FY20 Ground Combat Element Commanders Course

1.  Situation.  During the past few years, the GCE has informally conducted a series of GCE Commanders Courses.  These courses were well received, but not yet formalized on a reoccurring basis or in subject matter.  Currently, the CMCs Combined Commandership Course educates command teams on the fundamental authorities, responsibilities, programs and practices that contribute to a successful command tour IOT ensure they are fully prepared to meet the unique challenges and demands of command.  However, given the complexities of today's operational challenges, coupled with the dynamic influence of rapidly changing technologies, there is a need to provide GCE Commanders with GCE specific training in order to enhance their effectiveness in command.  In November 2017, the Ground Board endorsed the formalization of a three-day Ground Combat Element Commanders Course and directed MCTOG to facilitate the development and delivery of the GCECC.<br>
2.  Mission. Execute a three-day operationally focused command preparation course to better ready GCE Commanders to lead, train, and tactically employ their Battalions and Regiments in the context of maneuver warfare, in support of the MAGTF.<br>
3.  Execution.<br>
3.a.  Commanders Intent.<br>
3.a.1.  Purpose.  To enhance GCE Commanders readiness to command in todays complex operating environment.<br>
3.a.2.  Method.  The GCECC will be a highly focused, high-payoff engagement designed to prepare GCE Commanders for the biggest challenges of their careers.  The course is educationally unique and seeks to leverage and expand upon a careers worth of training, education, and experience.  This experiential learning approach of declarative knowledge, sense making, and problem solving will further develop the adaptive capacity in Commanders.<br>
3.a.3.  Endstate.  GCE Commanders are better prepared to tactically employ, train, and lead their command to support the MAGTF within the construct of marine operating concepts.<br>
3.b.  Concept of Operations.  MCTOG conducts the course at Marine Air Ground Combat Center twice per fiscal year IOT afford the opportunity for all FY20 O-5 and O-6 Commanders slated for  GCE commands to attend prior to or within the first six months of assuming command.<br>
3.c.  Coordinating instructions.<br>
3.c.1.  Eligibility.  GCE Command slated Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels, and Lieutenant Colonel selects on the FY20 command slating.<br>
3.c.2.  FY20 course dates.<br>
3.c.2.a.  MCTOG executes GCE Commanders Course 1-20, 3-5 December 2019.<br>
3.c.2.b.  MCTOG executes GCE Commanders Course 2-20, 10-12 March 2020.<br>
3.c.3.  Registration.  Registration is hosted by MCTOG via email to MCTOG POCS noted in this message.<br>
3.c.3.a.  Registration deadline for GCE Commanders Course 1-20 is 4 November, 2019.<br>
3.c.3.b.  Registration deadline for GCE Commanders Course 2-20 is 7 February, 2020.<br>
3.c.4.  MCTOG will publish a detailed GCE Commanders Course 1-20 message that outlines the schedule and administration and logistics ISO the course NLT 4 November, 2019.<br>
3.c.5.  MCTOG will publish a detailed GCE Commanders Course 2-20 message that outlines the schedule and administration and logistics ISO the course NLT 7 February, 2020.<br>
4.  Admin and Logistics<br>
4.a.  Minimum clearance is SECRET.  Send clearance info via JPAS through your local security manager to SMO code:  MS3510 POC:  Sgt Gerard Taulbee.<br>
4.b.  Each attendee arranges their own billeting.  If government lodging cannot be obtained attendees must ensure they get a letter of non-availability.  Lodging reservations can be made at:<br>
- Primary:  Road Runner Inn (760)830-6642<br>
- Secondary:  Sleepy Tortoise Lodge (760)830-6573<br>
- Holiday Inn Express:  (760)361-4009<br>
- Best Western:  (760)367-9141<br>
- Fairfield Inn:  (760)361-5000<br>
4.c.  Funding.<br>
4.c.1.  Course attendance is unit funded.<br>
4.c.2.  Departure flights should be scheduled for the day after the last scheduled training event supported.<br>
4.c.3.  Support personnel funded by MCTOG.  Detailed information for support personnel will be published via SepCor for each course.<br>
4.d.  Uniform: Seasonal digital MARPAT uniform.<br>
5.  Command and Signal<br>
5.a.  Command relationships.  Commanding Officer, MCTOG serves as on scene Commander.<br>
5.b.  Signals.  Questions or comments regarding this message are directed to MCTOG POCS.<br>
6.  Release authorized by BGen Stephen E. Liszewski, Director of Operations for Plans, Policies and Operations.