The S-3 Operations Staff Section is responsible for running the schools and training involved in running the battalion. The many schools and qualification courses along with Entry Level Training (ELT) are important for the running and future of the unit. The S-3 staff's training ensures that new recruits joining the unit are imparted with the correct standard on the field and off.
S-3 primarily runs BCT and RASP, the two main parts of ELT that feed new recruits into the unit. S-3 Operations also runs and maintains the instructors for qualifications such as Combat Life Saver, Designated Marksman, Land Navigation, Airborne, and Air Assault. Specific schools ran by the S-3 Operations staff duties include Sniper School, Ranger School, Pathfinder School, and Sapper School. S-3 Operations instructors and cadre are expected to understand their subjects completely with a level of fluency that allows them to teach and bring up others to act as instructors. They are subject matter experts in all areas of their assigned training(s).
S-3 Operations is structured with specific positions that correspond to the training, schooling, and qualifications at all levels of the 2nd Ranger Battalion.
The S-3 Operations Officer is the Battalion qualification and training overseer. They are responsible for the conduct of the trainings and schools assigned to the S-3 Operations Section. Unit related documents, SOPs, doctrine and training criteria are a responsibility between the S-3 Operations Officer and the S-3 Operations Chief. This position is held usually by a First Lieutenant or higher.
The Operations Chief is responsible for overseeing the remainder of the S-3 section and providing his subordinates with any logistical needs as required for them to complete their assigned duties. He is also tasked with assisting the S-3 Operations Officer as requested, and assumes the Ops Officer’s role in his absence. The position is held usually by a Staff Sergeant or higher.
The Training Chief is responsible for overseeing the development and professional conduct of Basic Combat Training and Ranger Assessment and Selection Program. The standard set by the Training Chief ensures only quality soldiers that possess the knowledge required, get assigned to active duty combat positions. The position is held usually by a Staff Sergeant or higher.
The Qualification Instructor is responsible for conducting their respective qualification as per the S-3 Operations Officer’s discretion. This position is held usually by a Specialist or higher.
The Basic Combat Training & Ranger Assessment and Selection Program Instructor (BCT & RASP) is responsible for running the weekly BCT/RASP class for new Recruits and Privates. This position is held usually by a Private First Class or higher.
The following courses, training, and schools are administered and conducted by the S-3 Operations Staff Section.
| Entry Level Training | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Combat Training (BCT) | None | Basic Combat Training (BCT) is an overview of unit policies and procedures along with an introduction to Advanced Combat Environment (ACE3) medical and controls and Task Force Arrowhead Radio (TFAR). It's the first time Recruits load into an official training and become acclimated to the unit and what is expected from them. Unit keybinds and load-outs are also given out at this time. |
| Ranger Assessment and Selection Program (RASP) | Basic Combat Training (BCT) | Ranger Assessment and Selection Program is our main combat training Privates receive before being assigned to the unit. The training covers fireteam and squad formations, weapons/grenade familiarization, Military Operations in Urban Terrain (MOUT) and Close Quarters Battle (CQB) along with anti-tank launcher procedures. Proper vehicle formations and convoy procedure is also taught and reviewed. |
| School | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Air Assault School | None | Air Assault School trains soldiers to be proficient in helicopter operations which include both landing and repelling as methods of insertion. Helicopter resupply, considerations and limitations are also taught. Air Assault School finishes with a live fire Field Exercise. |
| Airborne School | None | Airborne School trains soldiers to be proficient in static line parachute operations. Airborne resupply, considerations and limitations are also taught. Airborne School finishes with a live fire Field Exercise. |
| Sapper School |
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Sapper School is a cadre evaluated series of different Field Exercises where students are taught material then expected to lead their peers and demonstrate proficiency. Sapper School topics include, mines and advanced demolitions, military mountaineering, entrenching procedures, defensive doctrine and waterborne operations. The Sapper Tab grants soldiers the ability to carry higher end equipment (check here for the most up-to-date information). |
| Ranger School |
