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

COMPTUEX/JTFEX EA/OEA Final Chapter 2deploying naval forces. For this reason, alternative sites do not meet the purpose and need of theproposal, and therefore were eliminated from further study and analysis.Although THIRD Fleet has, in rare instances, conducted COMPTUEXs and JTFEXs at alternate locationsincluding Alaska and Hawaii, these exercises were designed to meet one-time operational requirements.The Southwestern U.S. and SOCAL Operating Areas serve as the primary training area for the majority ofTHIRD Fleet COMPTUEX and JTFEX participants. Using these training areas, which are nearby majorhome port installations, significantly reduces costs associated with:Personnel time away from home. COMPTUEXs and JTFEXs conducted in Hawaii and Alaskacan add up to 2 weeks (transit time) to the length of an exercise.Logistics lead-time. COMPTUEXs and JTFEXs conducted in remote locations require assets tobe staged for the exercise, thereby reducing the already limited time available for equipmentrepair and maintenance activities.Aircraft/ship/equipment “wear and tear” and fuel. Maintenance and fuel costs are directly relatedto the amount of travel time to and from training locations.In addition to the increased costs associated with using remote COMPTUEX and JTFEX locations suchas Alaska and Hawaii, none of the remote training areas provide the full complement of rangeinfrastructure necessary to conduct typical, realistic, coordinated COMPTUEX and JTFEX training. Forinstance, the Alaskan operations area does not have a military range or installation capable of supportingamphibious landings. Moreover, an underwater tracking range that can support ASW and MCM trainingdoes not exist. The Hawaiian operations area does not provide a variety of air-to-ground ranges locatedwithin aircraft STRIKE distance. The lack of multiple STRIKE ranges reduces the exercise planners’ability to adjust mission scenarios should an intended exercise range/target become unusable due toweather, fire, or in the case of other unforeseen circumstances.The factors listed above limit the viability of THIRD Fleet conducting its typical JTFEXs andCOMPTUEXs at alternate locations. Although, specific one-time mission requirements may dictate theuse of remote COMPTUEX and JTFEX training locations in the future, the routine usage of these trainingareas for the major exercises is infeasible and will not be evaluated further in this document.2.4.3.2 Conduct Fewer COMPTUEX/JTFEXsThe actual number of JTFEXs and COMPTUEXs conducted by THIRD Fleet is a function of the numberof CSGs and ESGs that deploy each year as ordered by the National Command Authority. The number ofJTFEXs and COMPTUEXs varies from year to year, based upon the requirement to support FRTPobjectives, but typically averages about seven exercises per year. During a period of increasedinternational tension or in times of war or conflict, deployments would be expected. The inability ofTHIRD Fleet to conduct at least seven JTFEXs and COMPTUEXs per year in the SOCAL OPAREAsand other range facilities in the southwestern U.S. would severely constrain THIRD Fleet from executingits Title 10 responsibilities and the Fleet Response Plan. Therefore, conducting fewer than seven JTFEXsand COMPTUEXs is not considered further.2.4.3.3 Computer Simulation TrainingTraining simulation technologies provide excellent tools for implementing a successful, integratedtraining program while reducing the risk and expense typically associated with military training. Thisalternative would involve using computer simulation to the exclusion of live training to train CSGs andESGs during a COMPTUEX and JTFEX. The Navy and Marine Corps currently use training simulationextensively and COMPTUEXs/JTFEXs make substantial use of virtual and constructive simulation2-33 February 2007