2015 Joint Allied/Axis Training & Planning Seminar
United States Army Heritage Education Center
U.S. Army War College, Carlisle PA, July 26-27 2014

The objective was to jointly (i.e., Allied and Axis command) produce a 5 Paragraph Field Order for the 2015 event, using MDMP (Military Decision-Making Process). We spent a day and a half reviewing WW2 U.S. Army and German Military Doctrine, Company/Squad Level Tactics, practicing Terrain Analysis-- culminating in a Field Order draft. When we reach a semi-final draft, I'll forward to all of you.
 

So, what can you expect for January 2015?
 
First, you'll see a battle scenario developed out of a more authentic, actual military-based process, better-grounded in the strategy and tactics actually used by two opposing forces of approximately 400 men each, scaled for the actual space we fight in, about 2 miles by 2 miles square.
 
The battle will be far less scripted, if at all. We'll continue to use the TOC more for safety and overall coordination "behind the battle" vs. intervening directly to "manage" the battle. We are looking at allowing Friday to take its natural course with returning to the field on Saturday and resuming the battle from the positions where we ended on Friday.
 
The AO concept used in 2014 which limited flexibility of battle group commanders in favor of guaranteeing trigger time will disappear.
 
The judges will return, be far better supported and integrated into the event, and we need more of them, and I need your help finding them.
 
The Allied staff and battle group commanders will rotate in some "newer" faces. Tim Learman and Gary Miller will join Les Albers as battle group commanders. Shawn Welch, Col US Army retired, and Tim O'Neill, Lt. Col. US Army retired, the two men who coordinated our planning session this weekend, will also be integral members of Joe D.'s staff.
 
I will be asking for your participation, feedback, input and welcome any ideas as we go forward.
 
Oberst Egon Spengler
2. GJ
German Commander