Seating Chart LTC Bali PODIUM BDE BTL CPT BDE BTL CPT BDE ChOps BDE S3 DIV G3 BDE CDR DIV CG BDE CoS DIV CoS BDE S2 BDE S4 COL Sirel CJTF CG CJTF CoS DL LNO BDE Legal BDE ENG BDE FSO BDE S9 BDE S6 BDE S1 BDE NCOIC SFC Gunn OPFOR CDR EXCON OIC DIV XO ALO ADA BN CDR VIR FA CDR 1st MECH CDR Supply CDR RECCE CDR AT CO CDR CSS BN CDR EN BN CDR 3/2 CR CDR 34th FA CDR 2nd IN CDR 8th IN CDR

Command Post Exercise After Action Review 22 JUN 2012

Agenda Introduction Training Objective & Mission Review Battle Chronology & Key Event Review Select Focus Area Discussion Exercise Design Sensing Wrap Up & Summary Leader Comments

AAR Purpose Open and professional discussion- what happened? What worked, what did not? System and technique focus- what to sustain and what to improve Not a critique- no one has all the answers Not an evaluation- does not grade success or failure

House Rules Be a Learning Organization!! Participate - It’s your AAR - Get involved! Open and professional discussion Always ask yourself, “How can I do this better?” Learn something and get better every day Turn-off cell phones Be a Learning Organization!!

Bde Training Objectives Conduct the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) in order to plan and execute comprehensive and decisive operations in support of the Brigade Commander’s intent. Conduct command post operations in order to maintain command and control at all echelons. Conduct a BDE defense in order to secure key terrain, population, and resources against a Hybrid Threat in order to set conditions for the transition to offensive operations. Integrate synchronizing ISR Integrate BDE level fires and attack / assault aviation to defend in depth Employ deep strike capabilities/assets to disrupt the enemy in depth along their avenues of approach before reaching the BDE’s main defensive belt Conduct a BDE attack, integrating and synchronizing ISR, BDE level fires, attack and assault aviation, combined with mechanized forces against a Hybrid Threat in order to seize and retain key terrain, population, and/or infrastructure. Conduct an Air Assault centered around one Infantry Battalion Task Force in order to seize and retain key terrain and/or resources until proper battle hand over to follow-on forces.

Training Objective Key Tasks Conduct MDMP Conduct Command Post Operations / Operations Process Coordinate with Adjacent Units Conduct Defense Conduct Attack Conduct Air Assault Synchronize & Integrate ISR Synchronize Fires Synchronize Attack Aviation / Conduct Air-Ground Integration Synchronize Assault Aviation Employ Deep Strike Plan for Stability Operations Plan Civil Military Operations

Division Mission

Brigade Mission

Task Organization CJTF CS (VIR) L L L L L L L L CSS US (-) (+) CS (VIR) 56 SBCT MNB/ V LVA LVA LTU VIR US L 2nd IN 34th ARTY L 8th IN 1st MECH 3/2 CR L L L L L L CSS TACON from RDC-W (VIR) CG-61 DIV & Coordinating Services (US) RQ-7 2xShadow BSB (-) 24xUH60 6xAH-64 2xA10 2xF16 DEGENSE LEAGUE L 6xM270

Enemy Mission & Intent UPDATE

Enemy Task Organization 3 33 RSCC 1 2 3 4 5 6 6 A A A A A A A B B C B C B C B C MI C D D E D E D E B B D E F G F G F C C 7 33d DIV Assets Available 11 A C B SAP C 2xSS-21 2 B/33 D E W E F 6xMi-24 1 A/33 8 2xSu-27 A 33AF

Enemy Scheme of Maneuver SMF will conduct an assault operations through our AOR IOT secure the area SOUTH from PL IVARS to create favorable conditions for SIMM to declare the area as independent state and block MND-Sentinel CATKs into the area. ENY will attack in 4 axises.15 km in front of each there is COY-size recce unit with task to confirm suitable advancing corridors and identify possible bypass opportunities. Main units are trying to avoid decisive contact IOT maintain their speed of movement. In case of contact a COY-size unit is maximum that is left to deal with it and main body attempts to bypass. On closed terrain INF is used in first echelon; on open terrain units are swapped if available. SAP coy is allocated to WEST flank CA BN and to INF BN moving EAST as a ME. In addition to their organic, both movement directions are supported by additional IDF assets. CAS is used when main body of attacking units are blocked by BN or higher and bypassing is not possible. II II SOUTHLAND II II

