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4.1 Acquire and Communicate Information and Maintain Status

* Attack helicopter battalion FSE utilization of variable format message entry device: AHB FSEs are using the variable format message entry device (VFMED) to conduct fire support coordination. This digital device increased FSE efficiency by improved communications and information sharing within the brigade. The VFMED is used to send and receive digital fire planning and coordination information to and from the supporting artillery unit's TACFIRE computer.

NOTE: FSEs not currently authorized a VFMED on their MTOE should submit an MTOE change request.

4.1.1.2 Receive and Transmit Enemy Information

* Integration of Ground Surveillance Radar with maneuver units: Successful missions resulted from proactive GSR leadership coordinating with S2s and TF commanders about the proper employment of GSR systems. Crews are fully proficient with their equipment - demonstrating positive control and use of risk assessment in the planning, preparation and execution of their missions. NOTE: only in those instances where GSR is placed OPCON to the TF scouts have there been problems, ie. unclear taskings and colocation difficulties

4.1.2 Manage Means of Communicating Information

* Command post location and displacement planning: Generally command post locations are adequately planned and executed, and their movements included in the wargame process. There is also substantial improvement in the work division between the TOC, TAC and command group during the battle.

4.1.3 Maintain Information and Force Status

* Rear command post operations and battle tracking: Brigade S1s and S4s successfully integrate their respective sections into the battle operations. Units actively seek information by monitoring the brigade command net, A/L net and by dropping down and monitoring TF nets. Units are tracking both friendly and enemy combat elements. However, there is still some difficulty tracking CSS elements because of a lack of dissemination of CSS overlays to the rear CP from brigade elements.

* FSB TOC operations and battle tracking: The level of detail in FSB battle tracking is improving, particularly in the use of graphic control measures for both enemy and friendly elements.

4.2 Assess Situation

* Risk assessment: Units increasingly apply risk assessment during the planning and preparation of combat operations encompassing safety, fratricide prevention and tactical risk. However, units need to still improve in the development of risk reduction/control measures and communicating both risks and controls to subordinate elements.

4.3 Determine Actions

* Aviation attack battalion HPT development: Aviation attack battalion FSOs develop HPTs in conjunction with the S2 and S3 targeting team. Aviation attack battalion FSOs are advising the commander and targeting team on the following:

- ability of the fire support systems to defeat HPTs

- the best means of attack

- the best type of munitions to achieve the commander's desired results

4.4 Direct and Lead Subordinate Forces

* Pre-combat checks/Pre-combat inspections: Units are effectively conducting PCCs and PCIs at company/team and platoon level for critical tasks and missions.

4.4.1 Prepare Plans or Orders

* Engineer battalion OPORD CSS annex: This annex provides more detail and critical information for line companies. Thisis the result of better integration of the S1s and S4s in the planning process. This assists commander's COA decisions by providing clearer information about personnel and logistical supportability.

4.4.1.2 Coordinate Support

* Logistics coordination by liaison officers: Coordination by light brigade liaison officers with the heavy FSB facilitated effective support because of the knowledge shared concerning the capabilities and limitations of the light battalion logistical system.

4.4.5 Synchronize Tactical Operations

* Brigade engineer/S2 SITEMP development: ABEs and brigade S2s develop SITEMPs of the most likely enemy COA with defensive positions, conventional obstacles, and situational obstacles (FASCAM and UMZ). For offensive missions, they present the probable use of enemy engineer assets to counter our mobility, etc. RESULT: these products help brigade and task force staffs in their war-gaming sessions and OPORD development

Techniques: for further improvements

1. update SITEMPS as new information is received.

2. Cross-walk SITEMP elements with assigned NAIs and specific instructions in the R&S plan and execution.

3. Analyze enemy phases of fires, using the SITEMP, to assist in DST development for use during the preparation and execution phases.

4. Use Terrabase and Toposkimmer systems to analyze proposed observer locations back from the intended target/NAI to ensure line of sight.

5. Use redundant observers and commo systems to increase the probability of acquisition and targeting.

4.5 Employ Tactical C3CM

* Brigade signal officer and S3 planning and execution of multiple node center "jumps": Brigade S3s and signal officers are planning and executing node center, RAU and relay team moves during brigade maneuver. Units should sustain this by planning and executing, at a minimum, three jumps during their rotation.

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