JULY 2011

Preparing and training your soldiers to win the First Battle of the next war is what the CCTT Site was developed and staffed to do. Every Leader in the chain of command has this goal as a primary responsibility.

The CCTT Site Staff is here to assist the training unit in the accomplishment of their training objectives. This is your training facility and we will do all in our power to ensure that the CCTT Site is prepared for training when you walk in the door. Training the soldier is our FIRST PRIORITY. If you feel that anyone at this Site has lost sight of that, please discuss it with me.

David Eby
CCTT INSTALLATION MANAGER

INTRODUCTION

The Fort Carson CCTT Site is located at 2135 Khe Sanh Street.
The Site Manager can be reached at (719) 226-7804/7806. Scheduled training can be coordinated with the OPS Manager by calling (719) 524-3568 or (719) 226-7804/7806.

The intent of this User's Guide is to assist unit trainers and leaders in preparing to train at the Close Combat Tactical Trainer Site. Our mission is to facilitate your training. CCTT does that through the integration of virtual simulation into the commander's training strategy. Simulation allows us to create scenarios over varied terrain, on which the soldier can move, shoot and communicate. The CCTT Staff can create the BLUFOR and OPFOR vehicles, artillery, aircraft and support required for warfare. CCTT trains soldiers on unit collective tasks in a realistic synthetic environment, but NOTHING HAPPENS UNTIL A SOLDIER MAKES IT HAPPEN! Your Tank, Bradley, M113, or BFIST will not move until the soldier starts it up, puts it in gear, and drives. Your vehicle weapon systems will not shoot until the soldier selects and loads the ammunition, lays the gun, and pulls the trigger. Your vehicle will run out of fuel and can't move until the soldier refuels. If the soldier can't navigate you're lost and finally, if the soldier is not as skillful in the Art of War as the OPFOR is, then YOU DIE.

We learn through practice and by repetition. CCTT facilitates repetitious execution of gate based structured battle exercises. We learn from this and the more battles we participate in the more we hone necessary war fighting skills. We can facilitate your training so you can train your soldiers to the point where they react instinctively to the situations encountered on the battlefield. Repetitive training in combat situations develops instinctive reactions.

The User's Guide contains guidance on using the Close Combat Tactical Trainer; explains the procedures for scheduling; provides a list of available equipment; spells out the coordination procedures; lists the available Training Support Packages; and discusses the development of unit training.

SECTION I

TRAINING GUIDANCE

The III Corps strategy outlined in FH Regulation 350-1 and Fort Carson/Strategy outlined in FC Regulation 350-1 establishes a CCTT Gate. Before executing live training units should train on CCTT. The CCTT Gate is for each Company/Team to successfully complete the III Corps standard combined arms training exercise semi-annually.

CCTT Quarterly Priority For Use is to units in the following categories:

• Deploying units
• NTC bound units
• Green cycle units
• Amber cycle units
• Red cycle units

CCTT is used prior to live field training by all Armor, Mechanized Infantry, and Cavalry units. Units can rehearse the field training exercise using one of the available terrain Databases: NTC, Germany, Ft. Hood or Kosovo.

CCTT is used to rehearse Lane Training Exercises in prep for unit execution of Table X, XII and Cavalry Table XIII on the Range.

CCTT is used prior to NTC rotation. Units can rehearse against OPFOR scenarios using the NTC Terrain Database. CCTT can also be used to fight Key Battles highlighted in the NTC take home packets.

Units training at CCTT will adhere to III Corps and Ft. Carson's guidance as follows:

• Use the Eight-Step Training Model.
  
  
• Use Troop Leading Procedures to include:
  • Warning Order
  • Reconnaissance
  • Issue Order
  • Rock Drill
    
    
• The training unit must provide an Observer Controller (OC).
  • For Co/Team training, it should be a Field Grade Officer.
  • For Platoon training, it should be either a Captain or Senior Noncommissioned Officer (SFC or higher).
    
    
• When Mechanized Infantry Units conduct training at CCTT, the Dismounted Infantry Squad Leader must participate.
  