17 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 x X MNB-V 56 II II I I PL Red PL White PL Blue 3 II PL Green PL Blue PL White X MNB-V 56 PL Red Tokyo Dingo Lama Lion 17 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 I II II I Notes from the Day I

18 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 X MNB-V 56 (-) PL Red PL White PL Blue II PL Green PL Blue PL White X MNB-V 56 PL Red Tokyo Dingo Lama Lion (-) Notes from the Day

19 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 X MNB-V 56 (-) PL Red PL White PL Blue II PL Green PL Blue PL White X MNB-V 56 PL Red Tokyo Dingo Lama Lion (-) Notes from the Day

20 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 Update Notes from the Day

Update XX 0800 – 2000 JUN 2012 X MNB-V 56 D PL Red PL White PL Blue II PL Green PL Blue PL White X MNB-V 56 PL Red Lion D Update Notes from the Day

Update XX 0800 – 1200 JUN 2012 X MNB-V 56 D PL Red PL White PL Blue II PL Green PL Blue PL White X MNB-V 56 PL Red Lion D Update Notes from the Day

Command Post Operations “Who else needs to know?” Key Events Focus Command Post Operations “Who else needs to know?”

Commander’s Role Assess Lead FM 3-0 Framing / Reframing the problem Understand Framing / Reframing the problem End state Conditions Objectives Visualize Nature and Design of the Operation Offense Defense Stability Civil Support Describe Time, Space, Resources, Purpose, and Action Decisive Operations Shaping Operations Sustaining Operations Direct Warfighting Functions Intelligence Fires Sustainment Command and control Movement and maneuver Protection PMESII-PT Principles of war Operational themes Experiences METT-TC Running estimates Elements of operational design Preparation Initial commander’s intent Planning guidance Commander’s critical information requirements Essential elements of friendly information Plans and orders Branches and sequels Execution METT-TC mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, civil considerations PMESII-PT political, military, economic, social, information, infrastructure, physical environment, time Assess FM 3-0 6L/12R

The Staff Staffs exist to help the commander make and implement decisions. Staff organizations and procedures are structured to meet the Commander’s Critical Information Requirements (CCIR). The CDR and his staff focus on recognizing and anticipating battlefield activities in order to decide and act faster than the enemy / situation. All staff organizations and procedures exist to make the organization, analysis, and presentation of vast amounts of information manageable for the commander.

What is the Function of our TOC A command post is a unit headquarters where the commander and staff perform their activities. It is often divided into echelons. CPs are the principal facilities commanders use to control operations. Effective CPs enable commanders to make decisions faster than the enemy. Relook picture and statement FM6-0

Command Post Functions FM EMAIL PHONE RECEIVE INFORMATION ANALYZE INFORMATION SOURCES 1st MECH BN 2nd IN BN 8th IN BN 3/2 CR 34th FA BN EST FA BN EN BN SOURCES DIV HQ UAS CAS/CCA Defense League SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS MDMP IPB TOC CURRENT OPS BATTLE TRACKING TASK ORGANIZATION LOGISTICS STATUS STAFF RUNNING ESTIMATES EFST CCIR IO COA DSM R & S War Fighting Functions Priorities of Plans Priority of Effort Priorities of Work Time Management DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION What kind of information should the staff gather? Info databases on Friendly units and activities Enemy situation Status of logistics Activities of civilians in the brigade AI The staff combines this information to conduct predictive analysis of probable enemy COAs and anticipated actions required by friendly forces Did the CCIR focus the staff on this effort? Did the staff’s analysis help the brigade commander on achieving situational understanding? The staff develops COA and wargames them against probable enemy COA and submits recommendations to the Brigade Commander Did the staff’s recommendations meet the brigade commander’s vision and intent? Staff submits reports to higher and keeps subordinate and adjacent units informed of current situation. Staff publishes orders and instructions and conducts rehearsals to ensure they are understood Did the subordinates see and understand the COP exactly as the brigade commander sees it? CPs integrate subordinate units by task organizing them and monitoring the statuts and capabilities of specialized capabilities Did the staff have SA over specialized capabilities CPs provide the information link that synchronizes the activities of subordinate units Did the effect os shaping and sustaining operations support the decisive operations? INTEGRATE RESOURCES REPORTS BRIEFS OPORDS FRAGOS SYNCHRONIZE RESOURCES Defense League ENGRS UAS CAS/CCA DECISIVE OPS SHAPING OPS SUSTAINING OPS

