Officer Candidates School



Platoon Operations OrderField ManualsFM 3-0 OperationsFM 1-02 Operational terms and GraphicsFM 5-0 Army Planning and Orders ProductionFM 3-21.8 The Infantry Platoon and SquadCombat OrdersCapture the commander’s battlefield visualization, intent, and decisions.Focus on an end state operation (what the commander expects to achieve).Subordinate leaders must knowHow to interpretExtract relevant informationCommunicate plans to implement action to support mission accomplishmentDefinition of an orderA written or an oral communication directing actionOrders are based onPlans or receipt of missionCategories of OrdersAdministrative orderCovers normal administrative operations in garrison or in the field.General, specific, and memorandum ordersCourt-martial ordersBulletins, circulars, and other memoranda Combat orderMeans by which the Platoon leader receives and transmits information from the earliest notification that an operation will occur through the final steps of execution.Critical to mission successTypes of OrdersWarning OrderPreliminary notice of actions or orders that are to followGives subordinates maximum time to prepareUsually issued upon restatement of mission statementAmount of detail depends on information and time available Operation OrderDirectives a commander issues to subordinate commanders to coordinate the execution of an operation. Always specify an execution time and date.Five paragraphsSituationMissionExecutionSustainment (service and support)Command and SignalFragmentary OrderProvides timely changes to existing orders to subordinate and supporting commanders.Provides notification to higher and adjacent commandsOnly addresses those parts of the original OPORD that have changed.All five-paragraph headings are used.After each heading, state either “no change” or the new informationThis ensures the recipients know that have received that entire FRAGO.Can be either oral or writtenService and Support OrderDirects service and support of operationsIncludes administrative movementsCan be issued either with an OPORD or separately when the commander expects the CSS situation to apply to more than one operation plan or order.Movement OrderA stand-alone order that facilitates an uncommitted unit’s movement.Normally occur in the communication zoneTypically administrative Troops and vehicles are arranged to expedite their movement when no interference is expected except by air.Troop Leader ProceduresMake a tentative plan is based on Estimate of the SituationEstimate of the SituationMission analysisAnalyze the situation develop courses of actionMETT-TCMission, Enemy, Terrain (Weather) – Ocoka, Troops, Time, and Civilian considerations Compare courses of actionAnalyze COADecisionReconnaissance is conducted based on the tentative rmation discovered during the reconnaissance is plugged into METT-TC and Estimate the Situation.Can cause a change in plan or mission Task Organization of the Operations OrderAnnex “F” of FM 5-0 describes two formatsOutlined formatLists all units under the headquarters to which they are allocated or they support.Matrix formatDisplays in terms of unit type and relationship to subordinate headquarters.AdvantagesDisplays and command and support relationships for subordinate units and the force as a whole.Conserves time and eliminates redundancy by not listing organic units of a parent organization.Show organization for combat of combat support and combat service support elements.SituationEnemy Forces ( Annex B, intelligence)Disposition Composition Most likely Course of ActionFriendly ForcesList missionCommander’s intentConcept of operation for HQ one and two levels upSubparagraphs mission of flank units and other units having an effect on issueLeft and right unitsCourse of Action (A step in -Estimate of the Situation- which is utilized form a tentative plan) COAs should be developed when time allows and after receiving Restated missionCommander’s intentCommander’s planning and guidanceCOAs should meet the following criteriaFeasibleAccomplish the mission within available time, space, and resourcesAcceptableTactical and operational advantage gained must justify the cost in resources.SuitableAccomplish the mission and comply with the commander’s planning and guidance.DistinguishableDiffer significantly from othersCompleteMust show how to Decisive op accomplishes the missionShaping ops create and preserve conditions for success or decisive operationsSustaining ops enable shaping and decisive opsMission StatementPlatoon leader uses mission statement to summarize the upcoming missionWritten based on 5 WsWho – unitWhat – task (measurable)Tactical task – specific activities performed by the unit while it is conducting a form of tactical operation or a choice maneuver.ExamplesRetain – Ensures a terrain feature controlled by friendly force remains free of enemy occupation.Secure – Preventing a unit, facility, or