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Section I

UNIT COMMANDER'S OPERATIONS

RESPONSIBILITIES

As commander, you exercise authority and direction over your unit to perform the mission. Analyzing, planning, directing, and supervising personnel and operations are part of your responsibilities. Command leadership and management are essential factors needed to carry out the unit mission. DA Pamphlet 5-2 explains the integration of these factors and the techniques you and your supervisors can use to manage the unit effectively. The Army has issued a number of handbooks for unit personnel. These publications give concise overviews of areas affecting your unit. Table 1-1 lists some of these publications. Under your direction, your headquarters is responsible for the following:

• Operations (mission accomplishment).
• Training.
• Unit supply and maintenance (AR 735-5).
• Command information communications (AR 360-81).
• Physical training program.
• Safety.
• Communications and security.
• General welfare of the troops.
• Military justice and discipline.

ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT

At the unit level, personnel and administrative tasks are handled by the first sergeant or unit clerk. The battalion S1 supervises the PAC which provides support to the units. The PAC does as many administrative tasks as possible to reduce the work load at the unit level. As unit commander, you are responsible for developing administrative management procedures. Use FM 12-3-1 and Army regulations in the 340 series for guidance. Other administrative management actions and references are listed in Table 1-2.

FIELD KITCHEN

Your food service sergeant is responsible for field kitchen operations. Table 1-3 lists forms that are used in peacetime or in field training exercises. Table 1-4 lists some useful references.

SUPPLIES

Your supply sergeant is responsible for supervising unit supply operations. His duties include receiving, storing, protecting, and issuing unit supplies; processing requests and turn-ins; maintaining hand receipts; providing laundry exchange; and training personnel in supply operations. DA Pamphlet 710-2-1 and FM 10-14 contain procedures for unit supply operations. Information on maintaining the PLL can be found in DA Pamphlet 710-2-1.

Section II

DEFENSE

THREAT

As unit commander, you are responsible for the security and defense of your personnel and equipment. Combat units will probably be located between your unit and the enemy. However, this does not mean that there is no chance that your unit will be attacked by threat forces. There is always a major element of threat to rear operations. This threat includes cells and networks of agents; special-purpose forces; reconnaissance units; and rocket, missile, and air strikes. Also, it may include airborne and heliborne units; radio electronic combat operations; and nuclear, biological, or chemical warfare. More information on threat tactics and equipment can be found in FMs 100-2-1, 100-2-2, and 100-2-3. The three levels of threat activity are shown in Table 1-5.

AIRLAND BATTLE

AirLand battle is the Army's basic operational concept for fighting the next war. AirLand battle doctrine emphasizes the need for coordinated air and ground actions. It includes plans for three simultaneous operations-deep, close, and rear. The four principles of AirLand battle are initiative, depth, agility, and synchronization. See FM 100-5. Water supply companies can support the battle by--

• Ensuring continuing water support.
• Being prepared to shift support to different user units.
• Participating in and reacting to any rear operations threat.

BASE DEFENSE OPERATIONS

Each unit in the rear is responsible for its own security and protection. In order to better defend an area, combat support and combat service support units usually form a base or a base cluster.

Base

A base is a small area with a defined perimeter and established access control. It provides enhanced security to units while they continue to support combat forces. A base is made up of one or more Army, other services, or host nation units. Each unit in the rear will establish a base or will be assigned to one by the rear operations officer. The senior officer in the base area will become the base commander. You may be designated as a base commander. Each base establishes a base defense operations center to plan, coordinate, and supervise base defense operations. The base must be able to protect itself against a Level I enemy incursion. In a Level II or Level III attack, the base must be able to engage and delay enemy forces until supporting forces arrive.

Base Cluster

A base cluster comprises several bases. It usually covers a larger area than a base and has no defined perimeter. The base cluster commander establishes a base cluster operations center that provides command, control, and supervision of the base cluster. FM 90-14 provides more details on base cluster functions.

Base or Base Cluster Commander

A base or base cluster commander plans, prepares for, and supervises the internal defense of the base or base cluster. He reports directly to the rear operations center. For more on the commander's responsibilities, see FM 90-14.

REAR OPERATIONS

Units in the rear must be prepared to secure and defeat the threat while continuing their primary missions. They are primary targets for enemy attacks because the units provide vital support to the combat forces involved in the main battle. FMs 100-5, 100-15, and 100-16 address rear operations at each echelon. FM 90-14 also provides details on rear defense.

NUCLEAR, BIOLOGICAL, AND CHEMICAL OPERATIONS

TRAINING

Defense training, including on-the-job training, should be given a high priority. Make sure your personnel are familiar with the unit defense plan and are trained in the specific duties assigned to them as part of the plan. Table 1-6 contains suggested defense topics and helpful information that you should consider in developing your defense training programs.