Current Operations BATTLE CAPTAIN TOC SOP BATTLE RHYTHM CCIR RECEIVE INFORMATION ANALYZE DISTRIBUTE INTEGRATE SYNCHRONIZE RESOURCES MAKE RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE CDR COMMAND POST FUNCTIONS TOC SETUP AND EQUIPMENT BATTLE RHYTHM DIVISION OF DUTIES TOC SOP TOC BATTLE DRILLS KEYS TO SUCCESS CCIR BATTLE CAPTAIN HIGHER HQ SUBORDINATE UNITS ADJACENT AND SUPPORTED TASK FORCE STAFF OFFICERS DP/TRIGGERS Who needs to know and why?

Six TOC Functions How are we doing? EFFECTIVE IMPROVING NEED WORK SIX TOC FUNCTIONS 1. RECEIVE INFORMATION 2. ANALYZE INFORMATION 3. SUBMIT RECOMMENDATIONS 4. DISTRIBUTE INFORMATION 5. INTEGRATE RESOURCES 6. SYNCHRONIZE RESOURCES HIC Opns Focus- 1- Info collection focus primarily on enemy operations 2- Info distribution centers on HHQs and subordinate units 3- Analysis techniques covered by battlefield functions (maneuver, fire support, intelligence, M/CM/Surv, CSS) 4- Provide recommendations to the Cdr and other staff 5- Integration involves primarily organic units 6- Resource Synchronization is Critical

Situational Awareness & the Common Operational Picture Key Events Focus Situational Awareness & the Common Operational Picture

Situational Awareness SEE OURSELVES SEE ENEMY SEE TERRAIN PIR NAIs IPB Pattern Analysis EVENTEMP SITEMP Patrol Debriefs Bi-lat Debriefs INTSUMs TSM FFIR Effective CPs Tracking Charts Timelines War-gaming Rehearsals Communications Battle Updates FRAGOs Unit Capabilities LOGSTATs Staff Estimates PMESII-PT SWEAT-MSO NGOs UNHCR HTT MCOO ASCOPE Imagery and Maps Leaders’ Recon Why couldn’t we ‘see ourselves’ from Company to DIV levels?

Cognitive Hierarchy FM6-0 Understanding Knowledge Management Focus Create Organize Apply Transfer Information Management Focus Collect Process Store Display Disseminate Protect Information Analysis Knowledge Judgment Processing Data Understanding CDR

Reporting What information you’re going to receive

Battle Rhythm When you’re going to receive the information

Common Operating Picture DAY 2 DAY 4 Day 2 - Morning Can the CDR understand 90% of the fight?

Common Operating Picture BN operational graphics 4km difference from BDE graphics PL BLUE PL Blue restrictive control measure 9 FKIA from SIMM mortar attack 1st MECH BN How do we ensure all graphic control measures are synched with BDE? What controls are in place to ensure a COP at all levels?

Any uncovered topics?

