Commandant control is the
system used by the FSB to direct, coordinate, and control the
activities used to accomplish the logistics and medical mission.
The processes complicated by the FSB's terrain management and
BSA defense responsibilities, as discussed later. Command and
control involves the personnel, equipment, facilities, and procedures
for gathering and analyzing data. They also involve planning what
is to be done, issuing instructions for doing it, and supervising
how it is done.
The complexity of the mission
and dynamic battlefield of today require flexibility, creativity,
and initiative by subordinate commanders. Command and control
must be mission oriented. Just as the DISCOM commander must give
the FSB commander the resources and authority to accomplish his
mission, so too must the FSB commander ensure subordinate commanders
and leaders have the assets and willingness to innovate to get
the job done. They must be well trained in communications and
decision making. They must also understand doctrine and their
organization. They must know when and in what circumstances they
have the prerogative to act.
Commanders and leaders in
the FSB must --
-
Understand their responsibilities.
-
Be familiar with responsibilities
and capabilities of higher, lower, and supporting units. They
must know the support required and what support each level can
provide.
-
Maintain contact with higher,
lower, adjacent, supported, and supporting units.
-
Write clear directives, reports,
orders, and studies.
-
Use effective oral communications.
-
Understand the information
systems related to CSS.
-
Ensure radio and data transmission
nets are used effectively.
-
Be able to execute a well-rehearsed
plan for command succession.
-
Provide capability in meaningful
terms to the brigade commander.
-
Stay personally involved in
and appraised of the CSS and tactical situations.
-
Be familiar with the law of
land warfare with respect to civilians, civil affairs, and civil-military
operations.
-
Understand their responsibility
to the soldiers under their command.
To perform its C2 functions,
the FSB must develop and maintain a variety of relationships.
They include relationships with --
-
Higher organizations-DISCOM.
-
Lateral organizations-MSB,
other FSBs, and corps logistics task forces.
-
Supported organizations-supported
division and corps units in the brigade area, in particular, the
brigade rear CP.
-
Subordinate organizations-FSB
companies.
-
All organizations in the BSA
(for defense and terrain management).
While the FSB supports the
divisional brigade, it remains under the command of the DISCOM
commander. Requests for support beyond the FSB's capability flow
through the FSB support operations section to the DISCOM staff
and MMC. This ensures logistics and medical needs are staffed
with the DISCOM S2/S3, DISCOM medical operations center, DMMC,
and MSB. The FSB keeps the DISCOM aware of the support status
in the brigade area and requirements beyond capability The DISCOM
commander will make decisions on cross-leveling assets among
the MSB and the FSBs. The FSB/DISCOM relationship is depicted
in Figure 3-1.
The DMMC provides supply and
maintenance management for the FSB. The DMMC manages all classes
of supply except class VI, VIII, and X, and classified maps. It
develops and manages the authorized stockage lists. It maintains
division property book and Army equipment status reporting data.
The DMMC also specifies the items and amounts of class I, III,
IV, and IX materiel to be physically located in the BSA. It provides
instructions for turn-in of excess items and for evacuation of
items that cannot be expeditiously repaired by the FSB maintenance
company. The technical relationship between the FSB supply and
maintenance companies and the DMMC is illustrated in Figure 3-2.
The MSB provides designated
DS supply support, backup DS maintenance, motor transport support,
some field service functions, and limited medical reinforcement
and augmentation of the FSB. The companies of the FSB maintain
technical relationships with their related companies in the MSB.
These technical relationships simplify technical training and
operations. However, these relationships do not take the place
of FSBs are normally widely dispersed and command channels. Questions
of who will support and with what priorities are decided within
command channels. When FSB companies need reinforcing support
from the MSB, the FSB support operations section coordinates with
the support operations branch of the DISCOM S3 section. For medical
support, the S3 will work with the medical operations center.
Figure 3-1 shows the relationship between the FSB and MSB.
FSBs are normally widely dispersed
and operate independently of each other. However as discussed
in Chapter 2, the DISCOM commander may choose to cross level assets
between FSBs to most effectively support the units in each brigade
area.
