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Military

SECTION IV - NEEDS EMPHASIS TRENDS


COMMAND AND CONTROL BOS (TA.4) (cont)

TREND 5
SUBJECT: Rehearsals

Observation frequency:3-4QFY971-2QFY983-4QFY981-2QFY993-4QFY99
218818

3-4QFY98

OBSERVATION 1: Task forces seldom conduct fire support rehearsals. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Problems observed during mission execution that are often corrected if rehearsed during preparation include:

1. Primary and alternate observers are unable to observe targets or triggers.

2. There is no reassignment of target responsibility when capabilities of primary observers become degraded.

3. Fire support teams (FISTs) have incorrect target lists.

4. Firing units are positioned within the minimum range requirements to targets in the scheme of fires.

OBSERVATION 2: Rehearsals often lack the depth necessary to effectively synchronize operations. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Commanders often use backbriefs as rehearsals when the time is available to conduct more in-depth rehearsals.

2. When maps or terrain models are used, the commander often leads the rehearsal rather than prompting his subordinates and using the "push-to-talk" method.

OBSERVATION 3: Combat service support (CSS) rehearsals are not conducted to standard and do not synchronize all available CSS assets to support the TF mission. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Most TF logisticians are unprepared and untrained to conduct proper CSS rehearsals. A general lack of knowledge of the types, techniques and procedures for conducting rehearsals prevents the leaders of all of the TF's CSS assets from synchronizing their efforts to support the maneuver plan in the best manner possible.

2. When CSS rehearsals are conducted, they do not follow an established agenda or sequence, and the participants are not prepared to explain or rehearse their actions during execution of the upcoming fight.

3. Most CSS rehearsals observed are similar to backbriefs and conducted as another agenda item during the daily logistics release points (LRP) meeting.

OBSERVATION 4: TF rehearsals continue to be inadequate. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. The TF rehearsal is often no more than a terrain walk.

2. Commanders and staffs are frequently not prepared to discuss their portion of the plan during the rehearsal.

OBSERVATION 5: Battalion and company commanders and S3s do not conduct adequate rehearsals of actions in the engagement area. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Rehearsals at battalion level are not sufficient to ensure that the attack company's direct fire plans are synchronized and that they support the commander's intent.

2. Company commanders inadequately rehearse the direct fire plan.

a. Companies rarely conduct rehearsals. When rehearsals are conducted, they do not focus on the direct fire plan or critical actions at the objective.

b. Commanders do not conduct rehearsals with a clear endstate or ensure that all crews understand the direct fire plan.

c. Commanders do not discuss contingencies or clearly articulate how the direct fire plan will be adjusted as the situation changes.

OBSERVATION 6: Engineer company and task force rehearsal plans for breach operations are inadequate. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Task force and engineer company warning orders (WARNOs) for future offensive missions often lack a realistic rehearsal timeline with a clear task and purpose stated for each subordinate-level rehearsal required prior to the task force rehearsal. This deficiency results in a great amount of time wasted during the preparation phase.

2. Task force fragmentary orders (FRAGOs) for a mounted task force breach rehearsal rarely contain the necessary information required for all participants to understand exactly what they must acccomplish in the rehearsal.

OBSERVATION 7: Rehearsals are rarely conducted at the forward support battalion (FSB) medical company or ambulance and treatment platoon level. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Combat health support (CHS) leaders become overwhelmed during the planning and preparation phases due to poor time management, and rehearsals are rarely conducted.

2. Pre-combat checks/pre-combat inspections (PCC/PCIs) are not conducted to standard. Platoon SOPs rarely discuss who, what, when, where, and how PCC/PCIs are conducted.

3. There is seldom a published company mass casualty (MASCAL) SOP.

4. The medical company is unprepared to handle a MASCAL situation due to untrained litter bearers or insufficient quantities and unprepared drivers of non-standard evacuation vehicles.