geographical location from being damaged or destroyed as a result of enemy action.Seize – tactical mission task involves taking possession of a designated area using overwhelming force.Support-by-fire – a maneuver force moves to a position where it can engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force.When – date-time groupWhere – grid location or geographical reference for the AO or objectiveWhy – purposeThe platoon leader must ensure that the mission is understood one and two echelons down.ExecutionCommander’s intentPurpose and End StateConcept of operation (Annex C, Operations Overlay)Maneuver (phases may be used to logically break mission)Fires ( Annex F)Priority of firesEmployment authorityCounter Air Ops (Annex G, Air Defense )IntelligenceOthers as neededTasks to maneuver unitsFire SupportAir supportChemical SupportField Artillery supportFire support coordinating measuresEngineer SupportMilitary PoliceChemicalTasks to combat support unitsCoordinating instructionsCommander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR)Essential elements of friendly informationFriendly force information requirementsPriority intelligence requirementsService & SupportSupport conceptMaterials and servicesMedivac PlanPersonnelCivil MilitaryAs requiredCommand and SignalCommandLocation of commands postsSuccession of commandSignalSOI index in effect (frequencies, call signs). Method of communication by priority (usually FM and then runner) Pyrotechnics and signals, to include arm and hand signals (go over all important signals like lift/shift fire, assault onto the OBJ, withdraw from OBJ, etc.) Codewords (like red, white, and blue in the example in paragraph 3) Challenge and password (behind friendly lines) Number combination (forward of friendly lines) Running password. Recognition signals (near/far, day/night). Special instructions for RTOs.Army OrganizationPreamble to the ConstitutionWe the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this constitution for the United States of America.Continental CongressCreated national Army on June 14, 1775The congress under the Articles of Confederation provided the first roles and missions for the militia.Articles of ConfederationMade clear the intent to rely primarily on a militia to “provide for the common defense.”Did not envision a requirement to establish a permanent standing army.The legal basis and framework for a military establishment charged with the “common defense” were set forth in subsequent sections of the Constitution after the Revolutionary War.1787 – Constitution Established civilian control over armed forcesCongress Exclusive power to raise and support armies (and provide for a Navy)To declare warTo make rules concerning captures on land and waterThe President (Commander-in-Chief – stated in Article II Section 2)Authority to make treatiesAppoint federal officers to the armed forcesCivilian officials in both the legislative and executive branches of the federal GovernmentConstitutionally responsible for providing for the nation’s defense (common defense) through the armed forces of the United States. National Security Act of 1947Prior to 1947The Constitution recognized the need for armed forces to protect the nationThe Constitution did not establish a system or define how the nation is to be protected.The only military departments were the Department of War and the Department of the Navy.The National Security Act of 1947 established the current structure for national defenseThe purpose was to promote unity coordination in the armed servicesEstablishedNational Security Council (NSC)The Department of the Air ForceThe National Military Establishment (NME)The Secretary of National Defense (co-equal with secretaries of Army, Navy, and Air Force).The organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (OJCS)Other organizations related to national security (including CIA)Amendments to National Security Act of 19471949 created the position of the “Secretary of Defense”Head of Department of Defense (DOD)SECDEF is Principal assistant to the President in all matters pertaining to the (DOD)SECDEF is positioned between the President and the war fighting commanders in the operational chain of command. Department of Defense includesDepartment of the Army (formerly Dept. of War)Department of the Navy (includes Marine Corps)Department of Air ForceNational Command Authorities (NCA)The President and Secretary of DefenseOnly the NCA not uniformed military officers may direct military action or military deployments.Historic Basis for Army Rules and Function – reflects the evolution of the roles and missions of the Army as the Nation’s historical distrust of a standing army was balanced against the need to defend the republic and support expansion.1775 – Articles of ConfederationEstablished principal of “provide for common defense”1784 – Resolution to Articles of ConfederationProtec the Northwestern frontiers; guard