Lt Col Ravid/Haag,

    Just got off the phone with Tom Hooper and he confirmed SG is down on both sides (EUCOM/JS).  Unfortunately,  I was unable to load the templates on before it crashed so I’ve attached them here and will load them as soon as possible tomorrow morning when/if the system is up.

So, I think we are all in agreement that the MSEL review could have gone better today.  The mikes, the masks, the screen issues all contributed.  For my part, I wanted to apologize for not sending LtCol Ravid a heads up on the slides – between the JTIMS server delay and my ROM I was in a rush to get them done and just posted today.  I will definitely let you know if I post anything to the MSEL folders in the future.

And,  as Lt Col Ravid said, moving forward we will leave all the current injects in the JMSEL Tool and then all the Syndicates will work on their Level 1-2-3 charts.  After the MSEL Crosswalk we can make the necessary adjustments.   I am very pleased to hear this since this is the standard JS process used for Storyline-MSEL development.  Experience has proven that MSELs/Storylines are best developed using the building block approach.   It may seem like a step backward, and extra time but when the Quad/Fishbone slides are completely filled out, the MSEL inject will almost write itself so it is time very well spent.   My analogy is painting a room.  It’s all about the prep which always takes longer than actually painting.  But if you do the prep right, the last part of throwing on the paint is a breeze.

Speaking of building blocks, I also have some concerns over the Training Objectives.  It is the first block/step and I have yet to see a comprehensive, approved list.  I have made “Placeholder TOs” in the tool but in theory all Storylines should first be based on a TO.    I have seen some of the IDF TOs in the folder but I would like to discuss those over the SG phone soonest. 

MSEL Crosswalk vs MSEL Sync.  There is actually a difference.  MSEL Development with a MSEL Crosswalk is what we are trying to accomplish this week during the Planning Phase.  A MSEL Sync is only during PRE_STARTEX in the EXECUTION phase.  (per Jt Staff Exercise Handbook)

Lastly, are the Syndicate slides.  As was mentioned in the briefing, some of the storylines were from JC and in the wrong Phase and many of the dates were wrong even though I used the “approved” final versions from the IPC. 

Bottom line is I think taking the time to step back now and review our steps is absolutely the best course.

If I may suggest,

1. Review/confirm TO list
2. Develop Storylines using Level 1-2-3 charts (attention to Phases and dates- especially when cutting and pasting from previous exercises/slides)
3. Ensure only true Key Events are charted (all injects are important – not all are Key)
4. Crosswalk Storylines (last day)

Your thoughts?

v/r Ex

LINDA “EX” EXTERKATE

Joint Staff J7, JST, Valiant

JMSEL Manager

COMM: +1 (757) 203-7941 EST

DSN: (668) 203-7941

NIPR: Linda.M.Exterkate.ctr@mail.mil

SIPR:  Linda.M.Exterkate.ctr@mail.smil.mil