New Mexico Minuteman - Spring 2012 - Keep Trees

Sinai, Egypt. Although these tasks were
taught in a classroom, CATC instructors
combined like tasks into a culminating
practical exercise. Soldiers and leaders
learned from one another and what was
expected of them in a combat simulated
environment. Nothing beats scenariobased
training involving everyone.This
proved true for units who rotated through
the Pre-mobilization Training Assistance
Element cycle with CATC. The leaders
and Soldiers worked out “bugs” instead of
having to figure things out in real combat.
Instructional changes are under way in
several directions. We currently have two
Level IV Modern Army Combatives Program
certified instructors making changes to the
Levels I and II MACP courses because
of lessons learned from Soldiers who
adapted or fell short in real-world
close conflict. The instructors
are taking the program to the next level
by incorporating restraint, detainment and
using teamwork to finish the fight when in
full kit within confined or open spaces.
What was once compartmentalized
training has become combined training,
which works to instill confidence, aggressiveness,
control and professionalism.
Urban Operations is combining with mobility
to have Soldiers and Airmen capable
of operating in peacekeeping operations
and state emergency response as well
as combat. Soldiers and Airmen must
understand the constraints needed in a
peacekeeping operation, but they need to
be prepared for any escalation to a deadly
encounter.
Leadership development will be CTU’s
priority focus so that platoon leaders can
take back to their units training plans that
closely reflect what every other unit in the
state is doing. Then, when units come
together on a mission, they’ll integrate
easily.
Finally, the plan is to integrate a unit’s
Mission Essential Task List /Civil Support
Task List into training cycles to fulfill annual
training requirements. Units can easily
make the connection between mission and
training.
Realistic training is a lifelong journey.
Troops must continually prepare for a
changing environment and learn from
those who got it right and those who didn’t.
CTU can help that ongoing education.
Contact G-3 to secure your block on the
yearly training calendar for drill and annual
training.