1. 2014 Maneuver Warfighter Conference
Fort Benning, GA
11 September 2014
BG Scott McKean CSM Michael Clemens

2. 49th Chief of Armor’s Charge Armor Branch provides the Army of 2020:
MISSION
To develop agile Leaders & Soldiers on core competencies of Combined Arms Maneuver and Wide Area Security operations, capable of closing with and destroying the enemy using fire, maneuver, and shock effect as part of an expeditionary and regionally aligned Army.
VISION
To develop and sustain an Armored Force grounded on the foundations of gunnery, maintenance, and agile leadership that remains ready to deploy and be decisive in a complex environment.
Armor Branch provides the Army of 2020:
Highly trained and competent Soldiers and Leaders committed to the Army Profession.
Armored Warfare and Reconnaissance and Security capabilities as part of the Combined Arms Team
Current and relevant doctrine that will guide Armored Forces in future conflicts.
FORGE THE THUNDERBOLT!

3. State of the Force Shoot Move Mission Command Sustain
Inexperience in “fighting” our combat platforms
Master Gunner Management
Move
Addition of third Combined Arms Battalion
Standardized Scout Platoons (6 x 36)
Mission Command
Experienced force in stability operations
Troop Leading Procedures: one page CONOP
Sustain
Army operational readiness rate proficiency
Impacts of FOB based operations

4. Foundations of the Armored Force
Competent, Confident, Agile & Adaptive Force
Fighting From The Hatch
Based on Doctrine
Executing Mission Command
Maneuver
Sustainment
Actions on Contact
Maintenance
Establish Battalion Maintenance Operations Course (BMOC)
Add 02B BMO CPT to MTOE
Operating a UMCP
Establish Services Standards
Gunnery
Adding Master Gunners to Critical Positions
Execute two gunneries per year
Battle Roster Stability
GUNNERY
“FIGHT” FROM THE HATCH
SUSTAINMENT

5. Thunderbolt 7

6. Instructor Leader Assessment Program
Assists Senior Leaders in effectively managing talent within USAARMS. The program focuses on key leadership and instructor/writer positions (SSG-MSG)
Instructors were evaluated on: physical fitness, orienteering, small arms marksmanship, weapons proficiency, combined arms maneuver planning, and professional written and oral communication skills. Cadre were able to successfully identify characteristics of each candidate in order to properly place them in specific instructor positions

7. 19D Training and Assignment Strategy
With assistance from Human Resources Command, the branch is effectively aligning 19D training and CMF19 assignments early in OSUT
Allows for a placement in a dedicated OSUT training path focused on the platform-specific skills required for their first assignment while familiarizing with all platforms
Reduces a Soldier’s learning curve upon arrival to their first duty assignment after OSUT
Allows for focused functional training throughout their career path
SSGs and above will be predominately assigned to one of two units: either ABCTs/SBCTs or IBCTs/SBCTs

8. 19K Training Strategy
Increased rigor for 19K OSUT through the implementation a culminating live fire event requiring each Soldier to fire from the Gunner’s position
ALC (19K) instituted a FTX that assessed the students ability to conduct decisive and sustainable offensive and defensive operations through the combination of live, virtual, and constructive training environments
Have collocated Tank, Bradley and MGS Master Gunner Courses to share best practices and improve the quality of our master gunners
Providing Division Commanding Generals with resident gunnery expertise by creating an MTOE Division Master Gunner position

9. Way Ahead Gunnery “Fight” from the Hatch Sustainment
Master the fundamentals of the Armored Force
Reestablish Division Master Gunner positions
“Fight” from the Hatch
Reestablish mission command on the move capability
Continue implementation of a Reconnaissance and Security elective within USASMA, ILE, & MPCC
Sustainment
Develop Battalion Maintenance Operations Course and add combat arms BMO to MTO&E
Combined Arms Battalion TO&E review (M977, M978)

