IED Defeat Gated Training Strategy: A Holistic Approach to Preparing Units and Soldiers for Combat

Warfighters and leaders across the Army often face the same challenge as they create and execute directed mission essential training list (DMETL) training. Once deployment orders are received, interests quickly adjust to the future operating environment and the threats therein. The most common and lethal threat experienced on today’s battlefield is the improvised explosive device (IED). These deadly weapons consist of various types and configurations of explosive, munition, trigger, arming, and firing devices. However, there is one constant — it takes an enemy element to design, finance, manufacture, transport, emplace, arm, and (sometimes) detonate this device. The general purpose of this article is to provide leaders and resource providers with a holistic and practical approach to prepare and train soldiers and units for combat. Specifically, it is intended to provide a methodical approach along the three lines of operation laid out by Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), which call for defeating the device, attacking the network, and training the force.1 The readily available and supporting Joint Center of Excellence (JCOE) supports warfighter training by “validating and propagating IED defeat (IEDD) tactics, using tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) and lessons learned from theater.”2 The primary outlet for this expertise is found at the Army’s combat training centers (CTCs), which provide units with a wealth of experience and resources in a hyper-realistic training environment. The challenge is leveling this quality of training experience across the Army, at home and mobilization stations, for all deploying Active Duty and Reserve forces. Resourcing, Providing Expertise, and Relevant Training A systematic approach to providing soldiers and units with the quality of training they deserve is to harness installation resources, such as facilities, ranges, and training aids, devices, simulators, and simulations (TADSS); and access the expertise of specific organizations, such as JIEDDO, Asymmetric Warfare Group (AWG), Training and Doctrine Command’s (TRADOC’s) IEDD integrated capabilities development team (ICDT), and U. S. Army Forces Command’s (FORSCOM’s) IEDD integration cells (I2C), in a gated training strategy (GTS) akin to how we conduct Bradley and tank gunnery tables. Figure 1 highlights the interrelated resource providers for home station training. The solution is not simple; it requires vigilance in maintaining relevance as quickly as our tactical environments and enemy TTP change. Every unit leader’s intent is to develop and resource — 21 the most realistic training that will best prepare soldiers for what they may experience “downrange.” Rather than complicating resource requirements, the IEDD community must enable the chain of command, which is ultimately responsible for preparing soldiers and units for deployment (inherent within senior commanders’ training and readiness authority). The cascading complexity of efficiently coordinating the resources for a senior commander requires a dedicated and focused effort on providing support to all units training at home station. Essentially, this is commanders’ business and they must have the ability to flex resources to meet their common challenge, which is the absence of a standard, relevant, and current approach to training IEDD at individual through collective levels. Structuring and Planning the Gated Training Strategy Structuring “away” to overcome this challenge through live-virtual-constructive (LVC) training with a “CTC-like” experience at home sta-Figure 1 Spheres of IEDD Enablers and Connectivity Legend Direct Support General Support 110+ MTTs “Attack the Network – Defeat the Device – Train the Force” Multiple organizations across the Army and joint communities enable quality training through resources, opportunities, capabilities, expertise, program development, and systems. Each of them focus on providing units and soldiers the expertise, skills, and knowledge to accomplish their missions in combat. Environments where IEDs are encountered range from rural to inner-city. Knowing local residents is as important as honing skills, battle drills, and TTP. 22 — tion enables leaders and units to hone their skills, battle drills, and TTP prior to certification and deployment. In essence, they will arrive at a CTC or their deployed destination with a heightened level of competency and ability. The GTS is not a catch-all approach for training on all pre-deployment tasks, but it does focus on IEDD and supporting or interrelated tactical tasks. Given the high probability that the IED will remain a weapon of choice for our enemy and adversaries in future conflicts, our IEDD training must be adaptive, structured, and holistic. Soldiers are at risk of encountering IEDs while deployed, and the probability of