Annual Training 1992
Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 14
N.A.S. Jacksonville, FL.

Command Post Exercise, Camp Lejeune, NC . The highlight of this intense period of Annual Training was the Command Post Exercise. NMCB-14's combat leadership, including officers, chiefs, and several individuals assigned as messengers, forward observers, or assistants to the various company commanders and department heads, all participated in a very enlightening command post exercise. We were privileged to be hosted by the USMC's combat simulation "wargaming" staff which operates a state of the art computer controlled facility in a small building on Camp LeJeune. A large "map room" features a central table which holds accurate three dimensional scale models of terrain features in the operational area. Directly above, computer controlled laser projectors travel on tracks attached to the ceiling.They simulate strikes on the map by any of the weapons available to the unit. .Three sides of the table are fitted with a long continuous row of chairs provided with simulated radio and field phone links for the company commanders, platoon leaders, other asistants, and the forward observers. These players call for fire, observe the strikes on the map, and report effect to adjust fire as needed. A computer station in an adjoining room allows the simulation operator to monitor the simulation in progress and present the participants with realistic challenges and problems. In separate rooms equipped only with radio and field phone links and appropriate charts or maps, other unit personnel represent the unit Command Post , Alternate Command Post, and Fire Direction Co-ordination Center. They receive information from the map room and coordinate with fictional higher headquarters and other adjoining or supporting units. This arrangement accurately reproduces the communication limitations between personnel on the front lines of a defensive perimeter and decision makers in rear areas. Great training and lots of fun. It's like Nintendo "to the max!"

--Normand Dupuis

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