10. Excellence Starts Here!
Promoting Excellence throughout Armor and Cavalry:
GEN Starry Writing Competition: MAJ William Nance, USMA
Sullivan Cup: “Best Tank Crew” 2014 Winners: 2-69 AR, 3/3 ID
Gainey Cup: “Best Scout Squad Competition” March 2015
“Wars are won by the courage of Soldiers, the quality of leaders, and the excellence of training.”
-- GEN Donn A. Starry

11. Questions

12. Foundations of the Armored Force
LEADERSHIP
Competent, Confident, Agile & Adaptive
Fighting From The Hatch
Based on Doctrine
Executing Mission Command
Maneuver
Sustainment
Actions on Contact
Maintenance
Establish Battalion Maintenance Operations Course (BMOC)
Add 02B BMO CPT to MTOE
Operating a UMCP
Establish Services Standards
Gunnery
Adding Master Gunners to Critical Positions
Execute two gunneries per year
Battle Roster Stability
GUNNERY
FIGHTING FROM THE HATCH
MAINTENANCE

13. Final Thoughts
Transformation: Brigade Combat Team redesign will provide uniquely organized formations with improved capabilities and capacities to defeat emerging threats.
Training: Plan for Functional Training in conjunction with NCOES and OES schools. Increase emphasis on Armor and Cavalry Soldiers attendance to RSLC, ARC, CLC, and Ranger School.
Feedback: Need your involvement & feedback on the future of the branch and ongoing initiatives.

14. 2014 Sullivan Cup “Best Tank Crew” Competition
The Sullivan Cup promotes the core competencies of tank crews from across the World. Teams from the ARNG, USMC, ABCTs, and our International Partners are invited to compete and prove themselves as the best tank crew.
SCOPE OF THE COMPETITION:
The competition is a physically and mentally demanding world-class event that rigorously tests US Army Soldiers, US Marines, and International Partners in tank crew maneuver, sustainment, and gunnery skills. The Sullivan Cup provides a realistic and challenging tank crew competition that will build esprit de corps within our Armor Force and returns the pride of Mobile Protected Firepower gunnery to its rightful place in the mounted force’s mindset.
The competition embodies its namesake, General (Retired) Gordon R. Sullivan. GEN Sullivan retired from the Army after more than 36 years of service, which culminated as the 32nd Chief of Staff. His commitment to the Armor Force exemplifies the spirit of our Armor Soldiers.
EVENTS:
Ice Breaker
Boresight/LFAS
Physical Challenge Course
Mystery Event Challenge
Precision Gunnery (Day/Night)
Shoot Off
Presentation of Awards / Dinner
AAR
WHO CAN COMPETE:
Divisions must provide proof that crews meet prerequisites for conducting full caliber live fire training as specified in FM , Ch 14, Teams are required to consist of existing battle roster qualified crews.

15. 2015 Gainey Cup “Best Scout Squad” Competition
The Gainey Cup brings Cavalrymen together in a healthy, competitive environment while developing Scout proficiency through physical and mental challenges.
SCOPE OF THE COMPETITION:
The competition is a physically and mentally demanding world-class event that rigorously tests US Army Cavalrymen, US Marines, and International Partners in knowledge, tactical competence, and fortitude in the fundamental of reconnaissance and security operations.
The competition embodies its namesake, Command Sergeant Major (Retired) William Gainey. “Joe” Gainey retired from the Army after more than 33 years of service, which culminated as the first Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. His commitment to the Armor Force exemplifies the spirit of our Cavalry Soldiers.
EVENTS:
Ice Breaker
Disciplus Validus / Footmarch / Obstacle Course
Target Identification
Recon Lane / HLZ Operations
Day / Night Live Fire
Scout Exam
Presentation of Awards / Dinner
AAR
WHO CAN COMPETE:
Divisions send six 19D scouts in peak physical condition who are an organic element to their organization.