encountering an IED varies depending on the unique operational environment. To effectively synchronize IEDD GTS, we must dovetail the hierarchy of training requirements and prioritize competing demands for resources with the training tasks to the four categories articulated in FORSCOM’s Southwest Asia Training Guidance.3 The GTS focuses the specific IEDD individual, individual leader, and collective training tasks (outlined in bold boxes in Figure 2) and builds on each training experience, culminating in the unit’s ability to systematically defeat the device and attack the network. The construct of the IEDD GTS takes into account the following considerations: Adaptable and tailorable training objectives. The GTS must be “scalable” to meet the desired training objectives from platoon to brigade levels. The strategy must have the ability to be tailored to a unit’s mission and experience level. Commanders must tailor the concept to fit current unit training levels, especially for a combat-experienced force; the start point for training may not always be the “crawl” stage. As units prepare for the next higher level’straining event, they must prepare accordingly. As units prepare for major combat operations (MCO) gunnery, a crew is expected to execute specific tasks before operating as part of a section or platoon; platoons must master specific tasks before executing company-level operations; companies and battalions must effectively maneuver and mass firepower to support battalion- and brigade-level operations, and so on. The nesting of IEDD GTS is similar with the underlying objectives of defeating the device and maneuvering on and attacking the network. Current and relevant training products. Training, enemy and friendly TTP, available TADSS, terrain/environment, and systems employed must be relevant and current. Ideally, we must, whenever possible, train with and on the same systems and platforms that soldiers will operate to reduce the initial risks associated with learning downrange. It is absolutely necessary to prioritize the fielding of our platforms and systems to those “in the fight” first. When training effectively on “like” systems, we have the ability to create surrogates, using mock-ups and virtual platforms, to achieve the desired effect(s) until we field the actual systems at home stations. Doctrine and knowledge management. We must ensure our doctrine and knowledge management remain relevant, current, adaptive, and dynamic to the changing threat abroad. JIEDDO Required Tasks by Deployment Category e.g., Theater Support: Kuwait, Qatar, Bahrain, etc.

Contingency Operating Base (COB)/Forward Operating Base (FOB) Units COB/FOB Units w/Travel Off Base (* Includes All CAT 1 Tasks) e.g., Lt/Med Trk Co, HOA, GTMO, CA/PSYOP, Postal, CSH, Det Ops Conduct Call for Fire Supervise Convoy Operations Complete Media Engagement Training Supervise Traffic Control Points Supervise Handling of Enemy Personnel and Equip Conduct PCCs/PCIs of Combat Patrols Supervise Application of ROE/Graduated Response Additional Collective Tasks Conduct Live Fire Exercises Execute Convoy Operations (incl Crew Tng) Complete IEDD Collective Tasks (11 tasks) Maintain Base Camp Defense and Security Execute Culminating Training Event Additional Collective Tasks Conduct Live Fire Exercises Coordinate with Coalition Forces Execute Culminating Training Event Units Conducting Mission Off COB/FOB (* Includes All CAT 1 and 2 Tasks) e.g., SECFOR, PRT, ANA, Lt/Med Trk Co (Self Secure), Engr, Rte Clr, MP PTT Additional Individual Leader Tasks Perform Negotiations Plan and Conduct Urban Operations (OIF) Plan and Conduct Mountainous Operations (OEF) Conduct Crowd Control

Execute Culminating Training Event Individual Leader Tasks Complete Theater Briefing (Military, Culture, Economic, Religious, Political) Complete Level 2 Antiterrorism Awareness Tng Conduct Casualty and MEDEVAC Complete Application and Uses of Biometrics Tng Incorporate Personnel Recovery Planning Complete Identify/Mitigate Combat Stress Complete Suicide Prevention Brief Supervise Proper Field Sanitation Individual IED Defeat Leader Tasks Utilize an Interpreter Additional Collective Tasks Nonlethal Weapons Capabilities Training Execute Culminating Training Event Maneuver Units (* Includes All CAT 1, 2, and 3 Tasks) e.g., BCT, COIN Additional Individual Leader Tasks IEDD Training — Plan for IED Threats Senior Leader Orientation Training

