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Military

Appendix C

SAMPLE RSO& APPENDICES FOR OPORD


APPENDIX 3 (BUILDING COMBAT POWER) TO ANNEX C (OPERATIONS) TO OPORD __________.

1. Purpose. This appendix identifies the timelines, concept and end state desired for the building of combat power (RSOI).

2. General. Building combat power during the initial portion of this operations requires the following actions:

A. Force protection accomplished by the establishment of a Rapid Reaction Force.

B. Generating combat capabilities through the generation of Combat, CS and CSS units, Reporting Requirements and Appendix 4, Missions-Ready Criteria. These will be monitored based on the smallest operational/employable element, e.g., maneuver platoons, ADA BSFV sections, etc.

3. Timeline. Figure 1 depicts the general timeline for Operation ______ ______. D-day is defined by the 52d ID (M) Alert order: XX January 199_.

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4. Concept.

A. Definition of combat power. FM 100-5, OPERATIONS, defines combat power as maneuver, firepower, protection and leadership. In the case of building and tracking combat power, the Brigade will monitor the generation combat power based on four components:

  • MOVEMENT (e.g. PMCS, Upload Equipment). The ability to move on the battlefield to position forces at decisive points to achieve surprise, psychological shock, physical momentum, massed effects, and moral dominance.

  • FIREPOWER (ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS: Lethal and Nonlethal, e.g., M1/M2, MICLIC, M109, M88 Crane). Lethal firepower provides destructive force through direct and indirect fire. Nonlethal firepower does not engage in direct or indirect fires, but it is essential in defeating the enemy's ability and will to fight. Nonlethal firepower provides systems and procedures for locating, identifying, and tracking targets.

  • SUSTAINMENT and FORCE PROTECTION (e.g., Medical assets, NBC, Resupply assets). The ability to conserve the fighting potential of the force and resupply the force so that commanders can apply it at the decisive time and place. Operational individual and collective NBC systems provide force protection. Preventive Maintenance and Quick repair of equipment are important elements of sustainment.

  • COMMAND & CONTROL (e.g., Communications, EPLRs, Maps, Briefs). The ability to influence operations, synchronize combined arms, and achieve unity of effort. Communications are inherent in Command & Control. Signal planning provides systems to pass critical information at decisive times.

B. Generation of Combat Power. Figure 2 depicts the major components of Reception, Staging and Onward Movement Integration (RSOI).

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There are three force packages of building Combat Power:

  • RRF (Force Protection).
  • IRC (Tactical Force Projection).
  • BCT Combat Force.

The RRF will execute force protection missions for the brigade as it continues to build combat power, prepares for follow-on missions, and while the IRC continues to stage and prepare for initial JTF missions. When mission ready, the IRC will be prepared to execute missions for the BCT and the host nation. The brigade will continue to track the combat power of the BCT (Force Package 3) while force protection missions are ongoing. The three Force Packages of combat power are defined in terms of operational elements:

Force Package l - MP Platoon (BDE is C2Element)
Stinger Team
Chemical Reconnaissance Squad
Decontamination Section
MEDEVAC Section
Maintenance Team
Force Package 2 - IRC M2/M l Company/Team (C2Element)
Mortar Platoon
M109 Platoon
Engineer Platoon
BSFV Section
Stinger Section
Chemical Reconnaissance Section
Decontamination Platoon
Medical Platoon
Company Maintenance Team
Force Package 3 - BCT - composed of 2 DRFs
2 x M2/M l Company/Team
2 x Ml/M2 Company Team
Mortar Platoon
Scout Platoon
Ml09 Battery
Engineer Company
BSFV Platoon
Chemical Reconnaissance Section
GSR Section

C. Potential Force Protection/IRC Missions. The following are likely situations and missions. BCT commanders will use these for planning.

1) RRF (Force Protection). Although this is a brigade cell, ___ CAV will have responsibility for building and tracking ADA, medical, and maintenance. All reports will be IAW BDE FSOP.

a) Route Reconnaissance. Route Reconnaissance can be executed by any of the three Force Packages of the RRF. Force Package l forces will only be used if the threat in the area consists of light-skinned threat vehicles or guerrilla-type forces. A full route reconnaissance will be executed to standard by providing a chemical reconnaissance of the route followed by a detailed analysis, including all structures. A route reconnaissance could lead to any one of the below missions.

b) Checkpoints. The definition of a checkpoint is a self-contained position located on a road to observe and control movement into and out of a security or buffer zone. The RRF will execute hasty checkpoints to break up traffic and to determine the main avenues of approach into the security zone and then establish deliberate checkpoints (IRC Mission).

c) Battlefield Circulation Control (BCC). BCC can include the above missions or general protection of the brigade security zone. Depending on the threat level, the RRF might execute missions such as escorting combat vehicles to the ASP to be uploaded, or escorting VIPs within the brigade area of operations.