16. General Donn A. Starry Writing Competition SCOPE OF THE MANUSCRIPTS:
The General Donn A. Starry writing competition will evaluate and recognize outstanding writers from across the Army who demonstrate clarity and vision about the future of the mounted force.
SCOPE OF THE MANUSCRIPTS:
The intent behind this competition is to challenge officers, NCOs, Soldiers and DA Civilians to think about the future of the Armor branch and to offer insightful, forward-thinking concepts to improve the force. The officer, NCO or Soldier will offer ideas and potential courses of action for consideration and/or implementation by the Chief of Armor.
Articles for 2014 will address the topic: How can we improve the capabilities of our Cavalry Squadrons to ensure they meet the demands of the Army of 2025 and beyond?
AUTHOR ELIGIBILITY:
Writers will be an Active Duty/National Guard/Reserve Soldier, Department of the Army Civilian, Retired/Veteran.
The Soldier or Civilian does not have to be in the Armor Branch, but he or she will write on future/enduring challenges facing Armor and Cavalry.
AWARDS:
$400 check from the Cavalry and Armor Association.
A 1911 Pistol from the Draper Leadership Foundation.
Army Commendation Medal from the Chief of Armor
Publication in ARMOR magazine
(Awards presented during the 2014 Maneuver Warfighter Conference at Fort Benning, GA)

17. 19A Career Path
To develop and sustain an Armored Force grounded on the foundations of gunnery, maintenance, and agile leadership that remains ready to deploy and dominate in any environment.
RANK
2LT
1LT
CPT
MAJ
LTC
EDUCATION
ABOLC
MCCC
ILE/SAMS
MPCC
RECON DEVELOPMENT
RECON LEVEL 2: RECON LEVEL 3: RECON LEVEL 4: RECON LEVEL 5:
-ARC (SI R7) CLC R&S Elective R&S Elective (Pending)
CRITICAL POSITIONS
Platoon Leader
Company or Troop XO
Company or Troop Commander
BN/SQDN S3/XO
Battalion or Squadron
Commander
BROADENING ASSIGNMENTS
Specialty Platoon LDR
BN/SQDN Staff
IMCOM Staff Officer
Aide-de-Camp
BN/BDE Staff
Fellowships
Scholarships
CTC O/C/T
AC/RC Trainer & Staff
Project Warrior
Doctrine Developer
ROTC APMS
MCoE or other CoE SGI
USAREC Co CDR & Staff
USMA Faculty & Staff
WTU Commander
BDE/DIV/Corps Staff
AC/RC S3/XO
Advisor for foreign schools
HQDA and ACOM staff
Fellowships & Scholarships
Combat developer
Doctrine developer
Joint staff
Multinational staff
Advanced Civil Schooling
Nominative positions
BDE XO
Corps Staff
Instructor at ILE
CTC O/CT
Division G3
HQDA/NATO/Combatant
Command Staff
AC/RC CDR/OC/Staff
ROTC PMS
MCoE Staff
Service Branch School
Staff & Instructor
 FUNCTIONAL TRAINING BY ORGANIZATION
ARMY RECON COURSE
CAVALRY LEADERS COURSE
R&S ELECTIVE
AIR ASSAULT
AIRBORNE
RANGER
TANK CDR
BRADLEY LDR
STRYKER LDR
IBCT R E R*
SBCT S
ABCT
R – Required, S – Strongly Encouraged, E – Encouraged, *– required if assigned to an Airborne Brigade

18. 19A Career Path 2LT 1LT CPT MAJ LTC
To develop and sustain an Armored Force grounded on the foundations of gunnery, maintenance, and agile leadership that remains ready to deploy and dominate in any environment.
RANK
2LT
1LT
CPT
MAJ
LTC
EDUCATION
ABOLC
MCCC
ILE/SAMS
MPCC
RECON DEVELOPMENT
RECON LEVEL 2: RECON LEVEL 3: RECON LEVEL 4: RECON LEVEL 5: ARC (SI R7) CLC R&S Elective R&S Elective (P)
CRITICAL POSITIONS
Platoon Leader
Company or Troop XO
Company or Troop Commander
BN/SQDN or Brigade
S3/XO
Battalion or Squadron
Commander
 FUNCTIONAL TRAINING BY ORGANIZATION
ARMY RECON COURSE
CAVALRY LEADERS COURSE
R&S ELECTIVE
AIR ASSAULT
AIRBORNE
RANGER
TANK CDR
BRADLEY LDR
STRYKER LDR
IBCT R E R*
SBCT S
ABCT
R – Required, S – Strongly Encouraged, E – Encouraged, *– required if assigned to an Airborne Brigade

