SURFACE FORCE TRAINING MANUAL

SECTION 3

BASIC TRAINING PHASE GUIDELINES

 

2301. General. The basic phase of training is conducted to work ships up following overhaul/major maintenance availability and before CHOP to the numbered fleet commander. It consists of CART Phase II, TSTA's I-III, warfare specialty training and FEP. Included are training exercises from Appendix A and the formal school requirements listed in Appendix D. The objective of basic phase training is for the ship to be substantially ready (M-2) in all mission areas and to be training self-sufficient.

2302. Basic Phase Guidelines. The overall training objective of the basic phase is to build individual and team knowledge and skills.

a. CART Phase II. CART Phase II will consist of a performance-based (demonstration) assessment of proficiency in unit mission areas. Afloat Training Group (ATG) will assist the ISIC in observing the ship's teams and use CART Phase II results to construct unit training packages for execution during Tailored Ship's Training Availabilities (TSTAs). The ISIC, assisted by the ship's commanding officer and ATG, will evaluate CART Phase II results and construct training schedules. CART Phase II checklists should be obtained from the ATG in preparation for CART. Additional guidance on the scheduling and conduct of CART Phase II is contained in Section 2 of this chapter.

b. Tailored Ship's Training Availability (TSTA)

(1) During TSTA I, ATG will train the ship's training teams (ITT, CSTT, ETT, DCTT, ATT, MTT and STT), conduct deckplate training as necessary, and work on basic warfare skills.

(2) TSTA II will refine skills and integrate watch teams into a single organization capable of coordinating their efforts for mission accomplishment. The primary thrust of TSTA II is for the ship's training teams to train the ship under the guidance of ATG personnel.

(3) TSTA III provides the Commanding officer and ATG trainers the opportunity to focus on building integrated training proficiency using the ship's Integrated Training Team (ITT).

(4) During TSTA I - III, the focus is on developing the ship's self training capability through training teams. However, it should be recognized that all personnel have watch keeping duties to perform and, in many instances, perhaps the most critical instances, the senior, most experienced personnel who make up the training teams will be the personnel on watch manning Condition I/IA stations. These individuals also need to be trained and evaluated. The ISIC should provide opportunities within the TSTA periods, to evaluate the performance of these individuals in a watch keeping role. This will require early coordination with ATG because of the larger personnel requirements to conduct such training/evaluation without the support of the ship's training teams.

(5) Warfare Specialty Training; i.e., salvage training, mine warfare training, amphibious warfare training and special operations training may be integrated into the TSTA I - III training or conducted as a separate evolution as determined by each type commander based on the particular training resources available.

c. Training Assessment/Final Evaluation Period (FEP). FEP represents the culmination of the Basic Phase of training. FEP exercises a crew's ability to conduct multiple simultaneous combat missions and support functions and to survive complex casualty control situations under stressful conditions. It provides the ISIC the opportunity to evaluate ship readiness prior to entering Intermediate/Advanced Phases of training as well as a ship's ability to sustain readiness through self training. Ships completing FEP will possess the minimum required levels of tactical proficiency and warfare knowledge to proceed to the intermediate phase of the inter-deployment cycle. As the culmination of the Basic Training Phase, FEP is the final opportunity for ISICs to observe/assess aggregate shipboard watchstanding, warfighting and ship survival proficiencies, and the ship's resident capacity to sustain and build upon those proficiencies. TYCOM certification of ship readiness to proceed to the next training phase is based primarily on ISIC recommendation following FEP. Because each ship executes a unique TSTA process that is driven by a variety of variables (residual crew proficiency, CART II performance, TSTA performance, nature of upcoming deployment, OPSKED perturbations, etc.) it is more realistic and efficient to develop a FEP syllabus tailored to each ship's requirements than to have a standard package. Direct oversight and active participation in the work-up process places the ISIC in the best position to define the appropriate combination and sequence of FEP evolutions/drills. Previous demonstration of the capacity to perform multiple simultaneous mission areas under stressful conditions should be considered in determining the scope and duration of FEP.

