US AFRICA Command Staff Training Course

1. US AFRICA Command Staff Training Course Program Overview This is an information briefing The Africa Command Staff Training Course is an SPP initiative that will expand in the coming year to serve as the centerpiece for individual and staff training programs across the command. Several of the Combatant Commands have programs like this in place now. We�re working closely with their training managers and JFCOM�s Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC)to leverage the best of breed concepts, courseware, and program designs for staff training programsThis is an information briefing The Africa Command Staff Training Course is an SPP initiative that will expand in the coming year to serve as the centerpiece for individual and staff training programs across the command. Several of the Combatant Commands have programs like this in place now. We�re working closely with their training managers and JFCOM�s Joint Knowledge Development and Distribution Capability (JKDDC)to leverage the best of breed concepts, courseware, and program designs for staff training programs

2. Purpose Provide an overview of the AFRICOM Staff Training Course (ASTC) The AFRICOM staff training course (or ASTC) overview will provide you an understanding of our approach to help enable the command in achieving Full Operational Capability on 1 Oct, and then sustaining critical staff competencies. It will also provide you an appreciation for the long-term importance for a centrally managed learning management system that provides and tracks the many joint, service and duty-position training courses that enable our training readiness These are the topics that we�ll cover during this information briefingThe AFRICOM staff training course (or ASTC) overview will provide you an understanding of our approach to help enable the command in achieving Full Operational Capability on 1 Oct, and then sustaining critical staff competencies. It will also provide you an appreciation for the long-term importance for a centrally managed learning management system that provides and tracks the many joint, service and duty-position training courses that enable our training readiness These are the topics that we�ll cover during this information briefing

3. The Goal reinforces the joint, interagency, and international perspective that must frame AFRICOM staff planning and execution. The Program Intent� Reinforces the importance of JMETL and staff-supporting-task based training and the training audience. Builds on lessons learned and proven processes and programs underway in many Combatant Commands Provides a one-stop training management program that supports implementation of our staff-wide joint training planThe Goal reinforces the joint, interagency, and international perspective that must frame AFRICOM staff planning and execution. The Program Intent� Reinforces the importance of JMETL and staff-supporting-task based training and the training audience. Builds on lessons learned and proven processes and programs underway in many Combatant Commands Provides a one-stop training management program that supports implementation of our staff-wide joint training plan

4. Authoritative Guidance and Directives - 1 These are two of the three directives that frame the requirement for an AFRICOM staff training plan. The DoD Directive establishes the requirement for METL-based training�the same METLs that establish the basis for the Commanders monthly Mission Readiness Assessment as part of the Defense Readiness Reporting System. The Chairman�s Joint Training Policy extends the DoD Directive to prescribe the framework we use for the AFRICOM JMETL, and the requirement for training programs that train and certify the readiness of headquarters staffsThese are two of the three directives that frame the requirement for an AFRICOM staff training plan. The DoD Directive establishes the requirement for METL-based training�the same METLs that establish the basis for the Commanders monthly Mission Readiness Assessment as part of the Defense Readiness Reporting System. The Chairman�s Joint Training Policy extends the DoD Directive to prescribe the framework we use for the AFRICOM JMETL, and the requirement for training programs that train and certify the readiness of headquarters staffs

5. Authoritative Guidance and Directives - 2 The DoD Strategic plan for training transformation identifies two critical requirements � individuals and staffs must be trained upon arrival in the AOR and that proficiency on these skills must be enhanced through the duration of the joint assignmentThe DoD Strategic plan for training transformation identifies two critical requirements � individuals and staffs must be trained upon arrival in the AOR and that proficiency on these skills must be enhanced through the duration of the joint assignment