Units that would rarely, if ever, travel off a COB/FOB Complete Army Warrior Tasks (32 tasks) Qualify with assigned weapon Complete Basic First Aid (11 tasks) Conduct HMMWV Rollover Training Complete Hot and Cold Weather Training Conduct Desert Environment Training Complete Mine Awareness Training Complete Level 1 Antiterrorism Awareness Tng Complete Regulatory Briefings (General Orders, OPSEC/SAEDA, Equal Opportunity, Prevent Sexual Harassment/Assault, DA Fratricide Policy, Army Values and Ethics Identify Combat Stress and Suicide Prevention (incl Battlemind, MTBI, PTSD) Conduct Personnel Recovery Training Conduct Law of War Training Complete Rules of Engagement Training Complete Rules for Use of Force (RUF) Tng Complete Biometrics Training Complete Trafficking in Persons Brief Complete Media Awareness Training Complete Country Orientation Brief Complete Basic Language/Culture Training Individual Soldier Tasks (60 tasks) Execute Army Warrior Training Battle Drills (12 tasks) Collective Tasks Units that will or potentially will travel for short duration off a COB/FOB Units that will travel and conduct majority of mission off a COB/FOB Maneuver units with an AO, newly formed units, units on a constrained deploy timeline Identify Visual Indicators of an IED React to a Possible IED React to an IED Attack or Vehicle-borne IED React to an IED initiated Chemical Attack Prepare for IED Threats Prior to Movement Additional Individual Leader Tasks Employ Manpack and Vehicular-mounted Electronic Warfare Device Perform a 9-line UXO/IED Explosive Hazard Spot Report Plan for IED Threats Additional Individual Soldier Tasks Expanded IEDD Training provides outstanding references and resources for LVC training applications through the Knowledge and Information Fusion Exchange (KnIFE). The primary purpose of KnIFE “is to exchange information, consolidate best practices, and respond to requests for information (RFI) related to the asymmetric application of TTP by both enemy and friendly forces.”4 The KnIFE website provides leaders and units with invaluable information to enable quality training. A significant challenge is keeping our doctrine current. Our existing doctrine is a reference that we must expand into our digital knowledge management databases to allow the Army to maintain currency until the release of the next printed publication revision. The constantly changing conditions and operating environments mandate a requirement to have both a baseline (printed) reference and an individual dynamic online database of information that maintains relevance for the warfighter’straining. Hyper-realistic training. We must provide and resource the most hyper-realistic training available to increase soldiers’ training experience by immersing them in an environment as closely replicated as possible to the realistic environment in which they will operate. The structures, civilians, smells, and sounds experienced by individual soldiers and units serve as the means to help “inoculate” and prepare them to instinctively respond under any condition while deployed. IEDD Gunnery — Synthesizing Training and Effects The IEDD GTS is a holistic approach to training, from the individual soldier to brigade-sized units, on how to defeat the device and attack the network. The overarching intent is to ensure units understand and can effectively analyze the complexity of the IEDD fight. The IEDD GTS provides this methodology by creating “gates” where individuals and units successfully accomplish specific training objectives to standard before moving to the next higher and more complex gate. The structure of the IEDD GTS includes tables similar to Bradley and tank gunnery and focuses on specific unit levels. Gate one establishes a baseline to ensure every individual/crew/ squad successfully executes common individual and leader training tasks and possesses a common knowledge frame of reference based on FORSCOM training guidance, doctrine, unit standard operating procedures (SOP), and current enemy and friendly TTP. KnIFE’straining courses and seminars provide units with a plethora of additional resources, which can enhance the capabilities of soldiers who attend courses, participate in distance learning, or use training support packages, which can be downloaded from the website. Similar to Bradley and tank gunnery skills tests, commanders certify that individuals and crews are ready to begin the LVC training tables outlined in the IEDD GTS before allowing crews to move to Table I (crew skills virtual training). Table I includes gates two and three, which build on previously gained experiences and knowledge. Unit training is applied and refined through virtual training using simulators and simulations to validate the TTP that will be used in the unit’s SOP for tactical operations. The focus of Table I ensures crews effectively perform individual and leader tasks in virtual terrain, provide proper contact reports, and successfully execute crew battle drills Figure 3 24 — IEDD Gated Training Strategy Concept (Live-Virtual-Constructive) Gate 5 Company Orders and Rehearsals Unit builds orders and conducts rehearsals preparing for Table VI – receiving intelligence reports from higher headquarters Gate 6 Unit-Level Collective Proficiency Table VI (Run) Culminating event for company training, utilizing all IEDD training requirements in conducting company raid on IED maker; IED financer; route clearance; combat log patrols; combat patrol operations. This event will include:  Individual IEDD