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Tactical Operations Center tracks troops

By Staff Sgt. Nikki Prodromos
July 25, 2006

TIKRIT, Iraq (Army News Service, July 25, 2006) – The tactical operations center, or “TOC,” is the “nerve center” in the anatomy of any successful military unit.

Tactical operations centers, such as the one at the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, have a big job tracking seven combat battalions and two support battalions – a total of approximately 3,700 boots on the ground, spread over miles of terrain in northern Iraq’s Salah Ah Din Province.

On any given day there are dozens of computers whirring, imagery flashing and phones ringing. Like a human brain, the TOC receives countless pieces of information on all aspects of operations from troop movements, aviation assets, supply movements, intelligence even the weather. They are required to analyze them, process them and send out directives or additional information to help the brigade carry out its mission.

The TOC houses representatives from every component in the combat team, including the chaplain. There are also roles unique to the TOC, including the battle captain and battle non-commissioned officer who track all of the information coming into and leaving the TOC.

One of four battle non-commissioned officers in the 3rd BCT, Staff Sgt. Elvis Bueno said being in the TOC is a unique experience.

“It’s a lot different when you’re in the TOC. When you’re on the ground, all you see is trees and stuff, but up here we get the whole picture,” said Bueno.

When they received word four months ago from the 101st Airborne Division that a high-value target was in their area of operations, the TOC kicked into high gear to orchestrate a quick reaction force and squad-size element being sent to the suspect’s location.

When the QRF and the squad arrived at the location, they had a hard time finding the house. With a little guidance and constant communication with the TOC’s sections, the Soldiers were able to find the house, capture their target and return to base.

“Everyone was involved in it that day, right down to the RTO (radio telephone operator)…It turned out pretty good, and we ended up catching the guys,” said Bueno.

With the creation of the new brigade combat team concept, which brings together selected units from all over the force based on the needs of the mission, the personnel involved in the missions usually have not worked together before a deployment.

“We didn’t really get together until about three months prior to deployment. A lot of key players weren’t here, so getting them to work as an effective team in a short period of time was a great success… We have a lot of incredibly smart people in there,” said Sgt. Maj. Kevin Martin, 3rd BCT operations sergeant major.

(Editor’s note: Staff Sgt. Nikki Prodromos writes for the 133rd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment.)