6. ASTC Concept of Operations Our concept of operations includes 5 components: All personnel (active component, reserve component, interagency, and as appropriate multinational) who meet the HRD joint staff profile criteria will be scheduled for the resident portion of the ASTC course. The distance learning portion of the course will be available to all personnel and can be taken either before or after arrival at AFRICOM. The ASTC Homepage is maintained on a public portal; this will enable AFRICOM staffers to access courseware from any server domain. We believe that three critical enablers will emerge. That links to the portal are designated on AFRICOM staff officer�s assignment instructions, their AFRICOM sponsor will reinforce the importance of an inbound staffer accessing the ASTC homepage, and that HRD provide the ASTC scheduler names of inbound personnel to pre-establish their accounts in the ASTC The course contains no classified information. An in-bound staffer will access the ASTC and request an account. That request is reconciled with HRD, and an account is either authorized or placed in pending, awaiting confirmation for approval. This site will provide Help Desk, staffer feedback, and registration scheduler for resident lessons that we�ll teach here in Kelly Barracks. We will use the JKDDC Learning Management System maintained on the JKO, Joint Knowledge on Line. For the past month, we�ve worked with the JKDDC LMS program office to embed critical capabilities we believe are necessary for effect LMS management. Key is expanding a person�s profile to specify the AFRICOM directorate, Service, and duty position. Next is loading Directorate, Service, and duty position specific lessons (both resident and DL) into the staffers training folder, with appropriate suspenses over the course of a year. Lastly is a report generator that provides the individual and his training manager status on completion of assigned courses. The ASTC of today has 2 components � resident lessons on the topics listed here, and DL lessons. There are 3 joint common courses, around 10 that each service directs as part of their reoccurring training requirements, AFRICOM specific lessons (that we need to yet define�but other commands like USFK have 2-3 COCOM specific lessons), directorate specific lessons (that we�ll review later, 4-hrs of lessons per month over the first quarter they�re assigned to AFRICOM, and finally, individual duty position specific lessons. Pretests on core knowledge and skills will permit staffers to test out of lessons. In the end, we�re confirming proficiency on the skills necessary to plan and execute AFRICOM JMETL and staff supporting tasks. And lastly, a reports manager that will provide reoccurring and on-demand tailorable status reports for a student or their training manager..Our concept of operations includes 5 components: All personnel (active component, reserve component, interagency, and as appropriate multinational) who meet the HRD joint staff profile criteria will be scheduled for the resident portion of the ASTC course. The distance learning portion of the course will be available to all personnel and can be taken either before or after arrival at AFRICOM. The ASTC Homepage is maintained on a public portal; this will enable AFRICOM staffers to access courseware from any server domain. We believe that three critical enablers will emerge. That links to the portal are designated on AFRICOM staff officer�s assignment instructions, their AFRICOM sponsor will reinforce the importance of an inbound staffer accessing the ASTC homepage, and that HRD provide the ASTC scheduler names of inbound personnel to pre-establish their accounts in the ASTC The course contains no classified information. An in-bound staffer will access the ASTC and request an account. That request is reconciled with HRD, and an account is either authorized or placed in pending, awaiting confirmation for approval. This site will provide Help Desk, staffer feedback, and registration scheduler for resident lessons that we�ll teach here in Kelly Barracks. We will use the JKDDC Learning Management System maintained on the JKO, Joint Knowledge on Line. For the past month, we�ve worked with the JKDDC LMS program office to embed critical capabilities we believe are necessary for effect LMS management. Key is expanding a person�s profile to specify the AFRICOM directorate, Service, and duty position. Next is loading Directorate, Service, and duty position specific lessons (both resident and DL) into the staffers training folder, with appropriate suspenses over the course of a year. Lastly is a report generator that provides the individual and his training manager status on completion of assigned courses. The ASTC of today has 2 components � resident lessons on the topics listed here, and DL lessons. There are 3 joint common courses, around 10 that each service directs as part of their reoccurring training requirements, AFRICOM specific lessons (that we need to yet define�but other commands like USFK have 2-3 COCOM specific lessons), directorate specific lessons (that we�ll review later, 4-hrs of lessons per month over the first quarter they�re assigned to AFRICOM, and finally, individual duty position specific lessons. Pretests on core knowledge and skills will permit staffers to test out of lessons. In the end, we�re confirming proficiency on the skills necessary to plan and execute AFRICOM JMETL and staff supporting tasks. And lastly, a reports manager that will provide reoccurring and on-demand tailorable status reports for a student or their training manager..

