How might an OC/T assess a unit's communication strategies?

An OC/T (Operational Mentor and Trainer) assessing a unit's communication strategies through observation during exercises is effective because it allows for real-time analysis of how communication is conducted in the field. This method provides insights into the clarity, frequency, and appropriateness of communication in different scenarios, which can reveal strengths and weaknesses in the unit's communication practices. Observing live interactions helps identify specific challenges teams face and how they adapt to them.

For instance, the OC/T can evaluate whether commands are understood promptly, how well team members coordinate through verbal and non-verbal cues, and how they handle misunderstandings or changes in plans. This firsthand observation captures the dynamics of communication that written reports or surveys might miss. Such assessments lead to actionable feedback that can be implemented almost immediately, enhancing the unit's operational effectiveness.