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I have served at the National Training Center for nearly two years. I first worked as the division air defense officer and now work as a brigade-level observer coach/ trainer (OC/T). The leadership in rotational unit air defense airspace management/brigade aviation element (ADAM/BAE) cells often ask my team what they can do to best prepare for NTC. Below are descriptions of common challenges ADAM/BAE cells face at NTC and suggestions for meeting these challenges in an effective manner.
Plan for mission command node transitions
During NTC rotations, most ADAM/ BAE cells competently manage airspace and conduct air defense operations from the brigade combat team's (BCT's) main command post, formerly known as the tactical operation center. However, transitions between mission command nodes pose problems for many units. ADAM/ BAE cells frequently fail to identify personnel who will conduct operations from the BCT's tactical command post, or TAC, and additionally fail to identify the equipment that these individuals will utilize. When the main command post of an unprepared unit jumps and the TAC "has the fight," air defense and airspace management capabilities are significantly degraded or nonexistent.
Consider the following in developing a plan for TAC operations and mission command node transitions:
* Is the individual slated to lead ADAM/ BAE operations at the TAC self-starting, motivated and capable of advocating for cell concerns with the BCT's most senior leadership in a tactically sound, effective manner?
* Will the TAC move with a tactical internet capability that will enable the use of an air picture on a Tactical Airspace Integration System (TAIS) or Air and Missile Defense Workstation (AMDWS) through Joint Range Extension Application Protocol C?
* If not, is the individual at the TAC trained and proficient in analog tracking methodologies?
* Are very high frequency radio nets clearly identified for air defense and airspace management?
* Are VHF radio operations clearly understood and rehearsed?
* Is there a redundant communications plan in place at the TAC that effectively utilizes different backbones? For example, Transverse and Voice Over Secure IP both use the tactical internet backbone, and should not be used in the same primary alternate contingency emergency plan.
* What is the plan to validate and exercise equipment at the TAC prior to roll-out?
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