The FSB provides direct support
to a divisional maneuver brigade. It thereby establishes a close
working relationship with and support brigade commander and staff,
as well as the subordinate battalions and other attached and assigned
units.
The brigade commander is responsible
for planning all aspects of brigade operations, including logistics.
The staff officer charged with assisting in the area of logisticsis the brigade S4. He provides logistics information to the commander
and acts as the brigade's logistics planner. As such, he coordinates
the status of supplies and equipment with the maneuver battalion
XOs and S4s and with representatives of CS elements attached and
assigned to the brigade. He also maintains continuous contact
with the FSB commander of the FSB's status and capabilities, and
to ensure they understand the commander's priorities. To maintain
this coordination, the brigade rear CP normally collocates with
the FSB CP, and the brigade S4 has representatives there at all
times.
The FSB deals directly with
the battalion S4s and the designated logistics representatives
of the other division elements in the brigade area. Together they
work out the day-to-day details of logistics operations in the
brigade. These include specific requirements and time schedules.
Figure 3-3 depicts the relationship between the FSB and the supported
brigade and maneuver and artillery battalions. For routine operations,
the FSB companies also develop relationships with supported unit
CSS operators such as support platoon leaders, battalion maintenance
officers, and medics.
Division aviation elements
may also require support from the FSB. When a unit assigned to
the division aviation brigade (cavalry squadron, AHB) will be
operating in a maneuver brigade sector and require support from
that sector, the AB S4 will notify the DISCOM support operations
branch and arrange for support to be provided by the FSB. The
DISCOM support operations branch will coordinate with the MSB
and the affected FSB support operations sections for any cross-leveling
of DISCOM assets required. The CSST from the MSB will accompany
the cavalry squadron. If JP-4 support is required from a maneuver
BSA, the FSB will require additional assets. Other assets that
must be considered include maintenance, class V, ground fuel,
medical, and general supply elements. General principles of task
organizing described in Chapter 2 also apply.
Support relationships may
have to be adjusted in extreme circumstances. For instance, if
a unit is cut off from its parent unit, one task of the senior
maneuver commander is to reorganize logistics assets. All assets,
both unit and DS level, are put under the centralized control
of the senior logistics or other designated individual. If the
whole brigade with the FSB is cut off, the FSB commander will
normally be given control. He must take several actions. He must
gather information on all available assets as well as the personnel
and equipment in the supported force. He will advise the maneuver
commander who will select the best alternative-break out, defend
encircled, attack deeper, or exfiltrate. On the basis of the commander's
intent, the logistician rations key supplies, authorizes cannibalization,
develops plans to destroy equipment, and develops a casualty evacuation
plan.
In addition to its support
relationship to the brigade and other division elements in the
brigade area, the FSB has terrain management responsibilities
and operational control for all elements located in the BSA for
security. This topic is discussed in depth in Chapter 5.
As noted above, a number of
corps units are likely to be operating in the brigade sector.
Examples of such units include --
-
Elements of a combat engineer
battalion.
-
Military intelligence teams.
-
Platoons from Chaparral and
Hawk batteries.
-
Field artillery battalions/batteries
(155-mm, 203-mm, Lance, MLRS/Army TACM).
-
Air and ground ambulances.
-
Motor transportation elements.
-
Finance support unit.
In addition to these elements
which operate in the brigade area, corps forces may move through
the area. For instance, corps units withdrawing from a covering
force mission may pass through the brigade area. In addition to
having to coordinate movement through the area, the FSB may be
tasked to provide minimal support to assist the units in reaching
their destination. Support most likely to be required will be
supplemental maintenance and fuel. The FSB will provide support
within its capability.
The FSB commander must maintain
close personal contact with his subordinate company commanders.
He depends on them to provide timely information on the status
of their companies. In addition, the company commanders must understand
the FSB commander's intent to perform their roles with initiative.
This understanding is enhanced through frequent face-to-face discussion.
Though the company commanders
will likely be in the vicinity of the FSB CP to facilitate coordination,
they must not tie themselves to one spot. They command their companies
from the locations where they can best assess and influence the
support operation. These commanders use verbal orders, radio,
visual signals, or wire among themselves, the FSB staff, their
platoon leaders, and the supported through file inquiry, critical
repair parts elements.
