Small Unit Leaders Operational Planning Guide. Erik Lawrence
the objective.
d.Support withdrawal from objective.
3. Support Element
d. Direct and indirect fire support for unit.
e. Cordon off the target area.
4. Command Control
a.De-conflict internal elements.
b.De-conflict friendly units.
c.De-conflict follow-on objectives/targets.
d.Coordinate and de-conflict fire coordination.
DUTIES UPON ASSUMPTION OF COMMAND
WHEN A UNIT MEMBER ASSUMES COMMAND OF THE UNIT AT ANY POINT IN THE OPERATION, THE UNIT MEMBER SHOULD EXECUTE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:
1.Inform subordinate leaders and HQ.
2.Check security.
3.Check crew-served weapons.
4.Pinpoint unit’s location.
5.Coordinate as needed with other units, HQ.
6.Check men, weapons, equipment, and status report.
7.Issue FRAGMENTARY ORDER (FRAGO) if needed.
8.8. Reorganize as needed and maintain unit integrity.
9.Enforce noise and light discipline.
10.Conduct patrol base activities as needed.
11.Conduct recon if needed.
12.Finalize plan.
13.Execute mission.
TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES
1.Receive the mission from Higher Command. WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY. Can be verbal or written. Use the 1/3 (leaders planning time)/ 2/3 (subordinate preparation and rehearsal time) rule.
2.Issue the warning order to your unit. The order should con-tain the information located in the warning order format.
3.Make a Tentative Plan
The Five Steps to Making a Tentative Plan
•Commander’s intent
•Unit’s specific tasks and implied tasks
•Specific tasks are written out and directed in the Operation order.
•Implied tasks become apparent during mission analysis to ensure mission success.
•Limitations such as phase lines, equipment shortages, time requirements, etc.
•Mission-essential tasks that are required in order for success of the primary mission
•Restated mission statement that makes clear the mission-
essential tasks and purpose
-Who - Unit
-What - Tasks
-When - Critical Tim
-Where - Grid Coordinate and description of the objective
-Why - The purpose the unit must achieve
Overall, assess whether the plan is
Feasible?
Reasonable?
Distinguishable?
4.Start movement. Get everyone busy preparing for the mission and to receive the order.
5.Conduct recon. Put eyes on target, map, air, photos, human sources (intelligence), etc.
6.Complete the plan once you have all the information and write your operations order.
7.Issue the order.
8.Supervise.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR PLANNING IN A FIELD ENVIRONMENT:
•Planning in a field environment will likely reduce the amount of time leaders have for in-depth mission planning.
•The Troop Leading Procedures, if followed, will provide leaders a framework for mission planning in a time-constrained environment.
WARNING ORDER FORMAT
Number______
References:
(Identify all visual references [map sheet, any imagery, etc.])
Time zone used throughout the Order:
Task Organization:
1. SITUATION:
•Enemy forces
•Special considerations for planning purposes
•Known courses of action
•Friendly forces
•Higher commander’s mission
•Higher commander’s intent
•Attachments and detachments
2.MISSION: The Unit’s Task and Purpose
WHO
WHAT (TASK)
WHERE
WHY (PURPOSE)
WHEN
3.EXECUTION:
•Chain of command
•Concept of the operation
•Task organization
•Maneuver units
•Reconnaissance
•Assault
•Security
•Support
•Command Control
•Special teams
•Combat support units
•General Instructions
•Uniform and equipment common to all personnel and vehicles
•Weapons, ammo, equipment that will be needed in addition to SOP (Special equipment)
•Time schedule
•COMMANDER’S CRITICAL INTELLIGENCE REQUIRMENT (CCIR)
•Risk guidance
•Deception guidance (if any)
•Specific priorities in order of completion
•Time, place, and uniform for receiving the order
•Time and place for inspections and rehearsals
•Earliest Movement and notice time
•Special Instructions: To all subordinate leaders
•Drawing, checking and distributing – weapons, ammo, equip, rations, water
•Special equipment
•Attachments/detachments
•Transportation (ID requirements, pre-position)
•Inspections, rehearsals, preparing men for operation
•Reconnaissance
•Personnel assisting with operation order preparation
4. SERVICE SUPPORT
•Any coordinating transfer of equipment or supplies to or from other units
•Any coordination for transportation to and from rehearsal, briefing, HLZ, etc.
5. COMMAND & SIGNAL
•Chain of command if different from SOP
•Signal identify current requirements