1 REHEARSAL TYPES & TECHNIQUES

2 Purpose of RehearsalsPurpose of Rehearsals Types of RehearsalsTypes of Rehearsals TechniquesTechniques Company Level Leadership ResponsibilitiesCompany Level Leadership Responsibilities Agenda Agenda

Rehearsals are the commander's tool used to ensure staffs and subordinates understand the commander's intent and the concept of operations. Rehearsals also synchronize operations at times and places critical to successful mission accomplishment. For units to be effective and efficient in combat, rehearsals need to become habitual in training. Units should routinely train and practice a variety of rehearsal types and techniques. Standing SOPs should identify appropriate rehearsal types, techniques, and standards for their execution. Leaders at all levels conduct periodic AARs to ensure that units conduct rehearsals to standard and that substandard performance is corrected. AARs also provide opportunities to incorporate lessons learned into existing plans, SOPs and subsequent rehearsals. - Source: FM 6.0 Appendix F 3

Time is key to conducting rehearsals. The time required for a rehearsal varies with the complexity of the task to rehearse, the type and technique of rehearsal, and the level of participation. Rehearsals should be conducted at the lowest possible level, using the most thorough technique possible, given the time available. Under time-constrained conditions, staffs conduct reduced rehearsals. Whenever possible, rehearsals are based on a completed OPORD. Rehearsals are conducted during preparation to practice executing the COA that the commander chose at the end of the MDMP. Commanders avoid making major changes to OPORDs during rehearsals, and make only those changes essential to mission success. - Source: FM 6.0 Appendix F 4

5 Rehearsal Types Confirmation Brief Backbrief Combined Arms Rehearsal Support Rehearsal Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal

The confirmation brief is routinely performed by a subordinate leader immediately after receiving any instructions, such as an OPORD or a fragmentary order (FRAGO). Subordinate leaders brief their commander on their understanding of the commander's intent, their specific tasks and purpose, and the relationship between their individual unit missions and those of other units in the operation. 6 Confirmation Brief

A backbrief is a briefing by subordinates to the commander to review how subordinates intend to accomplish their mission. Backbriefs are normally performed throughout preparation. They allow commanders to clarify the commander's intent early in subordinate planning. Commanders can- Identify problems in the concept of operations. Identify problems in subordinate commanders' concepts of operations. Learn how subordinates intend to accomplish their missions 7 Backbrief

A maneuver unit headquarters normally executes combined arms rehearsal after subordinate units issue their OPORD. This rehearsal type ensures that- Subordinate units synchronize their plans with each other. Subordinate commanders' plans achieve the higher commander's intent. 8 Combined Arms Rehearsal

Units usually conduct support rehearsals within the framework of a single or limited number of battlefield operating systems (BOSs). They are referred to by the primary BOS being rehearsed, for example, the fire support rehearsal. Units execute support rehearsals throughout preparation. Although these rehearsals differ slightly by BOS, they achieve the same results: Ensure those responsible for each BOS can support the OPORD and accomplish all their missions. Ensure each BOS is synchronized with the overall operation. 9 Support Rehearsal

A battle drill or SOP rehearsal ensures that all participants understand a technique or a specific set of procedures. All echelons use these rehearsal types; however, they are most common for platoons, squads, and sections. They are performed throughout preparation and are not limited to published battle drills. They can rehearse such actions as React to Contact, Evacuate a Casualty, or refuel-on-the- move site operations 10 Battle Drill or SOP Rehearsal

Techniques for executing rehearsals are limited only by the commander's resourcefulness. Generally, six techniques are used. –Full-Dress Rehearsal –Reduced-Force Rehearsal –Terrain-Model Rehearsal –Sketch-Map Rehearsal –Map Rehearsal –Network Rehearsal As listed, each successive technique takes a decreasing amount of time and resources. Each rehearsal technique provides a different degree. of understanding to participants. 11 Techniques

12 Rehearsal Techniques Relative to Time, Resources, OPSEC, Participation, and Understanding

A full-dress rehearsal produces the most detailed understanding of the operation. It involves every participating soldier and system. If possible, organizations execute full-dress rehearsals under the same conditions-weather, time of day, terrain, and use of live ammunition-that the force expects to encounter. 13 Full-Dress Rehearsal TIME OPSEC TERRAIN