As with any other Army organization,
the FSB commander and staff use the command and control process
outlined in FM 101-5 to make decisions and supervise execution
of orders. This process is a continuous one; the FSB commander
and staff are always involved in estimating and planning. However,
the focus becomes more precise when the FSB receives a mission.
Typically it has already received a warning order when the commander,
XO, S3 or support operations officer attends a DISCOM or brigade
staff meeting. In some cases, the FSB commander must deduce the
mission, but usually he receives the planning guidance and a restated
mission from the DISCOM and brigade commanders. He also obtains
the brigade OPLAN/OPORD, and through out the planning process
he and his staff work closely with the brigade S3 and S4 sections.
When it receives or infers
its mission, the FSB begins mission analysis. The commander and
staff take into account all the planning considerations discussed
in Chapter 2. These include the force to be supported, FSB capabilities,
and the brigade commander's priorities of support. The command
section identifies tasks required to accomplish the mission, restates
the mission, and issues a warning order along with the commander's
planning guidance to all FSB elements.
The FSB commander provides
his subordinate commanders and staff with planning guidance as
often as required. The frequency, as well as the amount and content
of the guidance, will vary with the mission, available time, tactical
situation, available information, and historical data. Planning
guidance is used to prepare estimates. Therefore, the commander
must ensure the nature of the guidance does not bias staff estimates.
The purpose of the estimate is to provide a common start point
for staff planning. Planning guidance may include a restated mission,
specific courses of action to develop or eliminate from consideration,
assumptions, constraints, critical information required, or specific
considerations (such as NBC, deception, or EW).
The FSB staff provides functional
area estimates as discussed in Chapter 6 and FM 101-5. On the
basis of these estimates, the FSB commander finalizes his concept
of operations. The XO then gives guidance on preparation of the
OPLAN/OPORD. The S2/S3 consolidates the input and publishes and
distributes the OPLAN/OPORD after the FSB commander approves it.
The FSB command section must
keep in mind two points related to the decision making process
summarized above. First, planning is continuous. It does not begin
on receipt of a mission. The commander and staff are always gathering
data and anticipating future requirements. When the mission is
received, however, steps must be taken to finalize all the operational
details of the CSS and BSA security plans. In addition, the command
section must adjust to time constraints. In some cases, time is
the most critical factor in the planning process. In such cases,
planning guidance may have to be less specific and formal. When
appropriate, FRAGOs on previous orders are preferable to a new
orders. They save time.
After the order is issued,
the FSB commander and staff supervise its execution. The primary
purpose of the staff is to assist subordinate units to carry out
the intent of the FSB commander's order. Plans and orders are
refined as the situation changes. Information comes back to the
command section through reports and personal observations of the
commanders and staff. On the basis of this information, they evaluate
whether the mission is being accomplished. When required, instructions
are revised.
To capitalize on the strength
of each type of unit,
heavy and light forces may be cross-attached. The decision on such cross-attachments will likely be made at
corps or division level. The FSB staff must be prepared to support them. The
mixes with which the FSB
may be involved include the following:
-
Division heavy brigade
OPCON to LID. This
mix is viable for a short mission (48 hours or less) when the
heavy division can support it without negatively affecting the
overall mission. A key consideration for supporters would be distances
from the heavy division DSA to the location of the brigade OPCON
to the LID. The requirements of the rest of the heavy division
must also be considered. Normally, the heavy brigade would deploy
with its associated FSB and elements of the MSB. The MSB elements
may include HETs, 5,000-gallon tankers, water purification and
distribution assets, and maintenance assets including the brigade
portion of the class IX ASL. Because of the austere CSS structure
of the LID and differences in the support concepts, attachment
of a heavy division brigade to a LID is the least preferred option.
If it becomes necessary, the heavy brigade FSB with MSB elements
should plug directly into the corps support structure, rather
than the LID's DISCOM.