  
• CCTT has 54 TRADOC developed off-the-shelf Training Support Packages available. The TSP's focus on fundamentals that if mastered equate to success in combat. TSP's are numbered from 1-5 which indicates the proficiency required (lower numbers are easier exercises). Also, each numbered exercise can be modified for difficulty ranging from novice to competent to marksman. Units should start training with the lower numbered exercises and move to the higher numbered exercises as they gain proficiency. The exception to this is units preparing for NTC rotation, in which case the rehearsals should focus on the more difficult exercises. Additionally, all TSP's can be modified to meet a unit commander's training requirements. Coordination for modifying TSP's must occur NLT 14 days prior to the start of training. Section V of this User's Guide provides a complete listing of available TSP's.
  
  
• Unit commanders may develop their own training exercises based on the assessment and training needs of the unit. CCTT is prepared to assist in making this happen. Section VI of this User's Guide provides more information on this process.

When coordinating CCTT usage, units should schedule training for a MINIMUM period encompassing two days. Keeping in mind that the Army trains to standard and not time, the rational for a minimum two day training session at CCTT allows for briefings, orientation, and train-up to occur (conforms to the crawl, walk, run model). Ideally, the preferred training session at CCTT should be five sequential days of unit training. This recommendation is based on years of experience observing unit training at CCTT. It provides the time to permit repetitious execution and allows for optimum learning and growth to occur.

SECTION II

SCHEDULING TRAINING

The Close Combat Tactical Trainer Site at Fort Carson is under the control and direction of the Battle Command Training Division (BCTD). Usage of the CCTT Site is accomplished by calling the CCTT OPS Manager. A unit has to coordinate the training dates and the types and number of modules required.

Once units have scheduled the training dates and coordinated with the CCTT Site on the type of training that the unit commander wants to conduct. Additionally, units can coordinate for opportunity training sessions by calling Rodney Thomas at (719) 524-3568 or (719) 226-7804/7806. There will be occasions when the CCTT Site has vacancies for platoon size training to occur.

If a unit cancels regularly scheduled training prior to the 30-day window of the scheduled date, they will not be charged with a 'no show'. However, if a unit cancels regularly scheduled training within the 30-day window of the scheduled date, or fails to show up for training on the scheduled date, then they are a 'no show'. All 'no shows' for regularly scheduled training are reported to the Ft. Carson BCTD. 'No shows' do not apply to Opportunity Training.

SECTION III

AVAILABLE SIMULATORS AND WORKSTATIONS

The Fort Carson CCTT Site consists of one virtual simulation-Training facility (located in BLDG. 2135). The facility contains the following simulator modules:

In addition to the above listed simulators, each CCTT facility has the following Battlefield Operating System (BOS) Workstations, to support Combined Arms training available:

• 1 - FSE (Fire Support Element) workstation
• 1 - CES (Combat Engineer Support) workstation
• 2 - FDC (Fire Direction Center) Mortar workstation
• 1 - FABTOC (FA Battalion Tactical Operation Center) workstation
• 1 - UMCP (Unit Maintenance Collection Point) workstation
• 1 - CTCP (Combat Trains Command Post) workstation
• 1 - TACP (Tactical Air Control Party) workstation

This user's Guide provides a listing of TSP's and workstations that support unit training requirements. The only limitation is that the system will only support operating 8 workstations.

The facility has five After Action Review workstations, which will give the Fort Carson CCTT Site the capability to conduct 5 platoon size exercises simultaneously with each exercise independent of each other, when the site is fully operational. Each AAR workstation consists of three STEALTH monitors, a Plan View Display (PVD) and four SINGARS radio face plates, plus a 37" monitor, which is used to display the PVD during the conduct of after-action reviews.

