Military

FM 7- 20: Commander must position himself where he can exert the greatest influence:

• Includes face-to-face orders in the operational area.

• Positions himself to influence the battle by shifting the main effort.

• Positions himself to facilitate effectiveness, coordination, and cohesion.

• At times may be with forward elements and at other times will be in the command post. (Must have equal ability to command and control from either location.)

FM 101-5: Commander must be able to command from anywhere on the battlefield:

• Must not allow himself to become a prisoner of his command post (CP).

• Goes where he can assess risks and make adjustments by seeing, hearing, and understanding what is occurring.

• Positions himself wherever he can command without depriving himself of the ability to respond to changing situations.

Commander must consider position in relation to the forces he commands and the mission:

• May be occasions where commander's personal intervention at a precise point will override other factors.

• Must consider how his positioning will affect his ability to command through the depth of the battlefield.

• Must consider how to narrow command focus without impacting overall command.

• Considers how being killed or wounded will affect his force's ability to accomplish the mission.

• If commanders need to go forward, then structures and equipment must be organized to support them.

• Forward command assists in making timely decisions and in grasping fleeting opportunities.

• Closeness to action risks the commander becoming engaged in that action.
  • May obscure his overall vision.
  • May undermine the judgment and efforts of his subordinates.

• The most suitable position for the commander is the point where he can best influence the progress of the battle by making timely decisions appropriate to his level of command.

• Identifies a 2IC, usually the XO, at company through brigade levels.

• The second in command (2IC) can assume command with little or no advance notice.
  • Commanders at one level may outrank the XO at the next higher level.
  • 2IC assumes immediate command and at first break in action facilitates orderly command transition.

• The commander can delegate authority to a 2IC in two ways:
  • Assign individual authority for a specific battlefield function, area, or operation.
  • Integrate 2IC into the overall command organization and delegate authority based on the commander's intent.
    • Integration increases overall command efficiency without losing purview over any particular battlefield function, area, or operation.
    • 2IC remains well informed of the overall situation and can quickly assume command.

• The 2IC can also relieve the commander for short periods of time so that the commander may attend higher HQ's briefings or rest.

Other Points:

• Ensure force protection for yourself and the tactical operations center (TOC, TAC) CP.

• Do not move your CPs (main, TAC, or other) by whim. Ensure proper recon route and area site selection (especially comms), site prep (survivability), security, and movement.

• Ensure you can communicate with the main CP and your higher HQs.

• If your CPs cannot talk to other CPs, move them.

• Ensure redundant, effective C2 in high-risk operations.

• If you are the assault TF commander or the airborne commander, position yourself with the air mission commander.

• If you are the assault ground tactical commander, ensure you are on the ground when the majority of your force lands.

• Plan for redundant communication for air assault and airborne operations.

• Cross-load leaders in air assault and airborne operations.

• Do not wander around the battlefield on your own.

• Do not wander around the battlefield without a set purpose.

• Do not walk away from your communications; to command you must communicate.