5. MASCAL procedures, such as additional litter bearers, non-standard evacuation, landing zone and aircraft safety, and traffic flow within the BSA, are not rehearsed.

6. Ambulance crews often drive routes for the first time under fire and have a poor understanding of the CHS plan. Ambulance crews go into the fight with no functioning radios and maps with no graphics.

OBSERVATION 8: BCTs routinely conduct CSS rehearsals separately from their combined arms rehearsals. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. BCT combined arms rehearsals do not emphasize the CSS Battlefield Operating System (BOS), resulting in poor synchronization between CSS and combat health support (CHS) plans and BCT and task force (TF) maneuver plans.

2. Maneuver commanders are rarely present during BCT CSS rehearsals. As a result, maneuver commanders do not understand the supporting CSS plan and, conversely, the CSS commanders/executors do not fully understand the maneuver plan.

3. TF XOs, TF S4s, and medical platoon leaders attend the CSS rehearsal on a sporadic rather than consistent basis and are unable to establish a common picture of the CSS battlefield.

1-2QFY99

OBSERVATION 1: Brigade fire support rehearsals are often inadequate. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: The brigade normally tries to conduct two fire support rehearsals with the task force (TF) fire support officers (FSOs) and the FA battalion (a terrain board rehearsal and an FM rehearsal). However, many of these rehearsals are nothing more than a backbrief to the fire support coordinator (FSCOORD) or a continuation of the wargaming. Reasons for this problem continue to be:

1. Units do not have a rehearsal format in their SOP or do not follow established SOPs.

2. Units lack essential personnel.

3. Units do not receive the necessary bottom-up refinement of the plan required to do a detailed rehearsal.

OBSERVATION 2: Rehearsals seldom reflect reality. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Rehearsals at the NTC seldom account for attrition. Normally, the entire company makes it through the breach with no casualties, and they reach the objective with 100 percent of the OPFOR destroyed. The OPFOR in most rehearsals is also a cooperative enemy, doing exactly what we want them to do. Seldom do rehearsals cover contingencies or losses.

OBSERVATION 3: The rehearsal is rarely realized as a combat multiplier at the company/team level. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. The rehearsal is often omitted because of lack of time.

2. The rehearsal often consists of a rebriefing of the company/team plan that was briefed in the operations order.

OBSERVATION 4: Rehearsals, when they are conducted, frequently do not allow platoons to fully "see the enemy, see the terrain, and ourselves." (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: None.

OBSERVATION 5: The task force combined arms rehearsal (CAR) is often no more than a briefing given by the commander or S3. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: The task force CAR rarely results in unit synchronization.

OBSERVATION 6: Rehearsals are not adequate at the task force level. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Rehearsals are often used to make up for a lack of wargaming. This results in a loss of focus, an inability to verify the existing plan, and multiple changes. Many of the BOS representatives rebrief their plans at the rehearsal, rather than being briefed by a subordinate unit.

OBSERVATION 7: Platoon rehearsals rarely occur or are ineffective. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Platoon leaders are often omitting this critical part of the preparation and supervision steps in the troop-leading procedures. The platoon leader frequently just talks the platoon through the plan, resulting in a lack of comprehension of the intent and concept of the operation.

OBSERVATION 8: Light engineer platoon and task force (TF) breach rehearsal plans and timelines are not to standard. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Most TFs and engineer platoons do not produce a WARNO for future offensive missions that adequately addresses a realistic rehearsal timeline with a clear task and purpose stated for each rehearsal required at the subordinate's level prior to the TF's rehearsal. This results in a great amount of time wasted during the preparation phase.

2. TFs do not produce a FRAGO for the full-scale TF-level breach rehearsal that contains an overlay (clear task, conditions, and standards), rehearsal technique, rehearsal level, and an AAR plan to ensure that all participants understand exactly what they must accomplish in the rehearsal.

