Military Intelligence Professional Bulletin - Federation of American ...

The value of an organic WIT capability within the BCT
has finally caught on. At present, there are typically
a few seats in each class that aren’t filled by those
deploying to support one of the CIED TFs downrange.
Those seats are offered to deploying units,
the only cost to units is the TDY for their Soldiers. In
the past two years, we have trained teams from the
82 nd Airborne Division, 10 th Mountain Division, 25 th
Infantry Division, 4 th Infantry Division, 1 st Cavalry
Division, and many others.
Secondly, equipment issued to the teams is not
currently in the Army supply system. USAIC is
diligently working to identify equipment requirements
and establish a TECHINT Kit as a program
of record so that units can order it as a major enditem
through the standard Army supply system.
Additionally, each component of the kit will have its
own national stock number so that it can be easily
replaced. Over the last year we’ve been working
with experts in the fields of forensics, law enforcement,
intelligence, and site exploitation (as well as
the associated industries) to assemble a better tool
kit for the teams. The intent was to make the kits
as light and easily transportable as possible while
still equipping the teams with the necessary tools
for the job. Currently, the price of each kit has
dropped by almost fifty percent. Keeping cost low
was a huge consideration while designing a kit so
that units could afford it without having to sacrifice
other needed equipment.
Lastly, the WIT does not have assigned MOSs, and
likely will never be assigned them. It does, however,
fit the model for an additional skill identifier (ASI).
USAIC has begun the process for the creation and
trAInInG tHE COrPs
award of an ASI to Soldiers trained as WIT members.
Having a WIT ASI will allow the Army to recognize
Soldiers who have graduated from this unique
training, and also allow the Army to assign Soldiers
against WIT coded positions in the future based on
this ASI. With the ASI approved and WIT authorizations
determined for the BCT, it should be a simple
process to assign the right Soldier to the right job.
Conclusion
We are excited about the future of the Weapons
Intelligence program. Recently completed construction
of two specially designed weapons ranges allow
us to conduct live explosives demonstrations
for training purposes. These ranges add realism
to the training and expose students to the realities
of IEDs on a practical level. Additionally, we
will teach the next course in a newly renovated
Weapons Intelligence Compound separated from
other USAIC instructional facilities. This new compound
will allow us to train all WIT students to a
higher standard in a consolidated and secure atmosphere.
We’ve spent the last eighteen months
updating the training curriculum to ensure it remains
relevant to the CIED fight and WTI needs
of the Warfighter. The course is ready to train and
equip the best WITs in the world. Our staff of instructors
are dedicated to this mission and united
in providing the most professional, realistic, and
relevant training possible.
Major Chris Britt is the Course Manager for the Joint Weapons
Intelligence Course. He has served as a Platoon Leader,
Company Executive Officer, Company Commander, Brigade
S6, and ISR Operations Officer.
April - June 2009 55