🌍Chapter 2 ( Operation )

This chapter provides techniques and procedures used by Infantry platoons and squads throughout the planning and execution phases of tactical operations. Specifically, it discusses the troop leading procedures, combat intelligence, combat orders, and planning techniques and tools needed to prepare a platoon to fight. These topics are time sensitive and apply to all combat operations. When they have time, leaders can plan and prepare in depth. If they have less time, they must rely on previously rehearsed actions, battle drills, and standing operating procedures (SOPs).

2-1. TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES. Figure 2-1

shows the steps in the troop leading procedures (TLPs). These steps are what a leader does to prepare his unit to accomplish a tactical mission. The TLP starts when the leader is alerted for a mission or receives a change or new mission. He can perform Steps 3 through 8 in any order, or at the same time. He can also use the tools of the tactician shown in Figure 2-2:

Figure 2-1. STEPS IN THE TROOP LEADING PROCEDURE

Receive the mission.	Reconnoiter.
Issue a warning order.	Complete the plan.
Make a tentative plan.	Issue the complete order.
Initiate movement.	Supervise.

Figure 2-2. TOOLS OF THE TACTICIAN RELATIONSHIP

a. STEP 1–RECEIVE THE MISSION.

The leader may receive the mission in a warning order, an operation order (OPORD), or a fragmentary order (FRAGO). He should use no more than one third of the available time for his own planning and for issuing his OPORD. The remaining two thirds is for subordinates to plan and prepare for the operation. Leaders should also consider other factors such as available daylight and travel time to and from orders and rehearsals.

b. STEP 2–ISSUE A WARNING ORDER.

The leader provides initial instructions in a warning order. The warning order contains enough information to begin preparation as soon as possible. The warning order mirrors the five paragraph OPORD format. A warning order may include–

• The mission or nature of the operation (mission statement).

• Time and place for issuance of the operation order (coordinating instructions).

• Who is participating in the operation (coordinating instructions).

• Time of the operation (timeline).

c. STEP 3–MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN.

The leader develops an estimate of the situation to use as the basis for his tentative plan. This is the leader's mission analysis. He will use METT-TC when developing his tentative plan.

1. Conduct a Detailed Mission Analysis.

   1. Concept and Intent. Higher commanders' concepts and intents two levels up. This information is found in paragraph 1b for two levels up and in paragraphs 2 and 3 for one higher.

   2. Unit Tasks. Tasks that are clearly stated in the order (Specified Tasks) or tasks that become apparent as the OPORD is analyzed (Implied Tasks).

   3. Unit Constraints. The leader identifies any constraints placed on his unit. Constraints can take the form of a requirement (for example, maintain a reserve of one squad) or a prohibition on action (for example, no movement beyond phase line orange prior to H hour).

   4. Mission Essential Task(s). After reviewing all the factors shown in previous paragraphs, the leader identifies the mission essential task(s). Failure to accomplish a mission essential task equals failure to accomplish the mission. The mission essential task should be in the maneuver paragraph.

   5. Restated Mission. The restated mission focuses the remainder of the estimate process. It clearly, concisely states the mission (purpose to be achieved) and the mission essential task(s) required to achieve it. It identifies WHO, WHAT (the task), WHEN (the critical time), WHERE (usually a grid coordinate), and WHY (the purpose the unit must achieve).

EXAMPLES OF SPECIFIED AND IMPLIED TASKS

SPECIFIED TASKS

• Retain Hill 545 to prevent envelopment of B Co.

• Provide one squad to the 81-mm platoon to carry ammo.

• Establish an OP vic GA124325 NLT 301500 Nov 89.

IMPLIED TASKS

• Provide security during movement.

• Conduct resupply operations.

• Coordinate with adjacent units.

EXAMPLES OF RESTATED MISSIONS

(Who?) 1st Platoon attacks (What?) to seize (Where?) Hill 482 vic NB 457371 (OBJ Blue) (When?) NLT 090500Z Dec 92 L 482 (Why?) to enable the company's main effort to destroy enemy command bunker. (Who?) 1st Platoon, C Company defends (What?) to destroy from (Where?) AB163456 to AB163486 to AB123486 to AB123456 (When?) NLT 281530Z Oct 97 (Why?) to prevent enemy forces from enveloping B Company, 1-66 Infantry (L) from the South.

