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Dixie Thunder Across the Desert:
Meeting the Challenge of the NTC

by Colonel John Baggott, Commander, 3d Brigade, 87th Division (Training Support), and
LTC Chris L. Cottrell, SRAAG, State of Mississippi

A rotation to the NTC is never easy. A lengthy train-up. Synchronizing logistics with complex operations. Preparing, loading, moving, and unloading volumes of equipment and supplies. And once you're there, you get to face the World Class OPFOR. Now add to these challenges the complications of a National Guard-Enhanced Brigade; finite training opportunities, limited organic logistics, equipment and units from a variety of locations spread across a wide geographic area. This is what faced the 155th Separate Armored Brigade, "Dixie Thunder," a National Guard-Enhanced Brigade from Mississippi as they readied for their rotation in the summer of 1999. This article describes Dixie Thunder's train-up and execution, and the role and support of their Training Support Brigade (TSB).

Each of the 15 National Guard-Enhanced Brigades, commonly referred to as E-Brigades, must deploy to a dirt CTC once every eight years. In addition to the Brigade Combat Team, these rotations compel support by numerous CS and CSS units not normally associated with the E-Brigade. These supporters execute the missions of getting vehicles and equipment from multiple home stations (eight states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in Dixie Thunder's rotation) to Yermo, CA, to the Dust Bowl at the NTC and eventually back to each home station.

Unlike Active Duty units, E-Brigades lack the organic support required to deploy and redeploy. Often, the dozens of units required for these tasks are not available anywhere in their home state. Additionally, the length of the operation exceeds the number of Annual Training days available for participating RC soldiers. This dictates different RC units for deployment and redeployment.

To meet these challenges, the Adjutant General of the State of Mississippi organized two Task Forces (Figure 1) and divided the rotation into three distinct phases: inbound, RSO&I and combat operations, and outbound. These phases were more than just a logical breakdown of the mission, they also allowed the States providing units to meet the normal 15-day annual training periods for the inbound and outbound phases and 21 days for the RSO&I and combat operations phase.

The Dixie Thunder, commanded by the155th Separate Armored Brigade Commander, centered on the RSO&I and combat operations phase. The Magnolia Thunder Task Force (MTTF), led by the Chief of Staff for the State of Mississippi, consisted of the State of Mississippi National Guard staff, the Area Support Group (MSARNG) and the Combat Support Battalion (MSARNG). The MTTF focused on the inbound and outbound phases.

Figure 1. Task Organization

Dixie Thunder Train-up

The eight-year CTC rotation cycle for E-Brigades identified in FORSCOM Regulation 350-2, Reserve Component Training, differs from the Active Component cycle identified in FORSCOM Regulation 350-50-1, Training at the National Training Center. Both Dixie Thunder and the MTTF aggressively followed the two year train-up identified in Appendix I of FR 350-50-1 and added additional training (see box) consistent with their needs. The end result was each leader spent over 60 days during the final ramp-up year training for the NTC, plus over 30 days for the rotation itself, compared to the normal 39 days spent during non-rotational years. Many of these days were done on their own time and at their own expense, clearly demonstrating the professional dedication to making the Dixie Thunder rotation a success.

The Training Support Brigade (TSB) (see box) was also committed to the success of Dixie Thunder. Although TSBs typically do not have a mission to support NTC rotations, their capability of providing an independent set of eyes on plans, as well as full-time augmentation to limited RC staffs, make their role indispensable to achieving desired success at the NTC.

With a focused effort from the entire organization, the TSB supported multiple events in Dixie Thunder's train-up as shown in Figure 2 on page 8. Using assets from each of its battalions and the brigade staff, the TSB supported over 30 separate events, including gunnery, maneuver, simulations and other training. During the inbound and outbound phases, over 20 leaders served with RC units, with an additional 40 supporting Dixie Thunder during the RSO&I and combat operations phase. In addition to this, the TSB operated an Exercise Control Center (ECC) at the NTC with up to 16 officers and NCOs.