3-4QFY99

OBSERVATION 1: FA batteries do not conduct effective rehearsals. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Battery commanders adequately identified their essential field artillery tasks (EFATs), but often do not relate specific rehearsals to the completion of essential tasks.

OBSERVATION 2: Air defense artillery (ADA) platoons rarely rehearse. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Platoon rehearsals often amount to a conversation between the platoon leader and platoon sergeant.

OBSERVATION 3: NBC reconnaissance, decontamination, and smoke support are not adequately rehearsed during the preparation phase of the mission. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. NBC and smoke operations are not given adequate attention during brigade combined arms and CSS rehearsals.

2. Coordination is not conducted between task force and brigade chemical staffs to ensure everyone knows the plan and is ready to execute their portion of it. As a result, there is no common picture of how the brigade will conduct NBC operations.

OBSERVATION 4: CSS rehearsals are rarely conducted to standard. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Plans are not well distributed.

2. Paragraph IV is rarely briefed in detail at task force OPORD.

3. Information is not disseminated to those who need to know.

4. The rehearsal becomes a briefing.

OBSERVATION 5: Company and battalion rehearsals are inadequate. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Companies too often do not conduct rehearsals, and when they do, the rehearsal does not focus on the direct fire plan or critical actions at the objective.

2. Commanders do not conduct rehearsals with a clear endstate or ensure that all crews understand the direct fire plan.

3. Commanders do not discuss contingencies or clearly articulate how the direct plan will be adjusted as the situation changes.

4. Battalion commanders and S3s do not conduct adequate rehearsals to ensure that the attack company's direct fire plans are synchronized and that they support the commander's intent.

OBSERVATION 6: Units do not allocate sufficient time, resources, or credence to the concept of the rehearsal. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: None.

OBSERVATION 7: Combined arms rehearsals do not result in a fully synchronized plan that all subordinate units and leaders clearly understand. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Rehearsals are not conducted on adequate terrain models that allow participants to visualize the terrain and the relation of friendly and enemy forces to each other.

2. Units do not conduct an interactive rehearsal that includes advancement of the force with the initiative. Advancement of the force with the initiative (the enemy for a friendly force defense and friendly forces for an attack against the enemy) requires using the wargame technique of action/reaction/counteraction to ensure all subordinates understand how the operation is synchronized. This interactive approach to the rehearsal involves the subordinate commanders to a high degree and causes them to rehearse their plan against an uncooperative enemy represented by other players on the terrain model.

OBSERVATION 8: Adjutants are seldom participants in brigade combat team wargames or rehearsals. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Adjutants are normally an afterthought in the wargaming process.

2. Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) and support are rarely discussed during brigade combat team rehearsals, the combined arms rehearsal, or the CSS rehearsal. When units do discuss the evacuation plan, there is insufficient detail to facilitate medical coverage of the brigade combat team's sector of operations.

OBSERVATION 9: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 1)

OBSERVATION 10: A lack of rehearsals conducted at company and platoon levels has hindered EW operations. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION:

1. Poor time management and failure to follow the 1/3 - 2/3 rule often results in rehearsals being omitted at company and platoon levels.

2. A lack of proper troop-leading procedures has added to the absence of rehearsals being conducted at all levels.

3. The lack of rehearsals restricts the teams' understanding of their mission, the flow of the battle, and contingency missions that would arise as a result of the enemy conducting a different course of action (COA) than the one anticipated.

4. There has been a lack of emphasis and flexibility based on time management regarding conducting rehearsals. As a result, units often fight the plan and not the enemy.

OBSERVATION 11: (Repeat of 3-4QFY98 Observation 1)

OBSERVATION 12: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 2))

OBSERVATION 13: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 3)

OBSERVATION 14: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 4)

OBSERVATION 15: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 5)

OBSERVATION 16: Coordination for forward passage of lines is inadequate. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Inadequate coordination results in a lack of essential information at the time of the rehearsal. Rehearsals, when conducted, do not include the passage of lines/battle handover.