1. Analyze the situation and develop a course of action. Each COA must be:

   Feasible: It accomplishes the mission and supports the commander’s concept.

   Reasonable: The unit remains an effective force after completing the mission.

   Distinguishable: It is not just a minor variation of another COA.

2. Upon developing a COA, the unit leader will assign C2 headquarters, complete generic task organization assigning all organic and attached elements, and prepare COA statement and sketch.

3. With the restated mission from Step 1 to provide focus, the leader continues the estimate process using the remaining factors of METT-TC:

   1. What is known about the enemy (Figure 2-3)?

   2. How will terrain and weather affect the operation? Analyze terrain using OACOK.

Figure 2-3. ENEMY

Composition	This is an analysis of the forces and weapons that the enemy can bring to bear. Determine what weapons systems they have available, and what additional weapons and units are supporting him.
Disposition	The enemy's disposition is how he is arrayed on the terrain, such as in defensive positions, in an assembly area, or moving in march formation.
Strength	Percentage strength, and number of PAX
Recent Activities	Identify recent and significant enemy activities that may indicate future intentions.
Reinforcement Capabilities	Determine positions for reserves and estimated time to counterattack or reinforce.
Possible COAs	Determine the enemy's possible COA. Analyzing these COAs may ensure that the friendly unit is not surprised during execution.

Observation and Fields of Fire.

Determine locations that provide the best observation and fields of fire along the approaches, near the objective, or on key terrain. The analysis of fields of fire is mainly concerned with the ability to cover the terrain with direct fire.

Avenues of Approach.

Avenues of approach are developed next and identified one level down. Aerial and subterranean avenues must also be considered. Use Figure 2-4 for offensive considerations to avenues of approach.

Figure 2-4. OFFENSIVE CONSIDERATIONS

Offensive Considerations (Friendly)	How can these avenues support my movement? What are the advantages / disadvantages of each? (Consider enemy, speed, cover, and concealment.) What are the likely enemy counterattack routes?
Offensive Considerations (Enemy)	How can the enemy use these approaches? Which avenue is most dangerous? Least? (Prioritize each approach.) Which avenues would support a counterattack?

Cover and Concealment. The analysis of cover and concealment is often inseparable from the fields of fires and observation. Weapon positions must have both to be effective and to be survivable. Infantry units are capable of improving poor cover and concealment by digging in and camouflaging their positions. When moving, the terrain is used to provide cover and concealment.

Obstacles. Identify the existing and reinforcing obstacles and hindering terrain that will affect mobility.

Key Terrain. Key terrain is any location or area that the seizure, retention, or control of affords a marked advantage to either combatant. Using the map and information already gathered, look for key terrain that dominates avenues of approach or the objective area. Next, look for decisive terrain that if held or controlled will have an extraordinary impact on the mission.

1. Analyze Courses of Action (War Game). This analysis is conducted by war gaming the friendly courses of action against the enemy's most probable courses of action.

2. Compare Courses of Action. The leader compares the COAs and selects the one that is most likely to accomplish the assigned mission. He considers the advantages and disadvantages for each COA. He also considers how the critical events impact on COAs.

3. Make a Decision. The leader selects the COA that he believes has the best chance of accomplishing the mission.

   1. STEP 4–START NECESSARY MOVEMENT. The unit may need to begin movement while the leader is still planning or forward reconnoitering. This step may occur anytime during the TLP.

   2. STEP 5–RECONNOITER. If time allows, the leader makes a personal reconnaissance. When time does not allow, the leader must make a map reconnaissance. Sometimes the leader must rely on others (for example, scouts) to conduct the reconnaissance.