-
Heavy battalion OPCON to
light brigade. Again,
OPCON is the preferred relationship for cross-attachment at this
echelon if the situation allows. Because of different requirements
and austere support capabilities, the light brigade will not be
able to support a heavy battalion attached to it. FSB assets likely
to be required to accompany the battalion include the associated
MST, a portion of the class IX ASL, a recovery vehicle, and fuel
tankers. In addition, HETs from the MSB would be required.
-
Light battalion attached
to heavy brigade. Attachment
of a light battalion to a heavy brigade is preferred to OPCON.
Therefore, if the brigade supported by an FSB receives a light
battalion, the FSB will likely be required to provide support.
The FSB staff can expect the battalion to bring with it a battalion
slice of maintenance and food service assets from its parent brigade
in addition to the battalion's organic assets. It will also require
transportation support, maintenance assets, and assets to deliver
water to the battalion.
-
Distance from the parent unit.
-
Duration of the mission.
-
Support requirements.
-
Proximity to other similar
light or heavy units.
- Intensity of conflict.
Command and control facilities include command posts and supporting automation and communications systems. These facilities make possible processing and transmission of information and orders necessary for effective C2. C2 automation and CP guidance are discussed below. Communications is covered in Chapter 4.
Automated systems throughout
the DISCOM are designed to allow commanders to manage information
to optimize use of limited resources. The systems include the
machinery, programs, specialists, and organizations which process
data through the use of computers.
Past automation has been ineffective
to support logistics C2 operations. Staff estimates and plans
have been developed manually based on data collected through voice,
message, or courier-based communications. Use of technical data
for command and control has been hampered by the fact that data
has been too detailed, in unusable formats, and not readily accessible
from current automated functional systems. There are some one-to-one
interfaces between functional systems, but there is no integration
of data bases to support cross-functional decision making. This
deficiency is being corrected through a new command, control,
and subordinate system that includes a CSS control system.
CCS2 will provide the means
of interfacing the five battlefield control functions of maneuver,
air defense, CSS, intelligence/ EW, and fire support. This interface
is called the Army Tactical Command and Control System. (Note:
Initial fielding will begin in the second quarter of FY 90. A
full interactive, automated system is expected in 1995 when the
objective CCS2 is realized.
The CSS Control System of
the ATCCS will be an automated system that provides logisticstics,
medical, and personnel command and control information. It will
rapidly collect, analyze, project, and distribute this information
to the maneuver commander. This allows timely and sound tactical
decisions to be made. This information will also help CSS commanders
perform their command and control functions. In addition, this
information helps combat support commanders to execute their missions.
The CSSCS retrieves data from CSS subordinate units and systems,
called Standard Army Management Information Systems. The CSSCS
will be employed at maneuver brigade, division, corps, and echelons
above corps. (Note: At EAC, the CSSCS will also provide C2 financial
information.)
At brigade level, there will
be two CSSCS devices. The CSSCS node of the ATCCS at the brigade
will be located in the FSB support operations section. This device
will respond to information requirements generated by the DISCOM
commander, the brigade commandeer, and the other ATCCS nodes at
brigade level. The FSB-DISCOM S2/S3 interface will pass information
requirements from the brigade area to the DISCOM commandeer and
staff to permit more informed and responsive decisions. It also
will provide the means for the DISCOM commander and staff to disseminate
information, such as OPLANS, orders, and inquiries, to the FSB.
The interface with the other CCS2 nodes (fire support, air defense,
IEW, and maneuver) will permit integration of all battlefield
control functions to synchronize activities.
Another CSSCS device will
be located in the brigade rear CP to support the brigade S1 and
S4 sections. This device will enable the S1 and S4 to conduct
planning for personnel and internal logistics support operations.
It will also be used to feed brigade personnel and logistics data
to the brigade commander. Figure 3-4 depicts CSSCS in support
of the brigade.
Besides providing information to the CSSCS for command and control purposes, the CSS automated systems will continue to perform the functional missions for which they were originally designed. These systems operate on TACCS and the unit-level logistics system. Operator input automatically to manage information to optimize use of limited resources. The systems include the machinery, programs, specialists, and organizations which process data through the use of computers.
