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COMMAND AND CONTROL BOS

There are some problems with the formulation and dissemination of plans and orders (OPORDs, FRAGOs and Warning Orders) which may not seem to be significant but can have a big impact during execution.

• Use of non-standard terms. "Chop" or "gain" are not defined. Do they mean OPCON, attached DS or GS?

• Insufficient or inappropriate control measures such as:

  • Units with a counterattack mission to "destroy enemy units" being assigned an objective. The mission orients on the enemy force while the graphics orient on terrain. The control measure must be consistent with the commander's intent.

  • Lack of rear boundaries. This causes problems in clearing fires and positioning of units. If frequent adjustments in the rear boundary are anticipated, put in sufficient phase lines to permit rolling the boundary (either way) and use FRAGOs to change the effective line.

• Control of FRAGOs and Warning Orders. Many units are running into difficulty when the TAC, Rear, and the Main issue FRAGOs and Warning Orders, especially when duplicate numbers are used.

• Transmission and receipt of order and plans is not closely monitored. Information sent by whatever means, (LNO, courier, fax, etc.) , does not equal received. Many times units do not have any idea how many subordinates have actually acknowledged the order.

• Hard copy follow-up on verbal orders/decisions. Many decisions are made in face-to-face discussions between commanders. Sometimes problems arise when these discussions are away from the CP. This causes problems for the staff in synchronizing the various aspects of the operation as well as keeping the other players informed. Hard copy back up needs to be generated to assist in this process.

Things you can do:

Learn what the control measures in FM 101-5-1 mean. Don't just learn how to draw them.

• Use FM 101-5-1 for standard terms and symbols. Making a self-created term part of your SOP will probably cause problems. If there is no standard term, explain your idea in plain English. Don't be surprised if your instructions are not understood. Not everyone will have read your SOP, especially in a joint or combined environment. This is not to say that terms can't be added or deleted. Let the proponent know what you think is missing. Send recommended additions/changes to FM 101-5-1, to: CGSC, Ft Leavenworth, KS 66027, ATTN: ATZL-SWT-C.

• Use the least restrictive and simplest measures consistent with the intent, but sufficient to ensure synchronization. Provide maximum freedom for subordinate action within the scope of the higher commander's intent.

• Put one organization in charge of tracking all FRAGOs, Warning Orders, etc. This doesn't mean that this is the only organization that can issue an order, but that only one should assign the order number. G3 current operations seems like a good choice. One unit, with heavy Chief of Staff involvement, used this method successfully even during CP displacement.

• This same organization should maintain a log on each order issued along with a standard distribution list (DISCOM/COSCOM is often omitted) and track acknowledgments. It should also follow-up on every non-response.

• The staff needs to ensure that all commander decisions are captured. It may take detailing someone from the G3 section to accompany the commander as he travels around the battlefield. This individual would be responsible for capturing all of the commander's decisions and promptly relaying the information back to the staff.

Table of Contents
Combat Service Support BOS
Postscript