Figure 2. Dixie Thunder Train-up

Inbound/Outbound Train-up

The Magnolia Thunder Task Force quickly realized there is no doctrinal blueprint on how to prepare to support the deployment and redeployment of an E-Brigade to the NTC. Although initial planning and coordination were conducted in 1997 and early 1998, the effort intensified considerably in November 1998. Essential areas included locking in player and support units, completing OPORDs, and a series of reconnoiters, IPRs and rehearsals. The State, both Task Forces and the TSB worked to establish a common view of the battlefield. Essential in this was the common focus and dedication to make the rotation successful. The trust between all organizations and individuals involved became the cornerstone of the operation and provided synergy to meet the challenge. Key support provided by the TSB throughout this period included:

• Assigning a facilitator to each unit, even those outside their AOR. These officers and NCOs rolled up their sleeves and assisted the units in METL review/crosswalk, planning for train-up and movement planning. Facilitators deployed to the NTC and continued to support their units, as well as conduct evaluations on METL-related tasks and provide AARs and take-home packages for commanders.

• Reviewing OPLANs, orders, synchronization matrices and other products, providing an outside look that highlighted possible shortfalls/conflicts between the task forces' plans.

• Attending and assisting at primary IPRs, rock drills and rehearsals. This included all primary TSB players to include the commander, staff and all facilitators, and those deploying to the NTC for the Inbound and Outbound reconnoiters.

• Evaluating all inbound/outbound units at the NTC. This consisted of reviewing the administrative portions of the Training Assessment Model and providing the unit with AARs, a take-home package and signing Part V of the Training Assessment Model (see box).
  

• Providing a "Liaison/Assistance" cell to the ASG, contributing additional full-time support for pre-deployment planning and technical subject matter experts in the Transportation and Movement Control arenas.

• Conducting lane evaluations for Priority units supporting the Inbound and Outbound phases.

• Deploying an NTC Exercise Control Cell responsible for 24-hour "battle-tracking" and administrative support to all facilitators, lane evaluators and O/C augmentees. This created better opportunity for tactical training for units involved and more centralized command and control for all Dixie Thunder and supporting operations. In addition, this provided one-stop support for evaluators for both operational and administrative issues, and provided a single interface to the Reserve Component Support Element at the NTC for all Dixie Thunder rotation issues.

Figure 3 identifies the primary training events completed by the Inbound/Outbound units as well as key events supported by the TSB.

Figure 3. Primary Training and Key Events

Combat Operations Support

The TSB provided "In The Box" combat operations support for these primary areas:

• Dixie Thunder Support - The eSBn of the TSB worked side by side with Dixie Thunder during train-up and all phases of the rotation. Third Brigade soldiers assisted in planning, scenario development, gunnery, JANUS, LTP, Warfighter, deployment, conduct of operations during the battles and redeployment. Support provided and positions assigned during the rotation are depicted in Figure 4.
  

  Figure 4. 3d Brigade Support to Dixie Thunder "In The Box"

• TAM support - The TSB provided a unit facilitator/TAM evaluator for the Public Affairs detachment. This unit was unique in that it was evaluated by the NTC O/Cs while conducting its tactical mission, but had no coverage planned for the majority of the time when training outside the Box. The TSB covered the unit while outside the Box.

• TSB ECC - The ECC continued to provide continuous battle-tracking and administrative support to the TSB soldiers at NTC. Additionally, the ECC was heavily engaged in VIP support during this phase.

Lessons Learned

Although the rotation was highly successful, there are some lessons learned from the experience and recommendations for future rotations.

• "Fully Integrated Train-Up" - It is crucial that all units deploying to the NTC train together for at least one year before the deployment. Best place for this to start is at annual training the year prior to the rotation. This dictates identifying the troop list three years out. It requires the National Guard Bureau (NGB),U.S. Army Reserve Command (USARC), and the CONUSA to jointly identify and lock in the troop list and required AC support of their respective units.