Past automation has been ineffective
to support logistics C2 operations. Staff estimates and plans
have been developed manually based on data collected through voice,
message, or courier-based communications. Use of technical data
for command and control has been hampered by the fact that data
has been too detailed, in unusable formats, and not readily accessible
from current automated functional systems. There are some one-to-one
interfaces between functional systems, but there is no integration
of data bases to support cross-functional decision making. This
deficiency is being corrected through a new command, control,
and subordinate system that includes a CSS control system.
CCS2 will provide the means
of interfacing the five battlefield control functions of maneuver,
air defense, CSS, intelligence/ EW, and fire support. This interface
is called the Army Tactical Command and Control System. (Note:
Initial fielding will begin in the second quarter of FY 90. A
full interactive, automated system is expected in 1995 when the
objective CCS2 is realized. )
The CSS Control System of
the ATCCS will be an automated system that provides logisticstics,
medical, and personnel command and control information. It will
rapidly collect, analyze, project, and distribute this information
to the maneuver commander. This allows timely and sound tactical
decisions to be made. This information will also help CSS commanders
perform their command and control functions. In addition, this
information helps combat support commanders to execute their missions.
The CSSCS retrieves data from CSS subordinate units and systems,
called Standard Army Management Information Systems. The CSSCS
will be employed at maneuver brigade, division, corps, and echelons
above corps. (Note: At EAC, the CSSCS will also provide C2 financial
information.)
At brigade level, there will
be two CSSCS devices. The CSSCS node of the ATCCS at the brigade
will be located in the FSB support operations section. This device
will respond to information requirements generated by the DISCOM
commander, the brigade commandeer, and the other ATCCS nodes at
brigade level. The FSB-DISCOM S2/S3 interface will pass information
requirements from the brigade area to the DISCOM commandeer and
staff to permit more informed and responsive decisions. It also
will provide the means for the DISCOM commander and staff to disseminate
information, such as OPLANS, orders, and inquiries, to the FSB.
The interface with the other CCS2 nodes (fire support, air defense,
IEW, and maneuver) will permit integration of all battlefield
control functions to synchronize activities.
Another CSSCS device will
be located in the brigade rear CP to support the brigade S1 and
S4 sections. This device will enable the S1 and S4 to conduct
planning for personnel and internal logistics support operations.
It will also be used to feed brigade personnel and logistics data
to the brigade commander. Figure 3-4 depicts CSSCS in support
of the brigade.
Besides providing information
to the CSSCS for command and control purposes, the CSS automated
systems will continue to perform the functional missions for which
they were originally designed. These systems operate on TACCS
and the unit-level logistics system. Operator input automatically
updates data within files which are stored on magnetic media.
.Transactions are transmitted either electronically or through
use of magnetic media. The systems used by the FSB are discussed
below.
Standard Army Maintenance
System.
At the FSB maintenance company,
SAMS-1 operates on TACCS and receives data from and transmits
them to all supported maintenance elements via an interface with
the ULLS. SAMS-1 automates production control, providing immediate
job order and backlog status information. It provides through
file inquiry, critical repairs parts and shop stock asset status.
It screens production parts requirements against on hand assets
and automatically generate edits, and passes request to the supply
system via SARSS-1. The maintenance company SAMS-1 interfaces
with SAMS-2 at the DMMC. SAMS -2 receives SAMS-1 data and provides
immediate production and supply requirements to managers. It
gives daily visibility to deadline equipment.
Standard Army Retail
Supply System.
SARSS-1
operates on TACCS hardware in the FSB supply and maintenance companies.
SARSS-1 automates class II, III (packaged), IV, VII and IX supply
actions. It performs time-sensitive functions such as receipt,
storage, issue, replenishment, inventory adjustments, supply performance
reporting and excess identification. It also maintains accountable
stock record balances. Normally, SARSS-1 interfaces directly with
SARSS-2A on TACCS at the DMMC. SARSS-2A receives asset balance
reports from SARSS-1 and routes unfilled requisitions received
from SARSS- 1 activities to the appropriate source of supply.
It also performs lateral transfers, substitutes item identification
and release, submits catalog changes to SARSS-1, and maintains
asset balance visibility for all SARSS-1 subordinate activities.
In contingency operations, SARSS-1 can operate in the autonomous
mode without SARSS-2A support and route requisitions directly
into the wholesale system.
