•(C) Cover and concealment. The leader looks for terrain that will protect him from direct and indirect fires (cover) and from aerial and ground observation (concealment).
•(O) Obstacles. In the attack, the leader considers the effect of restrictive terrain on his ability to maneuver. In the defense, he considers how he will tie in his obstacles to the terrain to disrupt, turn, fix, or block an enemy force and protect his own forces from enemy assault.
•(K) Key terrain. Key terrain is any locality or area whose seizure or retention affords a marked advantage to either combatant. The leader considers key terrain in his selection of objectives, support positions, and routes in the offense and in the positioning of his unit in the defense.
•(A) Avenues of approach. An avenue of approach is an air or ground route of an attacking force leading to its objective or key terrain in its path. In the offense, the leader identifies the avenue of approach that affords him the greatest protection and places him at the enemy’s most vulnerable spot. In the defense, the leader positions his key weapons along the avenue of approach most likely to be used by the enemy.
In considering the effects of weather, the leader is most interested in visibility and trafficability.
(T) Troops Available. The leader considers the strength of subordinate units, the characteristics of his weapon systems, and the capabilities of attached elements as he assigns tasks to subordinate units.
(T) Time Available. The leader refines his allocation of time based on the tentative plan and any changes in the situation.
(C) Civilian Considerations. The leader identifies any civilian considerations that may affect the mission. These factors may include refugees, humanitarian assistance requirements, or specific considerations related to the applicable rules of engagement (ROE) or rules of interaction (ROI).
Step 4. Initiate Movement
The unit may need to begin moving soldiers, weapons, or equipment in preparation for the upcoming mission. Initiation of movement can include additional troops, reconnaissance, troop movers, and consolidation on the staging area.
Step 5. Reconnoiter
Reconnaissance will come in many forms. On today’s modern battlefield there are multiple options at the disposal of the combat leader. These include low-visibility operations for route screening, close-target reconnaissance, and intelligence surveillance reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft. Leaders can also review all available imagery, maps, and human intelligence (HUMINT) reports. A good combat leader will use as many assets as possible to gain the knowledge he needs to make sound decisions that will enable the unit to make it successfully to the objective and back to a secure area.
Step 6. Complete the Plan
Completion of the plan includes several actions that transform the commander’s intent and concept and the platoon’s concept into a fully developed platoon OPORD. These actions include preparing overlays, refining the indirect-fires list, completing combat service support (CSS) and C2 requirements, and updating the tentative plan as a result of the reconnaissance or information updates. Completing the plan allows the platoon leader to make final coordination (coordination checklist) with other units or the commander before issuing the OPORD to his subordinates. It also enables him to prepare his briefing site and materials.
Step 7. Issue the Complete Order
Platoon and squad leaders normally issue oral OPORDs. The best way to brief an OPORD is for each sub-unit leader to brief his own portion of the mission. This provides confirmation to senior leaders that each portion of the mission is fully understood by the sub-unit performing that task. For example, the assault commander should brief the “actions on the objective” portion and the medic should brief the medical portion. To aid in the understanding of the concept of the operation, leaders should use a sand table, sketches, and maps. It is essential that all persons conducting the mission understand the objective, the commander’s intent, the concept of the operation, and their assigned tasks. Rehearsals are the time for leaders to watch and ask questions about the mission to ensure they and their soldiers understand what is required of them.
Step 8. Supervise and Refine
Leaders supervise the preparation for combat by conducting confirmation briefs to ensure subordinates know the mission, the commander’s intent, the concept of the operation, and their assigned tasks. Rehearsals confirm to the leader that soldiers understand the mission and what is expected of the unit.
Rehearsals. Rehearsals are the single most effective means to ensure mission success. They will show where and how a plan needs to be refined. The closer to the actual mission a rehearsal is, the better. Emergency plans, reporting, wounded, and fire support are among the tasks that should be exercised.
Rehearsals will help infantry leaders discover and identify the unknowns. They should accomplish the following:
•Practice essential tasks (improve performance).
•Reveal weaknesses or problems in the plan.
•Coordinate the actions of subordinate elements.
•Improve soldier understanding of the concept of the operation (foster confidence in soldiers).
The leader should conduct rehearsals on terrain that resembles the actual ground and in similar light conditions. The platoon may begin rehearsals of battle drills and other SOP items before the receipt of the OPORD. Once the order has been issued, the platoon can rehearse mission-specific tasks.
Some important tasks to rehearse include:
•Action on the objective.
•Assaulting a trench, bunker, or building.
•Actions at the assault position.
•Breaching obstacles (mine or wire).
•Using specific weapons or demolitions.
•Actions on unexpected enemy contact.
Pre-combat Inspection. Squad leaders should conduct initial inspections shortly after receipt of the warning order. The platoon sergeant spot-checks the unit’s preparation for combat. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant make a final inspection of the following:
•Weapons and ammunition.
•Uniforms and equipment.
•Mission-essential equipment.
•Soldiers’ understanding of mission and their specific responsibilities.
•Communications.
•Rations and water.
•Camouflage.
•Deficiencies noted during earlier inspections.
Note: Pre-combat inspections do not take the place of final combat inspections.
COMBAT ORDERS
Operation Order
An operation order (OPORD) is a directive issued by the leader to his subordinate leaders to effect the coordinated execution of a specific operation. The leader and sub-unit leaders brief the OPORD using briefing aids while following the five-paragraph format below.
Copy number ___ of ___ copies
Issuing HQ
Place of issue
Date/time group
Message reference number
Operation order number/code name
References used (maps, imagery, sketches, sand table, etc.)
Time zone (local or Zulu)
Rules of engagement
Task organization (essential elements for mission):
Orient the unit to the maps with friendly and enemy locations
If the task organization is long or complicated, use an annex
Effects of weather, light, and general forecast on friendly and enemy forces
High Temp
Moonrise
Sunrise
Low Temp
Moonset
Sunset
Wind Speed
Moon Phase
EENT (ending evening nautical twilight)