OBSERVATION 17: (Repeat of 1-2QFY99 Observation 6)

OBSERVATION 18: Artillery fire support rehearsals are often not conducted to standard. (TA.4.4.1.1)

DISCUSSION: Fire support rehearsals often achieve less than expected outcomes of what rehearsals are designed to do.

RECOMMENDED TECHNIQUES AND PROCEDURES
for Task Force Rehearsals

COMBINED ARMS REHEARSALS

1. Units should routinely train and practice a variety of rehearsal types and techniques. When time is at a premium, the staff should conduct a reduced rehearsal, focusing only on critical events, using the backward planning cycle. The unit SOP should identify appropriate rehearsal types and techniques and standards for their execution.

2. Appendix G of FM 101-5, Staff Organization and Operations, outlines the following types of rehearsals:

a. Confirmation brief

b. Backbrief

c. Combined arms rehearsal

d. Support rehearsal

e. Battle drill or SOP rehearsal

3. To determine which rehearsal technique to use, consider the following:

a. Time. Amount required from planning to execution.

b. Multi-echelon. Number of echelons that can participate in the rehearsal.

c. OPSEC. Ease of the enemy to gather intelligence from the rehearsal.

d. Terrain. Terrain management considerations.

4. The ROCK DRILL.

a. When time permits, one of the best rehearsal formats is the rock or terrain model method. The strength in the rock drill is the ability to portray the battle space in all three dimensions. This method also allows key leaders and staff to walk through their significant piece of terrain and discuss their actions to support the battalion's plan. Units can also make use of their decision support template (DST) and/or synchronization matrix during the rock drill to keep it organized and to verify their plan.

b. Units should incorporate rock drills as part of the battalion SOP. The SOP should address preparation requirements and the structure of the event. The operations sergeant and the S2 should put together and maintain a standard rock drill/rehearsal kit to assist in quick terrain model set-up.

EXAMPLE:

  • Layout/terrain model. Fix responsibility for the layout of the terrain model (normally the S2 section). The terrain model should depict or contain the following items:

    • Boundaries
    • Phase lines
    • BP/attack positions
    • Routes/MSRs
    • Objectives
    • FSCMs
    • Task force graphics, if available
    • Major terrain
    • All position areas
    • Targets
    • Obstacles
    • Air Routes
    • Radar Zones

  • Procedures. Initially, the battalion S3 explains the rock drill site outlining the prominent terrain and graphics. He also states the mission of the higher and adjacent units.

    • The S2 follows and discusses the following:

      • Mobility corridors/avenue of approach down to company level.
      • Weather and its effect on the operation.
      • Most likely and most dangerous COA.
      • Enemy artillery locations.
      • Enemy phases of fire (time and location).
      • Critical enemy decision points.
      • Enemy recon assets and mission.
      • Enemy TA capabilities/location.
      • Enemy chemical strikes, FASCAM, and air assault locations.

    • The S3 then briefs the maneuver plan (artillery and task forces).

    • Each commander then positions himself on his initial position. Each phase of the operation is then rehearsed in the following order with the S3, commander, and staff identifying appropriate event driven triggers.

      • S2 - enemy action/reaction.
      • S3 - maneuver action/reaction.
      • S3 - TOC location/all event driven triggers for the TOC.

    • The S2 will then ask leading questions to ensure everyone understands the plan, portraying the uncooperative enemy.

    • Each firing battery commander briefs:

      • Battery location.
      • Azimuth of fire.
      • Projected combat power.
      • Critical FS tasks at that phase of the operation.
      • Number of targets in file.
      • Alternate location/trigger for movement.
      • Time to move from primary to alternate.
      • Ammo status.
      • Status of position improvement.
      • CASEVAC plan.

