Can I get some ideas for virtual battle assemblies?

2020-10-23T17:01:52-04:00

For those that may not be aware, most of not all reserve (and I assume NG) units had to conduct some manner of virtual training through Microsoft Teams and Zoom (for non sensitive stuff).

Typical activities included updating records, and mandatory 350-1 training.

With COVID starting to increase again, the possibility of returning to this type of training has become very likely.

I'm looking for some creative solutions to keep troops more occupied. One thing I am considering is conducting a virtual CPX.
I would pull from my role playing game roots and run a CPX "campaign ' with battle drills and CBRN exercises as" encounters"

It's not perfect, but if might get the "players" (soldiers) involved.

Any other thoughts?

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 23 at 2020 6:15 PM

2020-10-23T18:15:23-04:00

Virtual PT. Have soldiers download a fitness tracker app for free such as MapMyRun and then they upload a screen shot of their PT for BA.

I also heard of one unit playing an online computer game for tactics haha.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Oct 23 at 2020 9:50 PM

2020-10-23T21:50:53-04:00

I would like to suggest mechanisms should people miss training. People miss training all the time.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2020 1:41 PM

2020-10-24T13:41:20-04:00

I know classes are boring, but it is a new FY and it's easier to get 350-1 training out of the way early. Classes (of any kind) also offer bullet points for evaluations. So often when we are focused on our job, we forget about instructional training and warrior skills (at least in my unit).

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 24 at 2020 2:04 PM

2020-10-24T14:04:58-04:00

Finding myself in a top heavy (COL's and SGM's, etc...) that does nothing but death by power point anyway translated very well to a virtual training format.

Our schedules have been filled with legitimate 8 hour days all the time with "minimal" grey areas. Stretch it out with scheduled personal fitness time, then add personal Hygiene, if you have a Chaplain then add that in (alternative time for folks).

Much of the rest is filled out with mandatory training, and Sr NCO's and officers having to deliver the training virtually.

We have given CBRN, and CLS training which was given by SPC's and SGT's

The control element of the training is pulling a screen shot, or roster of those attending the MS team meeting.

For "make up", we literally use the approved distance learning course list. In fact, December is our typical non BA month, and we got laden with 16 hours of on-line training for our AO, and leadership is arranging the timing of things for those 16 hours to fill out December.

As well, LHI works out for picking up points as well now soldiers can schedule their own appointments far enough ahead.

*************
I have literally picked up 7 points so far this year I otherwise would not have got in my prior unit in a non CV-19 environment.

I'm always going to bringing this up: AR 350-66 allows for points to be awarded for Competitive shooting. Then via regs 4 points a year is allowed for "alternative training". Since 350-66 defines competitive marksmanship "as training", boom there you go. Up to 4 points a year are allowed to go shoot a gun matches.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 25 at 2020 5:47 PM

2020-10-25T17:47:01-04:00

NCOERs.
I am willing to bet that even though reserve units have not been bogged down and task saturated at IDTs/BAs, there are still plenty of NCOERs not complete, not started, returned for corrections, and some of the rating chains that are getting them done are still copy/pasting bullets from ArmyWriter.com.
Teach them to do it the right way, make them show you NCOERs they completed the right way.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Oct 26 at 2020 11:07 AM

2020-10-26T11:07:33-04:00

Start digging through the EBDL list and make them take those courses. Adds to their checks. Every additional duty that has classes that can be taken online? Do those too. Build your bench. It does without saying that your 350-1 training had better be green across the board ;o)