stores1787 – ConstitutionEnsure domestic tranquilityProvide for the common defenseArticle I, Section 8: The militia would be used for Execution of lawSuppression of insurrectionRepelling of invasion1789 – Authority delegated to the PresidentCall Militia into federal service (to protect frontier inhabitants)1824 – Nation building functionsBasis for Army Corps of EngineersHarbor developmentImprovement of river navigationExploration1862 – Military government functionWar Department General Order 100 to provide military government of occupied territories.Basis of civil affairs function.1930 – Supervision of civil works projectsOrganization and command of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)Roles, Functions, and MissionsHistoric progression of roles Began to get complicated when Army and Navy discovered the usefulness of air power. By WWII, both the Navy and Army had significant aviation elements. The Army had the Army Air Corps and the Navy had carrier-based aviation.In 1958, services retained roles as established by law, but missions were assigned on a geographical or functional basis to field commanders.In 1987, Congress established the new combatant command the US Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) – assumed role similar to other services.Roles ( Congress assigns ) – board enduring purposes for which the military services were established by law.ArmyOrganize, train, and equip forces for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations on land.NavyOrganize, train, and equip forces for prompt and sustained combat incident to operations on and from the sea.Marine CorpsOrganize, train, and equip forces for service with the fleet in the seizure or defense of advanced naval bases, and the conduct of such land operations as may be essential to the prosecution of a naval campaign.Air ForceOrganize, train, and equip forces for prompt and sustained offensive and defensive air operations.Special Operations CommandOrganize, train, and equip forces for special operations activities or missions involving special operations forces from all the services.Functions – Specific responsibilities assigned by the President and Secretary of Defense to enable the services to fulfill their legally established roles.Missions- Specific tasks assigned by the President or Secretary of Defense to combatant commanders in chief (CINCs).The services supply the forces to the Combatant Commanders in Chief (CINCs) who in turn, direct and employ the forces in war operations or operations other than war.National Command Structure9 Unified Joint CommandsU.S. Pacific U.S. EuropeanU.S. AtlanticU.S. SouthernU.S. CentralU.S. SpaceU.S. Special OperationsU.S. Strategic U.S. TransportationChairman Joint Chiefs of Staff is not in the chain of command.Functions of the Department of DefenseSupport and Defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domesticEnsure, by timely and effective military action, the security of the United States of America, its possessions, and areas vital to its interests.Uphold and advance the national policies and interests of the United StatesFunctions of Department of the ArmyOrganize, train, and equip forces for the conduct of prompt sustained combat operations on land-specifically. Forces to defeat land forces and to seize, occupy, and defend land areas.Develop airborne doctrine common to Army and MarinesSupport and conduct special operations and psychological operationsFurnish forces for the occupation of territories abroadConduct authorized civil worksTrain forces to interdict enemy sea and air power and communications through operations on landThe Army StaffChief of Staff Army – the executive component of the ArmyVision: The world’s best Army – a full spectrum force – trained and ready for victory.Values based organizationIntegral part of Joint teamModern Weapons and equipmentResponds to nation’s needsChanging to meet the challenges of today, tomorrow, and the 21st Century.Vice Chief of Staff – Director of the Army StaffFour primary staffs to chief of staffDeputy Chief of Staff Personnel (G1)Man the total Army with quality people, provide and maintain a properly trained and motivated individual for each task.Key functions – Sustain, distribute, separate, train, acquire, structureDeputy Chief of Staff Intelligence (G2)Policy formation, planning, programming, budgeting, management, staff supervision, evaluation, and oversight for intelligence activities of the Department of the Army.Includes censorship, threat validation, security, meteorological activities, topographical activities.Deputy Chief of Staff Operations and Planning (G3)Advise the Chief of Staff Army (CSA) on Army strategy, political aspects of international affairs, Army position on joint matters, force integration and force development, mobilization and planning, training, and arms control policy. Represent CSA as Army Operations Deputy to Joint Chief