tasks  Company-level intelligence team tasks  Leader IEDD tasks  Collective tasks to include convoy LFX, hasty checkpoint exercises, and entry control point exercises  Staff IEDD conducts operations to defeat system  Integrate IEDD enablers in all operations, to include EOD units combined explosive exploitation cells, weapons intel teams, counter IEDD targeting cells, EW and electronic countermeasures coordinating cells, route clearance teams, and high risk search teams Endstate  Trains/validates individual tasks, leader tasks, and collective tasks for theater requirements outlined in SWA  Live-Virtual-Constructive fully integrated  Resourced by III Corps, JIEDDO, FORSCOM, TRADOC  Establishes IEDD Training Center methodology for ACRC for deployment  Gated approach to training Gate 7 Sustainment Equipment has been shipped – unit sustains training back at the BCTC Gate 4 Phantom Run – Platoon Qual (Walk) Crew Proficiency Course Table II – Crews execute dry run lanes training to evaluate their ability to operate in an IED environment and rehearse reporting procedures CO/BN CPs Section Proficiency Course Table III – Sections execute lanes with blank ammunition to prepare the patrol/convoy platoon qualification Patrol/convoy Proficiency Table IV – Patrols/convoys execute dry run lanes training to exercise not only their ability to operate in an IED environment but also their reporting procedures to higher headquarters Patrol/convoy Collective Proficiency Table V – Patrol/convoy evaluated on their ability to operate in an IED environment at a faster pace and to a higher degree of proficiency Must complete successfully to move to next level Gate 1 Unit-Level IEDD Individual/Leader Training Conducted in classrooms, motor pools, LTAs, unit areas  Individual SWA Task  Individual Leader Task  Friendly/enemy TTP  IEDD MTTs (CIT)  EWO training  Tactical Site Exploitation Cell Training Validated by company commander, certified by battalion commander Gate 2 Crew Critical Skill Virtual Training Table I 1 day (Crawl) Conducted in virtual trainers, such as VBSII, VBS, RVS  Individual/leader tasks on various virtual terrain  Reporting procedures Gate 3 Crew Critical Skill Virtual Training Table I 4 days (Crawl) Phantom Run virtual terrain feeding CO/BN CPs (IEDD analysis) to build DMETL and direct action/route clearance/react to IED training proficiency. Increasing level of complexity; once passed, unit moves to next table 1 2 3 7 4 6 5 6 such as rollover drills using high-explosive antitank (HEAT) rounds. Gate two is executed in generic virtual terrain and includes graduated skill levels. Once the crew successfully meets performance standards, they pass on to the second half of Table I, which provides a significantly more complex and realistic training experience for the crew and unit. The simulated terrain replicates actual terrain they will encounter in Tables II through V. At this point, the scenario provides a comprehensive experience from the individual crew level up to battalion and brigade commander and staff levels. This takes advantage of how units manage, report, synthesize, and analyze reports and information for future decisions and action. Every report from Table I to VI (collective proficiency) is meaningful and eventually leads to the ultimate objective of successfully “attacking the network” and ensuring a holistic training experience. Platoons normally serve at the lowest level and are called on to execute combat patrols in a combat environment; hence, Tables II through V build on platoon-level proficiency in live scenarios with a crawl-walk-run approach. Crews, sections, and platoons execute their mission and focus on their ability to defeat the effects of IEDs and submit effective reports as staffs conduct the analysis and build actionable intelligence for direct action. Platoon leaders will execute one, or a series of, missions similar to what they are likely to experience while deployed. These missions may include navigation (mounted and dismounted), tactical questioning, react to contact, establishing traffic control points, crowd control, detainee operations, and other missions depending on the training objective(s) selected from the FORSCOM training guidance tasks. Crews, sections, and platoons encounter a hyper-realistic environment while responding to civilian role players, enemy elements, urban structures, and other battlefield effects such as replicated indirect and direct fire, IEDs, munitions, homemade explosives, and sounds. Once platoons meet the training standards of Table V (gate four) and the battalion or brigade establishes the IED network hierarchy and probable location(s), they issue orders to the company to prepare to execute kinetic operations. Additional complexities and considerations must be included based on the theater of operations and established rules of engagement (ROE) or status of forces agreement (SFA), which may effect planning and action as it could be a