The Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) is a vital component of the United States Army, tasked with leading the Army Lessons Learned Program (ALLP) and providing timely and relevant information to address gaps, improve readiness, and support modernization efforts. CALL’s mission is to drive Army change by capturing, analyzing, and disseminating lessons learned from tactical to theater/strategic levels.
Key Facts
- Mission: CALL’s mission is to drive Army change by leading the Army Lessons Learned Program (ALLP) and providing timely and relevant information to address gaps, improve readiness, and support modernization efforts.
- Responsibilities: CALL executes the Army Annual Plan, which involves collecting, analyzing, disseminating, integrating, and archiving lessons learned from tactical to theater/strategic levels. It conducts root-cause analysis, identifies trends/themes, coordinates with the lessons learned community, and initiates product development. CALL’s products are disseminated through various print and electronic formats, with the Joint Lessons Learned Information System (JLLIS) serving as the central repository.
- Continuous Development: CALL facilitates continuous development, improvement, and adaptation of material and non-material solutions across the DOTMLPF-P (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities – Policy) spectrum. It incorporates emerging issues into the Army Lessons Learned Forum to drive Army change and foster readiness.
- History: CALL was officially established on August 1, 1985, as a directorate of the Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. It was created in response to the Army’s experience in Operation Urgent Fury and the need to adapt forces to local conditions in combat. Colonel Wesley Clark, heading the Army Studies Group, proposed the system for capturing lessons learned and adapting units for combat, which was quickly approved by the Chief of Staff of the Army.
Responsibilities and Functions of CALL
CALL executes the Army Annual Plan, a comprehensive framework for collecting, analyzing, disseminating, integrating, and archiving lessons learned. This process involves conducting root-cause analysis, identifying trends and themes, coordinating with the lessons learned community, and initiating product development. CALL’s products are disseminated through various print and electronic formats, with the Joint Lessons Learned Information System (JLLIS) serving as the central repository.
CALL plays a crucial role in facilitating continuous development, improvement, and adaptation of material and non-material solutions across the DOTMLPF-P (Doctrine, Organization, Training, Materiel, Leadership and Education, Personnel, and Facilities – Policy) spectrum. By incorporating emerging issues into the Army Lessons Learned Forum, CALL drives Army change, fosters readiness, and ensures the Army remains adaptable and effective in a rapidly evolving operational environment.
Historical Context and Establishment of CALL
The establishment of CALL can be traced back to the Army’s experience in Operation Urgent Fury, a military operation conducted in Grenada in 1983. The operation highlighted the need for a system to capture lessons learned and adapt forces to local conditions in combat. In response, the Army Studies Group, headed by Colonel Wesley Clark, proposed a system for capturing lessons learned and adapting units for combat. This proposal was quickly approved by the Chief of Staff of the Army, leading to the official establishment of CALL on August 1, 1985, as a directorate of the Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Conclusion
The Center for Army Lessons Learned stands as a testament to the Army’s commitment to continuous learning, adaptation, and improvement. Through its comprehensive approach to capturing, analyzing, and disseminating lessons learned, CALL plays a vital role in driving Army change, fostering readiness, and ensuring the Army’s ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century.
Sources
- https://www.army.mil/call
- https://usacac.army.mil/organizations/mccoe/call/publications
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._Army_Center_for_Army_Lessons_Learned
FAQs
What is the mission of CALL?
CALL’s mission is to drive Army change by leading the Army Lessons Learned Program (ALLP) and providing timely and relevant information to address gaps, improve readiness, and support modernization efforts.
What are CALL’s primary responsibilities?
CALL executes the Army Annual Plan, collects, analyzes, disseminates, integrates, and archives lessons learned from tactical to theater/strategic levels. It conducts root-cause analysis, identifies trends/themes, coordinates with the lessons learned community, and initiates product development.
How does CALL disseminate its products?
CALL disseminates its products through various print and electronic formats, with the Joint Lessons Learned Information System (JLLIS) serving as the central repository.
What is the historical context behind the establishment of CALL?
CALL was established in response to the Army’s experience in Operation Urgent Fury, which highlighted the need for a system to capture lessons learned and adapt forces to local conditions in combat.
When was CALL officially established?
CALL was officially established on August 1, 1985, as a directorate of the Combined Arms Training Activity (CATA) located at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
What is the significance of CALL in the Army?
CALL plays a vital role in driving Army change, fostering readiness, and ensuring the Army’s ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century through its comprehensive approach to capturing, analyzing, and disseminating lessons learned.
How does CALL contribute to continuous learning and improvement in the Army?
CALL facilitates continuous development, improvement, and adaptation of material and non-material solutions across the DOTMLPF-P spectrum. By incorporating emerging issues into the Army Lessons Learned Forum, CALL drives Army change and fosters readiness.
What is the role of CALL in supporting modernization efforts in the Army?
CALL provides timely and relevant information to address gaps, improve readiness, and support modernization efforts. It helps the Army adapt to new technologies, tactics, and operational concepts.