U.S. Army Brigade Staff Training
When U.S. Army National Guard units began using their Virtual Training Program at the Mounted Warfare Simulation Training Center in Fort Knox, Kentucky, word got out to active component units that a structured, simulation-based approach to training could give them the power to train more with less.
A consortium of contractors, including HumRRO, BDM Federal, PRC, and Raytheon designed and developed the required program under the sponsorship of the U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences, Armored Forces Research Unit in Fort Knox. The program is entitled Combined Arms Operations at Brigade Level, Realistically Achieved Through Simulation (COBRAS): Brigade Staff Exercise.
- First, by using constructive simulation technologies, the brigade staff could perform in an environment that simulates their command posts. Trained controllers at the simulation stations communicate by radio to portray activities of the enemy and subordinate units.
- The thorough job/task analysis performed during the design phase was used not only to provide the training objectives, but also to create the tactical situation to cue the brigade staff during mission planning, preparation, and execution.
- A complete training support package (TSP) was constructed as the final training program deliverable. The TSP contains the specifications and electronic files that control the simulation itself, guidance and materials for unit preparation, observer guides and observation aids, after-action review materials, and a complete set of tactical materials to drive unit performance. All of the TSP materials are completely exportable.
An additional feature of the Brigade Staff Exercise is that the scenario is congruent with the scenario that underlies the Virtual Training Program. Both derive from a common set of higher-echelon (division) missions, using virtually the same task organization, terrain, and enemy situation. The added focus on planning and preparation and other unit types reflects the additional responsibilities and assets given to brigades.
The COBRAS Brigade Staff Exercise is seen as a valuable tool to help brigade staffs achieve and maintain proficiency in their staff processes without costly field training. By focusing the scenario and the TSP on those critical staff processes in a high intensity simulated setting, the training participants have increased opportunities to refine and hone their skills.
