SUBSECTION B

COMBAT SYSTEMS TRAINING TEAM (CSTT)

Ref: (a) OPNAVINST 3120.32, Navy SORM

1. Discussion. The CSTT is responsible for training watch teams to operate in a multi-threat/multi-warfare environment ensuring all combat systems watch stations are properly manned. The total number of personnel required to form a functional CSTT will vary with ship type and assigned warfare areas. CSTT members will complete CSTT Qualification Requirements supported by ship developed JQRs or appropriate PQS.

a. Training Team Composition. The number of CSTT members required to support an event is scenario, training objective, and watchstander/watch team level of training dependent. Accordingly, the following paragraph provides a list of possible CSTT members. This does not mean all of these personnel are required for each training event. A CSTT could consist of qualified personnel from the following watch stations and ratings. Seniority should not be the sole factor for assignment to a training team. Qualification and demonstrated level of performance are of equal, if not greater importance. There is nothing magic about training team assignment. Qualified personnel in the off-watch section can routinely be assigned to the CSTT during training sessions

WARFARE/FUNCTION COMMAND WATCHSTANDER RATING

C4I TAO, CICO/CICWO, RM SUP, CT/DS/ET/IC/IS/OS/ INTEL SUP RM/EW/SM

AW SWC, AAWC, AIC, WCO ET/EW/FC/GM/OS

SUW SSWC, CICWO, DBM, ASTAC, ET/EW/FC/GM/OS

EP, SWC, WCO

STW STWO, ECO, LC, EP, DBM FC/OS/GM/EW

USW ASTAC, CICWO, SONAR SUP, OS/ST/TM/EW

UBFCS SUP, FCO

b. Varying levels of personnel qualification, system complexity, and the extent of training required may dictate that additional members be assigned (i.e. MM, EM, EN, GSE, etc.) to ensure training encompasses all aspects of the combat system, including support equipment.

2. Organization. Specific duties and responsibilities of CSTT members:

a. Team Leader. The Combat Systems Training Team Leader is normally the CSO/OPS Officer. The Team Leader is responsible to the Executive Officer for all management aspects of the CSTT.

b. Team Coordinator. The CSTT Coordinator is normally the System Test Officer (STO)/Electronics Material Officer (EMO) and is responsible to the team leader for the following functions in addition to those specified in paragraph 3406c:

(1) Develop and manage a long-range CSTT training plan to provide training in combat systems casualty control procedures.

(2) Maintain a Master Electronics Casualty Control Manual (for ships without CSOSS), a current file of Commanding Officer approved combat systems casualty control drill guides, Combat Systems Casualty Control Scenarios, drill packages, critiques and Training Team Self Assessments.

3. Training Methods. Combat systems training must be based on realistic and challenging tactical/casualty control situations. CSTT will use training methods tailored to specific objectives. The following paragraphs provide guidelines for CSTT development and implementation of tactical and casualty control scenarios in support of combat systems training. In addition to drills and scenarios, seminars and training lectures may be incorporated in the CSTT training plan for tactics, new systems, new procedures, general damage control procedures, etc.

a. CSTT Tactical Training. Tactical training is supported by the accomplishment of tactical scenarios. Operational scenarios will be developed to hone operator, technician, and watch team skills further in support of the ship's mission. These scenarios will include execution and evaluation of existing and newly developed tactics (TACNOTES, TACMEMOS, Class Tactical Manual, Battle Orders, etc.). To properly plan a training scenario, the team leader must address the following:

(1) Training objectives.

(2) ORM

(3) The intention of the training (i.e. who is to be trained).

(4) Embedded training devices/availability of required services.

(5) An appropriate exercise time line on which to organize scenario events..

(6) Availability and status of equipment.

(7) Geopolitical situation.

.

b. CSTT Technical Training.

(1) Scenarios will be developed for various skill levels and designed to progressively challenge personnel. Scenarios of varying degrees of technical difficulty (i.e. tripped breakers versus faulty power supply components) will be conducted according to trainee's skill / experience. Continuous improvement of ship generated drill guides will be necessary as training and watch team expertise develops.

(2) Combat System Casualty Control Scenario Development. Selected casualty control drill guides are inserted into the tactical exercise time-line. The tactical exercise may then be modified in order to allow for expected casualty control response while maintaining the possibility of successfully completing the tactical drill.

(3) Areas requiring specific attention:

(a) Casualty symptom recognition and reporting

(b) Internal communications

(c) Situational awareness

4. Relationship to Ship’s Electronic Readiness Team (SERT). The CSTT Coordinator is normally the System Test Officer (STO). Per reference (a), the STO is also the head of the SERT team.

a. While not a training team, per se, the SERT plays an important role in support of combat systems training through assessment of equipment readiness, maintenance management, testing, and test scheduling.

b. The SERT organization should provide the ship with the requisite integrated technical and operator expertise to maintain, troubleshoot, and monitor the combat systems and associated support systems effectively in order to attain and sustain the highest degree of combat readiness and training.