    • S2 or counterfire officer will brief:

      • Radar's mission.
      • Radar's positioning.
      • Radar's movement triggers.
      • Active zones per position.
      • Cueing that corresponds to planned zones.
      • Adjacent unit security.
      • GS fires and GS AN/TPQ-37 radar support.

    • Combat trains commander:

      • Location/trigger for movement.
      • BAS, AXP, FAS, and MAS locations.
      • Mass casualty mutual support plan.
      • Location of recovery.
      • Critical tasks.
      • UMCP location and equipment in it.
      • Amount of Class V on hand in combat trains.
      • CSS triggers.

    • Field trains commander:

      • Location.
      • Ammo in field trains.
      • Ration cycle.
      • LRP time/location.
      • Distance from BSA to combat trains.
      • Rear area combat operations (targets planned in support of BSA defense).
      • CSS triggers.

    • Battalion FDO:

      • Scheme of fires.
      • Target assignment/volume, desired effects.
      • MET schedule/MET status.
      • Fire order standards.
      • Method of commo voice/digital.
      • Primary and secondary observers.

    • Chemical:

      • MOPP status.
      • Decon sites and link-up points.
      • Location of decon assets and water.
      • Dirty routes.

    • BSO:

      • Retrans location and movement scheme/triggers.
      • Changeover time/procedure.

5. Units must practice and refine rehearsal procedures. Whenever possible, conduct terrain model rehearsals involving interactive friendly and enemy players discussing actions/reactions/counteractions.

TASK FORCE REHEARSALS

1. The task force rehearsal is essential to ensure that subordinate unit plans are synchronized and will achieve the higher commander's intent. Develop a script as outlined in CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals, Mar 98. The script will help the task force and subordinate units to prepare for and execute the rehearsal.

2. Once the script is developed, incorporate it into the tactical SOP.

3. Well-conducted rehearsals usually precede successful operations, and poor rehearsals do nothing to enhance the combat effectiveness of the unit.

4. Construct complete rehearsal kits. Have junior members of the team practice setting up rehearsal sites at Home Station. Do not simply hand the CO's driver a roll of engineer tape and tell him to set up a terrain model.

5. By prompting subordinates to ask questions and participate in the rehearsal, the commander can be assured that his subordinates understand the plan.

6. Task forces must make time to rehearse the plan. The TF rehearsal enables the unit to visualize the upcoming battle, understand the scheme of maneuver, and anticipate the enemy's actions. The TF rehearsal ensures that subordinate unit plans are synchronized and will achieve the higher commander's intent.

7. Refering again to CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals:

a. Integrate into the rehearsal the seven forms of contact for both friendly and enemy forces.

b. Develop a rehearsal script using the above referenced newsletter and incorporate it into the TF tactical SOP (TACSOP).

8. Conduct rehearsal training exercises at Home Station.

9. The first run-through of the rehearsal should cover the plan from beginning to end with everyone being successful. This ensures that each tank commander understands his role throughout the mission.

10. After the first rehearsal, conduct a second rehearsal that incorporates a different enemy COA and casualties to exercie the contingency and evacuation plans. This forces redundancy in planning and ensures the company is prepared to continue the mission if losses occur.

11. Include some major scenarios and standard battle drills in the rehearsal. This will enable the unit to cross the line of departure (LD) better prepared for enemy contact.

COMPANY/TEAM REHEARSALS

1. Institute principles of rehearsals as discussed in FM 71-1, Tank and Mechanized Infantry Company Team, chapter 2, p. 2-38 to p. 2-41, and CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals, Mar 98, into the company team TACSOP and troop-leading procedures. FM 71-1, chapter 2, states: "Rehearsals are practice sessions conducted to prepare units for an upcoming operation or event. They are essential in ensuring thorough preparation, coordination, and understanding of the commander's intent. Company team commanders should never underestimate the value of rehearsals."

2. Protect the time scheduled for the rehearsal within the troop-leading procedures, and reschedule other events if at all possible.

