TTPs and Lessons Learned—Why They Matter

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Patrick Brady-Lee
  • 423d Mobility Training Squadron commander
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey --  

“We do not rise to the level of our expectations, we fall to the level of our training.”

When the subject of tactics, techniques, and procedures and lessons learned comes up, I often think of the above quote. Whether attributed to the Greek poet Archilochus or an anonymous Navy Seal, these words resonate with many of our Airmen serving across the globe. The sentiment inherent in this simple phrase stands as a staunch reminder of the critical role training plays in the ability of our Airmen to safely and effectively accomplish the mission. That training, delivered in garrison, online, or at deployed locations, is the tie that binds Airmen from different AFSCs and geographic locations into a cohesive unit no matter where in the world they assemble to answer our Nation’s call. In essence, I am talking about the Tactical Doctrine which is codified most often as tactics, techniques, and procedures in the 3-series manuals.

Per the Airman Handbook, “Tactical doctrine describes the proper employment of specific United States Air Force assets, individually or in concert with other assets, to accomplish detailed objectives.” Because the training to properly employ the force represents the proverbial “glue” holding Airmen together, it becomes essential to cement the foundation of that training on proven principles. It is here that TTPs and LLs find their true value. Those serving in the 423d Mobility Training Squadron TTP Flight, the 561st Joint Tactics Squadron, the LeMay Center, and the Air Land Sea Application Center play a crucial role in ensuring both Air Force and multi-Service TTPs/LLs contain the knowledge and best practices, which are current and relevant to the men and women pushing the mission. It is these organizations and their Airmen, who provide a common understanding that training squadrons can draw upon to train and educate Airmen in the full spectrum of expeditionary and mobility skills and knowledge.

It is clear that our Airman will face increasing challenges and threats across all domains: air, space and cyber. To ensure the world’s greatest Air Force can train expeditionary Airmen to embrace our emerging roles and responsibilities in every AOR around the globe, collecting and codifying knowledge and best practices will remain a mission imperative. We are the best Air Force in the world because of our training. That training is anchored by tactics, techniques, and procedures and lessons learned. So the next time you think about TTPs/LLs, remember their importance. They are the foundation of our ability to “Fly, Fight, and Win!”

(The following commentary is from the 423d Mobility Training Squadron quarterly newsletter. For more TTP/LL information and training resources visit the following site on a CAC enabled computer: https://cs.eis.af.mil/sites/10070/default.aspx)