Brigade Special Troops Integration Within the Brigade Combat Team

Since the Brigade Special Troops Battalion (BSTB) was a recently created organization, the researcher sought to address the problem that little developmental knowledge existed about BSTB staff planning. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to identify how BSTB commanders and staffs could develop integrated plans. Fifty-three BSTB commanders, executive officers, operations officers and observer/controllers were invited to participate in this research. The researcher used a self-administered questionnaire, containing 10 questions, to collect data. Of the 53 invited participants, 27 completed and returned the questionnaire. The findings suggested that BSTB integration begins with the Brigade Combat Team (BCT) commander. Therefore, the BSTB commander must seek the guidance of the BCT commander to determine which missions he envisions the organization performing in support of the BCT and the corresponding command and support relationships to perform these missions. Based on these designated roles and relationships, the BSTB could develop techniques and procedures that integrate its activities throughout the BCT. The BSTB commander and staff must identify a battle rhythm that is integrated with the BCT battle rhythm. The battle rhythm must include a sufficient number of meetings to present and exchange relevant information and working groups to coordinate and provide recommendations for required functions.