2) IRC (Tactical Force Projection). ___ CAV will have the responsibility for building and tracking the IRC. All reports will be IAW Bde FSOP.

a) Route Reconnaissance. A typical scenario might be that the MP platoon and Fox reconnaissance vehicle conduct a route reconnaissance, while the IRC prepares to follow as a convoy security force. POSSIBLE MISSION: (XXX Brigade conducts route reconnaissance and moves NET DTG along RTEs Glitter, Olympic, and Palomino and occupies TAA Vegas to demonstrate U.S. resolve and to deter Krasnovian aggression.

b) Deliberate Checkpoint. In the initial stages of the deployment, the RRF will execute hasty checkpoints to determine the main avenues of approach. The goals of the checkpoints are varied depending on the overall mission of the Brigade. They can control traffic into and out of a newly established security zone, disrupt enemy movements in the host nation, capture weapons, or even capture a specific individual. POSSIBLE MISSION: (___ BCT deploys a company-sized unit DTG to operate four deliberate checkpoints from VIC NK 3501 to NJ 3693 to assist Mohavian Police Forces in controlling refugee movement into a USIRCOM designated safe zone.

c) Escort. Once the brigade security zone increases in size, the IRC could be called upon to escort BCT vehicles or UN convoys for relief purposes. The IRC will conduct these missions concurrently with the RRF unit. While the IRC secures the UN convoy, the RRF would search the UN vehicles to ensure that no contraband is being transported. POSSIBLE MISSION: ___ BCTdeploys a company-sized unit DTG to escort a relief convoy, provide humanitarian assistance to a Mohavian village VIC NJ 5198 and if hostilities develop, evacuate civilians to a secure area.

d) Security Mission. Depending on the state of the security zone, threat forces might conduct limited raids/ambushes to harass and interdict U.S. or Host Nation forces. Security missions could include deploying chemical assets against a chemical threat (SCUD attack), medical assets to help evacuate Host Nation civilians to a secure area, or a combination of all the assets. POSSIBLE MISSION: ___ BCT deploys a company-sized force DTG to secure a Mohavian radar facility located VIC NK 5905 and defend against RBG raids.

e) Clear TAA. In preparation for escalation of hostilities and the possible transition to combat operations, the IRC would execute a route reconnaissance, and reconnaissance of a possible brigade TAA, and secure the TAA until the BCT closed on the AA. The RRF, in conjunction with the IRC, would provide BCC by establishing traffic control points (TCPs) and ensuring the route remains secure. POSSIBLE MISSION: deploys a company-sized force to clear TAA Vegas (NK 5724) of enemy forces and secure it NLT DTG in advance of a TF movement to, and occupation of, TAA Vegas.

4. Conclusion. Once combat power is established and the BCT transitions to combat operations, the tracking and recording methods can be used by units internally to ensure that they maintain and sustain all the necessary qualities of combat power. The procedures and missions that are executed during RSOI may be used if the BCT transitions to peacemaking or peacekeeping.


APPENDIX 4 (MISSION-READY CRITERIA) TO ANNEX C (OPERATIONS) TO OPORD ______.

1. The BCT will build combat power along these four elements: Command & Control, Movement, Firepower, and Force Protection/Sustainment. The Brigade Headquarters will track the ability of our combined arms team to shoot, move, communicate, and sustain using these elements. Successful completion of the critical tasks will allow subordinate units to establish combat power. According to FM 100-5, "combat power is created by combining the elements of maneuver, firepower, protection, and leadership." Units will focus on leadership by setting up conditions for effective command & control. Unit's execution of vehicle and equipment draw, with thorough PMCS, will provide them the ability to maneuver. Units will prepare firepower with meticulous pre-combat checks and inspections. The Brigade's goal is force buildup and the attainment of overwhelming combat power.

2. COMMAND & CONTROL: The ability to influence operations, synchronize combined arms, and achieve unity of effort. Communications are inherent in Command & Control. Signal planning provides systems to pass critical information at decisive times. The following items are tasks to subordinate units to set conditions for effective command & control:

A. Accountability. Commanders will insure 100-percent accountability of personnel and equipment.

B. Troop-Leading Procedures. Commanders will initiate TLPs and issue warning orders.

C. Conduct Road-to-War Brief and Threat Brief for all Soldiers. Soldiers must understand Area of Operations, Enemy and Friendly situation.

D. Conduct ROE Brief for all Soldiers. Soldiers must fully understand levels of force authorized.

E. Conduct Risk Assessment. Leaders will execute at every level.

F. Draw and Distribute Maps.

G. Establish Command Posts. TF TOC, CTCP, UMCP, and FTCP set up. CPs must track subordinate units and submit reports to higher.

