Here is an AAR of the Unit Training Evaluation (UTE) conducted by our State Area Command (STARC) during the October 97 drill weekend. The UTE has replaced the previous Observed Training Evaluation (OTE) that had been conducted by 1st Army.
Date. The UTE was conducted on Saturday of drill. The evaluation lasted one whole day. The evaluation team went straight to observe training and then conducted an inbrief later in the morning. The team observed night training as well as the regular daylight training. An outbrief was conducted on Sunday morning. We received a completed copy of the UTE checklist at that time. The team informed us that the final copy would be type-written and sent to the battalion.
Evaluation Team. The inspection team consisted of an SSG E6 and an CPT 03. The Captain is actually in a Major's slot so you could expect to see a Major come to evaluate your training. The team reports to State.
OTE vs UTE. The UTE is different from the old OTE in several ways:
Checklist. We did not have a copy of the UTE checklist within the battalion. The evaluation team claimed that they have sent this checklist to the units (us folks) on several occasions. We did use the OTE checklist as a guide. I have been carrying that checklist for two years now and hoped I would not have to use it. I (HHC) have a blank copy of the UTE checklist and we provided Bn with both a copy of the blank checklist and the actual checklist completed by the evaluators. Units should be able to get copies from the Bn S3 shop, of both the blank checklist and our evaluation.
Standards. The four major areas are rated on a SAT or UNSAT standard. We received a SAT in all four. There are 30 sub-areas on the UTE for which you can receive a GO or NO-GO. We received a GO in 28, one was not observed (conduct of AARs), and one was a NO-GO. The NO-GO was for Opportunity Training with a note that ours was planned, prepared but not always executed. In other words, we resourced the Opportunity Training, but not all troops were doing it. That 'gig' was valid, and is probably valid for us all on any chosen drill. There are areas for comments under most sub-areas. The final evaluator comments basically roll-up the other comments throughout the checklist.
Attendance. The attendance calculations are basically the same as for our regular strength report. The bottom line is the percentage of personnel available credited for training. The calculation is: physically present + Equivalent Training (ET) + Rescheduled Training (RST) + Attending Schools + Basic Training (IADT) all divided by the soldiers assigned. Our percentage for this calculation was 96%. You'll see what this means when you look at the UTE checklist. The team looked at each split training certificate. They want to see more 'beef' on the description of training on the certificates. They wanted to ensure we were using ET versus RST correctly, ET being to the benefit of the soldier while RST is to the unit's benefit.
MOSQ. Have a roll-up of your personnel and their status as far as being MOS qualified and non-qualified, we did and it was helpful. Our roll-up includes a percentage on the last page which was useful to speed the completion of this part of the evaluation. My roll-up matched the one that the 1SG and Readiness NCO possessed. Our MOSQ was 89%. It was extremely valuable that the Readiness NCO, myself, and the 1SG were familiar with soldier names that were awaiting schools. We could easily show soldiers currently attending basic on the strength report. We know the REP63 soldier names, but it would have been helpful to show them in a central list somehow.
Conduct of Training. The main focus of the weekend was individual weapons qualification. Yes the team looked deeply at the training schedule. They looked at it for opportunity training being identified, which we do put on the schedule each month. The team went to the training site to observe. They noted that we have an interesting situation with the 2-116th running the rifle and pistol ranges. Our soldiers were mixed in with their soldiers in some instances. The evaluation team was interested in the use of the weaponeer system but were unable to find classroom 5 which is where it is located. They wanted to know about our plan to make-up the training for the soldiers who did not qualify. We informed them that we would again conduct ranges during AT, showed them the make-up qualification drill scheduled late in the TY, and informed them that Aco would be running ranges in March which we would attend.
Night Training. The evaluation team wanted to ensure that night training was planned and conducted. They were dazzled with the TOW Trainer system and gunner's training which was conducted at night in an admin building. After being well planned and resources, the TOW training was excellently executed. We also made sure the Mortar platoon was working on gunner's exam prep, they took one mortar tube with them to drill. The Scouts were conducting night fire.
Training Not Evaluated. The team did not check the convoy, sergeant's time, or maintenance performed on Sunday. As stated previously, they only stayed one full day. The team did not really get deep into the Food Service Section, they saw that we were being fed and so the Cooks were working. They witnessed the Bn staff training but made no comments on it. All other HHC sections and platoons were partaking in the weapons qualification. The team did not visit the pistol range.
1SG Involvement. The 1SG worked with the team on the attendance issues and some MOSQ issues. He was knowledgeable on those issues which helped in the process. He attended the outbrief.
Readiness NCO Involvement. The readiness NCO was definitely involved and was able to answer the more detailed questions regarding MOSQ. He had a copy of the UMR on hand. Myself and the 1SG carry a copy of the battle roster, not the UMR.
Evaluation Notice. We received notice of the UTE on Friday. So we had Friday night of drill (a MUTA5) to do more pre-execution checks.
Conclusion. We passed this evaluation. My point here is to pass on information to you all so you can benefit from our experiences. If you have any questions, please send email