Photo By Sgt. Joe Padula | The leaders of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division, (Air Assault)...... read more read more
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FORT CAMPBELL, KY — Gen. Dwight David Eisenhower said, "In preparing for battle I have always found that plans are useless, but planning is indispensable."
The right planning for battle is what helps bring a successful outcome any mission and the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division is setting itself up for success by preparing its leadership and staff for its upcoming deployment to Afghanistan early in the summer by participating in a Battle Command Seminar at the Kinnard Battle Command Training Center.
The Battle Command Seminar is a discussion group designed to provide comprehensive deliberations to all brigade combat teams for their deployments. The Strike Brigade recently received its orders to take over an area of operation within the Afghan borders and during the four-day seminar, began planning by focusing on future counter insurgency operations, also known as COIN.
Col. Arthur Kandarian, 2nd BCT commander, started the training by discussing his unit's training path, key objectives and focused on what the group's attention was going to be geared toward during the seminar, preparing for their mission to Afghanistan.
"It is now a requirement for all brigade combat teams to go through the COIN seminar and it's important for our leaders to be more informed on how to fight counter insurgency," said Kandarian. "The counter insurgency fight is the hardest fight."
Each day scheduled different training sessions encompassing many different aspects dealing with the Afghan front. The sessions briefed about International Security Assistance Force and North Atlantic Treaty Organization missions, human terrain teams, advisory and partnering roles with local officials and the Afghan National Police, historical, cultural perspectives, geographical expectations as well as many other specific missions that will soon be involving the Strike Brigade.
"Training Afghan National Security Forces is going be absolutely paramount and securing the local populace is must," said Kandarian. "The seminar's law enforcement officials bring a great deal of background and experience that will help us train Afghan National Police."
Presenters of each specific course contributed to the working groups by sharing previous experiences and exploring subject matter that may be unfamiliar to the class made up of the leaders of the 2nd BCT. Along with the vast information provided, the wide ranges of presenters are a key impact to the effectiveness of the course's intentions. The opportunity to interact with each of the agency representatives also brings information directly to those who will be using it.
"The most important lesson my company will receive from this seminar is what we have learned about the land and terrain we will eventually be operating in," said Capt. L.B. Lockley, commander, Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 2nd BCT. "And now because of this seminar we as a company can properly prepare for what awaits us."
Other subjects covered in the workshops involve intelligence operations and long range planning. Lt. Col. Thomas Hipskind, a logistics and funding mentor with the Battle Command Training Program, is a director whom facilitated discussions on one of the workshops and promotes productive conversations during the seminar.
"The strength of each workshop comes from cross talk among peers and sharing of ideas based on past and current unit experiences in the field," said Hipskind, who is also the seminar's functions chief. "We try not to focus too much on techniques and tactics and procedures, but more of a holistic approach on countering insurgency."
With the Strike Brigade continuing on its training schedule, the COIN seminar is a source of training needed to be completed to properly prepare for today's battles.
"COIN is the stage setter on our training path that provides a great framework and understanding of counter insurgency operations," said Kandarian. "It is a great force and function to have all of the leaders of the Strike Brigade in one room and discuss how we will fight in our next deployment."
The dialogue of counter insurgency discussions amongst the trainers and the brigade's leaders resulted in many questions answered and reassured much uncertainty. When knowledge is being generated by all in the room and not just the instructors, is a sure sign the 2nd BCT is planning for success.
"We know a unit is on the path to success when we see unit leaders engage briefers with challenging questions and watch as they work out solutions to problems before heading downrange," said Col. Tony Deane, BCTP operations chief. "This makes our time here rewarding and well spent."
| Date Taken: | 01.13.2010 |
| Date Posted: | 01.13.2010 13:48 |
| Story ID: | 43777 |
| Location: | FORT CAMPBELL, US |
| Web Views: | 577 |
| Downloads: | 451 |
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