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H-1. Strength: Unity of command from battalion to company level.

H-2. Discussion/Observation: All leaders interviewed reported that an open channel of communication exists up and down the chain of command. Subordinate commanders feel they can freely voice their opinion and that their input has been welcomed by the battalion commander. An excellent example occurred during a recent field problem. The battalion commander made a decision not to move the unit because of the assessed dangers posed by deteriorating weather conditions. Although the brigade commander questioned the decision, he accepted the merit upon which the decision was made and, in turn, supported it.

H-3. METL/Task Affected: All.

H-4. Readiness Factors: All.

H-5. Recommended Actions: None.

H-1. Problem: Shortage of operator and maintenance technical manuals.

H-2. Discussion/Observation: During individual discussions with maintenance personnel from three companies, all indicated that they were critically short of technical manuals and that orders submitted had provided no relief. Research into the order chain revealed that two companies had valid requisitions for manuals while one company had no requisitions on file. According to the battalion publications representative, it usually takes a minimum of three months to begin to receive manuals from a particular order. A review of the 31 Aug 92 DA Form 4569 and DA Form 17 revealed that numerous technical manuals were ordered prior to August 25, 1992 (as evidenced by the publications requisition forms on file in the motor pool office), but had not been received as of 17 November. The majority of manuals on hand were either out of date or incomplete. Available technical manuals were not being used during observed vehicular service. When asked why, one soldier stated that he had been taught this procedure in AIT and didn't need the manual. He later admitted that this was only the second time he had performed this procedure since AIT. There was no leader action to ensure manuals were used.

H-3. METL/Task Affected: Support.

H-4. Readiness Factors:

• Support: Do not receive supply support needed to perform job tasks to standard.
• Leader: Not requiring subordinates to perform to standard.
• Individual: Overconfidence (i.e., relying on memory to perform vehicular service rather than using available technical manual).

H-5. Recommended Actions: Determine source of problem, whether generated here or at pinpoint distribution system, and intervene to obtain needed manuals ASAP. In the interim, canvas area for possible cross-leveling to fill shortages.

H-1. Problem: Lack of NCO ownership of the Safety Program.

H-2. Discussion: There is significant command emphasis on safety, with the proper focus on high risk areas (e.g., ground guiding, safety belts and use of protective gear). This high level of concern starts at division headquarters and is evident throughout battalion command. However, in spite of this emphasis, NCOs were observed not enforcing standards and their knowledge of safety standards was low. Their lack of knowledge is validated by scores on the "NTC Readiness and Operational Safety Quiz," and through several discussions with NCOs who, when asked specific questions regarding standards, did not know the correct responses.

H-3. METL Tasks Affected: All, especially the CSS tasks where soldiers are required to work with less supervision.

H-4. Readiness Factors:

• Leader: Not enforcing known standards.
• Training: NCO leadership cannot enforce standards if they don't know the standards.

H-5. Recommendations:

• Continue same level of command safety emphasis.
• Allocate more responsibility and authority to NCO chain of command to develop and implement safety programs/initiatives.
• Make the brigade and battalion sergeants major the Safety NCOs for the command.
• Give the safety NCOs the requirement to develop safety performance-oriented training (i.e., safety stakes using "each one teach one" technique during team training). Safety should focus on known high risk or weak areas.
• Have NCOs integrate this training into their team training.
• Safety certify all NCOs. Test knowledge of standards, procedures, and guidance with METL focus.

H-1. Strength: Leader Certification Program.

H-2. Discussion:

• FY93 division training guidance includes a leader certification program. This appears to be an outstanding program.
• 1st Brigade 2d Qtr FY93 training guidance includes the objective of certifying all leaders by means of such programs at battalion andcompany levels.

H-3. METL/Tasks Affected: All.

H-4. Readiness Factor: The Leader Certification Program will ensure leaders have the technical knowledge and experience to be effective leaders.

H-5. Recommendations:

• Expand 1st Brigade leader certification program to include METL safety knowledge and skill requirements.
• Include risk management skills in the leader certification process.
• Consider implementing a written exam on safety policy, guidance and procedures.

Appendix G

Appendix I