After refining the program during three warfighter train-ups and exercises, the product was ready for distribution to the field. Information that used to be manually placed in several different reports separately is now logged in at one time and automatically downloaded to all pertinent reports at once. The CA battlebook includes all of the CA documentation prescribed by Field Manual 41-10, Civil Affairs Operations. Billy McCorkle, assistant operations officer, recently operated the new battlebook for the first time. As the civil military operations officer during the 101st Air Assault Division train-up for Purple Dragon, McCorkle learned under fire the value of the new automation.
Information is in one place and the data available is easily transportable.
Incoming message traffic still needs to be logged in and kept for file purposes, but for quick reference and report making the battlebook can't be beat. Mishoe, a computer engineer in his civilian occupation, assisted Tuttle in formatting the program. I'm glad I could help simplify the work of my fellow CA specialists. The database contains all civil affairs reports, examples of operation orders and plans, annexes, a reference library with manuals, information about worldwide organizations and a world fact book.