan and completed that, as well. Hallmarks of this success include the Artillery Live Fire Exercise in May. All standardization requirements were completed as well. These strengths will be the foundation upon which the new training plans are carried out.
(2) The quality of the Drill Sergeants produced from our Drill Sergeant School reflects well upon the cadre of that program. The consistent high quality helps to continue our reputation as the “go to battalion” in 1st Brigade, producing more drill sergeants than any other battalion in the brigade.
(3) We have realized maximum value from the limited resources made available to us. This resourcefulness is one of the reasons we have been able to accomplish so much.
(4) Through the effective use of Order of Merit Lists (OML) the soldiers of this battalion have had appropriate means to be selected and trained for promotion. Commanders at all levels must continue to give their attention to the vital aspect of training.
c. Weaknesses.
(1) Even the success we had with artillery training opportunities last year is not enough. We have not fully exploited the Eagle Mountain Training Area for RSOP training. Our artillery skill maintenance must continue to be one of our training priorities.
(2) The “required classes” requirement will be centralized at the battalion level, except for satellite batteries, which will continue at battery level for TY 01.
(3) Physical fitness is one area that was somewhat weaker during TY 00 than I expected. Individual soldiers must maintain their fitness throughout the year. The limited PT opportunities we have during IDT will never be adequate to prepare us to meet our mobilization mission requirements. I encourage battery commanders to continue to focus their efforts in this area. The Physical Fitness Incentives Program will continue in TY 01.
(4) Our drill sergeant production rates for TY 00 were much too low. Our readiness hinges on the DMOSQ rate of the battalion. We must also pay close attention to our retention rates for drill sergeants. The best analogy I can give is to think of drill sergeants as our weapon system. Without the required readiness strength, we will be ineffective.
7. METL.
a. METL. The inclusion of METL Task 6 is a realization that we must be prepared to be part of the first response to threats of terrorism and force protection. This includes combating terrorism, health protection, morale, safety, and fratricide prevention.
b. METL Assessment.
METL Task / Assessment1. Mobilize and assemble at home station / T
2. Move to Fort Sill and occupy facilities / P
3. Expand the 13B training base / T
4. Execute 13B OSUT POI / T
5. Conduct cadre sustainment training / P
6. Conduct Anti-Terrorism / Force Protection Operations / P
8. Training Philosophy. Training resources (time, money and opportunities) are all in very short supply. Commanders at all levels must closely monitor their management of these resources. It is for that reason that I have required commanders to cover these topics during their monthly briefings. Soldiers in training must have the benefit of the best-planned training available. We owe our soldiers nothing less than to exceed the standard.
9. Major TY 01 Missions.
a. General. Our mission requirements for TY 01 will be very similar to those for TY 00. By examining our strengths and weaknesses, we will be able to improve on both execution and results.
b. BCT (TMAR). This battalion will support the 1st Brigade BCT mission of:
3 Full complements of battery cadre in support of a BCT mission at Fort Sill, consisting of:
BC, XO, 1SG, TNG NCO, ARMORER, SUPPLY SGT, SDS, 11 DS (12 DS total).
c. Operation Warlock 01. All Drill Sergeants and training battery cadre will complete the EOCT CS and FA certifications, and Human Values Certifications that are required to participate in the 13B BCT and OSUT missions. Additionally, all Battery Commanders and First Sergeants are required to become certified on Human Values. Furthermore, the Combat Lifesaver Certifications and re-certifications 3457th MED TNG CTR, 5th BDE (HS), but this cert. and re-cert. will be done outside of WARLOCK and conducted during February 2001 instead.
d. Operation Broken Saber. In cooperation with 2/355th FA, this battalion will conduct an artillery live-fire exercise to sustain the 13B skills of the battalion’s trainers.
e. Drill Sergeant Training Program. This training program is lifeblood of this battalion. The Drill Sergeant strength of this battalion has increased 10% over last year, but losses are due to promotions and relocations. Without the continued production of qualified Drill Sergeants, we would soon be incapable of accomplishing assigned missions. This is a very challenging program and only those who are determined will succeed. My goals for this critical training program are listed below and will be addressed in a separate memorandum. The division's goals are to increase the brigade's drill sergeant strength this year by a net gain of 50. This means that a net gain of 12 drill sergeants by this battalion must be accomplished.
f. Recruiting Operations. We will conduct recruiting operations at every available opportunity. Local shopping malls, NAS Fort Worth Air Show, Alliance Airport Air Show, Hats in the Center missions, JROTC Competitions, local carnivals, parades and fairs and the Texas State Fair are a few of the opportunities we must exploit.
10. Training Goals.
a. General. Only by capitalizing on all funding opportunities can we hope to accomplish all our goals and assigned missions. Training Battery Commanders will develop 3-Year Training Plans for each assigned soldier. D & E Batteries will maintain plans covering the completion of Drill Sergeant School for each candidate. Thorough planning is essential for the battalion to meet the 95th Division (IT) Strength Management Goals. The S-1 officer will insure that plans are developed for all soldiers assigned to the battalion headquarters.
The training priorities for the 95th Division are: DMOSQ, METL-proficiency, CTT and APFT.