3. Platoon leaders brief their plans to the commander during the rehearsal. This will ensure the company's scheme of maneuver will support the commander's intent and ultimately the company/team's task and purpose assigned by the task force commander.

4. Rehearsals are essential to success in high tempo combat operations. Implement the use of a terrain model, sketch map or map rehearsal. The rehearsals allow all involved to visualize the battle and their commander's intent. When possible, the platoon leader should conduct the rehearsals overlooking the actual terrain of the area of operations. These techniques are very effective for confirmation briefs and backbriefs.

5. Use FM 44-64, SHORAD Battalion and Battery Operations, to improve the execution of platoon rehearsals. Work to involve all levels of the platoon in the preparation phase of the rehearsal.

6. Critical actions during the mission must be covered in the rehearsal. A list of critical actions that should be addressed follows:

a. Offensive Missions

  • Actions on the Objective
  • Passage of Lines
  • Choke point/Breaching
  • Movement Techniques
  • Actions at Danger Areas
  • Actions on Enemy Contact (ground)
  • Actions on Enemy Contact (air)
  • Resupply
  • Medical Evacuation
  • NBC Decontamination Plan
  • Positions

b. Defensive Missions

  • Trigger Points
  • Obstacles
  • Counterattack Plan
  • Engagement Areas
  • Actions on Enemy Contact (air)
  • Security Operations
  • Resupply
  • Medical Evacuation
  • Direct-Fire Plan
  • NBC Decontamination Plan
  • Fire Support Plan

7. Commanders at all levels must set the standard for rehearsals. Commanders must have a clear vision of the endstate for the rehearsal, and must rehearse until all members of the team understand the plan. Use a standardized terrain model kit to cut down on set-up time.

8. Commanders must allocate adequate time for rehearsals and closely guard this time to ensure that rehearsals are not bypassed.

9. Companies and battalions should routinely conduct rehearsals at Home Station. It is critical for subordinates to see the rehearsal standard and to work TTPs which best facilitate the team's understanding of the mission. Once the unit has established and validated their TTPs, they must be incorporated into the unit SOP.

CSS REHEARSALS

1. All TF logistics leaders should refer to CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals. Distribute this document to all CSS staff officers and NCOs, all 1SGs, and the headquarters company leadership. This document provides valuable tactics, techniques and procedures for training, conducting, and evaluating all rehearsals in the battalion.

2. Follow the basic troop-leading procedures (TLP).

3. Develop a daily company and subsequent platoon timeline and adhere to it. Maximize use of parallel planning and warning orders (WARNOs).

4. Conduct a BSA MASCAL rehearsal including all litter bearers and nonstandard evacuation vehicle drivers (day and night).

5. Incorporate all nonstandard vehicle drivers into the ambulance platoon PCC/PCIs.

6. Develop and publish PCC/PCI checklists and timelines and incorporate them into the company and platoon SOPs.

7. Incorporate all litter bearers and aircraft personnel into the treatment platoon rehearsals.

8. Conduct route reconnnaissance and mounted rehearsals prior to a defense mission, when the brigade owns the terrain. Incorporate aircraft into these rehearsals.

9. Increase the emphasis on the CSS BOS at the combined arms rehearsal and have CSS commanders, the BCT S4, FSB SPO, TF XOs, TF S4s, aviation LNOs, and all medical platoon leaders in attendance. Discuss in detail critical CSS and CHS events and how they are tied to the maneuver plan so that all leaders clearly understand the CSS and CHS concept of support across the depth and breadth of the battlefield. Major CSS issues should be resolved during the combined arms rehearsal.

10. Conduct a modified CSS rehearsal after the combined arms rehearsal with CSS representatives to further synchronize the CSS and CHS plans and resolve minor CSS issues brought up during the combined arms rehearsal.

