U.S. Army Photo by Spc. Gyasi Thomasson, Jan. 26, 2019
As highly competitive field grade officers complete Key and Developmental (KD) jobs, many face a decision of going to a Combined Training Center (CTC) or a myriad of other possibilities. The fact that this next assignment fills the important time between KD time and the possibilities of a tactical battalion (BN) command highlights the importance of this decision. Factors that weigh into an officer’s decision for post-KD assignment include career progression, time available time for family, and location, among others. The Army’s three Combat Training Centers located in California, Louisiana, and Germany, offer opportunities to fulfill all of the aforementioned factors, as well as a tremendous experience and learning environment for majors as they make the transition from running a battalion to commanding one.
Consideration of whether to request a nominative CTC position should include what an observer, coach, trainer (OC/T) does and how it will affect themselves and family. There are several clear advantages. First, each year you have the opportunity to see nine to 11 Brigade Combat Teams (BCTs) and multinational units execute the highest level of collective training. As a FA OC/T, you also have a front-row seat to observe a current battalion commander (CDR) and Fire Support Coordinator (FSCOORD) operate in a Decisive Action Training Environment (DATE). Third, one has the opportunity to work closely with a post-battalion command officer (FA BN Senior Trainer, in this case) and a post-command brigade commander (the Commander of the Operations Group). This type of close mentorship is invaluable for a future battalion commander and, more importantly, FSCOORD. The OC/Ts not only receive the experience of observing rotational unit commanders and FSCOORDs, but more importantly can be mentored by the team Senior Trainer and COG on their rich experience, lessons learned, and best practices. I cannot think of any other position that provides the level of experience and environment to learn and grow.
Involvement in multiple DATE rotations as an OC/T enables the future FSCOORD to draw upon those experiences as they lead their unit. Field Manual 7-0 says commanders must “develop and communicate a clear vision” for training guidance, and a key aspect of this is determining “what to train.” A former OC/T can look back on two to three years’ of examples to inform them on what their unit needs to emphasize during a training cycle because they see units who successfully negotiate these challenges and those unable to overcome them. Likewise, the OC/T becomes very familiar with the development required of leaders at echelon to succeed and is able to use this knowledge to inform junior leader development and the unit training plan. Moreover, OC/Ts conduct regular AARs and gain experience assessing training that directly benefits a future commander.
Being an OC/T sheds light on how lieutenant colonels balance the challenging roles as both a battalion commander and FSCOORD. Coming out of KD time, you have no doubt identified gaps in your own military experience and tactical knowledge required to be a successful commander. OC/Ts observe the rotational units’ field grade officers execute their duties and have the opportunity to evaluate and address one’s own gaps. Additionally, OC/Ts get to coach and train leaders across the battalion and increase their own knowledge in systems not previously mastered. When executing training as a participant, the stresses of combat affect leaders and their ability to step back and see the bigger picture. The CTC provides the OC/T a unique opportunity to be a part of that training from a more informed perspective – one in which you have more rest and situational awareness than those conducting the training.
Another question field grade officers need to ask themselves is whether being an OC/T is personally rewarding. For most, a large part of the job satisfaction comes from coaching rotational units and their leaders. From the time a unit arrives at Leader Training Program (LTP) until after the rotation, OC/Ts provide the coaching and training required to help units see themselves and improve their organizations. It requires leaders to know and understand the most current Joint and Army doctrine. There is a constant dialog with the Fires Center of Excellence (FCOE) for both current rotational trends as well adjustments required to doctrine. An OC/T has the ability to observe trends and articulate necessary training adjustments to leaders across the Army enterprise. Often, Army senior leaders visit the CTCs allowing the OC/T express this feedback through face-to-face exchanges, driving timely changes on important doctrinal, equipment, and training strategy issues.
An often-misunderstood aspect to being an OC/T is the impact on your family. After completing KD time, most officers desire to take their foot off the proverbial gas pedal and give time back to their family. During the rotation, OC/Ts have the flexibility to adjust coverage to allow time to return for special occasions, such as anniversaries, birthdays, sports games, etc. During a 14-day rotation, OC/Ts work in a few overnight “refits” to take a shower, do laundry, and conduct physical fitness. When not on rotation, weekends are turned into 4-days to give back the time to families, helping build that time “savings account” up prior to the possibility of command. As we have all seen, being a battalion commander is both rewarding and challenging for the leader and their respective family.
What you do with family time while assigned to a CTC is of course your decision. The closest town to the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) is Leesville, Louisiana. True, Leesville is not a large town, but it is filled with a community that loves its military and for just a tank of gas, you have access to much larger cities. Most OC/Ts at JRTC spend time hunting, fishing or camping in the year-round moderate climate. The advantages of assignment to the Joint Multination Readiness Center in Hohenfels, Germany, are obvious as the CTC is centrally located in Europe with access to many countries. In addition to the travel, the immediate area and communities surrounding Hohenfels are filled with events and fests throughout the year. The National Training Center (NTC) is only several hours away from the beaches, theme parks, and historical attractions of Southern California. There is a lot more to CTCs than the “box,” which is what most people think of when they see the OC/T job on the list of possibilities.
As Army senior leaders start to vote on the future groups of commanders, it is our recommendation to guide their talented officers to serve as OC/Ts at one of the CTCs. As leaders mentoring captains and majors, we must to help them see the complete picture of how a tour at a CTC a can help them be proficient tactical battalion commanders. Additionally, assignments officers must continue to have honest dialogue with talented officers across the force and fill the CTCs with the requisite talent. Senior commanders are the first line of communication counsel their field grade officers – they need to encourage them towards the tremendous opportunity available to maintain the edge at the tactical level prior to selection to battalion command.
MAJ Benjamin Culver is currently the Field Artillery BCT Fire Support Trainer (OC/T) at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC). A Field Artillery officer, he has served in an FA BDE, Infantry, and Armor Brigade Combat Teams with operational experience in OIF, ORS, and OIR. He completed his KD time in 3/10thMTN as the BCT S3 during their recent deployment to OIR.
MAJ Robin VanDeusen is currently the BCT Fire Support Trainer (OC/T) at the National Training Center (NTC). A Field Artillery officer, he has served in an FA BDE, Infantry and Stryker Brigade Combat Teams with experience in OIF, OND, and OIR. He completed his KD time in the 101st Airborne Division (IBCT) and recently served as a Strike Director during Operation Inherent Resolve and the S3 Trainer (Wolf 03) at the National Training Center.
MAJ Kurt Knoedler is currently the Field Artillery Battalion Operations Trainer (OC/T) at the Joint Multinational Readiness Center (JMRC). A Field Artillery officer, he has served in FA BDEs, DIVARTYs, Infantry, and Armor Brigade Combat Teams with operational experience in OIF, OND, and OIR. He completed his KD time in the 101stDIVARTY and 2/101st Airborne Division (IBCT) and recently served as Deputy Commander for the 101stDIVARTY.