The Fort Carson CCTT Site is a unit maneuver trainer designed to train Platoons and Company/Teams. CCTT will also have the added capabilities to conduct Battalion/Task Force training exercises. First, CCTT can train a Battalion/Task Forces, using Computer-Generated Forces (CGF's) to augment the manned simulators. There are ten Semi-Automated Forces (SAF) workstations available at each facility to control these Computer-Generated Forces. The SAF workstations create Computer-Generated Forces that shoot, move, communicate and kill and can be killed by manned simulators, as well as, other CGF's. These SAF workstations create BLUFOR, as well as, OPFOR vehicles and equipment. Second, CCTT can train a Battalion/Task Force with all modules manned.

SECTION IV

TRAINING SUPPORT PACKAGE COORDINATION

Early coordination with the CCTT Site is encouraged. Contact the OPS Manager at (719) 524-3568.

Unit planning for the use of CCTT should begin at the 120-day window, but not later than 30 days prior to the scheduled training date. Normally, the CCTT Staff will conduct an OPD and/or NCOPD class for the unit prior to conducting the detailed planning for the scheduled unit training. These classes provide the unit leadership with an orientation that includes an overview of the CCTT system, a close look at the simulators (modules) and an opportunity to get familiar with the CCTT Site layout.

During the initial coordination visit with the Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager, units define the commander's intent, area of operation, timelines, schedules, and specific requirements. This is particularly important if the unit desires CCTT to build an exercise for training. The CCTT Staff will explain and attempt to answer all unit concerns. When the unit representative is satisfied that all required items have been discussed and the selected exercise meets the unit's training objectives, he signs the unit coordination sheet with the Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager.

The Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager maintains a unit exercise binder for each training unit at the CCTT Site. This unit exercise binder will contain all of the coordination papers; a copy of the OPORD, OVERLAY, GRAPHICS; and other material provided by the unit. This material is retained at the Site for two months. Units desiring to retain these records for longer periods must coordinate with the Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager.

The Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager will attempt to assist the unit in every possible manner to ensure that the selected exercises meet the commander's training objectives. The CCTT staff will incorporate all requested changes into the exercises up to 14 days prior to the training start date. No exercise changes will be accepted after the 14-day mark, unless the CCTT Site Manager on an exceptional basis approves them. Last minute changes cause delays in the start of training. When we create an exercise file there are many variables that have to be included. For example, one of those variables is the radio frequency assigned to each vehicle. Sounds simple and uncomplicated. Yet, if the task organization is changed at the last minute, we have to enter the exercise file and change the radio frequencies for all vehicles, which is a lengthy and time-consuming process. This is just one of the many variables that go into the construction of an exercise. Therefore, changes to an exercise will only be accepted up to 14 days prior to the training start date. PLAN YOUR WORK, WORK YOUR PLAN.

The unit's first day of training consists of mandatory briefings on the facility, the manned modules, the AAR, the workstations, and Safety. Units that have not received an Orientation exercise in the last 180 days must conduct one IAW established usage criteria before training on the CCTT modules. If unit personnel have not received this part of the training, they can not participate in the subsequent training.

The operating hours at the CCTT Site (Carson) are 0730-1630 hours. These hours can be modified to meet the training times desired by the unit with prior coordination

SECTION V

AVAILABLE TRAINING SUPPORT PACKAGES

Structured training is deliberately designed so that certain events, sequence of events, or cues occur to cause performance of particular tasks, subtasks, or actions and re-actions. Structured training for a task force, company/team, or platoon is accomplished through pre-established operation orders, control of subordinate and supporting element activities within specific guidelines, scripted message traffic (which keeps the unit within a prescribed tactical context), and AAR observation forms which focus on actions dictated by exercise flow.

A key feature of structured training is the concept of turnkey training. In turnkey training, the unit receives all required planning and preparations material prior to the scheduled training start date. These advance issued materials include; operation orders, overlay with graphics; table summaries, and other read ahead material (unit must make their own copies). In turnkey training, the unit schedules the training, conducts coordination with the site, receives and uses the advance issued materials, initiates planning and preparation, conducts troop-leading procedures to include rehearsals, arrives at the site, executes mission(s), conducts training, and receives structured feedback.

