Lessons learned process ensures future operations build on successes Report Documentation Page Form Approved OMB No. 0704-0188 Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 1. REPORT DATE 3. DATES COVERED 2011 2. REPORT TYPE 00-00-2011 to 00-00-2011 4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE 5a. CONTRACT NUMBER Lessons learned process ensures future operations build on successes 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6. AUTHOR(S) 5d. PROJECT NUMBER 5e. TASK NUMBER 5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER 7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION Army Communicator,U.S. Army Signal Center,Fort REPORT NUMBER Gordon,GA,30905-5301 9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 10. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S ACRONYM(S) 11. SPONSOR/MONITOR’S REPORT NUMBER(S) 12. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT Approved for public release; distribution unlimited 13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES 14. ABSTRACT 15. SUBJECT TERMS 16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION OF 18. NUMBER 19a. NAME OF ABSTRACT OF PAGES RESPONSIBLE PERSON a. REPORT b. ABSTRACT c. THIS PAGE Same as 7 unclassified unclassified unclassified Report (SAR) Standard Form 298 (Rev. 8-98) Prescribed by ANSI Std Z39-18 Lessons learned process ensures future operations build on successes “Observations, insights, and lessons do not constitute lessons learned without changing individual, unit, or Army behavior, which is accomplished through the application of the Lessons Learned Process.” AR 11-33, Army Lessons Learned Program communications technologies to ammunition production facilities) By Rick San Miguel provide the warfighter with the that support our forces. most reliable situational awareness The SLL analysts are The Signal Center of systems on the modern battlefield. knowledgeable in each domain to Excellence lessons learned The Signal Center of Excellence be able to identify and document process assures that future Lessons Learned Section the OILs during their visits to the operations are developed out of documents the OILs from the unit during unit training events or the documented best business experiences of the Signal Soldier scheduled unit umbrella weeks. practices, observations, insights on the tactical edge installing, OILs are documented, adjudicated and lessons from unit experiences. operating and maintaining cutting and properly identified by a As we field new communications edge communication systems. The DOTMLPF category. Proposed systems on the landscape of intent is to identify the issues and solutions may involve a mixture continually evolving technology, provide the Soldier with a solution, of various categories of DOTMLPF capturing OILs and BBPs is TTP or BBP as soon as possible. and/or nonmaterial/materiel essential to ensure warfighters can However, lessons learned is not changes that may be considered plan, prepare and execute future just about documenting OILs from to address capability gaps to missions successfully. IOM communication systems, effectively support the Warfighter. The modern battlefield is it embraces how it applies to Figure 1, illustrates the codified no longer just about weapons doctrine, organization, training, process of collecting, analyzing, platforms. It is comprised of a materiel, leadership and education, and disseminating approved LL, variety of command, control, personnel and facilities. TTPs, and BBPs. communications, computers, • Doctrine – the way we fight intelligence, surveillance and • Organization – how we organize reconnaissance systems that Signal Lessons Learned to fight provide the warfighter with Process • Training – how we prepare to the right information to the fight tactically; basic training to The Signal Lessons Learned right person at the right time advanced individual training, analysts collect, analyze, archive, (situational awareness) almost various types of unit training, joint and disseminate OILs, TTPs, instantaneously. These systems exercises, etc. and BBPs based on observations consist of military program of • Materiel – all the “stuff” and lessons from actual military record systems and commercial off necessary to equip our forces, operations, training events, the shelf technologies that advance weapons, spares, so they can experiments, and initiatives. The at a rate that exceeds current POR operate effectively. following locations, websites, and acquisition. • Leadership and Education – how forums outline where SLL analysts These technologies are in we prepare our leaders to lead the collect their Signal OILs. high demand from commanders fight from squad leader to four-star at the tactical and strategic levels to mitigate current general; professional development. Collect gaps. The advancement in • Personnel – availability of Joint Readiness Training Center information technology will qualified people for peacetime, The JRTC is one of the three continue to transform military wartime, and various contingency CTCs that conduct tough, realistic, communications. There is