Exercise Framework What worked well in driving the exercise? What aspects should be retained/ modified/ added/ deleted? time/distance replication staff/response cell manning staff augmentation academics topics scenario injects number & type of missions tempo sustainment & information ops play

Bde Training Objectives Conduct the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) in order to plan and execute comprehensive and decisive operations in support of the Brigade Commander’s intent. Conduct command post operations in order to maintain command and control at all echelons. Conduct a BDE defense in order to secure key terrain, population, and resources against a Hybrid Threat in order to set conditions for the transition to offensive operations. Integrate synchronizing ISR Integrate BDE level fires and attack / assault aviation to defend in depth Employ deep strike capabilities/assets to disrupt the enemy in depth along their avenues of approach before reaching the BDE’s main defensive belt Conduct a BDE attack, integrating and synchronizing ISR, BDE level fires, attack and assault aviation, combined with mechanized forces against a Hybrid Threat in order to seize and retain key terrain, population, and/or infrastructure. Conduct an Air Assault centered around one Infantry Battalion Task Force in order to seize and retain key terrain and/or resources until proper battle hand over to follow-on forces.

Training Objective Key Tasks Conduct MDMP Conduct Command Post Operations / Operations Process Coordinate with Adjacent Units Conduct Defense Conduct Attack Conduct Air Assault Synchronize & Integrate ISR Synchronize Fires Synchronize Attack Aviation / Conduct Air-Ground Integration Synchronize Assault Aviation Employ Deep Strike Plan for Stability Operations Plan Civil Military Operations

Parting Thoughts “This exercise does not validate that we can do this, it shows that we are capable of doing this”… - COL Sirel Confirm paraphrase is correct- ask for other thought if appropriate

Leader Comments MNB-V Commander MND-S Commander Exercise Director

Multi National Brigade- Vironia Facilitator: LTC Sal Bali This concludes your After Action Review Multi National Brigade- Vironia CPX AAR 22 JUN 2012 Facilitator: LTC Sal Bali Exercise SABER STRIKE 12

Below The Line

Observations- Movement & Maneuver Strengths Detailed planning throughout the MDMP process provided the CDR accurate COAs for his operations Effectively transitioned between phases by utilizing defined decision points executed by effective triggers Challenges Integration of primary and special staff Frequently planned with minimal staff which created gaps in information flow Improve on tactical planning for the deep fight and integration of multinational platform

Observations- Intelligence Strengths Adequate and correct assessments of enemy SITEMP, capabilities, and BDA Thorough and accurate IPB provided the CDR a clear and concise picture of the enemy allowing him to emplace and wargame his units Challenges Intelligence Personnel Configuration Disconnected set-up resulted in limited direct contact and diminished information flow Management and integration of specific personnel Ensure all personnel are provided specific task and purpose during all stages of operations to better support mission command

Observations- Fires Strengths Individual Artillery Task and Firing Procedures from BDE to Company Accurate Target Location / Target’s of Opportunity Quick and Reactive Gunnery Fire Planning (FSOs) Pre-planning your targets ISO operations Offense, Defense (FPF), Shaping Ops Synchronization of Assets Great job using all assets and de-conflicting when necessary Fire Support Coordination Measures Complete understanding of what they are, and why they are put into effect Challenges Amount of FS personnel in FECC At a minimum 4 personnel need to be dedicated to the role of fire support from the company level to BN and BDE Targeting Process Begin targeting process very early through the MDMP in order to allow the subordinate FS cells to begin fires planning Operational Overview The S3, S2, FSO, and other WFF need to operate together and share information more frequently, provided the CDR of more clear COP

Observations- Mission Command Strengths Actively and correctly understood and visualized the threat and enemy template Commander provided staff with clear and concise guidance of his objectives Integrated and developed effective teams with multinational and joint partners Challenges Decentralized TOC set-up Separation of staff sections during operations created an unclear COP Difficulty in maintain Common Operating Picture at all echelons Inconsistent reporting requirements, and lack of enforcement in receiving reports Mission Command Systems Staff did not provide frequent and accurate running estimate to continually allow the CDR to visualize his combat power throughout the fight

Observations- Sustainment Strengths Thorough BDE level CSS planning despite limited planning resources and a lack of good data Precisely forecasted logistical requirements during MDMP to support all phases of the operation Challenges Lack of Combat Service Support overlays for all operations Creating CSS overlays creates a clearer COP for the TOC without communicating with the S4 Poor subordinate unit reporting BNs did not accurately report their combat effectiveness to BDE resulting in incorrect Combat Power/Effectiveness reports to the CDR

