Military

IDTC - Basic Phase Training

The basic phase of training begins when the ship starts the planned depot level maintenance availability; it ends when unit level training is complete and the ship is ready to proceed with tactical integration with the air wing (intermediate level training). It is assumed that the ship will have heavy personnel turnover after deployment and that the prolonged inport period will permit extensive individual and team training at fleet schools. The great majority of schools will be attended during the repair period, so that new crew members can be trained and perishable skills of experienced crew members can be refreshed before the ship returns to sea.

During the early part of the basic phase, training is focused on the individual. Classroom training is gradually augmented by team trainers and shipboard exercises during the latter part of the repair availability. As the ship prepares for and conducts sea trials (nominally five days), training exercises and events become oriented toward completing final PQS qualifications, re establishing the basic level of proficiency in underway evolutions, completing ship certifications and enhancing the effectiveness of the ship's training teams. The ships training teams are the cornerstone of the ships ability to train during the IDTC and throughout the deployment.

The next set of milestones in the basic phase is a series of Tailored Ship's Training Availabilities (TSTAs), conducted under ISIC supervision by the Afloat Training Group. The specific focus of each TSTA is described in detail below. The purpose of TSTAs is not merely to give the crew a solid foundation of unit level operating proficiency, but also to develop or enhance the ship's ability to self train following completion of the basic phase. In addition to working with and through the ship's training teams to conduct exercises, the ATG will include as part of each TSTA an assessment of the ship's ongoing training and PQS programs. By the start of TSTA I, the ship should already have PQS qualified Condition I and III watch teams, manned to the maximum extent practicable with crew members who will remain onboard for the deployment. The air wing is embarked to conduct carrier qualifications, receive training in vital shipboard survival and damage control skills, and to help the ship complete training exercises which require air services. Although training is focused at the unit level, the ship and air wing integration effort begins during this period and each at sea period should be utilized to build proficiency in the flight deck operations, basic Case I, II, and III operations around the carrier, and search and rescue operations, including rescue planning coordination and mishap reporting procedures which allow for a smooth transition to the intermediate phase.

Throughout the basic phase, team trainers and inport training devices play a key role in developing the ship's operating proficiency. Maximizing use of these devices saves operating funds and gives the crew a head start in preparing for battle group operations. Inport periods throughout the basic phase should be used to qualify team members and to refine and develop drill guides and scenarios.