operations multi-echelon, joint and combined no doubt that the military • Facilities – real property; arms training to train leaders to will embrace all aspects of installations and industrial deal with complex situations; to facilities (e.g. government owned create flexible, skilled Soldiers; and 42 Winter - 2011 Figure 1. Collect – Analyze – Disseminate Codified Process Flow develop highly proficient, cohesive prepare brigade combat teams and transformation and preparing for units capable of conducting other units for combat. The SLL the future. While the SSL has not operations across the full spectrum analyst coordinates with the NTC participated in a unit’s rotation at of conflict. Training rotations TM and schedules visits during a JMRC the process is set. An SSL are focused on the contemporary unit’s rotation in preparation for would coordinate with the NTC operational environment and their upcoming deployments. The TM and schedule visits during a counterinsurgency operations. SLL analyst attends the units After unit’s rotation in preparation for http://www.jrtc-polk.army.mil/ Action Reviews (ARRs documents their upcoming deployments. The OPS/index.html The SLL analyst and discusses OILs with the S6 and SLL analyst attends the unit’s after coordinates with the JRTC trainer/ Signal Soldiers. action reviews (ARRs documents mentor and schedules visits during and discusses OILs with the S6 and a unit’s rotation in preparation for Joint Multinational Readiness Signal Soldiers. their upcoming deployments. The Center SLL analyst attends the units After JMRC located in Hohenfels, Signal Support Teams/Battle Action Reviews (ARRs documents Germany is flexible, adaptable Command Assistance Teams and discusses OILs with the S6 and and dual mission capable. From Training a unit’s Signal Signal Soldiers. individuals to small units to Soldiers to be the trainers, while brigade combat teams, JMRC simultaneously ensuring the National Training Center trains Soldiers, joint forces and unit’s S6 section has the requisite Fort Irwin is the national multinational partners. As the skills, abilities and knowledge to training center for the Army. NTC premier location executing guarantee mission success across provides tough, realistic, joint Afghanistan pre-deployment the formation, is what FORSCOM’s and combined arms training in and multinational training, specialized, mobile training teams interagency, intergovernmental coupled with our exportable are all about. These teams, called and multinational venues across training capabilities, the JMRC (Continued on page 44) the spectrum of conflict in order to is leading the Army in training Army Communicator 43 (Continued from page 43) of Purpose, Spectrum forums to Unit Umbrella Weeks capture and document OILs, TTPs The Signal Lessons Learned and BBPs. Section participates in unit Signal support teams, first fielded umbrella weeks being hosted by in 2009, are staffed with Signal Signal Lessons Learned Section the unit recently returning from professionals who understand the Website OIF/OEF. challenges faced by other Army The SLLS website is located communication professionals at all at https://lwn.army.mil hosted levels. Center for Army Lessons Learned by LandWarNet eUniversity. It is The Center for Army Lessons the Signal Soldier point of contact Learned rapidly collects, analyzes, Army Lessons Learned Forum at the Signal Center of Excellence disseminates, and archives OILs, The Army Lessons Learned pertaining to unit OILs, TTPs, TTPs and operational records in (formerly Operation Enduring and/or BBPs. Documented OILs order to facilitate rapid adaptation Freedom) forum was established to from units visited by the SLL initiatives and conduct focused resolve issues and accelerate rapid analysts are posted on the website. knowledge sharing and transfer adaptation of OILs, TTPs, and The SLLS also administers/ that informs the Army and BBPs across DOTMLPF through monitors a variety of forums enables operationally based the levels of war and between the for users to query specific OILS, decision making, integration, operating and generating forces to TTPs, BBPs or other request for and innovation throughout enable continuous improvement information. Objective: To rapidly the Army and within the JIIM of Army forces in support of resolve OILs and disseminate TTPs environment. Open the CALL OEF. The SLL analyst participates and BBPs to the Signal Regiment. Web site http://call.army.mil. in the Action Officer that Individuals requiring additional receives, reviews topics/issues, Other Centers of Excellence information, articles, publications, development of remedial action Coordination with the other or research material may request plans CoE’s to document the Signal them at the CALL RFI site, located concerns they encounter during at this address: https://call-rfi. Stryker Brigade Combat Team their unit collections. leavenworth.army.mil/rfisystem Umbrella Weeks A team of representatives from TRADOC, the Stryker Warfighter’s Signal Forums Analyze Forum, Program Manager Stryker Monitor Signal Forums on Subject Matter Experts Brigade