11. Develop ways to distribute the CSS plan through WARNOs, LRPs, and CTCP OPORDs.

12. The S4 must share information with the CTCP as soon as he gets it, and the S1 must act.

13. Use the task force combined arms rehearsal site whenever possible to lower rehearsal overhead.

ENGAGEMENT AREA REHEARSALS

1. Commanders at all levels must set the standard for rehearsals. They must properly allocate time and closely guard this time to ensure that rehearsals are not bypassed.

2. Commanders must have a clear vision of the endstate for the rehearsal and rehearse until all members of the team understand the plan.

3. A standardized terrain model kit is a useful tool and cuts down on set-up time.

4. Companies and battalions should routinely conduct rehearsals at Home Station to allow subordinates to see the standard to which rehearsals should be conducted.

5. Work out the tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTPs) that will help every member of the team understand the mission. Once the unit has established and validated their TTPs for rehearsals, the TTPs should be incorporated into the unit SOP.

6. Refer to CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals.

BREACH REHEARSALS

1. Fragmentary orders (FRAGOs) for a mounted task force breach rehearsal should include an overlay; clear task, conditions, and standards; the rehearsal technique; the rehearsal level; and an after-action review (AAR).

2. Task force and engineer company leaders should read and implement Appendix D of FM 90-13-1, Combined Arms Breaching Operations.

3. Refer to CALL Newsletter No. 98-5, Rehearsals.

FIRE SUPPORT REHEARSALS

1. The brigade fire support rehearsal is most effective when it occurs prior to the brigade combined arms rehearsal because it ensures that fires can in fact accomplish what will be rehearsed with brigade.

a. The field artillery (FA) battalion and subordinate fire support elements (FSEs) must complete their rehearsals before the brigade's fire support rehearsal.

b. The brigade fire support rehearsal needs to run like all good rehearsals, with enemy or friendly actions described and all players executing their portion of the plan, complete with the call for fire and other radio traffic.

c. Rehearsal players should include the S2, observers, air liaison officers (ALOs), fire support officers (FSOs), and fire direction officers (FDOs).

d. The scheme of fires worksheet provides an excellent tool to organize and conduct the rehearsal. Rehearsing reattacks, adjusting fires, executing branches and sequels, and other potentially desynchronizing events provides the flexibility necessary to fight the enemy and not the plan.

e. Units need to develop a format for rehearsal, publish it in their SOPs, and ensure all personnel come to the rehearsal prepared to rehearse.

2. A second technique is to use a fire support backbrief immediately following the issuance of the brigade operation order (OPORD). This can ensure that TF FSOs and the FA battalion clearly understand the brigade fire support plan and the scheme of fires, and prevent subordinate plans that do not support brigades.

3. Integrate fires into the brigade combined arms rehearsals by ensuring targets are placed on the terrain model or rehearsal map. When possible, the executors of fires (strikers, fire support teams [FISTs], FA battalion S3, and FDO) should participate. Clearly discuss task and purpose for each target, the trigger, the required effects, and the volume and duration of fires.

4. Battery commanders need to place emphasis on conducting rehearsals as part of Home Station training. SOPs must have a detailed plan for rehearsals at the battery level.

5. At a minimum, rehearsals should address the following:

a. Commander's Intent

b. Intelligence Integration

c. Scheme of Maneuver and Fires

d. Movement Planning and Positioning

e. Observation, Target, Trigger, Firing unit

f. Target Verification

6. When rehearsals address the issues listed above, the unit is better prepared to execute the plan. When conducted correctly, the rehearsal will:

a. Identify synchronization problems supporting the maneuver plan.

b. Exercise communication nets.

c. Identify target-triggering responsibilities.

d. Validate the observer and attack system plan.

e. Result in an improved responsiveness and lethality of artillery fires during execution.

7. State in unit SOPs the purpose and intent of unit rehearsals:

a. Determine essential participants.

b. Assign roles and responsibilities for the conduct of rehearsals.

c. Establish high standards and enforce the standards.

