May 1, 2021

The Exercise-Experiment (E-E): A New Reality

Combining the training exercise with a discovery experiment represents a nontraditional execution model that creates challenges and opportunities for the leaders of both efforts. The blended experiment and training objective approach allows the participating units time to work on specific, mission-essential tasks while accomplishing experiment objectives; including evaluating technologies. This article highlights the differences between exercises and experiments, identifies planning and execution challenges during OS19 and CB19, and provides recommendations for the planning and executing subsequent E-Es to maximize the benefits for the Soldier, the joint warfighter, the US Army, and the multi-Service force.