(1) Key Elements of FEP

(a) The ship's ITT, with ISIC guidance and ATG assistance, will develop and conduct FEP.

(b) The tailored scenario will include war fighting skills and tactical decision-making abilities required to perform during fleet operations, but will focus on single ship operations and be tailored to ship specific systems.

(c) Casualty control exercises will be incorporated to ensure watch teams can reconfigure equipment in a simulated hostile environment and operate the ship with material degradation.

(d) Training teams will demonstrate their ability to plan and orchestrate a scenario.

(e) The ship's material condition must support safe conduct of FEP and watchstanders need to be aware of all equipment limitations.

(f) Management programs will be evaluated as executed throughout FEP.

(g) Safety is paramount. Imposed artificialities and simulations are necessary and must be understood by ship's personnel.

(2) Responsibilities. Responsibilities for conduct of FEP:

(a) TYCOM. Monitors FEP completion during the end of basic phase training. Coordinates scheduling and execution of FEP.

(b) ISIC.

1 The ISIC will be the senior observer during the conduct of FEP. Questions concerning the conduct of the evaluation will be resolved by the Senior Observer.

2 The ISIC, supported by ATG, will observe ship watchteam proficiency as well as drill imposition/training capability of the ship's training teams.

3 Based on TSTA observations and ATG recommendations determine the extent and duration of FEP.

(c) Afloat Training Group

1 Develop and deliver skeleton FEP scenario package to ISIC/ship. Provide background information required for conduct of FEP (geo-political, Electronic Order of Battle, Naval Order of Battle, required services etc.). To provide realism and complement the scenario, ATG will coordinate intelligence data including all-source, time sensitive data, and exercise messages.

2 ATG will ensure services are obtained to support FEP.

3 Provide personnel for the FEP Team and coordinate scenario/SOE tailoring with the ship's Integrated Training Team. The senior ATG representative will report directly to the Senior Observer.

4 Monitor Integrated Training Team conduct of FEP. Ship manning constraints and/or scenario complexity may necessitate active ATG participation in FEP. ISIC and ATG coordinate degree of participation.

5 The senior ATG representative will provide the ISIC and Commanding Officer an assessment by mission area of crew performance.

(d) Commanding Officer

1 Provide ITT to develop and execute FEP scenario. The ITT will use the skeleton FEP scenario provided by ATG as a guideline, making sure all required ISIC/ATG objectives are met by the scenario.

2 Provide a safe to train letter to the Senior Observer at the in-brief. This letter will specify that all weapon systems, including minor caliber guns, are configured to support FEP, and that critical firing keys have been removed or key custody procedures are in place.

3 Provide administrative and berthing spaces as required to support the FEP team and other riders/observers.

4 Provide a copy of the following to the Senior Observer at the in brief: Commanding Officer's Battle Orders/Fighting Instruction, Restricted Maneuvering Doctrine, current copy of the ship's eight o'clock reports, condition I/II/III watch bills, training team designations, Quiet Ship Bill and list of ship's standard simulations.

5 Obtain OPAREA/Hot Area clearances to support FEP.

(3) Standardization. Afloat Training Group is the TYCOM agent for FEP procedural and standardization issues. ATG will advise ISIC of procedural and standardization issues to ensure TYCOM requirements are met and that watchstander performance and training team self training capabilities are assessed in all mission areas.

(4) FEP Events. The following representative events may be included in FEP:

(a) Common Events

1 Precision Navigation (NAV CHECK RIDE - if requested by ISIC)

2 Precision Anchorage

3 Low Visibility/Swept Channel

4 UNREP

5 Man overboard

6 Day/Night HELO OPS

7 Aircraft Control

8 Medical Response Drills/Mass Casualty

9 Small boat Harassment

10 ROE Play

11 SUW/AW

12 C2W/C41/INTEL/Cryptology

13 Chemical/Biological/Radiological-Damage (CBR- D)

14 Day/Night HELO Fire Fighting

15 Casualty Power Rigging & Energizing

16 Shipboard Fire Fighting (GQ/ASFP)

17 Weapon Live Firing

18 Search and Rescue (SAR)

19 Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS)