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Ranger School is a peer evaluated series of different Field Exercises where all billets and positions are shuffled regardless of rank. No two Ranger Schools are alike and the details of each Field Exercises are kept hidden until after roles are assigned. Soldiers will have a different role or be assigned to a different group during each Field Exercise. At the end of the school, every soldier provides a peer evaluation on the leadership taking part. A combination of peer evaluations and cadre score cards determine who earns a Ranger Tab. Ranger Schools are unique as they are the only Specialty School or Qualification to be held on a Sunday night during Operation times. The Ranger Tab grants soldiers the ability to carry higher end equipment (check here for the most up-to-date information). |
| Qualification | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Combat Lifesaver Qualification | None | The Combat Lifesaver Qualification trains soldiers to be proficient in ACE3 medical and allows them to better respond to mass casualty situations. The Combat Lifesaver Qualification grants soldiers the ability to carry Epinephrine Auto-injectors and other life saving procedures. This is the official medical training course conducted by the US Army, intended to provide an intermediate step between the buddy aid-style basic life support taught to every soldier. The combat lifesaver is primarily responsible for providing emergency medical treatment at point of wounding on the battlefield, limited primary care, and health protection and evacuation from a point of injury or illness. |
| Land Navigation Qualification | None | The Land Navigation Qualification trains soldiers to plot 8 digit grid points, use the baseplate compass and learn the major, minor and supplementary terrain features. The Land Navigation Qualification does not grant any special equipment. |
| Explosives Qualification | None | The Explosives Qualification trains soldiers to be able to safely employ demolitions, disarm explosives and use breaching charges. The Explosives Qualification grants soldiers the ability to carry explosives, breaching charges and a defusal kit. |
| Combat Diver Qualification | Explosives Qualification | The Combat Diver Qualification trains soldiers to be capable of combat dives, mapping, and planning out dives on their own along with safely stowing their gear and equipment for post-dive combat operations. Divers use a diving computer, wetsuit, and diving bag. |
| Designated Marksman Qualification | None | The Designated Marksman Qualification trains soldiers to be able to take the Squad Designated Marksman role. The Designated Marksman Qualification grants soldiers the ability to carry a Designated Marksman Rifle and use high powered optics. |
| Forward Observer Qualification | None | The Forward Observer Qualification trains soldiers to be able to properly use call for fire over the radio for mortar and artillery support and direction. This is not an operator course for the mortar, but rather the voice and spotting procedure course. Following this qualification, soldiers should be able to properly call for fire and understand the limitations and functions of indirect fire. |
| Heavy Weapons Qualification | None | The Heavy Weapons Qualification trains soldiers to operate key weapon systems that are found in a typical Weapons Squad including the FGM-148 Javelin, FIM-92F Stinger, M3 MAAWS, and M240B. More than just teaching about the weapon system itself, it also teaches the necessary skills to employ the weapons effectively and safely. |
| Military Freefall Qualification | Airborne School | The Military Freefall Qualification trains soldiers in both methods of High-altitude military parachuting: HALO (high altitude – low opening) and HAHO (high altitude – high opening). The Military Freefall Qualification grants soldiers the ability to carry an altimeter watch. |
| Leadership | Prerequisites | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Leader Course | None | Basic Leader Course (BLC) trains soldiers to perform as a fireteam leader and non-commissioned officer. The course goes over expectations, roles and duties of a leader. Unit specific policies, award procedure and disciplinary procedure are also reviewed. In-game practical exercises or evaluations are also conducted. |
| Advanced Leader Course |
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Advanced Leader Course (ALC) trains soldiers already established as leaders within the unit. The course teaches advanced doctrine of attacking, defending and terrain negotiation with an emphasis on the rifle squad. Soldiers will be given the opportunity to lead squads under the supervision of instructors. |
| Officer Candidate School | Advanced Leader Course | Officer Candidate School (OCS) trains soldiers to take on a higher echelon of command at the platoon level and higher. The course teaches mission development through Zeus, unit administration, and combat doctrine through the platoon level. |
