Training Proposal for UE x Command Posts

The Army Chief of Staff has determined that the United States Army needs to have more modular and robustly manned headquarters elements. General Peter J. Schoomaker identified some deficiencies with the current Force XXI divisional headquarters structure. The Army Campaign Plan (ACP) addresses these deficiencies by directing the modular conversion of the Army's ten active divisions into Unit of Employment (UE-x) formations. This directive provides guidance for divisional leadership to maintain a trained and cohesive battle staff while expediting significant changes in personnel assigned, organization and function. This paper examines how to train the UE-x battle staff to rapidly integrate into a cohesive team under its current operating conditions. This examination focuses on the cohesion of the junior field grades officers (Majors) assigned to a UE-x battle staff. Areas of analysis include identification of UE-x training challenges, training implications associated with the UE-x design and selective DOTMLP-F recommendations. In course of the analysis, the study determines the need for a comprehensive training program for the UE-x battle staff. Therefore, it concludes by presenting a proposal advocating the modification of manning management of the command posts, more connectivity with Army MEL 4 schools, and a certification process for officers assigned to the UE-x.