• "Train as you Fight" - The inbound and outbound phases should be in a tactical environment from the arrival at the equipment point of debarkation until the equipment is shipped back to home station. It is imperative to make the most of a CTC rotation, whether going "In The Box" or not. Units must train as they will fight. A scenario, complete with OPFOR, could easily be applied to make inbound and outbound phases tactical. Download operations at Yermo could incorporate tasks to include local and convoy security, field operations, reaction to enemy attacks, NBC play, physical and communications security and also civilians on the battlefield. TSBs should assist by helping develop training plans, conducting tactical lanes and assisting with OPFOR support.

• "Mobilize the Force" - All units should treat this exercise as a mobilization, and prepare IAW FR 500- 3-3, FORSCOM Mobilization and Deployment Planning System, Volume 3, Reserve Component Commander's Handbook. Units should conduct their pre-mobilization set as identified in their mobilization plan. Units could use the Joint Operations Planning and Execution System (JOPES) to ship/track vehicle movement. TSB support could include mobilization assistance teams (MATs) and facilitator support.

• "The Army" - The evaluation teams (TAM & Lane) for this rotation consisted of soldiers from numerous TSBs from both CONUSAs. These evaluators should be attached to the primary supporting TSB at least two months out, ensuring synergy and commonality between all evaluators and their supported units. This time should be spent reviewing the TAM before departing for the NTC, assisting the unit with IDT Lanes, preparing Lane Books and familiarizing themselves with applicable unit SOPs and the supporting TSB.

• "O/C Augmentees" - In an AC rotation, augmentees usually come from the brigade's parent division or corps. This structure does not exist for the E-Brigade. O/C support should come from the associated AC division, or if unavailable from the division, NGB should task with the CONUSA serving as executive agent for the taskings.

• "Brief the Plan" - Two years out, the E-Brigade commander should assess and validate his unit and brief this to the supporting CONUSA Commander. This will determine what level (Brigade or Task Force) the brigade will fight at the NTC and identify shortfalls to the CONUSA, NGB and USARC, allowing them to bring their resources to bear to create the conditions for success for the E-Brigade.

• "Simulation vs Maneuver" - Based on the training assessment of his unit, the E-Brigade Commander must determine specific requirements for simulation and maneuver. These events should be tailored to how the brigade will fight, and not geared to a standard AC rotation. The 1st Brigade (Simulation) of the supporting Training Support Division should play an instrumental role here.

• "Train for Rigor" - Key train-up exercises (JANUS/LTP/CPX/Warfighter) should be more rigorous, incorporating demanding, continuous operations over a minimum 36- to 48-hour period. These exercises should include planning for future operations while engaged in the current fight. TSBs could assist with manpower to ensure uninterrupted coverage/play.

• "Join the Fight Early" - The liaison cell provided by the TSB to the ASG assisted the planning for the inbound and outbound phases. The cell provided administrative support to the limited full-time staff, as well as technical and tactical input when requested. Activated two months before the inbound phase, it would have been significantly more helpful being incorporated six months out.

• "Track the Battle" - During the inbound and outbound phases, units should identify the commander's CIR, then plan and train on how to track these requirements. TSBs can assist in SOP development and synchronization.

• "Military Decision-Making Process" - Staffs should incorporate this process from the beginning, three years out, to ensure fluidity and teamwork during the rotation. TSBs can assist in teaching, coaching and evaluating staffs in this area.

The Magnolia Thunder rotation was unique in that it began to exercise the full spectrum of RC deployment operations. It was successful, thanks to the tremendous efforts and resolute cooperation of all who participated. TSBs, like the TSB in this instance, can bring assets and expertise to the planning and execution of the operation. When incorporated early enough, the TSB can significantly enhance the training experience for an E-Brigade's rotation to the NTC. While a rotation will never be easy, the wisely integrated RC/AC team is the foundation for a successful one!

Close Combat Attack (CCA)

IPB at the Battery Level