   3. STEP 6–COMPLETE THE PLAN. The leader completes his plan based on the reconnaissance and any changes in the situation.

   4. STEP 7–ISSUE THE COMPLETE ORDER. Platoon and squad leaders normally issue oral operation orders to aid subordinates in understanding the concept for the mission. If possible, leaders should issue the order with one or both of the following aids: within sight of the objective, on the defensive terrain, or on a terrain model or sketch. Leaders may require subordinates to repeat all or part of the order or demonstrate on the model or sketch their understanding of the operation. They should also quiz their Rangers to ensure that all Rangers understand the mission.

   5. STEP 8–SUPERVISE AND REFINE. The leader supervises the unit's preparation for combat by conducting rehearsals and inspections.

      1. Rehearsals. Rehearsals include the practice of having squad leaders brief their planned actions in execution sequence to the platoon leader. The leader should conduct rehearsals on terrain that resembles the actual ground and in similar light conditions.

         1. Purpose. The leader uses rehearsals to:

            1. Practice essential tasks (improve performance).

            2. Reveal weaknesses or problems in the plan.

            3. Coordinate the actions of subordinate elements.

            4. Improve Ranger understanding of the concept of the operation (foster confidence in Rangers).

         2. Times and Tasks. The platoon may begin rehearsals of battle drills and other SOP items before the receipt of the operation order. Once the order has been issued, it can rehearse mission specific tasks. Some important tasks to rehearse include—

            1. Actions on the objective.

            2. Assaulting a trench, bunker, or building.

            3. Actions at the assault position.

            4. Breaching obstacles (mine and wire).

            5. Using special weapons or demolitions.

            6. Actions on unexpected enemy contact.

         3. Types.

            1. Backbrief

               1. Key leaders sequentially brief the actions required during operation.

               2. Patrol leader controls.

               3. Conducted twice: right after FRAGO (confirmation brief) and again after subordinates develop their own plan.

            2. Reduced force.

               1. Conducted when time is key constraint.

               2. Conducted when security must be maintained.

               3. Key leaders normally attend.

               4. Mock ups, sand tables, and small scale replicas used.

            3. Full force.

               1. Most effective type.

               2. First executed in daylight and open terrain.

               3. Secondly conduct in same conditions as operation.

               4. All Rangers participate.

               5. May use force on force.

            4. Techniques

               1. Force on force.

               2. Map (limited value and limited number of attendees).

               3. Radio (cannot mass leaders; confirms communications).

               4. Sand table or terrain model (key leaders; includes all control measures).

               5. Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) drill (similar to sand table / terrain model; subordinates actually move themselves).

         4. Inspections. Squad leaders should conduct initial inspections shortly after receipt of the warning order. The platoon sergeant spot checks throughout the unit's preparation for combat. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant make a final inspection. They should inspect—

            1. Weapons and ammunition.

            2. Uniforms and equipment.

            3. Mission essential equipment.

            4. Soldier's understanding of the mission and individual responsibilities.

            5. Communications.

            6. Rations and water.

            7. Camouflage.

            8. Deficiencies noted during earlier inspections.

2-2 COMBAT INTELLIGENCE.

Gathering information is one of the most important aspects of conducting a patrolling operation. This paragraph details what information to collect and how to report it:

1. Reports. All information must be quickly, completely, and accurately reported. Use the SALUTE report format (Figure 2-5) for reporting and recording information.

Figure 2-5. SALUTE REPORT FORMAT

SIZE – Seven enemy personnel

ACTIVITY – Traveling SW

LOCATION – GA123456 UNIT / UNIFORM – OD uniforms with red six-point star on left shoulder

TIME – 210200JAN10

EQUIPMENT – Carry one machine gun and one rocket launcher

1. Field Sketches. Try to include a sketch with each report. Include only any aspects of military importance such as targets, objectives, obstacles, sector limits, or troop dispositions and locations (use symbols from FM 1-02). Use NOTES to explain the drawing, but they should not clutter the sketch. Leave off personnel, weapons, and equipment; these items go on the SALUTE report, not on this one.

2. Captured Documents. The leader collects documents and turns them in with his reports. He marks each document with the time and place of capture.

3. Prisoners. If prisoners are captured during a patrolling operation, they should be treated IAW the Geneva Convention and handled by the 5 S & T rule:

   1. Search

   2. Silence

   3. Segregate

   4. Safeguard

   5. Speed to rear

   6. Tag

4. Debrief. Immediately upon return from a mission, the unit is debriefed using the standard NATO report format.

2-3. WARNING ORDER.

