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The success of the Joint Enabling Capabilities Command begins with extensive training focused on maintaining the command’s ability to immediately and effectively respond to potential joint force requirements. An inaugural JECC Mission Readiness Exercise was held at the JECC headquarters, located in Norfolk, Va., from Sept. 24-28 to validate the readiness of the Ready JECC package, also known as the RJP.

To sustain the command’s ability to rapidly deploy, the JECC maintains an RJP on a three-month rotational readiness cycle to deploy within hours of notification for emergent operations.  The RJP combines active duty, Reserve and National Guard personnel from each of its subordinate joint commands – the Joint Planning Support Element, the Joint Communications Support Element and the Joint Public Affairs Support Element – which can be mission-tailored and scaled to meet specific mission requirements.

In preparation for transferring duties to the new RJP team, the JECC MRX evaluated the overall readiness of the RJP. Fifty-five JECC members from across the command participated in the simulated joint task force exercise while 16 personnel served as training support. The JECC MRX served as the culminating event for the commander, JECC to certify the RJP as fully trained and prepared for worldwide, immediate deployments and capable of facilitating the rapid establishment of joint force headquarters.

To kick off the MRX, a four-man team deployed on Sept. 24 from JCSE headquarters in Tampa, Fla. and immediately began setting up an Early Entry package, a deployable communications package for command and control services for up to 40 personnel.  The JCSE team provided the communications infrastructure, consisting of unclassified, classified, phone and video teleconference capabilities, for the duration of the MRX.

JCSE member, U.S. Air Force Master Sgt. Roger Powell, evaluated the JCSE team and commended their ability to perform to mission standards.

“The JCSE team provided 100 percent connectivity to the exercise using the Early Entry package in the simulated deployment environment,” said Powell. “Within two hours of JCSE’s arrival, over 30 users had the required rights, access to the portal and the necessary systems for the joint task force to be fully operational.”

The JECC MRX also focused on sharpening mission-critical skills of JPSE and JPASE members as they executed mission analysis and course of action development while working through a hypothetical noncombatant evacuation scenario.

The JPSE members worked together and demonstrated their ability to effectively and efficiently establish, organize and conduct crisis action planning. While deployed, JECC members frequently become the resident Joint Operation Planning Process experts and further expedite the JTF’s efforts during the planning process simply by the unparalleled level of joint operational experience they bring to the mission.

JPSE member, U.S. Army Lt. Col. Glenn Kramel, participated in the JECC MRX and commented on how this opportunity built confidence in the team as a whole.

“This was a great opportunity to get to know the faces we deploy with ahead of time and lean forward to ensure we know how to do our job,” he said.

JPASE enhanced the realistic MRX training environment by simulating live media interviews during an execution phase, replicating the use of the deployable Defense Video and Imagery Distribution System. JPASE regularly deploys with DVIDS to disseminate real-time broadcast-quality video and still images from the field in the earliest stages of a crisis or contingency operation.

JPASE member, U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Gregg Bottemiller, shared his experiences during the MRX.

“JPASE members provided the public affairs guidance and ensured the JTF commander’s themes and messages were synchronized throughout the planning process of the MRX,” said Bottemiller. “We also provided support similar to what we would provide downrange including interview preparations for the RJP lead and execution of the actual interviews.”

As the RJP lead, U.S. Marine Corps Col. Sean Magee commented on the collective training event which reinforced the mission-critical expertise that the JECC provides during the earliest stages of a joint operation.

“The MRX gave me a greater understanding of my team on a personal level that will help me employ the team in the future,” said Magee. “It is especially important for the RJP to collectively execute practical application of the Joint Operation Planning Process and rehearse the skill sets we are expected to provide to a JTF.”

Following successful completion of the JECC MRX, Magee and his RJP team are fully prepared and capable of supporting potential joint force requirements. The JECC is fully committed to deploying the most qualified teams and has already begun planning for the next JECC MRX which will take place in mid-December.

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