Combat Team and other LWN eUniversity, S6 Community SME’s from the Signal Center participating agencies led by the TRADOC capability manager, Stryker brigade combat team, conduct a series of structured interviews and survey sessions with leaders and Soldiers recently returning from their deployments. The 4-day conference is conducted in order to collect observations, insights, data and lessons learned for analysis and incorporation into ongoing revisions of field manuals, materiel programs/ systems and various training and leader development programs of instruction. Discuss leader and Soldier experiences to gain insights and collect data covering all aspects of DOTMLPF as it relates to the planning, preparation and execution of operations and to rapidly pass critical lessons to TRADOC COEs and other SBCTs preparing for future deployments. Figure 2. Rapid Lessons Learned Process, AR 11-33 44 Winter - 2011 and the school house have the opportunity to review and provide comments to the documented unit OILs, TTPs and or BBPs from units returning back from deployment (unit umbrella weeks) or from unit rotations at JRTC/NTC in preparation for deployment, (See Figure 1, Collect – Analyze – Disseminate Codified Process.) By analyzing the OILs the Signal Regiment determines how to sustain, enhance, and increase it preparedness for future operations, or provide a materiel or non materiel solution. The SLL analyst contacts/coordinates with the SME’s based on DOTMLPF to discuss, coordinate and resolve the OILs so they can be rapidly disseminated back to the Warfighter. The proponent validates the OILs, TTPs and BBPs pertaining to their domain and develops the DOTMLPF solutions effecting change immediately and accurately. In the event an OIL, TTP or BBP affects other branches or functions; such as, a critical safety issue, the SIGCoE commanding general is notified Figure 3. Signal Lessons Learned website homepage is a representation of the and the OIL is forward to CAC homepage of the Signal Lessons Learned website hosted by LandWarNet and TRADOC so they can take eUniversity, https://lwn.army.mil. charge of the issue, assign lead and supporting agents, and organize operations. The process is solution- Process the efforts of the various branch oriented. It is designed to support “We are not here to evaluate proponents that may be affected. organizations at all levels of you, but for you to evaluate command and staff and can be how well we have trained and Disseminate adapted for use in all operations, equipped you to accomplish your Recommended OILs are to include combat, training, mission.” disseminated through Signal maintenance, installation support, Regiment, Army (formerly OEF) experiments, and equipment “The lessons learned process is Lessons Learned Forums, Center fielding.” AR 11-33, Army Lessons a deliberate and systematic process for Army Lessons Learned, S6 Learned Program. for collecting and analyzing Community of Purpose, 53/24 I quoted the LLP directly field data and disseminating, List Servers, LWN eUniversity, from AR 11-33, because it clearly integrating, and archiving Signal Link, FORSCOM, combat articulates the LL process from observations, insights, and lessons training centers, Joint Lessons being a deliberate and systematic collected from Army operations Learned Information System act of collecting OILs to improve and training events. Information and other centers of excellence. the Army’s overall effectiveness gathering will be integrated into If applicable updates are made in each DOTMLPF domain. The DOTMLPF, research (industry to doctrine, training, and force SIGCoE Lessons Learned Process and academia), development, design (materiel, organization, and was developed with the same acquisition, and planning activities personnel). continuity as the Army LLP, using: in order to sustain, enhance, and • AR 11-33, Army Signal Lessons increase the Army’s preparedness Signal Lessons Learned to conduct current and future (Continued on page 46) Army Communicator 45 Figure 4. SIGCoE Lessons Learned Four Phase Process in Figure 4 (above) is very with the unit, combat training (Continued from page 45) similar to the rapid lessons center’s (joint readiness training learned process: Collection and center] and the national training Learned Process Observation – Phase 1, SLLS OIL center) or is contacted to attend • Center for Army Lessons Collection Opportunities; Rapid an umbrella week from a unit Learned Analysis – Phase 2, SLL Advisory that has recently returned from •Joint Lessons Learned Board; Dissemination to the Operation Iraqi Freedom/ Information System Field – Phase 4, Dissemination Operation Enduring Freedom. • TRADOC Capabilities to the Regiment; Data Storage The SLL analyst coordinates Manager-Stryker Lessons – The Signal Lessons Learned with the unit by an initial visit, Learned Program Website https://lwn.army. teleconference, and/or VTC. The • Other Center of Excellence mil. In addition, the Signal purpose is to establish contact, Lessons Learned Programs Lessons Learned Process added coordinate dates and develop Note: The Signal Lessons an