A warning order (WARNO) gives subordinates advance notice of an upcoming operation. This gives them time to prepare. A warning order is brief but complete. Figure 2-6 shows an example format; Figure 2-7 shows an example warning order.

NOTE: A warning order only authorizes execution when it clearly says so.

Figure 2-6. WARNING ORDER FORMAT

WARNING ORDER

*Roll call, pencil/pen/paper, RHB, map, protractor, leader’s monitor, hold all questions till the end. References: Refer to higher headquarters’ OPORD, and identify map sheet for operation. Time Zone Used throughout the Order: (Optional)

Task Organization: Optional; see paragraph 1c.

1. SITUATION. Find this in higher’s OPORD para 1a(1-3).

   1. Area of Interest. Outline the area of interest on the map.

      1. Orient relative to each point on the compass (N, S, E, W)

      2. Box in the entire AO with grid lines

   2. Area of Operations. Outline the area of operation on the map. Point out the objective and current location of your unit.

      1. Trace your Zone using boundaries

      2. Familiarize by identifying natural (terrain) and man-made features in the zone your unit is operating.

   3. Enemy Forces. Include significant changes in enemy composition, dispositions, and courses of action. Information not available for inclusion in the initial WARNO can be included in subsequent warning orders (WHO, WHAT, WHERE).

   4. Friendly Forces. Optional; address only if essential to the WARNO.

      1. Give higher commander's mission (WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY).

      2. State higher commander's intent. (Higher’s [go to mapboard] OPORD para 1b[2]), give task and purpose.

      3. Point out friendly locations on the map board

   5. Attachments and Detachments. Give initial task organization, only address major unit changes, and then go to the map board.

2. MISSION. State mission twice ( WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY ).

3. EXECUTION.

   1. Concept of Operations. Provide as much information as available. The concept should describe the employment of maneuver elements. Give general direction, distance, time of travel, mode of travel, and major tasks to be conducted. Use grids and terrain features. Cover all movements. Specify points where the ground tactical plan starts and stops.

   2. Tasks to Subordinate Units. Provide specified tasks to subordinate units. Focus on non-tactical instructions for planning and preparation of the operations order. Leaders should also include tactical instructions for executing the mission using control, movement, AOO for each element in task organization. Planning guidance consists of tasks assigned to elements in the form and order of teams, special teams, and key individuals.

   3. Coordinating Instructions. Include any information available at that time. If you know it, then at least cover the following items.

      1. Uniform and equipment common to all.

      2. Consider the factors of METT-TC and tailor the load for each Ranger.

      3. Timeline. (State when, what, where, who and all specified times. Reverse plan. Use 1/3 - 2/3 rule).

      4. Give specific priorities in order of completion.

      5. Give information about coordination meetings.

      6. Time of OPORD.

      7. Rehearsals / Inspections by priority.

      8. Earliest movement time.

4. SUSTAINMENT. Include any known logistics preparation for the operation.

   1. Logistics.

      1. Maintenance. Include weapons and equipment DX time and location.

      2. ransportation. State method and mode of transportation for infil/exfil. Identify any coordination needed for external assets. Task subordinate leader (if needed) to generate load plan, number of lifts/serials, and bump plan.

      3. Supply. Only include classes of supply that require coordination or special instructions (rations, fuel, ammo etc).

         1. Personnel Services Support. State any pertinent services for Soldiers (religious services etc).

         2. Army Health System Support. Identify any medical equipment, support, or preventative medicine that needs to be coordinated.

5. COMMAND AND CONTROL.

   1. Command. Succession of Command. State the succession of command if not covered in the unit’s SOP.

   2. Control.

      1. Command Posts. Describe the employment of command posts (CPs), including the location of each CP and its time of opening and closing, as appropriate. Typically at platoon level the only reference to command posts will be the company CP.

