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_.

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

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.
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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