of StaffIncludes mobilization, readiness reporting, leader development, foreign area officer program.Deputy Chief of Staff Logistics (G4)Policy formation, planning, programming, budgeting, management, staff supervision, evaluation, oversight, and information system support for logistics activities of the Department of the ArmyKey functionsSupply, Maintenance, ReadinessMaterial & integrated logistics supportTroop Support & EnergyTransportation and MobilitySix special staffs to chief officerChief of EngineersChief of ChaplainsChief National Guard BureauChief Army ReserveChief Army Surgeon GeneralJudge Advocate GeneralAsst. Chief of Staff of Installation ManagementTotal Army today4 Corps, 18 Divisions, 15 Enhanced BrigadesThe Army’s size has decreased from 28 divisions in 1989 to 18 divisions in 1997Twelve Major Commands (CONUS)Forces CommandTraining and Doctrine CommandArmy Material CommandInformation Systems CommandCorps of EngineersMilitary Traffic Management CommandSpecial Operations CommandCriminal Investigations CommandMedical CommandIntelligence and Security CommandMilitary District of WashingtonSpace & Strategic Defense CommandFour Major Army Overseas Commands – consist primarily of major forces assigned as the ground force components of the United States unified commands. These components are under the operational control of the Commanders in Chief of the unified commands who report to the Secretary of DefenseUS Army Europe (USAREUR) – European CommandUS Army Pacific (USARPAC) – US Pacific CommandEighth US Army(EUSA) –US Forces Korea (sub-unified command of U.S. Pacific Command)US Army, South (USARSO) – US Southern CommandOther key component commandsThird US Army (USARCENT) – US Central CommandUS Army Forces Command (FORSCOM) – US Atlantic CommandHQ Fort McPherson, GA (no permanently assigned forces)Types of ForcesAirborneAir AssaultLight InfantryArmorSpecial OpsSpecial Forces, Army Rangers, Psychological Operations, Civil Affairs, Special Operations.Three Major Army CommandsCombat Arms (Infantry, Armor, Artillery)Combat Support (Engineering, Signal, Chemical)Combat Service Support (Medical, Transportation, Maintenance)Active Component (AC)Provides a variety of capabilities with which to tailor a rapidly deployable crisis response force.Reserve Component (RC)Provides essential capabilities not found in AC. Increasingly important role in peacekeeping, humanitarian work, and civil assistance operations, while continuing to respond to domestic anizationReady Reserve – Army National Guard, Army Reserve Units, Individual Mobilization Augmentees, Active Guard/Reservists, Individual Ready Reserve, and member of Inactive National Guard.Standby Reserve – Individuals who have completed active duty and reserve training requirements, or are unable to maintain membership in units.Retired Reserve- Individuals who have completed 20 years of qualifying service for retirement.Army National GuardLineage traced to militias formed during the French and Indian Wars in 1700sProvides primarily Combat and Combat Support unit reinforcements as well as some combat service support for active Army.Provides combat reinforcement capability with 15 enhanced readiness brigades, trained and equipped to reinforce deployed AC forces within 90 days.Two rolesAllegiance to the State Governor (State Mission)Allegiance to the President (Federal Mission)Army ReserveFormed in 1908After WWI the National Defense Act of 1920 established the Organized Reserve Corps.The Army Reserve is not under state controlProvides the bulk of combat support and combat service support for the Total Army.Staff OrganizationReferencesFM 3-0 – Army OperationsFM 1-02 Operational Terms and GraphicsFM 5-0 Army Planning and Orders ProductionFM 3-21.20 The Infantry BattalionCommand – the authoritative act of making decisions and ordering actionControl – the act of monitoring and influencing the actionStaff Organization and ResponsibilitiesThe activities of the staff focus on the function of assisting the Commander in making decisions.The Staff supports the commander byCoordinating plans, activities, and operationsAdvising the Commander in professional, technical or functional areasContinuously collecting, collating, analyzing, and disseminating information gathered from all available resources.Preparing plans and orders and supervising the execution of orders issued by, or in the name of, the Commander.Provides the Commander (and subordinate Commanders) with “Situational Awareness.”Staff Officer common duties and responsibilitiesAdvise and provide informationPrepare, update, and maintain estimatesMake recommendationsPrepare plans and ordersMonitor ExecutionProcess, analyze and disseminate informationID and analyze problemsPreform risk managementThe Battalion StaffCoordinating Staff – aid the Commander by coordinating the plans, activities, and operations of the command (Responsible directly to the BN XO).Battalion