Specialist Tactical Exploitation of the Environment (STEE)

The course is split into 2 phases, both of which are at FOST HM, HMS COLLINGWOOD:

Phase 1: 3 weeks (15 days) of classroom-based theory examining how TEE can positively influence maritime operations in above water (AW), under water (UW) and littoral environments. This includes (but not limited to): 

• AW: Understanding the effect the atmosphere has on the propagation of electro-magnetic energy (such as by radar systems). Identify potential changes in AW sensor performance due to variations within the atmosphere. Understand the prediction of sensor performance using Tactical Decision-Aids (TDAs)
• Littoral: Understand how micro changes in the environment can affect mine warfare. Understand the environmental information required to conduct effective amphibious operations. Understand how proximity of land can affect sensor performance.
• UW: Understand the military application of sound propagation in water. Understand how local and regional oceanographic conditions affect sonar performance against submarine and mine-like objects. Understand the sound velocity equations which underpin sonar performance predictions. 
  Understand how TDAs are used to predict sonar performance. Understand why comprehensive databases of foundation geospatial intelligence are required to maximise the accuracy of TDAs.

This phase concludes with a written examination to consolidate learning in preparation for the practical assessment.

Phase 2: 2 weeks (9 days) of classroom-based training where students are presented with a developing maritime operation scenario in a combined blue-water and littoral region where 
efficient and comprehensive TEE advice is required to ensure mission success. They are expected to use the theory and TDAs demonstrated in phase 1 to produce TEE products for 
theatre-entry briefs, aviation meteorology briefs, surface meteorology briefs, course-of-action development discussions and command decision briefs, which are delivered to instructional 
staff and visiting officers (when available).

It should be noted that this course relies on suitably classified versions of the TDAs used by the Royal Navy (RN) in order to enable students to demonstrate the application of TEE. It is 
acknowledged that other nations will likely use different TEE tools but there is sufficient time in the phase 1 programme for students to gain enough understanding of the RN software to 
perform well in phase 2. Students are also encouraged to provide their own national briefing slide templates.

• Academic standard to be equivalent of 5 GCSEs, including Mathematics and English, 2 ‘A’-Levels.
• Students must have a theoretical understanding of meteorology and oceanography, equivent to UK Degree accreditation in Applied Meteorology and Oceanography, along with some experience of the conduct of maritime operations in a dynamic environment. 
• The complex scientific and military terminology used on the course demands a significant competence at both written and spoken English.