Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise FM 7-8, pg 2-3

Receive the Mission Begins with receipt of initial WARNORD or OPORD Platoon Leader determines probable mission Platoon Leader conducts initial time analysis The receive-the-mission step is intended to get the planning and preparation process underway by enabling him to prepare and issue a Warning Order as quickly as possible. FM 7-8, pg 2-4

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise FM 7-8, pg 2-3

Issue Warning Order Usually given orally. Follows the 5 paragraph OPORD format Includes: Unit’s probable mission PLs initial time planning timeline Any additional information available Initial instructions This enables the squads and other subordinate units to begin the parallel planning process FM 7-8, pg 2-4

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise FM 7-8, pg 2-3

Make a Tentative Plan (Tools of the Platoon Leader) Army’s decision making process for tactical situations at Company Level. FM 71-1, FM 7-8 Continuous process FM 7-8, pg 2-8

Make a Tentative Plan 1. Mission Analysis 2. Course of Action Development 3. Analysis of Course of Action 4. Course of Action Comparison 5. Course of Action Selection “If the PL (due to time constrains), is unable to develop more than one COA, step 4 does not apply” FM 7-8, pg 2-8

M ISSION ANALYSIS T ERRAIN AND WEATHER E NEMY SITUATION MTETT (METT-T) M ISSION ANALYSIS T ERRAIN AND WEATHER E NEMY SITUATION T ROOPS AVAILABLE T IME AVAILABLE Guides the platoon leader through the decision making process FM 7-8, pg 2-8

Step 1: Mission Analysis (Analysis of the Mission) Identify Purpose Specified & Implied Tasks Limitations Identify Mission Essential Task Commanders Mission, Concept & Intent 1 & 2 LEVELS UP Results in the Restated Mission

T ERRAIN AND WEATHER M ISSION ANALYSIS E NEMY SITUATION Mission Analysis (METT-T) M ISSION ANALYSIS T ERRAIN AND WEATHER E NEMY SITUATION T ROOPS AVAILABLE T IME AVAILABLE Guides the platoon leader through the decision making process

Terrain Analysis (Military Aspects of Terrain) O bstacles A venues of Approach K ey Terrain O bservation and Fields of Fire C over and Concealment FM 34-130, pg 2-10

Terrain Analysis (Obstacles) What is an obstacle? Any natural or manmade obstruction that canalizes, delays, restricts or diverts movement How are obstacles classified? Existing and reinforcing FM 34-130, pg 2-14

Obstacles cont’d (Terrain Classification) Unrestricted: Indicates terrain free of constraints to movement. Nothing needs to be done to enhance mobility Restricted: Hinders movement to some degree Little effort is needed to enhance movement but units cannot move to preferred speeds or combat formations Severely Restricted: Hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some effort is made to enhance mobility (GREEN) (GREEN) FM 34-130, pg 2-15

Terrain Analysis (Avenues of Approach) An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path. Mobility Corridor - Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed. FM 34-130, pg 2-18

Terrain Analysis (Key Terrain) Any locality or area the seizure, retention, or control of affords a marked advantage to either combatant. Examples: Terrain with good observation over AAs Terrain providing cover of an obstacle Road junctions or communication centers used for sustainment FM 34-130, pg 2-17

Terrain Analysis (Observation and Fields of Fire) Observation is the ability to see the threat either visually or through use of surveillance devices. Fields of Fire are areas that a weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given position. FM 34-130, pg 2-10

Terrain Analysis (Cover and Concealment) Cover is protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires. Concealment is protection from observation. FM 34-130, pg 2-11

Terrain Analysis Additional Considerations: Vegetation Surface Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC) Canopy FM 34-130, pg 2-16

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise

Initiate Movement May occur at any point in the Troop Leading Process Examples: Move main body to Area of Operations Send out recon teams Begin gathering necessary equipment Begin rehearsing drills you anticipate using FM 71-1, pg 2-30

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise

Leader’s Reconnaissance Plan and conduct leader’s recon for every mission. If recon reveals a change in the situation, the plan must be adjusted accordingly. Recon must avoid detection while trying to confirm or deny the leader’s assumptions. May be conducted at Company, Platoon or Squad level. FM 7-8, pg 2-9

Leader’s Reconnaissance The smaller the element, the better the chances are of avoiding detection At a minimum, take a leader from each squad or key element LDR must specify what information is needed to confirm the plan Two types Long Range-Outside small arms fire Short Range-Inside small arms fire FM 7-8, pg 2-9

Leader’s Reconnaissance Leader must determine: His information requirements Priorities of requirements Assets available Security requirements Time available Most critical information needed Leader provides specific guidance on: Tasking of troops and equip. Time schedule Special equipment required Likely contingency plans Fire support Withdrawal from the OBJ Linkup plan FM 71-1, pg 2-32

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise

Complete the Plan The Tools of the Platoon Leader and COA become the OPORD IPB results = Para. 1a. Mission analysis = Para. 2, 1b., Para. 3b., c., & d., and Para 5 COA with analysis = Para 3, 4, 5 Complete a second, more detailed, wargame resulting in the subparagraphs of Para 3, as well as 4 and 5

What is IPB ? Systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and the environment in a specific area. Determines the threat’s likely COA Describes the environment your unit is operating in. Helps the Platoon Leader selectively apply and maximize his combat power at critical points in time and space. FM 101-5, pg 5-6

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise

Issue the Order Can be issued either orally or written Issue while observing the combat area if possible Possible aids that can be utilized Terrain models Map boards Sketches FM 7-8, pg 2-9

OPORD Characteristics Good Combat Orders . . . Have Clarity Are Complete and Brief Are Timely Allow Initiative by recognizing subordinates freedom of action within the commander’s intent Use affirmative form and are authoritative Avoid Qualified Directives FM 71-1, pg 2-36

Supplements to OPORDs Should amplify or clarify the OPORD Overlays -- Friendly and Enemy Fire Support, R&S, Ops, Movement Intel, Event Concept Sketch Terrain Model Execution Matrix Fire Support Matrix Annexes, etc. FM 7-10, pg G4

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise

Supervision Rehearsals: As Time, Resources, and Enemy Situation allows rehearse the following: Actions on the Objective Battle Drills for Fire and Movement Actions on Enemy Contact Special Teams Movement Techniques FM 71-1, pg 2-38

Supervision Inspect: Weapons and Ammunition Uniforms and Equipment Mission Essential Equipment Communications Equipment Rations and Water Camouflage FM 71-1, pg 2-38

Troop Leading Procedures 1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8. Supervise The order of these steps doesn’t change Steps 4-7 are interchangeable. Step 8 occurs throughout the process.

The Process Troop Leading Procedures Military Decision Making Process Battlefield Visualization 1. Receive and Analyze the Mission Mission Analysis (METT-T) Mission Enemy Terrain (and Weather) Troops Time Available “See the Terrain” 2. Issue a Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan Development of COA Analysis of COA 4. Initiate Movement “See the Enemy” COA Comparison 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete the Plan Selection of COA Refinement of plan, Integration of CS, CSS, and development of branch plan 7. Issue the Order “See Yourself” 8. Supervise & Refine FM 71-1 pg 2-10