Standard Installation/Division
Personnel System. SIDPERS
automates strength accounting, assignment, organization recordkeeping,
personnel recordkeeping, and labor-intensive military personnel
operations within the S1 section. SIDPERS operates on TACCS hardware.
Tactical Army Medical
Management Information System-Division. TAMMIS-D
consists of two subsystems:
-
Medical Patient Accounting
and Reporting-Division. MEDPAR-D
is used by medical platoons and sections at battalion and brigade
level, medical companies at division level, and medical staff
agencies. It allows users to maintain patient demographic data
and to initiate and maintain individual soldier medical files.
It provides command roll-up reports on the medical situation and
resources, patient status, and patient evacuation and mobility.
-
Medical Logistics-Division.
MEDLOG-D accommodates
management of medical supplies and equipment. It identifies authorized
levels of medical supplies and allows rapid reordering of medical
assemblage items. It maintains a log of medical equipment, accumulates
repair cost data, and identifies calibration safety testing and
preventive maintenance schedules. It also maintains data on critical
items and sends them through command channels as required.
The primary C2 facility in
the FSB is the command post. The brigade rear CP collocates with
the FSB CP. Together they plan and coordinate the logistics support
of the brigade. They actively track the battle. The brigade rear
CP must be ready in the event it becomes necessary to assume control.
Both CPs must track the situation to anticipate support requirements.
The FSB commander identifies
FSB CP functions that must be done on a routine basis to support
operations and those which require command approval. He sets priorities
and defines levels of authority in SOPs. Also defined in SOPs
are staff responsibilities and interrelationships.
CP personnel normally operate
in a two-shift mode to permit continuous operations. Table 3-1
is an example of how the FSB CP positions could be organized into
two shifts. This is only an example of minimum staffing. During
intense activity, all available personnel may be required for
short periods. However, maximum staffing cannot continue indefinitely.
FSB commanders and staffs must consider fatigue and sleep loss
that occur during combat. Fatigue caused by lack of sleep is a
major source of battlefield stress. Leaders are particularly susceptible.
Principles to minimize fatigue include the following:
-
Specific sleep plans must
be developed and enforced.
-
Plans should allow for at
least 3 to 4 hours of sleep every 24 hours. Even at this rate,
performance, especially decision making skills, will become degraded
in several days.
-
Priority of sleep must go
to those whose decision making is critical to the mission.
The FSB commander and S2/S3
in coordination with the brigade S4 select the location of the
BSA which is approved by the brigade S3. (Considerations are discussed
in Chapter 5.) Positioning of elements within the BSA is the responsibility
of the FSB commander and is performed by the FSB S2/S3.
A key consideration in determining
the location of the CP within the BSA is the ability of the site to provide
for good communications with higher, lower, and adjacent units.
Considerations must include capability to remote antennas and
to use terrain to mask transmission. FM 24-1 has details. The
CP should be near enough to the road network to allow relatively
easy access. However, prominent terrain features and major road
junctions should be avoided for security reasons.
When possible, the CP should
be located in built-up areas. Barns, garages, and warehouses
eliminate the need for extensive camouflage. Basements provide
protection from enemy fires. Using basements or covering windows
enhance noise and light discipline. Use of built-up areas also
reduces infrared and electromagnetic signatures. However, commanders
must also consider the risk of undue injury to the civilian populace
or protected places when selecting the CP site. When use of a
built-up area is not feasible, the CP should be located on the
reverse slope to provide cover and concealment from both ground
and air observation and fires. In addition, the ground must be
firm enough to support vehicle traffic, have good drainage, and
provide enough space to disperse vehicles.
The CP may be laid out in a number of different arrangements and still perform its functions effectively. Obviously, if it is located in a built-up area, the layout will have to conform to the structure of the available What follows here is one way to organize the CP in a field environment.
This sample CP is organized
into a dual shelter configuration, as depicted in Figure 3-5.
The CSS mission is managed in the direct support operations
van. The communications, intelligence, and operations missions
are performed in the S2/S3 tent. To ensure the best possible communications
and coordination, the brigade rear CP is collocated with the FSB
CP.
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