Each mission contains a variety of exercise tables. Tables are designed to support the crawl, walk, run training model. As a unit progresses in a specific table, the tasks become increasingly more difficult. At the conclusion of the exercise, the unit can repeat the exercise, increase the difficulty of the table being used, or advance to the next table. At the company/team and platoon level, each mission is divided into tables. Completion of each table lasts approximately 2-3 hours: (thirty minutes for exercise preparation, 1-2 hours for execution, and thirty minutes for
AAR). Tables should be executed in number of sequence, but may be executed independently.

This User's Guide outline the various Training Support Package (TSP) exercises we have available at the CCTT Site. The table naming convention at the bottom of page 12 illustrates what the letters and numbers of each TSP represent. Additionally, we also outline the supporting workstation requirements for each exercise. Manning of these workstations is the training unit's responsibility. A recommended grade structure requirement for each workstation is included in the Unit Packet that is issued to the training unit. Of particular note is the requirement that the FABTOC operator is AAFADS qualified.

Table Status As of 14 Sep 99

Table Naming Convention

Table Designator:

Examples: PAF1D = Platoon, Armor, Fundamental, Table 1, Day
PMD4F = Platoon, Mech, Defense in Sector, Table 4, Fog
TCM2 = Troop, Cavalry, Movement to Contact, Table 2

SECTION VI

TRAINING DEVELOPMENT

Units should contact the CCTT Site within 90 days of the scheduled training start date. The OPS Manager will schedule an OPD and NCOPD. At the same time, they will schedule the initial coordination meeting.

After the initial coordination meeting, the OPS Manager will assist you in developing your exercise and provide you all the information to conduct the planning and coordination of the training. Additionally, you will receive the read-ahead packet on any TSP exercises you selected.

The commander conducts his training assessment, develops the training objectives, selects the TSP exercises, and coordinates with the supporting slice elements (Artillery, Engineers, Maintenance and Supply). Prior to the 14-day window, he meets with the Exercise Coordinator (EC) and schedules the unit and supporting slice element training. Sometime between the 30 and 14-day window, the commander previews and approves the selected TSP exercises and makes copies of required documents (Operations order, Overlay with graphics, and read-ahead packets for the workstations).

Units not wanting to use an off-the-shelf TSP can develop their own exercise using the Unit Planning Packet obtained during the initial coordination meeting. The Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager will assist you in the development of the exercise.

No later than thirty days prior to the scheduled training start date the unit returns the Unit Planning Packet along with any requested modifications to the EC. Thirty days is the minimum time necessary for applying changes and developing the unit requested training exercise. The Lead Simulation Technician/OPS Manager will then develop your exercise file based on the requested modifications and will maintain contact with the unit during the development process. If there are problems with the exercise, the unit will be asked for a resolution. Once the exercise file is completed and approved, the unit will review it. When this process is completed No further changes are made within the fourteen-day window prior to the scheduled training start date.

SECTION VII

OPPORTUNITY TRAINING

1. CCTT is available for Opportunity Training. The definition of Opportunity Training is taking advantage of times and dates within the 14-day window when CCTT is not fully utilized. There are many occasions when CCTT is not fully utilized. This presents opportunities for platoon training to occur.
   
   
2. Normally, CCTT is scheduled through the OPS Manager. The POC for scheduling CCTT is
   Rodney Thomas  (719) 524-3568
   Email: RThomas@vt-lccs.org
   Download Scheduling Request memo (PDF)                                                                
   

• Check the schedules for available Modules and AAR rooms (coordination must occur 1 day prior to the desired training start date). Coordination with the CCTT Site for Opportunity Training can be accomplished by telephone.
• Contact the CCTT Site:
  Carson Facility TJ Hill at (719) 524-3628/3610
• Confirm Module and AAR Room availability.
• Select a TSP and accept the existing OPORD, Overlays, and graphics.
• Selection of the Terrain Database is dependent on the selected TSP.
• Schedule the Opportunity Training, arrive at the Site as coordinated, receive a Safety briefing and commence training.