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Chapter 8

Planning

8-1. General

a. C-E planning is a continuous process. It involves analyzing, allocating, and integrating C-E resources to support requirements. All commanders rely on communications to--

b. When you are out of communications, you are out of command! TACSAT communications planning is guided by the supported commander's priorities. It must be geared to accomplish the mission. The planning demands that TACSAT Company planners understand TACSAT capabilities and limitations. Further, the company commander must see that no details are overlooked. This chapter provides an overview of C-E planning with emphasis on planning for TACSAT operations. It briefly discusses the standardized planning procedures and techniques that help to ensure all relevant factors are considered. Other publications listed in the appendix provide more detail on TACSAT operations.

8-2. Tactical satellite operations planning

a. Planning for TACSAT employment is accomplished at TCC(A) and theater signal brigade level. Plans and orders generally will originate at the signal brigade's CSPE. If the TACSAT Company is assigned to a composite battalion, the plans will be further developed by the battalion staff. Technical operations of the terminal sections are directed by SCCC and DSCS GMFSC as described in chapters 6 and 7. The TACSAT Company must advise higher headquarters commanders and staff of unit readiness and be involved in higher headquarters planning.

b. During field operations, the composite battalion CSCE provides circuit direction on as near a real-time basis as possible. The CSCE also coordinates with the communications nodal control elements (CNCE) in the area nodal system. FM 24-22 provides a detailed discussion of management and control planning under the C-E Management System (CEMS). The battalion CSCE accomplishes the following for TACSAT operations:

c. Important to TACSAT operations are numerous functions that must be planned within the TACSAT Company. The include logistics support, unit movements, and site preparation and defense. Since the TACSAT Company does not have a planning staff, this planning must be done by the TACSAT Company commander and all subordinate leaders. TACSAT terminal chiefs, unlike NCOs in most units, must do their day-to-day work independent of the company. When doing so, they should follow the same sequence of commander and staff planning actions used by higher headquarters commanders and their staffs. This sequence, shown in figure 8-1, describes a logical and systematic way to solve problems. The extent to which each step (exclusive of the decision) is performed by the TACSAT Company commander varies. It can be influenced by the situation and time available. Frequently, many of these steps are carried out concurrently. The initial step involves mission analysis. What has to be done must be determined precisely before determining how best to accomplish it. This decisionmaking process is described in detail in FM 101-5.

8-3. Plan development and orders

TACSAT operations require extensive coordination and rapid adjustment to changing situations. The use of standardized planning and decisionmaking techniques will provide the detail necessary to achieve these ends. This paragraph provides a brief description of some techniques for TACSAT Company planners. Other publications in the appendix provide more detail. The best planning results from careful application of common sense to these fundamental planning techniques. C-E planning must be included in TACSAT Company leader training.

a. C-E estimate of the situation. C-E planning starts with an estimate of the situation. Table 8-1 shows the 5-step basic process. At company level, a mental estimate or informal written estimate may be enough. The C-E estimate begins when a mission is assigned or deduced. The estimate is continuously updated. FM 24-16 contains a detailed discussion on the preparation of a C-E estimate.

b. C-E plan. The C-E plan amplifies the decision in paragraph 5 of table 8-2. The C-E planning format is the same used to develop an operation order (OPORD) and its C-E annex.

c. Classes of signal unit orders. Orders fall into two general classes: routine and combat. Routine orders cover administrative matters. Combat orders pertain to operations in the field. They are used to direct, control, and/or govern the use of C-E assets. Detailed discussions of signal unit operation orders, procedures, and instructions are found in FM 24-16. Combat orders express the commander's concept of the operation. They convey instructions to subordinate commanders and must be clear, complete, and concise. TACSAT Company officers and NCOs should make a practice of issuing instructions in the appropriate order format. There are three common types of combat orders.

d. Operating procedures and instructions. Other documents have the authority of combat orders. Communications users must use and follow the procedures and instructions they contain.

8-4. Records and reports.

Accurate C-E records and reports are an absolute necessity. They provide commander and staff with impartial and factual data about a unit's operations. TACSAT operations records and reports are established by the SCCS and DSCS GMFSC. FM 24-16 discusses records and reports that pertain to operations, supply and maintenance, and unit readiness. Examples of many records and reports are also shown in FM 24-6, appendix G.

8-5. Site planning

TACSAT systems design and general location of sites are in the OPORD. The exact location must be selected and the signal system configured on the ground. Site planning is usually carried out at the platoon level. In some cases the terminal section chief must do the site plan. The plan must consider communications requirements, engineer support, logistics support, protection of resources, and the electronic threat. The need for antenna stability demands firm base foundation. A series of alternative site diagrams should be prepared for various antenna, generator, and shelter configurations.

8-6. Movement planning

Under AirLand Battle doctrine, a signal unit cannot expect to stay in one place very long, even at EAC. Supported units and command posts (CPs) will be displacing. TACSAT terminal sections will be constantly planning, installing, and moving communications facilities. Sometimes this must be done without TACSAT Company level support. They must be able to set up, tear down, and reestablish communications faster than ever before. The TACSAT Company commander should be aware of these mobility objectives and emphasize movement training.

b. CP displacement. TACSAT personnel must be particularly proficient during CP displacement. The following two methods of displacement are generally used. In each case, site planning must be accomplished. FM 24-1 contains information concerning CP displacements during combat.