H. Communication.

1) Conduct PMCS on all Commo Gear. All deficiencies must be corrected.

2) Draw and distribute SOIs/ANCDs. Set Frequencies and load secure variables.

3) Establish/enter commo nets. Responsible HQ set nets, subordinate units enter nets. Bde Cmd, Bde O&I, Bde A/L, TF Cmd, TF O&I, TF A/L, Co Cmd, etc.

4) Conduct Commo Checks (Vehicle intercom, CVCs, Long distance radio). All checks must be successful.

5) Set up EPLRS/SATS. All transmitters and terminals must be operational.

6) Reports.

a) Commander's Report and Sensitive Items Report as per TACSOP.

b) Mission-Ready Report hardcopy to Bde TOC 0800 and 1600 daily.

3. MOVEMENT: The ability to move on the battlefield to position forces at decisive points to achieve surprise, psychological shock, physical momentum, massed effects, and moral dominance. The following items are tasks to subordinate units to provide them the ability to move.

A. Draw Vehicles.

1) Conduct a -10 PMCS on all prepositioned equipment. This includes weekly and monthly checks. All deficiencies must be corrected. Units must complete DA Form 2404.

2) Conduct Road Test. Unit will perform during Operations PMCS. All vehicles will be test-driven. All equipment will be test-run. All deficiencies must be corrected.

B. Draw Class III Bulk and Package.

C. Upload Equipment. Vehicles will be loaded IAW load plans.

D. Report REDCON status.

4. FIREPOWER (ESSENTIAL SYSTEMS: Lethal and Nonlethal). Lethal firepower provides destructive force through direct and indirect fire. Nonlethal firepower does not engage in direct or indirect fires, but it is essential in defeating the enemy's ability and will to fight. Nonlethal firepower provides systems and procedures for locating, identifying, and tracking targets and allocating lethal assets. Units will prepare firepower with the following pre-combat checks and inspections.

A. Prepare Weapons.

1) Conduct Special Gunnery Checks

2) Boresight/Screen

3) Class V Upload

4) Test Fire

B. Draw MILES. MILES Issue begins D-5 and ends NLT D-3. Conduct boresighting at a range adjacent to the unit assembly area.

C. Conduct PCIs on Nonlethal Systems. Nonlethal systems will be checked and tested IAW with their respective FM and -10 TM. All deficiencies must be corrected. (These systems include combat multipliers such as: Q36, NIGHTSTALKER, TRQ-32, MICLIC, VOLCANO, etc.)

5. FORCE PROTECTION/SUSTAINMENT: The ability to conserve the fighting potential of the force and resupply the force so that commanders can apply it at the decisive time and place. Operational individual and collective NBC systems provide force protection. Preventive maintenance and quick repair of equipment are important elements of sustainment. Units will establish logistics flow by the following methods.

A. Medical.

1) Treatment. Units will have combat lifesavers with complete combat lifesaver bag to immediately treat injured soldiers.

2) CASEVAC. Units will have litter capability to ground transport casualty for emergency and echelon IV-level treatment to host-nation IMC MEDDAC.

B. NBC. Units will have Chemical Defense Equipment (CDE) in place and operational, with CDE resupply readily available for reconstitution.

C. Resupply. Establish ability to conduct resupply operations.

1) Establish PLL

2) ULLS Operational

3) Class I, III, and V ready in push packages

D. Recovery. Establish ability to recover vehicles and equipment. (Special tools as needed, capable to fix forward at organizational level.)

6. Units will report their mission-capable status daily to higher headquarters IAW Appendix 5, Report Formats. TFs and separate companies will submit Mission-Ready Reports to the Brigade. Reports must be submitted in hardcopy NLT 0800 and 1600 daily to the Brigade Headquarters. Subordinate platoons will submit Platoon Mission-Ready Reports to their own headquarters. Building combat power is the priority of effort for all units. Units will rate their mission-capable status IAW the following color codes.

GREEN: 100-percent tasks accomplished. Fully mission capable.

AMBER: Not all tasks completed. Capable of accomplishing the mission by assuming risks. Specify risks.

RED: Not all tasks completed. Not capable of accomplishing mission. Explain reasons.

Commanders will rate their degree of completion on each task specified in the following formats. Each box will be marked with a G (Green), A (Amber), or R (Red). Shaded boxes are the only boxes to be left blank as they are nonapplicable for that subordinate unit. Formats will be turned in to the Brigade Headquarters for the purpose of tracking combat power buildup. (Note: Each unit has its own format.)

References: FM 100-5, FM 100-17, FM 100-17-1, FM 100-17-3 (Draft), JRSO&I Conference notes, 20 Dec 95, Army War Reserve -5 (Kuwait) Battlebook, JULLs Reports, RSO&I Workshop notes, and Infantry Magazine, Mar-Apr 96.


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