Photo By KRISTA RAYFORD | Observer Coach Trainers utilize iPads to record their observations, access reference...... read more read more
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, Calif., June 16, 2016 – Structures are built, U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers don their gear, role players are costumed, vehicles are fueled and Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX) 91-16-02 is in full swing at Fort Hunter Liggett, California. As the largest U.S. Army Reserve training exercise, CSTX 91-16-02 provides Soldiers with unique opportunities to sharpen their technical and tactical skills in combat-like conditions.
Units operate in a field environment and carry out missions that present them with challenging individual and collective tasks, while being mentored and educated Observer Coach Trainers (OCTs). These officers and noncommissioned officers are also Soldiers, many of whom have the same career field as the units they are working with, and have been equipped with a familiar piece of technology to make this process as efficient as possible: An iPad.
“We take the iPads and download all of the necessary documents, to include the unit’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) and fillable forms so that the OCTs are equipped in the field,” said Sgt. Hector Hood, information systems specialist, Headquarters Headquarters Troop, 4th Calvary Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky.
Once OCTs have all of the information they need, they work with units on a variety of missions where the unit’s Soldiers demonstrate their skills and abilities. This is where documentation begins and these iPads, which were first introduced to the Army in 2013, allow the OCTs to record notes and visually document training.
“It’s equipped with a camera, enabling the OCTs to provide photos that show key elements of training to unit commanders,” said Hood. “This makes the process much more efficient, lessens confusion and provides concrete imagery from the exercise.”
By understanding commander’s training objectives, the OCTs can adequately evaluate units in their areas of work. In addition, the use of the iPad is much easier to carry compared to a large binder full of information about the mission, such as how it’s supposed to run, projected outcomes, etc.
“These tablets are smaller, lighter and more portable,” said Sgt. 1st Class David Hamilton, OCT, 4th Calvary Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky. “In everything that we do, this is the easiest way we can effectively train Soldiers for their future combat missions.”
While connectivity can be tricky, given the areas in which Soldiers train, the Army ensures that the devices will always be operational.
“Even though all documents are preloaded and able to be filled, it is wirelessly enabled when it comes time for it to be uploaded and sent up the chain of command,” said Hood. “We provide wireless routers so that there is no single point of failure.”
The iPad and its technological capabilities is one way that the U.S. Army Reserve is helping to move its forces in the right direction.
“By adding the iPad to this process, it gives our OCTs the upper hand, especially in effectively training the troops,” said Hood.
The iPads will be used all throughout this three-week exercise by OCTs as a training aide, simplifying the process of developing and communicating feedback during CSTX 91-16-02, as well as maximizing the impact of training these U.S. Army Reserve Soldiers.
| Date Taken: | 06.16.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 06.18.2016 15:51 |
| Story ID: | 201695 |
| Location: | FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, US |
| Web Views: | 66 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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