I was invited by COL Casey Haskins to observe application of Outcomes Based Training and Education (OBT&E), Adaptive Leader Methodology (ALM) and the Combat Application Training Course (CATC) in the field environment during Cadet Summer Training (CST).
The summer training was the first full implementation of OBT&E, in which ALM and CATC falls under as a way to reach outcomes. The main theme was let the cadets do as much as possible, while making mistakes.
They conducted platoon level free play force on force exercises during Cadet Leader Training (CLT) which consists of rising seniors (“firsties”) in platoon on platoon scenarios. I missed the last scenario, but still discussed with cadets about their observations of training. Their comments were very substantive and positive. Their only criticism was the use of MILEs did not work as well. I also had several discussions with various “TACs” on their observations of training. Story after story on how cadets reacted to free thinking OPFOR, as well as the stress of missions, told of its success.
I also observed the certification of rising juniors (“cows”), who in turn will be training the plebes during their Cadet Basic Training (CBT). I was also asked by the cadre to give a short presentation on ALM to the class.
Summary: COL Haskins and his cadre did (are doing) an excellent job implementing OBT&E and its techniques ALM and CATC to reach the outcomes. With great instructors/leaders like Major Chad Foster, they are setting the example of how to do OBT&E, ALM and CATC.
Don, your visit last week was a great help to us as we are getting ready for this year’s New Instructor Development program. This year, we don’t have much turn-over in personnel (other than me leaving as the Course Director for MS300), so we should be in great shape for a seamless transition into this new year.
The feedback from the field this summer has been really positive and constructive. With the new approach to MS instruction, the cadets are showing up to their field training with it already ingrained in their minds that THEY have to be personally accountable and that THEY have to figure things out by thinking creatively. In the area of constructive feedback, we saw that the cadets are a bit weak in the area of rehearsals and PCC/PCI. This feedback has allowed us to start looking at ways to address this weakness in our MS classes through some of our TDEs. We have a pretty solid idea about how to get at this one.
MAJ Joe Katz (MS200) and CPT Al Vigilante (MS300) are taking over the two MS courses for this coming semester. We couldn’t find two better officers to step in. SFC Miller will remain as the assistant course director for MS300 with SFC Noah taking the same slot in MS200. This is in keeping with the intent to have strong NCOs fully integrated into every course.
Thanks again for your help. We are doing some great things here thanks to COL Haskins’ guidance, the efforts of great officers and NCOs on the ground, and the assistance of outside contacts such as you! I would invite anyone who has any doubts about the effectiveness or feasibility of OBT&E and ALM to come and see us. They will quickly have their doubts laid to rest.
Oh, by the way, I wrote an article for the Armor and Cavalry Journal advocating OBT&E and I also submitted a companion piece that outlines how we used ALM to completely re-design the Military Science curriculum here. I don’t know if they have accepted the second one or not, but at any rate the first article should be in the next issue of Armor and Cavalry Journal. Trying to get the word out!
This is outstanding Gentleman. Keeps me fired up and focused on implementing these ideas in the law enforcement realm. I agree totoally with Maj Foster, when you see these methodologies at work you cannot help but believe in their value at develpoing adaptable individuals, teams and organizations.
Fred
Its leaders like you, Chad, Fred and COL Haskins that makes my job a blessing. Without your strength of character, implementation of new ideas would not take place.
Thank you, Don
Sir,
I recently read MAJ Foster’s article “No ‘Approved Solutions’ in Assymetric Warfare” and it was great to see that West Point has implemented the Outcomes Based Training and Education model. I really believe that the force will benfit from officers who are educated/trained in this manner.
As you may recall, I contacted you nearly a year ago while I was attending CGSC and have since started school at SAMS. I did not complete my research into Junior Leadership Development, but I am restarting my efforts here at SAMS. If I may, I’d like to ask if you know of any other Universities that have started using the OBT&E model?