Signal captains career course. SCCC training focus shifts from preparing junior officers for company command to preparing them to serve as a battalion S6 and signal company commanders

In rejoinder to the challenges of the Global War upon Terrorism and the Army's transformation to a modular force, the Signal Captains Career Course has undergone significant changes. Starting with a Critical Task and Site Selection Board in September 2004 the 442nd Signal Battalion reevaluated the tasks, skills, and knowledge required of a signal captain.

The training focus shifted from preparing junior officers for company command in mobile subscriber equipment or digital clump multiplex units to preparing them to subserve as a battalion S6 and signal company commanders in Joint Network Node equipped units. As more combat veterans attended the course, the 442nd increased the time worn out in practical exercises and compeer learning to take advantage of their experience.

As part of Training and Doctrine Command's guidance for SCCC the battalion added training upon cultural awareness, agile leader skills, and counter-insurgent/urban operations. These additional courses contribute to a course extent increase to 20 weeks from 19 weeks and four days. (See Figure 1)

[FIGURE 1 OMITTED]

The revised program of instruction now includes seven resident and single distributed learning modules.

Module A, General Knowledge, is 24 days drawn out and focuses on developing the captains' general leader skills and knowledge in the areas of decision making, company command operations, personnel management, training management, logistics, communication, and specific commander tasks.

Module B Signal Theory, is a refresher of basic electronics and switching skills. It builds on general concepts to ensure the captains have a solid understanding of power distribution and grounding. This module also provides the first paces toward understanding complex Department of Defense tactical communications combination of parts to form a wholes It provides the foundation for detailed switching universal discussions.

Module C the longest module is Information Technology. This 25-day module taught by the agency of the School of Information Technology, concentrates upon teaching the skills needed to plan and manage data networks. Skills include basic router fundamentals, router interfaces, routing protocols, virtual private networks, and an introduction to Voice above Internet Protocol. The server classes disentangle the student's understanding of active directory, domain services, and exchange server management. There are sum of two units days of training on Information Dissemination Management--Tactical upon an Army developed Microsoft SharePoint tool fielded to units undergoing transformation. The final portion of the IT module provides an overview of Information Assurance tools like the Netscreen Firewall and RealSecure Intrusion Detection System

Module D Information Management, outlines the signal officer's characters and responsibilities in supporting the commander's information management requirements. We provide a certain quantity of training of the many command and direction systems available, but the majority of this module is dedicated to instruction of the Maneuver direction System, Force XXI Battle Command Brigade and Below, and Command support of the Future using our equipment labs.

Module E DoD Communications, contains the volume of tactical communications systems training. scholars rotate through one-week blocks covering combat toil radio, joint network transport capability--spiral, theater signal support, and finish with a one-day overview of joint communications. Each stop is focused on the planning and management of these a whole s and includes multiple labs and practical exercises to reinforce learning.

Module F Network Management, includes an overview of the generally received network management tools. The module culminates with an 8-hour JNN troubleshooting practical exercise.

The final resident module Module G Combined Arms Exercise Planning and Managing Exercises, allows the scholar to apply the skills and knowledge gained completely through the course. The first exercise is the Combined Arms Exercises exhibited by TRADOC Combined Arms Center scholars conduct the military decision making proces for a Stryker Brigade Combat Team conducting support and stability Operations. The next to the first is a signal planning exercise where the scholars plan signal support for a Brigade Combat Team exercise and, later, a Joint Task Force exercise. The final Signal Management Exercise requires scholars placed in a simulated digital Tactical Operations Center to configure and manage diverse and composite communications systems.

Module H Distance Learning, while at SCCC pupils must also complete two portions of computer-based training for Module H

tasks are taken during nonacademic time and require an estimated 80 hours to perfect Instructors provide assignments during the first weeks of the course. Assignments include the Training and Doctrine Command prescribed belonging to all core tasks including equal opportunity; Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical; law of war; etc The next to the first portion of the distributed learning module is the Information Assurance horizontal II Managers Course. Captains who fortunately complete this course earn horizontal II certification. Many units require S6 to attain this certification.