      2. Reports. List reports not covered in SOPs.

   3. Signal. Describe the concept of signal support, including current SOI edition or refer to higher OPORD. Give subordinates guidance on tasks to complete for preparation of the OPORD and the mission. Give time, place, and uniform for the OPORD. Give a time hack and ask for questions.

Figure 2-7. EXAMPLE WARNING ORDER

WARNING ORDER (SQUAD)

Roll call, Camp Darby Special (CDS) 1:50,000 map, pen, paper, pencil, protractor, Ranger Handbook (RHB), hold all questions, and TL’s monitor task organization. ATM-SEC/BRM-ASLT/HQ SUPPORT

1. SITUATION. (BRIEF).

   1. Area of Interest. Orient the Map (N,S,E,W) Our squad’s area of interest is boxed in by the 86 grid line to the north, the 18 grid line to the east, the 77 grid line to the south, and the 13 grid line to the west.

   2. Area of Operation. We will be operating in Zone C. Trace Zone C with boundaries. Familiarize Zone C with three natural and man-made features. Our objective is located here (point on map) at GA 152 796, and our current location is here (point on map) at GA 196 790.

   3. Enemy. 3 W’s Para 1c(1-3). Describe enemy recent locations and activities. WHO? - The Aragon Liberation Front (ALF). WHAT? - Ambushed an ACDC patrol WHERE? - GA 156 804

   4. Friendly. 4 W’s Para 2. Mission and intent one and two levels up. Task and purpose of adjacent patrols. Provide the big picture concept. Higher's Mission and Intent Mission WHO? 1st PLT, B CO. WHAT? (Task) Conduct area ambushes to destroy enemy forces. WHERE? On OBJ Black NLT 302300NOV2010 WHY? (Purpose) To prevent the enemy from maintaining control of OBJ Black. Intent - Find, fix and finish ememy forces in Zone C. - Enemy personnel and equipment are destroyed - ALF resupply denied

   5. Attachments / Detachments. MG TM 300530NOV2010

2. MISSION. Clear and Concise, 5 W’s, PARA 3, X2, Task and Purpose 1st SQD, 1st PLT, B CO (DO) conducts a point ambush to destroy (TASK) enemy personnel and equipment on OBJ Red (GA 152 793) NLT 302300NOV10 in order to prevent (PURPOSE) the enemy from maintaining control of OBJ Red.

3. EXECUTION.

   1. Concept of Operations: (Orient Rangers to sketch or terrain model). We are currently located at Camp Darby, GA 1962 7902. We will depart Camp Darby moving generally northwest for 6,000 meters. The movement should take approximately 20 minutes. We will be travelling by truck to our insertion point, GA 176 812, where we will dismount the trucks. Our ground tactical plan will begin when we will move generally southwest for 3,000 meters. The movement should take 3 hours as we will be travelling by foot to our tentative ORP at Grid GA 154 795. Here will we finalize the preparing of M, W, and E. We will then move generally southwest for 400 meters to our objective at Grid GA 152 793. It will take us 30 minutes to an hour to complete our movement by foot. The reason for this is stealth on the objective while we occupy our positions. From our objective we will travel generally northwest for 3,000 meters, to our link-up site, GA 152 819. It will take four hours to move by foot since we will be travelling during limited visibility. Once complete with link-up, we will move generally southeast for 8,000 meters. The movement should take approximately 30 minutes as we will be travelling by truck back to Camp Darby. Once back on Camp Darby we will debrief and prepare to conduct follow-on operations.