20 Casualty Control in a Combat Environment

21 Total Ship Survivability Exercise (TSSE)

22 Engineering Drills (normal U/W steaming/restricted maneuvering)

(b) CRUDES Specific

1 Tomahawk

2 SUW/Harpoon

3 LAMPS DET Embarkation (ASSTEX/ASWEX)

4 Active/Passive USW

5 Torpedo Handling/OTTO Fuel Spill

(c) AMPHIB Specific

1 Amphibious Assault Planning

2 Control of LCAC/LCU/AAV ship to shore

3 Air/Surface Assault

(d) CLF Specific

1 Multiple Transfer UNREP

2 No Notice UNREP (30 minute notification)

3 VERTREP

4 H-46 Warfare Utilization

(e) MCM/MHC Specific

1 MIW Events

(f) Salvage Specific

1 Short Notice Rescue/Salvage Planning (ARS)

2303. Afloat Training Group (ATG). The ATG is the primary agent for coordinating all shipboard training and scheduling authority as specified in reference (a). Any other evolutions except Priority I operational tasks during the CART II and TSTA periods require approval of the ATG. Training areas consist of combat systems, engineering, damage control, medical, seamanship, navigation, aviation, selected logistics, and administration. The spirit and intent of TYCOM directives governing training and assessments in each of these broad functional areas will be carried out by the Afloat Training Group in close coordination with the ship's ISIC. Engineering training visits are mandatory in preparing for Light-Off Assessments (LOA)/Reactor Safeguards Examination (RSE).

a. ATG conducted cruise missile tactical training should be scheduled during the basic phase as a supplement to training conducted by ship's CSTT in preparation for Cruise Missile Tactical Qualification (CMTQ). CMTQ will be scheduled during the basic phase at the ISIC's discretion.

b. Engineering training should be scheduled during the basic phase to assist in preparation for the Engineering Certification/Operational Reactor Safeguards Examination (ORSE).

c. Schedule combat systems training during this period to complement individual and team training schools, to assist in developing the ship's level of readiness through use of drill packages, and to better prepare watch teams for intermediate and advanced phase training. This can be tailored to meet the specific requirements of the ship requesting assistance.

2304. Specialty Training. Certain classes of ships have a requirement for specialized warfare training. This training will concentrate on those exercises and repetitions that afford the optimum team and cross-training experience in the particular warfare mission area. Specialized work-up training including the conduct of related exercises to achieve the required level of readiness for specialty training will necessarily have to be completed as opportunity permits in conjunction with other TSTA training or following FEP.

a. Amphibious Warfare Specialty Training consists of post-ROH or inter-deployment specialized amphibious warfare training for amphibious class ships. The objective of this specialized training period is to develop team skills and afford the cross-training opportunities necessary to accomplish coordinated and timely surface and air ship-to-shore movements (day/night) in the amphibious assault environment.

b. MCM/MHC Warfare Specialty Training is designed to focus and refine the mine countermeasure skills of CIC and fantail teams of surface mine countermeasures ships. The goal is to develop an organic training capability that will improve team proficiency prior to MIW evaluation during MIW Specialty Training, fleet operations, and integrated mine countermeasure operations.

c. Salvage Training (SALVTRA) consists of specialized maritime diving and salvage training for salvage ships. The objective of this specialized training is to ensure that all salvage ships are trained and ready to respond immediately and effectively to any diving and salvage mission. Specialized exercises to be conducted during this period of training will consist of those selected from the listing in Appendix A. A Diving Operational Readiness Assessment (DORA) is normally scheduled in conjunction with SALVTRA.

(1) The ISIC is responsible for the conduct of SALVTRA for all ARS and T-ATF class ships.

(2) A Salvage Training and Readiness Evaluation (SALVTRE) will be conducted annually. The ISIC is responsible for the conduct of SALVTRE.

