Reduce Leader Intervention. Adopt the principle that trained subordinates with a clear understanding of the mission will accomplish the task when subordinates must act without leader guidance or intervention.
Optimize Planning Time for Subordinates. Ensure that the timelines developed for mission planning and preparation allow adequate troop leading time for the subordinate leaders.
Allow Maximum Freedom of Action for Subordinates. Given the expected battlefield conditions, avoid unnecessary limits on soldiers’ freedom of action. Soldiers win battles; place them where they can seize the opportunity to do so.
Encourage Cross Talk. In some instances, because of their position on the battlefield, two or more subordinates working together may have on-site information that enhances the leader’s understanding of the situation, thus providing a clearer view of what is happening. Encourage the sharing of this information.
Lead Well Forward. The leader positions himself where he can best employ his unit and make critical decisions to influence the outcome of the fight. This is normally a position with the main effort.
Battlefield Environment. The framework of the battlefield can vary, ranging from one extreme of front and rear (linear) to a dispersed, decentralized (noncontiguous) structure with few secure areas and unit boundaries. To visualize the battlefield accurately, the leader must know the friendly situation at least one level higher. The leader must also know the enemy situation and continuously analyze and reform his strategy based on how he sees the operational picture.
When a unit member assumes command of the unit at any point in the operation, he should execute the following duties:
Inform subordinate leaders and higher headquarters (HHQ)
Check security
Check crew-served weapons
Pinpoint unit location
Coordinate as needed with other units/headquarters (HQ)
Check all soldiers, weapons, and equipment and update status report/card
Issue a fragmentary order (FRAGO) if needed
Reorganize as needed and maintain unit integrity
Enforce noise and light discipline
Conduct patrol base activities (six priorities of work)
Conduct reconnaissance if needed
Finalize the plan
Execute mission
EIGHT TROOP-LEADING PROCEDURES
Troop-leading procedures (TLPs) begin when the unit leader receives the first indication of an upcoming mission and continue throughout the operations process (plan, prepare, execute, and assess). They comprise a sequence of actions that help leaders use available time effectively and efficiently to issue and execute tactical operations.
Planning in a field environment will likely reduce the amount of time leaders have for in-depth mission planning. If followed, the TLPs will provide leaders with a framework for mission planning in a time-constrained environment.
THE EIGHT TLPS
1.Receive the mission from higher command.
2.Issue the warning order (WARNORD) to your unit.
3.Make a tentative plan.
4.Start movement.
5.Conduct reconnaissance.
6.Complete the plan.
7.Issue the complete order.
8.Supervise and refine.
Step 1. Receive the Mission
The leader may receive the mission in a warning order (WARNORD), an operation order (OPORD), a fragmentary order (FRAGO), or verbally. He immediately begins to analyze it using the factors of METT-TC:
•What is the mission?
•What is known about the enemy?
•How will terrain and weather affect the operation?
•What troops are available?
•How much time is available?
•Are there civilian considerations?
The leader should use no more than one-third of the available time for planning and for issuing his OPORD. The remaining two-thirds should be for subordinates to plan, prepare, and rehearse for the operation, with the majority spent on rehearsal.
A leader should backwards plan, all the while taking into consideration other factors such as available daylight and travel time to and from orders or rehearsals. This is reverse planning; he must allow enough time for the completion of each task. The leader should not become involved in a detailed METT-TC analysis—this will occur after he issues the initial WARNORD.
Step 2. Issue a Warning Order
The warning order (WARNORD) should identify the following:
•Number/code name.
•All visual references (maps, imagery, sand tables, etc.).
•Time zone used throughout the order.
•Task organization (list obvious persons/teams that will be involved).
1. Situation
Enemy forces:
Special considerations needed for the planning process; Known courses of action; Tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP)
Friendly forces:
Higher commander’s mission and Higher commander’s intent
Attachments/detachments:
Who and what job or skill is needed for mission
2. Mission
Who; What (task); Where; Why (purpose); When
3. Execution
Chain of command
Concept of the operation
Maneuver units:
Reconnaissance; Assault; Security; Support; Command and control; Special teams; Combat support units
General instructions:
Uniforms and equipment common to all persons and vehicles
Weapons, ammo, and equipment needed in addition to SOP
Special equipment
Time schedule
Commander’s critical intelligence requirements (CCIR)
Risk guidance
Deception guidance
Specific priorities in order of completion
Time, place, and uniform for receiving the OPORD
Time and place for inspections and rehearsals
Earliest movement time and notice time
Special instructions to all subordinate leaders:
Drawing, checking, and distributing (weapons, ammo, equipment, rations, and water)
Special equipment
Attachments and detachments
Transportation (ID requirements, pre-positioning, familiarization)
Inspections, rehearsals, and preparing soldiers for the mission
Reconnaissance
Persons assisting with OPORD preparation
4. Service Support
Coordination for the transfer of equipment and supplies to or from other units
Coordination for transport to or from the HLZ, rehearsal area, briefing, etc.
5. Command and Signal
Chain of command
Identify current signal requirements
Determine what fire support assets are available
Begin mission-supporting direct- or indirect-fire (FIRES) coordination
Who
Frequency
Call Sign
Battalion (Bn) Command
__________
__________
Fire Support
__________
__________
MEDEVAC
__________
__________