Observations- Protection Strengths 1 2 3 4 Challenges

Information Management How you’re going to receive the information

Intel Board, Rolling BUB, Daily Timeline COP “A Way” Intel Board, Rolling BUB, Daily Timeline FBCB2 CPOF SIGACTs, TOC LOG ISR ROUTE Status S-7 and PAO staff developed a engagement worksheet that included: Strategy, talking points, BIO information and negotiation TTPs Desired End state: DA is comfortable with BCT presence in the AO and its effect on the local populace

MCP Layout Add Picture of TOC TRUCKS

Are we using all the tools we have? Change

CSE S4 OPS NCO BIC BTL CPT Change S1 S2 BTL NCO

War Gaming vs CAR War Gaming Combined Arms Rehearsal -Attempts to visualize the flow of the operation given: FF strengths and dispositions ENY capabilities and possible COAs impact and requirements of civilians in the AO -Simplest form of war gaming is the manual method, often utilizing a tabletop approach with blowups of matrices and templates. The subordinate units plans are synchronized with the other units in the organization The plans of all subordinate commander’s will properly achieve the intent of the higher commander. Key CS/CSS plans must be included: casualty evacuation routes, AXPs, refuel points, Class IV/V resupply points, logistics release points, displacement times/locations/triggers for the BSA, EPW collection points.

COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS TOC INTERNAL BRIEF (UPON COMPLETION) AGENDA BATTLE RHYTHM FORMATS OF REPORTS COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS TOC INTERNAL BRIEF (UPON COMPLETION)

REPORTS TO BE BRIEFED BY MNB STAFF OFFICERS DIRECTLY: LOGREP (MNB_S4) FORMATS OF REPORTS REPORTS TO BE BRIEFED BY MNB STAFF OFFICERS DIRECTLY: LOGREP (MNB_S4) CISSITREP (MNB_S6) ENGSITREP (MNB_ENGO) INTSUM, INTREP (MNB_S2) PERSREP (SENT VIA EMAIL) BRIEF VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS FROM STAFF OFFICERS

QUICKSITREP INCLUDE SLANT REPORT ON MAIN SYSTEMS EXERCISE-EXERCISE-EXERCISE NATO UNCLASSIFIED INCLUDE SLANT REPORT ON MAIN SYSTEMS INCLUDE ISSUES, RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS

EXERCISE-EXERCISE-EXERCISE INCLUDE ISSUES, RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS SITREP EXERCISE-EXERCISE-EXERCISE NATO UNCLASSIFIED P: Frontline Trace INCLUDE ISSUES, RECOMMENDATIONS, REQUESTS

COORDINATING INSTRUCTIONS MANAGEMENT OF RFIs: mnb_toc@mil.ee SWITCH OF C2 FUNCTIONS BETWEEN TOC and TAC BPT SEND QUICKSITREPs WITHIN 3 MINs AFTER REQUIRED FROM MNB TOC TOC INTERNAL BRIEF (UPON COMPLETION OF THE CURRENT BRIEF)

MULTINATIONAL BRIGADE VIRONIA Saber Strike 12 “Strength Through Partnership” TOC OPERATIONS INTERNAL BRIEF Estonia Latvia Lithuania United States Canada Finland France U.K. CPT Sergei Guselnikov, +372 5245690

Chief of Operations: CPT SERGEI GUSELNIKOV Battle Captains: JOINT TOC ROSTER Chief of Operations: CPT SERGEI GUSELNIKOV Battle Captains: #1 CAPT SHAUN DWYER (UK) #2 MJR ILMARS DZENEVS (LAT) Functional cells: Intel (filled by S2 roster) Movement and Maneuver (ENGO in MCP) Fires (FSO, ALO) Protection (ADO) Sustainment (S4 section) Mission Command (S9)

LAYOUT and ORGANISATION of TOC BC 1 RTO BC 2 ALO 1 2 CHOP ADA FSO S4 S4 S4 3 Rotation of Battle Captains in Current Ops (Shop #1): 15 and 17 June - #1 18 June - #2 19 June - #1 20 June - #2 21 June - #1

Information Management (Tactical) CDR When and how do I interface with my commander? What needs to go to higher? What decisions must I make? What needs to go back down? What info do I need to make decisions? XO/S3 Staff What reports do I need? Where do I give guidance? What working groups do I need? What’s our battle rhythm? S6 What IM / KM tools do we have/need? What Info Assurance (IA) policies must we follow?

