ProDev – What the Heck is a CAR? Fixing the Brigade Combined Arms Rehearsal

The Joint Readiness Training Center is pleased to present seminar to air on ‘The Crucible - The JRTC Experience.’ Facilitated by the Task Force Senior for the BDE Command & Control (BC2) (BCT HQ), LTC Matthew Bandi on behalf of the Commander of Ops Group (COG). The host for this professional development seminar is the Brigade Executive Officer Observer – Coach – Trainer, MAJ David Pfaltzgraff. The Combined Arms Rehearsal (CAR) is the brigade’s most critical rehearsal event—designed to synchronize operations in time, space, and purpose while identifying friction prior to execution. It is not a back brief or a rehash of the operations order, but a deliberate step-through of key events using shared fighting products to validate the plan, refine decision points, and ensure all warfighting functions are integrated. When executed correctly, the CAR enables leaders to visualize the fight, confirm version control of products, and rapidly resolve issues across maneuver, fires, sustainment, protection, and mission command before transitioning into follow-on rehearsals like IC-fires and sustainment. Common Pitfalls / Friction Points: • Treating the CAR as a back brief or “the show” instead of a problem-solving event • Overly long rehearsals that attempt to cover the entire operation instead of key events • Poor version control or failure to use actual fighting products (reliance on green notebooks) • Too many attendees and not enough active participants • Underdeveloped or ineffective terrain models lacking control measures and clarity • Over-fixation on maneuver while neglecting integration of other warfighting functions Best Practices: • Focus the CAR on critical events and decision points requiring synchronization • Enforce strict version control and rehearse using actual fighting products • Keep participation limited to key leaders who actively contribute • Build and use a detailed terrain model that reflects graphics and control measures • Drive discussion through the execution matrix (EXMAT) to align actions in time and space • Foster a command climate where leaders identify friction early and speak up Part of “Professional Development Seminar” series. Be sure to also checkout the Center for Army Lessons Learned, CALL Publication 19-18, “No Fail Guide to Rehearsals” for a detailed, easy to use handbook at: https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=AwrFd... For additional information and insights from this episode, please check-out our Instagram page @the_jrtc_crucible_podcast Be sure to follow us on social media to keep up with the latest warfighting TTPs learned through the crucible that is the Joint Readiness Training Center. Follow us by going to: https://linktr.ee/jrtc and then selecting your preferred podcast format. Again, we’d like to thank our guests for participating. Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and review us wherever you listen or watch your podcasts — and be sure to stay tuned for more in the near future. “The Crucible – The JRTC Experience” is a product of the Joint Readiness Training Center.