   2. Tasks to Subordinate Units. NON-TACTICAL AND TACTICAL INSTRUCTIONS METT-TC Planning Guidance- Teams / / Special Teams / / Key Individuals (Control—Movement—Objective) HQs: 2nd in the OOM / / M240 will provide supporting fires into the kill zone during AOO / / RTO will be the recorder en route and during actions on the OBJ. You will write Para 5 of the SQD OPORD, ensure all radios are operational with proper frequencies loaded, also ensure we enter the net on time. ATM: ATM will be 1st OOM / Responsible for land navigation / ATM is flank security for AOO / / 1-2 Ranger EPW TM / 1-2 Ranger aid and litter TM / 1-2 Ranger DEMO TM / 1-2 Ranger ORP clearing TM / 2-2 Ranger flank security TM for AOO / 1-2 Ranger Linkup Security TM / / 1 SAW gunner to ASSLT element for AOO / 1 compass man / 1 pace man / ATL will be the security TM LDR for AOO. You are responsible for writing Para 1 and Linkup Annex of SQD OPORD, draw all sketches (FOOM, DAs, BDs, Linkup, Truck, AOO), Terrain Model, Routes, Fire Support Overlay (sterile and non-sterile). BTM: BTM 3rd OOM / BTM is assault for AOO / / 1-2 man EPW TM / 1-2 Ranger aid and litter TM / 1-2 Ranger DEMO TM / 1-2 Ranger S/O TM / / 1 GDR to Security Team for AOO / 1 compass man / 1 pace man / BTL is the assault TL for AOO. You are 2nd in the chain of command and in charge at all times during my absence. You must write Para 4 and the Truck Annex of the SQD OPORD, prepare Supply, DX, and AMMO Lists, draw and issue all items. Ensure that everyone does a test fire and that all equipment is tied down IAW 4th RTB SOP. Update the squad status card and hand receipt. TL: You will update the WARNO Board with all the correct information. As a task is accomplished, you will line it out. Post your COC, DP, and JD (Special Teams and Key Individuals). Come see me for further guidance at the conclusion of this Warning Order.

   3. Coordinating Instructions. (METT-TC) Tailor the load, per Ranger, no SOPs.

      1. Packing List. IAW RTB’s seasonal packing list. Write on note cards or paper and read off by item

      2. Time Schedule.

4. SUSTAINMENT.

   1. Logistics.

      1. Maintenance. Weapons and equipment DX will be at 0700 in the company CP.

      2. Transportation. Method of transportation for infill will be UH-60, and foot for exfil. Bravo team leader will generate the load plan, bump plan, and number of chalks/lifts.

      3. Supply.

         1. CLI. Each man will have two MREs and six quarts of water for the operation.

         2. CLV. Bravo team leader will draw enough ammunition for each man to carry a basic load IAW the squad SOP.

(Example Squad Ammunition SOP)

b. Personnel Services Support. Religious services will be held at the 0800 in the chapel.

c. Army Health System Support. Alpha team leader, coordinate for one additional CLS bag.

1. COMMAND AND CONTROL.

   1. Command.

      1. Location of Commander/Patrol Leader. The patrol leader will be located in the squad bay during phase I (Mission Preparation). Location of patrol leader for all other phases will be briefed in the OPORD.

      2. Succession of Command. State the succession of command if not covered in the unit’s SOP. SL, BTL, ATL, RTO.

   2. Control.

      1. Command Posts. The platoon CP is located at GA 166 807, and the company CP is located at GA 196 790.

      2. Reports. Pertinent reports will be covered in the OPORD.

   3. Signal.

      1. The battalion will be operating on 37.950 SC/PT, Call sign “Darby 74”

      2. Our squad frequency is 77.000 SC/PT, Call sign “Bravo One One”

      3. All other signals such as frequencies, call signs, challenges and passwords will be given during the OPORD. * Additional Guidance

         1. Give subordinates additional guidance on tasks to complete for preparation of the OPORD and the mission

         2. Give time, place and uniform of the OPORD

         3. Give a time hack and ask for questions

2-4. OPERATION ORDER.

An operation order (OPORD) is a directive issued by a leader to his subordinates in order to effect the coordinated execution of a specific operation. A five paragraph format (example shown in Figure 2-8) is used to organize the briefing, to ensure completeness, and to help subordinate leaders understand and follow the order. Use a terrain model or sketch along with a map to explain the order. When possible, such as in the defense, give the order while observing the objective. The platoon/ squad leader briefs his OPORD orally off NOTES that follow the five paragraph format. Before the issuance of the OPORD, the leader ensures that the following resources are in place: pencil, pen, paper, RHB, map, protractor. Leader’s monitor subordinates. Then he calls roll and says, "Please hold all questions till the end."

Figure 2-8. EXAMPLE SQUAD OPORD FORMAT

OPERATION ORDER