Replica command centre boosts pre-deployment training in Germany

The CJOC was put to the test in September, hosting approximately 800 soldiers from 6 Div for a three week period whilst they undertook the mission critical MRX. They deployed to Afghanistan in the first week of November and had the facility not been completed in time, they would have had to use a US military facility at Grafenwoehr to facilitate the exercise.

The replica centre was designed to enhance pre-deployment training by aiding the transition to Afghanistan for soldiers. It allows them to become more aware of the environment in theatre before they begin their deployment and improves communication during the handover period on their arrival.

The CJOC consists of a four tier floor structure with four separate offices that are used as instructor rooms and a plant room. These were kitted out with computer terminals and the lighting system was upgraded to comply with health and safety regulations.

DE also installed a path from the CAST building to an adjacent accommodation block, created a new door into the accommodation and altered the security fencing to enable troops to leave their accommodation and go straight into the CAST area.

Because of the high standard of construction, consideration is now being given to keeping the CJOC to be used by other divisions to support their pre-deployment training.

John Regan, Deputy Head of Operations International, said:

"This facility will provide invaluable simulation training for troops posted to Afghanistan and will enable them to move swiftly into a fully operational role. DE FM at Paderborn can be justifiably proud in what they have achieved in such a short space of time."