U. S., combined, or host nation forces-led operation. Table VI (gates five and six) focuses on company-level planning, rehearsals, operations, and mission execution. Once all the platoons of a company successfully pass through the fourth gate, the company receives its mission and begins troop leading procedures (TLP) at its forward operating base. On order, the company executes a direct-action mission to destroy or defeat the network. Depending on the available training terrain, Table VI could potentially culminate in a combined-arms, live-fire exercise at a multipurpose range complex where battalions and brigades could integrate combat multiplier resources such as unmanned aerial vehicles, precision fires, and attack aviation. As units ship equipment and near deployment date, the availability and application of simulations help units sustain their skill sets and capabilities. Gate seven focuses on sustaining these skills and enables training for soldiers who arrive after the CTC rotation and equipment shipping date, which is normally 60 days before the unit’s scheduled latest arrival date (LAD). These same soldiers reap the benefits of the unit’straining and quickly learn prior to their deployment “what right looks like” as they learn their unit’s TTP and SOP firsthand. Figure 3 is an example of the IEDD GTS being developed at Fort Hood. The intent is for all units to have access to world-class home station IEDD training facilities, enabling them to successfully accomplish desired DMETL tasks and deploy with validated TTP and SOP. Due to the shortened dwell times and the fact not every type of unit can deploy to a CTC, these resources and training strategy enable units to attain and sustain readiness at a much quicker rate at home station. This training can also be integrated as part of a battalion or brigade combat team’s gunnery scheme of maneuver with minimal effort and resource overhead. The commonality of training tasks and threat allows the Army to adopt the IEDD GTS concept and apply it across every installation for Active Duty and Reserve training. The Desired Effect The IEDD GTS allows units to build on realistic training scenarios to defeat IEDs as they execute missions and provide reports to battalion and brigade tactical operations centers in virtual and live environments. Staffs synthesize the information gained from the reports into actionable intelligence and build target decks, as well as develop and direct missions, while commanders decide how and when to attack the network just as they will during deployment. The outcome, or desired training effect, is a unit fully trained to operate, adapt, and decisively act in an extremely lethal environment with positive results. They deploy well trained with the ability to defeat IEDs and successfully attack the network! Notes 1Joint IED Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), “Train the Force,” available online at https://www. jieddo.dod.mil/CIEDTRAINING/CIEDTRAINHOME. ASPX, accessed 28 April 2009. 2JIEDDO, “Joint Center of Excellence (JCOE), available online at https://www.jieddo.dod.mil/ CIEDTRAINING/CIEDTRAINHOME. ASPX, accessed 28 April 2009. 3U. S. Army Forces Command, “Training Guidance for Follow-on Forces Deploying in Support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), Change 9, with Administrative Corrections,” 16 May 2007. On 24 September 2007, FORSCOM updated this document and published “FORSCOM Training Guidance for Follow-on Forces Deploying in Support of Operations in Southwest Asia (SWA),” DTG 172053ZNov08, which applies to units deploying after 1 December 2007, Change 2, updated 11 February 2009. 4U. S. Joint Forces Command, Joint Center for Operational Analysis, Knowledge and Information Fusion Exchange (KnIFE), “The KnIFE Mission,” available online at https://knife.jfcom.mil/ Pages/KnIFEPublic.aspx, accessed on 22 February 2009. Colonel Kenneth J. Crawford is the assistant chief of staff, G5, III Corps, Fort Hood, TX. He received a B. S. from Texas A&M University and an M. S. from the University of Missouri–Rolla. His military education includes the U. S. Army Command and General Staff College. He was also selected for an SSC Fellowship, University of Texas, Institute of Advanced Technology, for AY 09-10. His earlier command and staff assignments include four combat tours during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Operation Continue Hope in Somalia, and two deployments during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He has been selected to command the 1st Engineer Brigade. — 25 “The intent is for all units to have access to world-class home station IEDD training facilities, enabling them to successfully accomplish desired DMETL tasks and deploy with validated TTP and SOP. Due to the shortened dwell times and the fact not every type of unit can deploy to a CTC, these resources and training strategy enable units to attain and sustain readiness at a much quicker rate at home station.”