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Appendix G

COMMAND POSTS

The brigade command group is a temporary organization consisting of the brigade commander and other soldiers and equipment required to perform command group functions. The primary function of the command group is to influence the immediate action through the commander's personal presence. Other functions include observing the battlefield, synchronizing the battle, and providing planning guidance. The command group moves forward from the tactical command post. The command group sometimes operates from a C2 helicopter. Because of the criticality of communications include an experienced communications operator. Other considerations include refueling and NVG windows.

The tactical CP fights current close operations, provides the commander with combat critical information and disseminates the commander's decisions. It is supervised by the brigade S3 and is usually as far forward as the battalion main CPs. The TAC CP should strive to have redundant abilities in personnel and equipment as the in this configuration, the command group should main CP (Figure G-1).

The main CP monitors the current battle, executes planned deep attacks, and plans future operations. It coordinates operations throughout the brigade sector and keeps higher headquarters informed. It is supervised by the brigade XO and includes staff personnel representing all facets of brigade operations. The TOC is the operations cell within the main CP. (For an example of a brigade TOC, see Figure G-2.) Combat requirements should be anticipated and rehearsed in the form of TOC drills. The shift OIC is the custodian of the TOC battle drill book and executes the drills by the unit SOP. Examples of TOC battle drills include receipt of division order, immediate request for attack helicopter, EPW evacuation, enemy minefield, unit out of contact, and so forth.

The FSB commander supervises the rear CP, which is collocated with the FSB CP. The rear CP is responsible for administrative/logistic functions. The rear CP or the DS artillery battalion main CP is usually designated as the brigade alternate CP. The FSB commander is responsible for fighting rear operations. (Figure G-3.)

Command posts must be organized and setup to operate on a 24-hour basis. This includes operating while displacing. Shifts must be established that provide enough personnel to operate the CP and also the required expertise to make decisions. There should not be a "first team" and "second team" approach. Both shifts must be capable of efficient CP operation. Command group personnel are not included in the shifts. (Tables G-1 through G-3 are examples of CP staffing and shift schedules.)

Infantry brigades operate in division nets and internal radio nets. The infantry brigade operates the command and operations FM net, the administrative and logistical FM net the intelligence net, and an on-call IHFR (voice) net. Additionally, attached and supporting elements from the air defense radio battalion, field artillery battalion, signal battalion, and USAF TACP provides radio equipment and operate in specific nets. (Figures G-4 through G-7.) See Chapter 7 for a discussion of communication support to the brigade.

The shift OIC is the focal point for information management. He controls all information going in and out of the CP. The CP must have an easily understood information management system. One such system is shown below (Figure G-8).

The shift OIC is the focal point of current operations. In addition to managing information flow, he is responsible for updating the current operations, maps, and charts. To accomplish his duties, the OIC must have guidance from the commander, XO, and S3; a thorough knowledge of the TACSOP; current orders; the synchronized matrix, DST, execution checklist, and other C2 tools; and subordinate plans and graphics. The shift OIC is assisted by the shift NCOIC. The shift NCOIC supervises updating maps and charts to ensure all information is exchanged. He supervises monitoring radios and maintenance. He ensures journals are properly prepared and prepares all reports for the OIC's approval.

The brigade must maintain continuous, synchronized operations. To establish the necessary battle rhythm to make this happen, the brigade makes optimal use of scheduled conference calls and shift change briefings. The brigade commander conducts conference calls with his subordinate commanders at regular intervals shortly after the division conference calls. The shift change brief is supervised by the outgoing TOC shift OIC and is designed to exchange information between the outgoing and incoming shifts. It can also serve as a commander's update, but the primary audience is the incoming shift.

Combat requirements should be anticipated and rehearsed in the form of TOC drills. The shift OIC is the custodian of the TOC battle drill book and executes the drills by the unit SOP. Examples of TOC battle drills include receipt of division order, immediate request for attack helicopter, EPW evacuation, enemy minefield, unit out of contact, and so forth.