8. Other techniques:

a. Rehearse everything, not just the fire support plan.

b. Specify the time and method of rehearsal.

c. Have a predetermined list of items to cover.

d. Establish key participants to be present.

e. Schedule sleep plans around rehearsal time so that key participants are present.

f. Conduct the rehearsal under the XO's or S3's direction.

g. State the goal/objective of rehearsals and refinements.

h. Practice the plan - the rehearsal is not a wargame.

i. During the rehearsal, address specific actions to accomplish tasks.

j. At a minimum, conduct a target list/data base verification.

k. Include specific munitions needed.

l. Howitzer sections verify ammunition and ability to fire data.

m. Correct problems on the spot.

n. Have a plan and place for degraded operations in the event time is limited.

o. Integrate the movement plan.

9. The fire support element (FSE) and fire support officer (FSO) should conduct a task force fire support rehearsal prior to every battle to ensure responsibilities are understood and execution is synchronized.

a. The task force FSE needs to have a rehearsal format in its SOP.

b. Recommend FSOs develop a format for both terrain board and FM-type rehearsals.

10. The type of rehearsal conducted will be based on time available. Rehearsal techniques from most time available to least time available include:

  • Full dress
  • Reduced force
  • Terrain model
  • Sketch map
  • Map
  • Radio

Regardless of the type rehearsal conducted, the following items must be addressed:

  • Target list
  • Observer plan
  • Scheme of fires
  • Triggers
  • Timeline
  • Primary and alternate communication nets
  • Fire support countermeasures (FSCM)

11. The FSO should conduct the fire support rehearsal as early as possible after company/team FISTs have had the opportunity to rehearse their company/team plans, and before the task force combined arms rehearsal.

12. Another good technique is to conduct the fire support rehearsal as part of the task force rehearsal with commanders briefing fires. The FSO should work with the task force XO/S3 to ensure the fire support rehearsal is included in the task force timeline.

13. If time does not permit a rehearsal, at a minimum the task force FSO must receive a confirmation backbrief from all company/team FSOs to ensure they understand their task and purpose.

ADA PLATOON REHEARSALS

Rehearsals are a critical part of troop-leading procedures. Platoon leaders should validate plans, intent, and concept of operation during their rehearsals. Procedures in FM 44-64, SHORAD Battalion and Battery Operations, can be used to improve rehearsals.

NBC OPERATIONS REHEARSALS

1. The brigade should adequately address NBC and smoke operations in its combined arms and CSS rehearsals.

2. Chemical staffs should conduct FM rehearsals prior to mission execution to ensure everyone knows the plan and is prepared to execute their tasks. Chemical staffs can conduct FM rehearsals on the chemical company frequency. Participants should include the BCT and task force chemical officers (CMLOs), chemical company commander, decontamination and smoke platoon leaders, and the NBC reconnaissance element leader.

ADJUTANT INTEGRATION

1. Adjutants must be integrated into brigade wargames and rehearsals.

2. Brigade combat teams should refine their rehearsal processes and force units to brief the casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) plan.

3. The rehearsal should require a representative from all units, especially those company-sized units that are dependent upon area support, to attend the CSS rehearsal.

ELECTRONIC WARFARE OPERATIONS REHEARSALS

1. Rehearsals must be conducted at every level to ensure every soldier understands the mission and the scheme of maneuver.

2. Time available will dictate whether the rehearsal will be a terrain board, map, or FM rehearsal. This will allow any issues that arise with the mission to be deconflicted.

3. Platoon and team leaders must attend or participate in company and platoon rehearsals if their element is to understand the scheme of maneuver.

FORWARD PASSAGE OF LINES REHEARSALS

The task force should conduct parallel planning and coordination to ensure that all information is disseminated down to the lowest level in a timely manner. To assist the planning effort, recommend a liaison officer (LNO) be sent from the passing unit to the unit that will be passed through.


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