(1) We will accept the challenges of 95th Division (IT) Strength Management Goals:
(a) 100% strength
(b) 80% Drill Sergeant strength
(c) 80% deployability
(d) 80% enlisted DMOSQ
(e) 85% officer DMOSQ
(f) 25% maximum annualized attrition rate
(g) 100% CTT pass rate
(h) 90% APFT pass rate
In addition, we will maintain over 75% IDT attendance and ensure maintain a “no show” rate of 0% in school attendance. Again, this will require close monitoring by Battery Commanders and close coordination between the S-1 & S-3.
(2) To meet the 1st Brigade goal of 12 new Drill Sergeants will require the efforts of the whole battalion. In addition to the recruiting effort of E Battery, all batteries, including HHB, will be required to recruit for the battalion.
(3) Annual Training. The battalion headquarters will not conduct a displacement mission with the 1-40th FA at USAFATC. Instead, headquarters personnel will attend required NCOES courses that contribute towards promotions. If the opportunity does arise, select personnel which may include the Battalion Commander, Executive Officer and Command Sergeants Major may attend.
b. Individual Training.
(1) My first priority is Duty MOS-qualified drill sergeants. We will support that training requirement with all the resources required. Soldiers requiring PLDC for Phase I will scheduled as soon as possible. Drill sergeant candidates not already 13B qualified will focus on their drill sergeant training and be scheduled for 13B following their acquiring the X identifier. In general, DMOSQ is the first training priority for soldiers who are not qualified.
(2) DMOS qualified drill sergeants will be prepared to complete the required CS and FA EOCT certifications required to conduct training at the ATC.
(3) Common Task Testing is a battery level requirement. Headquarters will coordinate with Alpha Battery.
c. Physical Readiness.
(1) All soldiers are required to be physically fit. We will conduct one (1) Record APFT during the training year and PT each month, with the exception of Family Organizational Drill(s).
(2) All soldiers are required to meet the weight standards of AR 600-9.
d. Professional Development and Education.
(1) In keeping with the policy of select, train, promote, retain, the Command Sergeant Major will maintain appropriate Order of Merit Lists (OML) which will be used to schedule soldiers for NCOES classes. Soldiers who are dismissed from these classes because they failed to meet the standards will be moved to the bottom of the OML.
(2) Officer Education.
(a) Newly commissioned officers will be scheduled for their Officer Basic Course (OBC) within three (3) years of their commissioning.
(b) Junior officers will meet their continued training obligations by completing their Officer Advanced Course (OAC) and Combined Arms Service Staff School (CAS3). Officers needing assistance meeting this requirement can obtain guidance from the S-3.
e. Collective Training.
(1) The Battalion Staff conducts much of its training by planning, coordinating and evaluating our IDT training.
(2) Cannon Crew Training continues to be an area of concern. We may conduct an Artillery Live Fire in TY 01. I expect all 13B soldiers to be very familiar with the skills they are responsible to teach to the privates at the ATC.
(3) Mobilization Training continues to be an important training topic. This begins with the maintenance of our Alert Rosters. It includes individual mobilization readiness along with collective unit readiness.
f. Drill Dates for FY01.
DATE MUTA’s
14 - 15 OCT 2000 4
4 - 5 NOV 2000 4
2 DEC 2000 2
6 - 7 JAN 2001 4
3 - 4 FEB 2001 4
2 - 4 MAR 2001 5+
7 - 8 APR 2001 4
4 - 6 MAY 2001 5*+
2 - 3 JUN 2001 4
7 - 8 JUL 2001 4
4 - 5 AUG 2001 4
8 SEP 2001 2
* If we gain approval for the FA Live Fire in May, A & C Batteries will report to Fort Sill for drill on 4 May 01 (MUTA-6) and B Battery will report to Fort Sill for drill on 5 May 01 (MUTA-6). If not, this MUTA will be changed to 5-6 May 01 and the 8 Sep 01 MUTA will be changed to 8-9 Sep 01.
+ This MUTA represents a change from a MUTA-6 to a MUTA-5
11. Recurring Training Requirements.
a. Combat Lifesaver Training (CLS). All Drill Sergeants need to be CLS certified. Both certification and re-certification classes will be made available during TY 01.
b. Driver Training. Safe driving is critical to our training mission. We will conduct driver training and complete a review of the records during TY 01.
c. Weapons Training. Drill Sergeants will qualify annually with their individual weapon and familiarize with M60 and M2 machine guns. Other soldiers need to qualify biannually, but we will make every effort to complete this task annually.
12. Special Training Events.
a. Hats in the Center. This is an intriguing mission, which this battalion stands ready to support at every opportunity. Only the most qualified soldiers will be assigned to participate in the high-profile assignment.
b. Command Inspection Program (CIP). The Battalion Executive Officer will manage the CIP for this battalion. All battery commands will get and Initial Assessment within 90 days of their assumption of command. Compliance inspections will be conducted annually. Staff Assistance Visits (SAV) from any staff section can be scheduled at the request of the battery.
c. Officer Professional Development (OPD) / Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development (NCOPD). These classes provide unique opportunities to discuss important topics of interest and concern to the leadership of the battalion. We will have at least on (1) of each session during each quarter. Joint sessions will also be considered. No more than 6 hours per training year can be exceeded in these programs. Tentatively, the brigade will conduct the battalion CIP in June 2001.
d. JROTC Drill Meets. Provide a vital support component to the local military community. We will continue to provide this assistance (generally in Feburary).