7. The ASTC schedule will be managed through the ASTC homepage and the JKDDC LMS. This is the ASTC schdule that will be replicated every week in August. We want to provide a flexible scheduling opportunity for every staffer. We know that between getting family settled and getting into their duty position, the ASTC scheduler must be accommodating. There are two modules - a gold module and a green module. Preferable, staffers should take the gold module before the green module, but that is not critical. During each week, each of the modules will offer their lessons in both the AM and the PM. As an example, the gold module consists of 10 lessons. At the beginning of the week, the lessons start with a AM cycle; on Wednesday, the same lessons shift, and are offered as a PM-based sequence. Over the month, each of the lessons will then be offered 8 times�4 in the AM and 4 in the PM.The ASTC schedule will be managed through the ASTC homepage and the JKDDC LMS. This is the ASTC schdule that will be replicated every week in August. We want to provide a flexible scheduling opportunity for every staffer. We know that between getting family settled and getting into their duty position, the ASTC scheduler must be accommodating. There are two modules - a gold module and a green module. Preferable, staffers should take the gold module before the green module, but that is not critical. During each week, each of the modules will offer their lessons in both the AM and the PM. As an example, the gold module consists of 10 lessons. At the beginning of the week, the lessons start with a AM cycle; on Wednesday, the same lessons shift, and are offered as a PM-based sequence. Over the month, each of the lessons will then be offered 8 times�4 in the AM and 4 in the PM.

8. Responsibilities Directorates Establish Directorate Training Plan (DTP) requirements Identify Directorate Training Manager Joint Force Headquarters Branch, SPP Serve as AFRICOM staff OPR for AFRICOM Staff Training Course Provide ASTC resident instruction, Help Desk, and Community of Interest courseware capabilities ASTC students Register for ASTC lessons � arrive prepared for scheduled lessons Establish JKO account for AFRICOM Community of Interest (COI) Meet AFRICOM staff training suspenses The Joint Training and Exercise Division in SPP will serve as the AFRICOM Staff OPR. Each of the directorates need to confirm their Directorate Training Plan (or DTP). We�ve developed a draft for you, based on your directorate�s staff supporting tasks, and preloaded these into the LMS. I ask for your review, editing, and approval. Your training manager will be the primary POC that we�ll work with to confirm DTP requirements and your training status reports Finally, staffers, to include you and me, need to be attentive of our training requirements. The LMS is here to help schedule and manage new and reoccurring training that we all need to complete.The Joint Training and Exercise Division in SPP will serve as the AFRICOM Staff OPR. Each of the directorates need to confirm their Directorate Training Plan (or DTP). We�ve developed a draft for you, based on your directorate�s staff supporting tasks, and preloaded these into the LMS. I ask for your review, editing, and approval. Your training manager will be the primary POC that we�ll work with to confirm DTP requirements and your training status reports Finally, staffers, to include you and me, need to be attentive of our training requirements. The LMS is here to help schedule and manage new and reoccurring training that we all need to complete.

9. Summary The AFRICOM Staff Training Course� Supports implementation of DoD, CJCS, and CDR USAFRICOM joint training directives and guidance Establishes a common joint staff competency baseline for the AFRICOM staff, based on the AFRICOM JMETL and staff supporting tasks Leverages use of off-the-shelf capabilities to deliver a blended resident and distance learning program Provides an integrated, one-stop, staff training management program that supports the AFRICOM Joint Training Plan The ASTC is just about ready for prime time. It will provide the integrated, one-stop training management program that will support our AFRICOM staff Joint Training Plan.The ASTC is just about ready for prime time. It will provide the integrated, one-stop training management program that will support our AFRICOM staff Joint Training Plan.

10. Points of Contact Homepage addresses: AFRICOM: http://www.africom.mil/ ASTC: http://www.teamcamber.com/astc/ JKO: https://www.us.army.mil/suite/portal/index.jsp Joint Training and Exercise Division Chief, JTED: Colonel Jim Murtha, james.murtha@africom.mil ASTC Program Manager: Chess Harris, charris@camber.com ASTC DL Course Director, smassie@camber.com ASTC Help Desk: Jerry Brewer, astc.helpdesk@camber.com

11. US AFRICA Command Staff Training Course END OF BRIEF

12. Chief of Staff

13. Directorate for Outreach

14. Directorate for Strategy, Plans and Programs

15. Directorate for Intelligence and Knowledge Development

16. Directorate for C4 Systems

17. Directorate for Operations and Logistics

18. Director for Resources

19. Headquarters, U.S. Africa Command