SECTION
V
TODAY
AND TOMORROW: HOW TO MAKE
THE
LESSONS LEARNED SYSTEM WORK FOR YOU!
CALL, more than ever before, find itself directly involved in orchestrating collection efforts worldwide to help develop lessons relevant to the dynamic conditions in which the Army operates.
The early inclusion of CALL into the process of planning and preparing for operations will pay enormous dividends for units eventually conducting the missions.
The depth and breadth of CALL's efforts truly encompass the joint as well as the combined community. The information-sharing between CALL and Allied nations is unprecedented, adding yet another dimension to the "lessons" on hand to benefit both your preparation and execution of missions.
Already
we've discussed examples of how CALL utilizes satellite, communications and
computer technology to quickly turn lessons back to the field. However, the
methods being used today will soon be supplemented by even newer capabilities
that will allow you, form the field, virtual immediate access to CALL's expanded
database capabilities.
TODAY
The most obvious way to now link into CALL is via the trusty telephone. While we may be few in number, CALL's analysts routinely answer hundreds of information requests from the field and the schoolhouse each year.
Your request may simply be answered by getting the appropriate CALL newsletter or briefing into your hands. Or, your request could involve an analyst delving into the data base to come up with observations, issues or trends related to your subject.
So if you happen to be an action officer in the division G3 shop and your boss says, "Get me the lessons learned about (fill in the blank) ASAP!," you can get in touch with CALL and we'll hive you whatever we've got that will help. (See Appendix A, An Action Officer's Guide to CALL's Database.)
For example, a typical request will be, "Can you give me all the lessons learned about recon?"
After some questioning and information exchange, we can usually get the information request into a manageable scope and agree upon a date or time when we can deliver. We'd find out if what the G3 wanted was tactical reconnaissance, or was he looking for lessons on strategic reconnaissance and surveillance capabilities?
We'll let you know almost immediately what we can provide you, and then we'll get the information together and send it to you. If it's feasible to fax it, we'll fax it. If it requires overnight mail service, we'll send it that way - whatever it takes to get you the information needed.
Using reconnaissance as an example, CALL can tap into lessons derived from combat operations such as DESERT STORM and JUST CAUSE, as well as a huge sample of observations or issues derived from years of CTC collection on the subject. Of course, this is all supplemental to newsletter and briefing materials already produced about reconnaissance.
Additionally,
CALL analysts have become extremely adept at networking among subject matter
experts throughout the Department of Defense to get necessary information.
TOMORROW
The most relevant development on the immediate horizon is the ability to transfer data via computer modems directly from CALL to the field.
What this means for you is that very soon the transfer of information will occur far more quickly and efficiently than it does now. Not only will we be able to rapidly transmit information to your unit as you prepare for missions, but CALL will also be able to execute in-theater transfer of observations to facilitate quick-lesson turnaround as your unit executes assigned missions. This is a direct result of CALL's continuing execution of the lessons learned process.
A significant initiative to achieve greater efficiency and effectiveness in the exercise of the lesson learned system is CALL's effort to achieve a standardized database architecture based upon The Blueprint of the Battlefield, the document described earlier during the discussion of the collection plan. This publication breaks down, in a joint and combined framework, tasks the Army executes within the strategic, operational and tactical levels of warfare.
Agreements now exist to label joint observations using the labeling system in the Blueprint. What's relevant about this for you is that, for the first time, observations and issues entered into evolving databases will be standardized. This not only serves to make it easier for subject matter experts to properly categorize their observations for entry into the database, but it also facilitates subsequent retrieval for utilization by analysts.
For example, CALL's early involvement with the planners of the Louisiana Maneuvers (LAM) led to the adoption of this Blueprint architecture. By providing a structured, standardized database for utilization in the exercise collection and analysis of the mandated departmental and warfighting issues, CALL facilitated the ability of decisionmakers to quickly utilize lessons emanating from LAM exercises.
The successful use of The Blueprint with LAM exercised resulted in its application to CTC warfighting observations as well as observations from real world missions, such as Humanitarian Assistance in Operation RESTORE HOPE.
As this database innovation comes completely "on line," you'll be able to tap into this information to meet anticipated requirements in preparing yourself and your unit for the missions you expect to execute.
As these developments turn into reality in the near future, CALL will announce the capabilities to the Total Army.
Table
of Contents
Section
IV - When a Combined Arms Assessment Team (CAAT) Shows Up on Your Doorstep
. . .
Appendix
A
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