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History of MISSION COMMAND TRAINING PROGRAM (MCTP)

The Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) was established in 1987 at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to enhance command and staff team performance across the U.S. Army. Originally known as the Battle Command Training Program (BCTP), it was designed to provide realistic simulation-driven exercises for Corps, Division, and Brigade Headquarters. In 2011, it was renamed MCTP to align with the Army's focus on mission command doctrine, emphasizing decentralized decision-making and leadership. Over the years, MCTP has played a critical role in preparing Army leaders and staffs for complex operations worldwide, supporting both conventional and multi-domain operations.

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ABOUT MISSION COMMAND TRAINING PROGRAM (MCTP)

  • Established in 1986: The Mission Command Training Program (MCTP) was created at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, to train Army corps and division headquarters for large-scale combat operations.
  • First Large-Scale CPX: MCTP conducted its first major Command Post Exercise (CPX) in 1987, supporting III Corps, and set the standard for future exercises.
  • Global Reach: MCTP has provided training for U.S. Army and multinational partners worldwide, including in Europe, the Pacific, and the Middle East.
  • Observer Coach/Trainers (OC/Ts): The program relies on highly experienced OC/Ts, comprised of seasoned officers and NCOs, to mentor and evaluate training units.
  • Joint and Multinational Focus: MCTP regularly integrates Air Force, Navy, Marine, and allied officers into its exercises, making it a hub for joint and coalition operations training.
  • Support for Warfighting Readiness: MCTP helps units prepare for real-world deployments by simulating complex scenarios, including cyber warfare, irregular warfare, and large-scale combat.
  • “Warfighter” Exercises: Its signature “Warfighter” exercises are among the Army’s most realistic and challenging, often involving thousands of participants and sophisticated simulation technology.
  • Adapting to Modern Threats: MCTP continuously updates its training scenarios to reflect emerging threats such as cyber attacks, information warfare, and near-peer adversaries.
  • Doctrine Development: Lessons learned from MCTP exercises frequently inform updates to U.S. Army doctrine and operational concepts.
  • Legacy of Excellence: Over the decades, MCTP has trained nearly every Army corps and division headquarters, significantly contributing to the operational effectiveness of the U.S. Army.

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