Observer Controller Trainer (OC/T) Course is conducted by Medical Readiness and Training Command (MRTC) at Fort Gordon, GA for a week.
The course is designed to provide basic information for a soldier to be a successful OC/T in support of collective training events and assist commanders in the evaluation of unit Mission essential Tasks (MET)
OC/T Course
Course Objectives
- Understand the Arm Reserve Collective training Exercise Program (CTEP)
- Roles & responsibilities of OC/T
- Finding and verifying the unit CTOs
- Using MSEL and METL to assess the training unit
- Controlling injections
- Conduct AARs
- Coordinate with the Effects Cell
- Understanding the Common Operating Picture (COP) of the Exercise
- Use the Deliberate Risk Assessment tool to bring out lessons for the training unit
- Collect valuable Observations or Lessons of Opportunity
- Documenting Observations and AAR’s
Instructors
All the instructors are very knowledgeable and expert OCTs bringing in a wealth of knowledge from their past OCT experiences.
- Allen Smith,
- MAJ Jocelyn Begazoleon
- SGM Guy Iampietro
- CPT Angel Jones
- SSG Melissa Galloway
My experience
I was registered for the course through ATRRS by my Training NCO. I belong to the 7301st Medical Training Support Battalion under Medical Readiness and Training Command (MRTC). I received the orders a couple of days prior to the Report date due to COVID funding issues. Fortunately the Unit’s DTS admin was on top of it and sent us the guidance on creating a voucher in DTS, scheduling the flights, hotel and rental car (for some). I flew out on Sunday (the day before the training start date). Our Supply NCO was also attending the training so it was nice enough of him to give us a ride to the hotel. I stayed at the Holiday Inn which was 20 min from the Training site in Fort Gordon. Few of us received a rental car so we were able to car pool. Some stayed at other hotels. The training was short and sweet. Days were really busy. Lots of training done through Powerpoint slides, Practical Exercises and the Cadre sharing their experiences from previous OCT missions. Trainees were from 7301st (Fort Dix) and 7303rd (Fort Gordon). There were about 16 attendees. There was a lot to learn in such a short period of time. It may be easy to assume that being an OCT is easy as the Units being observed are doing the work and you are just observing them but once you get in to the weeds, you will begin to appreciate the complexities and what it takes to do good observations that can actually help the Commanders identify training shortfalls and improve the efficiency of their units. It didn’t appear to be an easy task to be an OCT and the training laid out the importance of the role of OCTs.
During the evenings, we dined out together as a group exploring restaurants in Augusta, GA. It was nice to spend time with everyone and getting to know each other. We dined out at Thai Kitchen, Taj of India, Poblanos Mexican Bar & Grill and Persis Indian Grill & Bar. We really enjoyed the food.
Day 1
On Monday, we assembled in a training room inside a big warehouse in Fort Gordon. Attendees include NCOs and Officers from 7301st and 7303rd Medical training Battalions. Training for the day included providing OC/T overview, ISARC CTEP, OC/T Roles and Responsibilities, Common Operating Picture (COP)/Operations Design, Medical Rules of Engagement, Risk Management and a Daily AAR. The Daily AAR is conducted by the students and we identify “Hero of the day” daily. SSG Santa was the hero of the day for taking up the responsibilities as the Student leader and for providing outstanding service during the 2021 ECT.
Day Two
Training was on Power and Influence, Communications, Observation Resource Networks 9Pe Finding the MET, SCT and T&EO), JTIMS Access and Navigations, JTIMS JMSEL Tab, Build and Observation Plan (PE Use JTIMS to develop plan) Homework followed by the daily AAR/Review. CPT LIM was recognized as the hero of the day for breaking down the complex topics in to a 2 min summary during Q&A.
Day Three
Training on Verbal judo (Influencing others, Soft skills, Communication skills). We were then split in to groups of 5. We were given a TE&O sheet for one of the tasks for an MCAS and asked to study it. The Cadre played out a slice of the implementation of the METL while each group rotated and observed it. We were then asked to prepare our Observations and a Story board for the Observation. The day ended with a daily AAR.
Day Four
We were given an overview of JLLIS & JMESEL and instructions on viewing Observations, Binders, Creating new Observations, Building story boards. The Cadre registered everyone on the spot and fixed access issues which was nice as we were able to conduct the practical exercises i.e writing our own observations.
Day Five
Each of the groups presented our story board Powerpoint slide and received feedback from the Cadre, conducted a final course AAR and departed in the afternoon.
Acronyms/Resources
DATE Decisive Action training environment
FM 6-27 The Commander’s Handbook on the Law of Land Warfare
FM 27-10 The Law of Warfare, FM 27-10