19. 19D Career Path
To develop and sustain an Armored Force grounded on the foundations of gunnery, maintenance, and agile leadership that remains ready to deploy and dominate in any environment.
RANK
PVT
SGT
SSG
SFC
MSG/1SG
SGM/CSM
EDUCATION
OSUT
WLC
ALC
M-SLC
USASMA
RECON DEVELOPMENT
RECON LEVEL 1: RECON LEVEL 2: RECON LEVEL 3: RECON LEVEL 5
-RSLC (ASI 6B) ARC (ASI R7) CLC R&S Elective (P)
CRITICAL POSITIONS
Driver/Scout/
Gunner
Gunner/
Team Leader
Vehicle Commander/
Squad Leader
Platoon Sergeant
Company/Troop 1SG
Battalion/Squadron CSM
DEVELOPMENTAL ASSIGNMENTS
Operations Spc
Ammunition SGT
Operations SGT
Recruiter
Instructor
BN/BDE/DIV Staff
Master Gunner
Liaison SGT
Drill Sergeant
AC-RC Advisor
CTC O/CT
Bn/BDE Asst Ops
Sergeant
BN/BDE Master
GNR
Staff NCO
Project Warrior
Inspector General
EO Advisor
OPS Sergeant
ASST OPS SGM
BDE/DIV Staff NCO
Intelligence Analyst
ROTC Instructor
OPS SGM
BDE/DIV/Corps
Staff
 FUNCTIONAL TRAINING BY ORGANIZATION
RSLC
ARC
CLC
MASTER GUNNER
PATHFINDER
AIR ASSAULT
AIRBORNE
RANGER
SNIPER
BRADLEY OPERATOR
STRYKER OPERATOR
JFO
TAOC
IBCT S E R*  E
SBCT R
ABCT
R – Required, S – Strongly Encouraged, E – Encouraged, *– required if assigned to an Airborne Brigade

20. 19K Career Path
To develop and sustain an Armored Force grounded on the foundations of gunnery, maintenance, and agile leadership that remains ready to deploy and dominate in any environment.
RANK
PVT
SGT
SSG
SFC
MSG/1SG
SGM/CSM
EDUCATION
OSUT
WLC
ALC
M-SLC
USASMA
CRITICAL POSITIONS
Driver/Loader
Gunner
Tank/MGS Commander
Platoon Sergeant
Company/Troop 1SG
Battalion/Squadron CSM
DEVELOPMENTAL ASSIGNMENTS
Operations Spc
Vehicle CDR
Ammunition SGT
Operations SGT
Asst Hvy Veh
Driver
Recruiter
Instructor
BN/BDE/DIV Staff
Master Gunner
Liaison SGT
Drill Sergeant
AC-RC Advisor
CTC O/CT
BN/BDE Asst Ops
Sergeant
BN/BDE Master
GNR
Staff NCO
Project Warrior
Inspector General
EO Advisor
OPS Sergeant
ASST OPS SGM
BDE/DIV Staff NCO
Intelligence Analyst
ROTC Instructor
OPS SGM
BDE/DIV/Corps
Staff
 FUNCTIONAL TRAINING BY ORGANIZATION
ABRAMS OPERATOR
MGS OPERATOR
MASTER GUNNER
TANK CDR
CLC
TAOC
JFO
SBCT R S E
ABCT
R – Required, S – Strongly Encouraged, E – Encouraged, *– required if assigned to an Airborne Brigade