(3) The DORA is a critical assessment of all aspects of a unit's diving program to ensure that diving operations are conducted safely and in accordance with approved procedures. The DORA includes an administrative review, a material condition assessment, and an evaluation of the unit's level of knowledge and operational proficiency observed during the conduct of exercises. The ISIC shall be the chief observer for the DORA.

2305. Shipboard Training Teams. The shipboard training teams required by Chapter 3 Section 4 of this manual shall be involved in shipboard preparations for training. Additionally, especially during TSTA II, the shipboard training teams should play an active, aggressive role in the training of the ship. Basic training for watch teams shall be conducted using on board trainers and elementary basic phase training exercises during sea trials, CSSQT, and other underway periods. As feasible, inport training should be planned and scheduled to take maximum advantage of shore based mobile team training devices and participation in regional inport training events such as Surface Warfare Training Week, CINTEX, EWEX's, and other drills.

2306. End of Basic Phase. By the end of this phase, a ship should be substantially ready (M-2) in all mission areas and have demonstrated/completed:

a. Satisfactory capability in basic phase exercises as evidenced by completion of the tailored training syllabus and FEP.

b. Engineering certification/ ORSE.

c. The ability to employ installed sensors and weapons simultaneously against multiple, non-cooperative targets in a multi-threat coordinated environment (e.g., in cooperation with supporting aircraft or supporting units below the battle group level).

d. The ability to operate with a General Quarters team and at least one complete, two if possible, Condition III watch team(s)/section(s) during FEP.

e. The ability to control battle damage and expeditiously effect repairs within the designed capability of the unit.

f. The ability to conduct both day and night underway replenishment/rearming as applicable.

g. Specialized amphibious assault training, if applicable. Amphibious assault ships and units will have satisfactorily demonstrated the required level of proficiency in all areas of amphibious assault operations, both day and night.

h. Specialized logistic support training, if applicable. Combat logistics force ships will have demonstrated proficiency by meeting established standards in all phases of replenishment delivery, both day and night.

i. Specialized salvage, and mine warfare training, if applicable. Salvage and mine warfare units will have demonstrated appropriate warfare operations in an observed environment to a degree to support contingency and special operational tasking. Upon completion of MIW evaluation and FEP, MCM ships will be ready to begin integrated Surface MCM (SMCM), Explosive Ordnance Disposal MCM (EOD MCM), and Air MCM (AMCM) in an MCM group environment.

j. Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) qualification, if applicable.

k. The preponderance of the formal schooling required by Appendix D in each assigned mission area. Units should continue to coordinate quotas for schools with their long- and short-range training plans.

l. Theory and systems PQS qualifications for all Condition I and Condition III watchstanders. Watchstanders should be fully qualified at their assigned watch stations by the end of the basic phase.

m. All combat systems/mobility/operational/special warfare equipment certified.

n. The ability to participate routinely in NTDS links, if applicable.

o. Watch officers and watch supervisors are familiar with equipment, various regulations and organizations manuals, shipboard doctrines, standing and battle orders.

p. Required certifications:

(1) PEB certification of completion of engineering training objectives.

(2) Navigation ORE/Checkride

(3) Final Evaluation Period (FEP)

(4) Cruise Missile Tactical Qualification (CMTQ)

(5) Communication Readiness Certification (CRC)

q. The ability of the shipboard training teams to conduct adequate self-training in all applicable mission areas.

r. Readiness to proceed to intermediate/advanced level training upon CHOP to the numbered fleet commander.

2307. Reports. FEP results will be reported in the end of Basic Phase Training report in accordance with Chapter 6, Section 4. The report will include, among other items, unit M-Ratings by mission area, readiness CAPS in effect, deficiencies requiring remedial action, and readiness of the ship to proceed to intermediate/advanced level training. The ship should also have filed the necessary TRNGREPs reflecting the exercise completions that would verify the attained M-2 readiness goals in accordance with the mission area M-rating calculation described in paragraph 6203.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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