Upon receiving the mission, it must be followed using METT-TC
• What is the MISSION?
• Known facts about the ENEMY
• How will TERRAIN and weather influence the mission?
• What TROOPS are available?
• How much TIME is available?
• How will CIVILIANS on the battlefield affect the operation?
Utilize the 1/3 - 2/3 rule As a leader, take no more than 1/3 of the time to plan the mission and give the remaining 2/3 to your subordinates to plan/prepare the mission. For example; if a mission is to take place in 9 hours you should not take more than 3 hours to plan and leave 6 hours to your troops to plan/prepare
Leaders should be aware of other factors such as:
• Daylight/darkness remaining
• Moon light percentage/phase
• Travel method and time to/from the OBJ
• Location of rising/setting sun
Plan using what is called: Reverse planning
• List all the main task(s) starting from the last one
• Start planning from your attack/defend/critical time
• Plan backwards the time it will/should take to accomplish each task(s)
• The last entry will be the first task and will tell you the time you need to start preparing
Example: You have a set Mission Complete time of 2300 - 2330hrs.
Now you start planning backwards from this important time.
You plan backwards all the way until you get to when you were issued the mission (1330hrs)
Step 2: Issue a Warning Order
The leader issues an initial order to his subordinates. This first step must give them the minimum necessary information to plan/prepare for the mission. Small unit's tactics should prepare SOPs ahead of time that clearly list important roles/tasks that should be taken up.
Examples:
• Getting AT vs. AP rounds
• Getting a combat ladder to negotiate obstacle(s)
• Who draws special items of equipment?
• Are demolitions needed?
The format of a WARNO is not rigid but for ease of use should mirror that of an OPORD. However, a leader should never wait on more information in order to finish the WARNO before disseminating what information he/she already has.
Step 3: Make a Tentative Plan
With the aid of the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP) and a WARNO, the leader makes a tentative plan.
***See my guide on the Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)***
The 4 outlining steps to this process are as follows:
• Precise mission analysis
• Detailed situational analysis with at least 1 Course Of Action (COA) and remedies
• Wargaming the COAs to find the most adaptable course
• Final decision on COA (results in the tentative plan)
Leaders must be flexible for enemy/friendly/support/supply changes.
The tentative plan also provides the framework for other important task such as:
• When/where to perform recon
• Other supporting units
• Fire support coordination
• Mode of transportation
Based on METT-T, the leader tailors the plan as best possible to ensure mission success.
Step 4: Start the Necessary Movement
• While the leader(s) may still be:
• Planning/preparing the mission OPORD
• Coordinating with other units/support
• Conducting the recon
Other troops will need to take the necessary steps to start moving towards the OBJ.
Other key leaders (PltSgt, XO) can help this process.
For example: • Preparing vehicles for movement
• Coordinating a support unit to perform movement (aircraft, watercraft)
Start moving out towards the OBJ as soon as possible.
Step 5: Conduct Recon
Best case scenario is for the unit's leader to perform the reconnaissance.
Important reconnaissance tasks are:
• Identifying target area
• Verify movement route to and from OBJ
• Notice any important terrain features
If the leader cannot perform the reconnaissance:
• Others may perform the reconnaissance (scouts or dedicated units)
• Utilize satellite images
• Perform map reconnoiter
Information from the reconnaissance can:
• Confirm/deny known/assumed information
• Change part(s) of the OPORD based on new/updated information
Step 6: Complete the Plan
With any new information that arises from the recon, the leader finalizes the OPORD.
It's important to remain faithful to the Commander's Intent throughout the mission planning process, also known as Troop Leading Procedure.
Prepare any items that will assist in issuing the OPORD:
• Map overlays
• OPORD annexes (fire support, MEDEVAC, recon)
• Other items that assist in delivering the OPORD
It is important to have the assistance of subordinates to help separate voices of the OPORD.
Example:
+ 1 SQD, Alpha TM - Review and establish terrain model
+ 1 SQD, Bravo TM - Prepare demolitions and necessary weapon systems
+ 3 SQD, Bravo TM - Draw ammunition + Headquarter element - Prepare radio, medical and refuel/rearm vehicles
These assigned task(s) should be SOPs so that no time is wasted.
Step 7: Issue the Complete Order
Leader issues the OPORD by:
• Having the OBJ within eyesight
• Using a terrain model
• Utilizing map/images
It is important to understand that leaders must ensure that their subordinates know and fully understand the OPORD. A method to do this is by way of a technique known as Briefback. In this type of brief, troops repeat important facts of the OPORD back to the leaders to ensure an understanding of the mission at hand.
Step 8: Supervise
Once the OPORD has been issued, leaders supervise the implementation of the plan.
Once the separate needs/requirements for the mission are met (transportation, ammo, support), troops can conduct rehearsals. Actions to practice include but are not limited to:
• Actions on the OBJ
• Actions at danger areas
• Tactical vehicle mounting/dismounting
When an issue arises during a rehearsal it must be quickly addressed and resolved
Final Inspection:
Lastly, the unit receives a final inspection. Spot check/inspections should take place from the delivery of the WARNO and continue until ready to move out. As deficiencies are noted, they are corrected immediately.