A reduced-force rehearsal involves only key leaders of the organization and its subordinate units. Terrain requirements can be the same as for a full-dress rehearsal, even though there are fewer participants. The commander decides the level of leader involvement. The selected leaders then rehearse the plan while traversing the actual or similar terrain. This technique is useful to rehearse fire control measures for an engagement area during defensive operations. A reduced-force rehearsal may be used to prepare key leaders for a full-dress rehearsal. 14 Reduced-Force Rehearsal TIME OPSEC TERRAIN

The terrain-model rehearsal takes less time and fewer resources than a full-dress or reduced-force rehearsal, and is the most popular rehearsal technique. An accurately constructed terrain model helps subordinate leaders visualize the commander's intent and concept of operations. When possible, place the terrain model where it overlooks the actual terrain of the AO. However, if the situation requires more security, place the terrain model on a reverse slope within walking distance of a point overlooking the AO. The model's orientation coincides with that of the terrain. 15 Terrain-Model Rehearsal Time OPSEC Terrain TERRAIN TIME OPSEC TIME

Commanders can use the sketch-map technique almost anywhere, day or night. The procedures are the same as for a terrain-model rehearsal, except the commander uses a sketch map in place of a terrain model. Effective sketches are large enough for all participants to see as each participant walks through execution of the operation. Participants move markers on the sketch to represent unit locations and maneuvers. 16 Sketch-Map Rehearsal Time OPSEC Terrain TIME OPSEC TERRAIN

Map Rehearsal A map rehearsal is similar to a sketch-map rehearsal, except the commander uses a map and operation overlay of the same scale used to plan the operation. Time OPSEC Terrain TIME OPSEC TERRAIN

Network rehearsals can be executed over wide- area networks (WANs) or local-area networks (LANs). Commanders and staffs execute network rehearsals by talking through critical portions of the operation over communications networks in a sequence the commander establishes. The organization rehearses only the critical parts of the operation. These rehearsals require all information systems (INFOSYS) needed to execute that portion of the operation. All participants require working INFOSYS and a copy of the OPORD and overlays. CPs can rehearse battle tracking during network rehearsals. 18 Network Rehearsal Time OPSEC Terrain TIME OPSEC TERRAIN

Commander determines: –Type of rehearsal & Rehearsal Technique –Identify and prioritize key events to rehearse & allocate time for each event –Place & Attendees –Enemy COA to be portrayed 19 Company and Below Responsibilities XO: –Publishes the rehearsal time and location –Completes any staff rehearsals –Determines rehearsal products, based on type, technique, and METT-TC –Is the rehearsal director –Coordinates and allocates time for key events requiring rehearsal –Verifies rehearsal site preparation

Subordinate leaders complete: - Complete unit operation orders. - Identify issues derived from the higher headquarters' operation order. - Provide a copy of their unit operation order with graphics to the higher headquarters. - Perform personal preparation similar to that of the commander. - Ensure they and their subordinates bring all necessary equipment. Recorder: During the rehearsal, the recorder captures all coordination made during execution and notes unresolved problems. At the end of the rehearsal, the recorder— - Presents any unresolved problems to the commander for resolution. - Restates any changes, coordination, or clarifications directed by the commander. - Estimates when a written fragmentary order codifying the changes will follow. 20 Company and Below Responsibilities

Know the desired outcome of rehearsals and establish rehearsal standards Use the best technique for the time and assets available, whether a sand-table exercise or a full-dress rehearsal Conduct rehearsals using conditions similar to those of the actual mission; i.e., visibility, terrain, weather Prioritize tasks to be rehearsed, based on METT-T Keep rehearsals interesting Keep them simple Keep them informal Execute contingency plans and war-game the unexpected 21 2 Slides to Successful Rehearsals (1 of 2)

Aids –String –Chalk –Stakes. –Engineer Tape –Miniature Vehicle Replicas (Sand Table Kit) –Cans of Spray Paint Expedients –Chalk on the Side of a Vehicle –Rocks or Pebbles –Wood; i.e., Limbs, Branches, Sticks –Leaves or Vegetation –Cans –Boxes –Vehicles 22 2 Slides to a Successful Rehearsals (2 of 2)

QUESTIONS 23