TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES FM 7-8

TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES (TLPs) The process a leader goes through to prepare the unit to accomplish a mission. Begins when the leader is alerted May be accomplished concurrently How to think vs. what to think

TLP STEPS RECEIVE THE MISSION ISSUE THE WARNING ORDER MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN START NECESSARY MOVEMENT RECONNOITER COMPLETE PLAN ISSUE THE COMPLETE PLAN SUPERVISE

RECEIVE THE MISSION Analyze mission using METT-TC What is the MISSION What is known about the ENEMY What is the impact of TERRAIN and weather What TROOPS are available How much TIME is available What are the CIVILIAN considerations

1/3- 2/3 RULE Leader uses no more than 1/3 of available time for planning and issuing OPORD. Subordinates get 2/3 of available time to plan and prepare for operation. Offense- receipt of mission to LD Defense- receipt of mission to must be prepared to defend time Use backwards planning to schedule preparation time.

ISSUE WARNING ORDER GIVEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIVING THE MISSION No specific format, never wait to fill a format Leader provides updates as necessary Things to cover if available Who is participating in the operation Time of the operation LD or defend time Time and place for issuance of OPORD

MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN Develop an estimate of the situation to use as the basis for the tentative plan. Use the five step decision making process Use METT-T as the basis of the estimate Update the plan as information becomes available

DECISION MAKING PROCESS Detailed mission analysis Situation analysis Course of action development Analysis each course of action Compare of each course of action & make a decision

MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN Mission-Analyze CO’s intent two levels higher & determine essential tasks Enemy- Consider type, size, tactics, organization, & equipment to identify greatest threat and vulnerability Terrain- Estimate effects of terrain and weather on forces Use key word OCOKA as guideline Weather’s impact on visibility and trafficability Troops- Consider strength of squads, weapon systems, and attached elements when assigning tasks Time- Refine time allocation based on tentative plan and changes to situation

OCOKA Evaluating Terrain and Weather Observation & Fields of Fire Detection of enemy Fields of fire based on weapons systems Cover and Concealment Protect against direct & indirect fire Avoid detection by aerial & ground observation Obstacles Impact on ability to maneuver (friendly and enemy) Key Terrain Seizure or retention affords a marked advantage Avenues of a Approach Offense: gives most protection to enemy’s vulnerability Defense: positioning of key weapon systems

START NECESSARY MOVEMENT* Unit could start movement at any time during the Troop Leading Procedures. Unit may have to move under the control of the Platoon Sergeant or a Squad Leader if other leaders are on a recon.

At a minimum, the leader must make a map reconnaissance RECONNOITER If situation permits, leader makes a personal recon to verify terrain analysis, adjust the plan, and confirm information. At a minimum, the leader must make a map reconnaissance

COMPLETE THE PLAN Leader completes the plan based on reconnaissance & any changes to the situation. Once complete review the plan to ensure it is within the commander’s intent.

ISSUE COMPLETE ORDER If possible issue the order at a place that overlooks the objective or on the defensive terrain. *If unable to overlook objective a terrain model or sketch should be used. Leader must insure that all soldiers understand the mission *Use brief backs and quiz junior troops

5 Paragraph Operations Order Situation: Enemy Friendly Mission: 5 W's - (Who, What, Where, When, Why) Execution Service and Support Command and Signal

SUPERVISE Supervise by conducting rehearsals and inspections. Rehearsals improve performance, reveal problems with plan, coordinate actions, and improve understanding (Must rehearse actions on the objective) Squad Leaders conduct initial inspections, Platoon Sergeant spot checks, and Platoon Leader & Platoon Sergeant conduct the final inspection

TLP STEPS RECEIVE THE MISSION ISSUE THE WARNING ORDER MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN START NECESSARY MOVEMENT RECONNOITER COMPLETE PLAN ISSUE THE COMPLETE PLAN SUPERVISE

Questions