Running Estimate DECIDING, CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS TIME SPACE PURPOSE SEE ENEMY LEADING, MOTIVATING MORAL & PHYSICAL PRESENCE TERRAIN YOURSELF EMBEDDED - INTENT, VISUALIZATION CURRENT & END STATE BATTLE COMMAND MORALE & PHYSICAL EMBEDDED-

CP Functions in a Coin Environment – What’s Different? 6 Basic Functions of a CP 1. Receive information 2. Distribute information 3. Analyze information 4. Submit recommendations to the commander 5. Integrate resources 6. Synchronize resources HIC Operations COIN Operations 1. Information collection/management focused by targeting requirements 2. Information distribution may involve NGO’s, international forces, and other members outside TF & CO/TM 3. Analysis is a product of collective TF effort involving more than the S-2 4. Submit recommendations to the commander 5. Integration involves NGO’s, contractors, interpreters, etc. 6. Synchronize resources 1. Information collection focused primarily on enemy operations 2. Information distribution revolves primarily to HHQ and subordinate units 3. Analysis techniques covered by BOS elements 4. Submit recommendations to the commander 5. Integration involves primarily U.S. (organic to DIV) forces 6. Synchronize resources BOTTOM LINE: Same functions, different focus!

TOC Operations To ensure that information is provided to the commander in an efficient and timely manner, periodic update briefs or shift change briefs are conducted. Conducting command shift change or update briefings accomplishes more than just providing the commander a snapshot of current battalion status. Briefings provide a point in time and place for all staff sections to assemble and ensure that everyone is informed with the same situational understanding. FM 3-90.61

Common Operating Picture Whatever the age or technology, the key to effective C2 is people using information to decide and to act wisely. Whatever the age or technology, the ultimate criterion of C2 success is always the same: acting faster and more effectively than the enemy to accomplish the mission at the least cost to the friendly force before the enemy can effectively act. FM 6-0

A Highly Effective Unit Needs A Highly Effective Staff... 8 Staff Competencies ID / Anticipate Requirements Monitor Operations Manage Information Make Recommendations Direct Actions Conduct Coordination Synchronize Operations Maintain Continuity A Highly Effective Unit Needs A Highly Effective Staff...

NAI Numbers & Description MND Sentinal ISR Plan NAI Numbers & Description NAI 1: IBL V-SL (P1) NAI 2: Tihemetsa (P2,5) NAI 3: Karski-Nuia (P3,5) NAI 4: Pikasilla (P7) NAI 5: Mereküla (P2, 4, 6) NAI 6: Viljandi (P2, 4, 6) NAI 7: Londoni (P7) NAI 8: Parnü (P6) NAI 9: Võhma (P7) P1 When SL forces cross IBL w / Bn or higher and which MC will they use? P2 Which obj is priority? P3 ID of AR Bn (Res)? P4 Initial en atk defeated? P5 Loc of en Bde Hq P6 Groups capable of hindering MND FOM in Ph III and IV. P7 En destruction of Critical Infrastructrure LEGEND IBL / MSR River / water NAI Hwy # En Axis of Advance En Objectives Anticipated En LOA UNCLASSIFIED

Parallel Planning Parallel planning is two or more echelons planning for the same operation nearly simultaneously. It is facilitated by continuous information sharing by the higher headquarters with subordinate units concerning future operations. Parallel planning requires significant interaction between echelons. With parallel planning, subordinate units do not wait for their higher headquarters to publish an operations order to begin their own planning and orders development process. FM 5-0