Training While at Sea
Every organization serious about fielding skilled employees takes steps to ensure that skills are kept fresh. The US Navy has recently instituted a new type of training that aims to maintain combat readiness while officers and sailors are deployed — generally for six months at a stretch. The program is described in an article by Lt. Cdrs. Mark Hendrickson and Seth Walthers, USN, in the November 2006 issue of the Proceedings of the US Naval Institute.As a Navy brat, I'm always interested in reports of how the Navy handles training — previous posts on the subject are here and here — and this latest story is no exception. Not only do we have a case study of how to handle on-the-job training, but we are also provided with a rich example of how to use realistic scenarios as the basis for such training.
The scenarios are designed in a way that ensures they address three primary training objectives:
- Resource allocation — E.g., how to use an aircraft carrier's jet fighters and helicopters in a scenario involving several simultaneous threats.
- Warfare commander integration — The officers in charge of the various tactical operations centers in a strike group need to coordinate effectively.
- Decision-making — Emphasis is on making sound decisions under pressure concerning use of resources and correct application of the rules of engagement.
- situational awareness
- warfare commander coordination
- prioritization
- decision/action
- follow up
Hendrickson and Walthers cite four keys to success:
- A well-developed script for the exercise.
- Giving staff and Tactical Action Officers — the people most familiar with details of the scenarios relevant for training — primacy in setting specific training objectives and in developing the scenarios
- Active involvement by officers in managing the exercise while it is unfolding.
- A comprehensive debrief. Ideally, a new exercise is held in about two weeks in order to build on lessons learned while they are still fresh.
Labels: Military training, Simulation
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