Plan Security for a Command Post (CP) (SL4) 191-379-4408 FM 3-19.4 STP 21-24-SMCT “CPs are priority targets for enemy attack, and their security can be crucial to the success of military operations. In all cases, the focus of security efforts is on providing early warning of any threat activity” (Next)

Conditions: You are a military police (MP) platoon sergeant and your platoon has been given a mission to provide security for a CP. You will have orders; information on the size and layout of the CP (massed or dispersed); information on mission, enemy, terrain, troops, time available, and civilian considerations (METT-TC); and access to the provost marshal (PM) and headquarters personnel. Choose a soldier to read the first bullet. “First, we are not MPs, but notice that you initially have only one platoon to work with.” Choose another to read the second bullet. Ask a soldier to explain the difference between “massed” and “dispersed”. (Next)

Standards: Develop a security plan that includes all required elements to detect the enemy and to defend the CP before the enemy can move within direct-fire range. Choose a soldier to read the entire slide.(Next)

Glossary: METT-TC - mission, enemy, terrain, troops, time available, civilian considerations OCOKA - Observation and fields of fire, Cover and concealment, Obstacles, Key terrain, Avenues of approach TCP - traffic control point LP/OP - listening post/observation post Class IV supplies - construction/barrier material “Before we get started I want to make sure that everyone understands some basic concepts, abbreviations and acronyms.” Read and explain each item on the slide. (Next)

Glossary continued: Provost Marshal (PM) - Commander/supervisor of MPs; a senior staff member Screening mission - defensive series of OP’S and patrols; provides early warning/detection R&S - reconnaissance and surveillance/security G2/S2 - Intelligence/Security Staff section QRF - quick-response force DTOC - division tactical operations center Continue reading and explaining items. (Next)

Performance Steps 1-3: Determine the number of personnel available to conduct CP security to include augmented personnel. Identify personnel to secure critical facilities within the CP. Conduct reconnaissance of the routes to the CP and areas around it. Choose a soldier to read first bullet. “…for example, the division band. Consider the factors of METT-TC and the CP size and layout.” “For dispersed CPs, the MP security is concentrated toward providing early warning through screening operations.” Choose a soldier to explain screening operations. “For massed CPs, the type of MP security provided depends on the presence or absence of augmentation. Only when a CP is massed can the MPs provide close-in security through augmentation from corps assets (band, etc).” Choose a soldier to read second bullet. “…including the TOC, CGs quarters, communications center, war room, G2 section, etc.” Choose a soldier to read third bullet. “Recon. Get out there and look around. Apply military terrain analysis: OCOKA.” Choose several different soldiers to explain acronym “OCOKA”. (Next)

Performance Steps 4-6: Plan the best method and/or mix of forces for security, varying between massed and dispersed CPs, to include static posts, TCPs, LP/OPs, access control, mobile patrols, and QRF (both organic and augmenting). Determine the number of personnel required to provide close-in security for the commander within the area of operations. Determine the amount of Class IV barrier materials needed. Choose a soldier to read first bullet. “What are TCPs? LP/OPs? QRF?” Choose a soldier to read second bullet. “Normally, special body guards protect the CG at all times. FM 3-19.4 says that this mission belongs to special CID agents.” Choose a soldier to read third bullet and give examples of Class IV. (Next)

Performance Steps 7-9: Request the barrier materials through appropriate channels. Obtain an access list (of personnel authorized in the CP) from the PM or headquarters personnel. Prepare plans for the internal security of the CP. Read first bullet. “DUH!!” Choose a soldier to read the next two bullets. “The access list may come from the S2/G2 section, the PM or the Headquarters Commandant depending on local SOP.” “Internal security plans will already exist as part of local SOP.” (Next)

Performance Steps 10-12: Plan for security of tactical CPs when established and when in transit. Prepare an SOP and/or special orders detailing duties, responsibilities, and procedures to be used to provide security to the CP. Brief all soldiers included in the CP security on the tactical situation and the defensive plans. Choose a soldier to read first bullet. “This step will already have been planned for you. MPs normally place themselves at the head and tail of the column with additional forces running screening missions up and down the flanks.” Choose a soldier to read second bullet. “Again, this has already been done. SOPs already exist, so use them. Then all you have to do is adjust to daily situational changes and continue the mission.” Choose a soldier to read third bullet. “Self-explanatory.” (Next)

FM 3-19.4 pertaining to Bands: Choose various soldiers to read the slide. (Next)

Example of a massed CP: Explain the various elements in the slide.

Questions?

Summary: Main security effort is to provide early warning and detection of threat. Glossary of terms: METT-TC; OCOKA LP/OP; Screening Mission; QRF Class IV Supplies Massed vs. dispersed CP Access list Use existing SOPs Brief all soldiers