XOIs 2nd in CommandXO coordinates and synchronizes the staffDuring combat the XO synchronizes Battlefield Operating Systems (BOS) and anticipates problems.Supervises Combat Service SupportS1 – Personnel (Adjutant)Responsible for all personnel mattersSupervises medical, legal, safety, and civil affairsOperates from the Combat Trains Command Post (CTCP)Shares supervision of logistics with the S4S2 – IntelligenceResponsible for intelligence collection and disseminationPerforms Intelligent Preparation of the Battlefield (IPB) with the Commander.Normally operates from the main Command Post (CP).S3 – Operations and Training OfficerCommander’s primary assistant in coordinating and planning the battle.Coordinates, plans for, and integrates all Battlefield Operating Systems (BOS) assets.Prepares operations estimates and ordersS4 – Logistics OfficerDetermines Combat Service Support (CSS) requirements and prioritiesDevelops Combat Service Support plans in concert with the tactical planOfficer in Charge (OIC) of the Battalion Combat TrainsPrimary coordinator for logistical staffS6 – Signal OfficerAdvises the commander and staff on all communication matters including communication maintenance and Electronic Warfare (EW).Assists S3 in determining locations for Command Posts.Prepares, writes the signal annex of the OPORD.(S5) – Civil Military Operations OfficerSpecial Staff – Aids the Commander in professional, technical, or other functional areas.Headquarter Company (HHC) CommanderFire Support Officer (FSO) Chemical OfficerRecon Platoon LeaderMortar Platoon LeaderAnti-Armor Platoon LeaderEngineerAir Defense Artillery (ADA) Platoon LeaderSurgeonSupport Platoon LeaderMedical Platoon LeaderForward Air Controller (FAC) / Air Liaison Officer (ALO)Commander of any Combat Support (CS) or Combat Service Support (CSS) unit that is attached, under operational control (OPCON), or that provides direct support to the battalion.Personal StaffCommand Sergeant Major (CSM)ChaplainOperational Terms and GraphicsFM 1-02 covers Operational Terms and GraphicsGraphics information describes: who, where, what and how.When done properly, graphic overlays are stand-alone.ColorsBlue / (Cyan computer generated)FriendRedHostileGreenNeutralYellowUnknownBlackFriendly Graphic Control MeasuresA unit symbol (who) is composed of FrameBasic symbol framesColorIcon, branch, or functional symbolsText of other graphic modifiersLocation (Where)A headquarter unit has the location extension drawn on the bottom left side of the frame. A normal unit has the location extension drawn on the center of the frame.A unit with no location extension positions the frame center mass on the location.Unit locations can also be grouped within a bracket or joined via the location line to show a common location for all indicated units.Weapons and Obstacles (What)VVControl Measures, Boundaries, Lines, Areas, Routes, Fire Planning, and other actions (HOW)Control Measures (Points)Directives given graphically or orally by the Commander to subordinates commands to assign responsibilities, coordinate fires and maneuver, and control combat operations.In general all control measures should be easily identified from the ground.Boundaries A line that delineates surface areas for the purpose of facilitating coordination and to resolve confliction of operations between adjacent units, formations, or areas.The following example shows boundaries separating 1st and 2nd PLT, A and B Company, and 1-11th Battalion and 2-502nd Battalion respectively.Lines Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT) – Indicates the most forward positions of friendly troops at a specific time. Indicated by line that makes contiguous side-ways humps. Top of the humps face the enemy.Phase Line (PL)- A line used for control & coordination of military operations, usually an easily defined feature in the operational area.Limit of Advance (LOA) – A phase line used to control forward progress of the attack. The limit of advance for 6th Infantry Division (Light), 7th Infantry Division, and 10th Mountain Division is phase line Glass.Line of Contact (LC) - A general trace delineating the locations where friendly and enemy forces are engaged. Phase line Tin is the line of contact for 101st Air Assault Division, 2nd MAR Division, and 2nd Armor Division.Line of Departure (LD) – A line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements. Phase line paper is the Line of Departure for 3rd Armor Division, 1st Cavalry Division, and 82nd Airborne Division. Probable Line of Deployment (PLD) - Phase line that a CDR designates as the location where he intends to completely deploy his unit into assault formation before he begins the assault. Indicated by a dotted line. Phase line lead is the probable line of deployment for 1st Armor Division, 9th Infantry Division, and 5th Infantry Division Mechanized. ................
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