Composite Training Unit Exercises and Joint Task ... - Govsupport.us

COMPTUEX/JTFEX COASTAL CONSISTENCY DETERMINATION 25 OCTOBER 2006CHAPTER 1BACKGROUND1.1 EXERCISE DESCRIPTIONThe training mission of Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet (CPF) is to provide fully trained Navyand Marine forces to Combatant Commanders, as dictated by the National Command Authority.In furtherance of this mandate and in support of the Navy’s Fleet Readiness Training Plan(FRTP) the U.S. THIRD Fleet (headquartered at Naval Base Point Loma) regularly conductsComposite Training Unit Exercises (COMPTUEX) and Joint Task Force Exercises (JTFEX) atmilitary installations and operating areas in the southwestern United States and offshore ofSouthern California. These complex, deployment-preparation exercises require varied land,sea, and undersea training environments to properly demonstrate the full range of capabilitiesrequired of deploying naval forces.U. S. Navy ships are normally assigned to and deploy as a package or formation called a StrikeGroup. Strike Groups are further divided by function into a Carrier Strike Group (CSG) orExpeditionary Strike Group (ESG). A CSG is normally formed around an Aircraft Carrier (CV/N)with an embarked Air Wing (CVW). A CSG is frequently supported by three to five other typesof ships aimed at power projection, and gaining and maintaining sea control. An ESG is formedaround an Amphibious Helicopter Carrier (LHD) with an embarked Marine Expeditionary Unit(MEU). An ESG is also normally supported by three to five other types of ships. An ESG andCSG have certain similar capabilities. However, an ESG is unique in its ability to moveembarked MEU elements ashore via helicopter or amphibious-type craft. Thus an ESG willoften train to different, expanded warfare capabilities from the sea to land areas.The FRTP is a “stair step” training process that is divided into three, increasingly complexPhases: Basic, Integrated and Sustainment.COMPTUEX is in the Integrated Phase of the FRTP and may involve either a CSG or an ESG.A COMPTUEX is conducted as a series of scheduled training events that occur according to agiven time schedule against an opposition force. The COMPTUEX provides an opportunity forthe Strike Group to become proficient in the myriad of required warfare skill sets. Additionally, itstresses the integration or coordination of the different warfare areas and provides realistictraining on in-theater operations. The COMPTUEX is normally more structured than the JTFEX,so it is longer in duration.JTFEX is in the Sustainment or final Phase of the FRTP and may involve either a CSG or anESG. It is a scenario-driven, at-sea training exercise designed to evaluate the Strike Group’spreparedness for forward deployed contingency and combat operations. JTFEX also utilizes asimulated opposition force and serves as the venue for U.S. THIRD Fleet to assess thereadiness, interoperability, and proficiency of naval forces in realistic, free-play scenarios,ranging from military operations other-than-war to armed conflict. As the final certification eventof the FRTP, the Strike Group must demonstrate the ability to operate and integrate into a JointOperations Area under simulated austere, hostile conditions.PAGE 1