additional step, Phase 3 that a rapport with the unit S6, Learned Process does not includes a Council of Colonels Signal Company Commander, replace, AR 11-33, Army LLP. for issues that require leadership and Signal Soldiers. A list of The SIGCoE SLLS developed approval that may affect concerns/questions, derived a four phase process which is the Army or various branch from trend analysis or DOTMLPF very similar to the rapid lessons proponents. The Signal Lessons SME input, is provided for learned process depicted in Learned Four Phase Process is the unit to review as an aid to figure 4-2, of AR 11-33, ALLP described below: facilitate discussions. (see Figure 2) being used to document DOTMLPF OILs that directly impact the Signal Phase I Phase II Regiment. SLLS OIL Collection Advisory Board The Signal Lessons Learned Opportunities The purpose of the advisory Four Phase Process as depicted The SLL analyst coordinates board is to provide the SIGCoE 46 Winter - 2011 subject matter experts an opportunity to listen to what Phase IV Signal Soldiers have shared based on experiences Disseminate to the Regiment and to review/discuss recently documented OILs. In OILs that have been recommend for some cases the unit will send representatives to Fort dissemination are disseminated through the Gordon to participate directly in the advisory board, following:Signal Regiment , Army (formerly OEF) other times they teleconference during the board. Lessons Learned Forum, Center for Army Lessons As a last resort the SLL analyst presents the unit’s Learned, S6 Community of Purpose, 53/24 List concerns/issues to the advisory board. Servers, LWN eUniversity, Signal Link, FORSCOM, During the board, OILs are determined to either combat training centers, Joint Lessons Learned affect the Signal Regiment or are unit/theater specific Information System, other centers of excellence. If to the mission. If the OIL is determined to be unit/ applicable update doctrine, training, and force design theater specific, they are cataloged by DOTMLPF. (materiel, organization, and personnel). The Signal If the OIL is determined to affect the Army/Signal lessons learned advisory boards are held the first Regiment the SLL analyst will coordinate with the Tuesday of each month. SIGCoE SMEs to achieve the best possible solution/ Documenting OILs is of vital importance to recommendation. improve and update doctrine for current and future The results of the OILs are presented during deployments, organizational force structure, training the next Advisory Board and published on the SLL methods, materiel and non materiel solutions, Website. Any OILs that cannot be resolved are leadership and educational skills, Signal personnel recommended to a Council of Colonels (Phase III). assignments, and tactical and strategic facilities. The Documented resolved OILs as LL, TTPs and BBPs are SLLS will document unit OILs capturing relevant recommended for Dissemination (Phase IV). LL, TTPs, BBPs and accelerate them across the operating and generating forces to enable continuous improvement of the Signal Regiment. Phase III Council of Colonels Rick San Miguel is a Department of the Army The CoC is chaired by the CDID Directorate to civilian and presently holds the position of the Signal review/discuss recommended OILs from Phase II of Lessons Learned coordinator / doctrine writer, G3/5/7, the SLL Process. Resolved OILs are recommended for U.S. Army Signal Center of Excellence, Fort Gordon. dissemination as a LL, TTP or BBP. Unresolved OILs His background spans 36 years of service to the Signal are recommended for the commanding general, Chief Regiment. of Signal’s review and recommendation. ACRONYM QuickScan COP - Community of Purpose lessons AAR - After Action Reviews COC - Council of Colonels OEF - Operation Enduring ALLIS - Army Lessons Learned CBT - Computer Based Training Freedom Information System DOTMLPF - Doctrine, OIF - Operation Iraqi Freedom AR - Army Regulation Organization, Training, Materiel, POR - Program of record ALLP - Army Signal Lessons Leadership and Education, SIGCoE - Signal Center of Learned Process Personnel, and Facilities Excellence BCAT - Battle Command FORSCOM - Forces Command SSL - Signal Lessons Learned Assistance Teams GOSC - General Officer Steering SLLS - Signal Lessons Learned BBP - Best Business Practices Committee Section CALL - Center for Army Lessons IOM - Installing, operating and S6 - Signal Officer Learned maintaining SST - Signal Support Teams CoE - Centers of Excellence JLLIS - Joint Lessons Learned SBCT - Stryker Brigade Combat C4ISR - Command, Control, Information System Team Communications, Computers, JRTC - Joint Readiness Training SME - Subject Matter Expert Intelligence, Surveillance and Center TTP - Tactics, techniques and Reconnaissance LWN - LandWarNet procedures CAC - Combined Arms Command LL - Lessons Learned TM - Trainer/Mentor CG - Commanding General LLP - Lessons Learned Process UM - Umbrella week COTS - Commercial off the shelf NTC - National Training Center VTC - Video Teleconference CAC - Common Access Card OILs - Observations, insights, and Army Communicator 47