They were calling for three miles visibility, which is certainly legal weather. The result of the COA development process is paragraph 3 of the OPORD. A-36. He uses these factors, gained from his relational combat power analysis matrix, as his frame of reference in tentatively selecting the best COA. The co-pilot turned the aircraft and started a climb in preparation for an emergency GPS recovery. This process highlights critical tasks, stimulates ideas, and provides insights rarely gained through mission analysis and COA development alone. The leader identifies critical factors about cloud cover, including limits on illumination and solar heating of targets. The leader goes past observing to application. Match. How and when they do so depends on when they receive information as well as on their experience and preferences. COA analysis allows the leader to synchronize his assets, identify potential hazards, and develop a better understanding of the upcoming operation. What would you have done in our situation? Why (the units purpose, taken from the companies concept of the operation). A-104. We had passengers, field Soldiers, aircrew and our aircraft to consider. A-98. Engineer forces might be needed to improve mobility or platoon and squads might have to deviate from doctrinal tactics. Will I attack toward the sunrise? Categories of terrain, restricted terrain hindering movement somewhat. The faculty feedback from the exam will better prepare you for the COA S&S. He also may make sound assumptions about the enemy, human nature, and local culture. It was a familiar mission; a flight of two UH-60Ls were to fly a five-and-a-half-hour ring route under night vision goggles. What is the enemy's most probable course of action? Sometime before sunset, I headed out to preflight the aircraft. The S-3 informed us where friendly forces were in our area, while the S-2 filled us in on where the action was in our battle space. The five military aspects of weather are visibility; winds; precipitation; cloud cover; and temperature and humidity. The leader determines the effects of each aspect of terrain on both friendly and enemy forces. In such a situation, a leader must rely on information provided by battalion or higher echelon How will it affect the enemy? COA statement should identify -Decisive point, and what makes it decisive. In the defense, weapon positions must be both lethal to the enemy and survivable to the Soldier. A situation template is a visual illustration of how the enemy force might look and act without the effects of weather and terrain. Winds In order to make the creation of COA diagrams eortless for the user, interaction must occur eortlessly and the interface should be invisible to the user. Cover and Concealment Priority intelligence requirements are information a leader needs to know about terrain or enemy to make a critical decision. Precipitation affects soil trafficability, visibility, and functioning of many electro-optical systems. Time analysis is often the first thing a leader does. Some situations have no decisive terrain. to convey the operation in a doctrinal context. The leader identifies critical factors about temperature, including high and low temperatures, infrared crossover times, and effects of obscurants and Limited planning time forces leaders to prioritize their terrain analyses. Organizations We boarded our aircraft, started the engines and positioned ourselves at the passenger terminal to pick up our first passengers for the evening. Some temperature considerations include: A-65. The COA statement specifies how the unit will accomplish the mission. The shaping operations purposes are nested to the decisive operation's purpose by setting the conditions for success of the decisive operation. They influence and interact with the populace, force, and each other. Develop a Concept of Operations Where has the enemy positioned weapons to cover the obstacles, and what type of weapons is he using? Even if it offers clear observation and fields of fire, it offers nothing if the enemy can easily bypass it, or if the selected course of action involves maneuver on a different avenue of approach. However, the weather forecaster at our station did not agree with that assessment. 2. Beginning with the decisive point identified during mission analysis, the leader identifies the decisive operation's purpose and purposes of his shaping and sustaining operations. If time permits, the leader might be able to conduct a pattern analysis of the enemy's actions to predict future actions. At company level and below, leaders develop a graphic terrain analysis overlay. The line between enemy combatants and civilian noncombatants is sometimes unclear. This should include at least the employment of reserves, CBRN weapons, artillery or mortar locations and ranges, and reconnaissance assets. A-69. "Send two Soldiers to assist in the loading of ammunition. A-92. Leaders also consider the effects of manmade and natural terrain in conjunction with the weather on friendly and enemy operations. A-85. This time we were lucky, we arrived without having to use the emergency GPS approach. Sustainment Mission Command Threat COA's - Sketch PLT Concept (i.e. Implied in the analysis of time is leader prioritization of events and sequencing of activities. The length of crossover time depends on air temperature, soil and vegetation types, amount of cloud cover, and other factors. The three types of tasks are specified, implied, and essential. How the COA accounts for minimum essential stability tasks. Coa Statement And Sketch Example digitalpictures If the method isn't listed, select other. Battle, support by fire, and assault by fire positions. Leaders analyze the enemy's dispositions, compositions, strengths, doctrine, equipment, capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable COA. What are the enemy's likely counterattack routes? This information can be maintained in a checkbook-style matrix for use during COA development (specifically array forces). What axes afford both clear fields of fire and cover and concealment? What is the composition and strength of the enemy force? It is also why he must clearly explain his intent to his subordinates. It is a conclusion, usually arrived at after enemy analysis and COA development, rather than an observation: A-48. Heavy cloud cover can degrade many target acquisition systems, IR guided munitions, and general aviation operations. Is it important to me? PIR are best expressed in a question being answered yes or no. Just because the report you receive says you have legal weather, don't always assume it is accurate. A-112. What is the supply status of ammunition, water, fuel (if required), and other necessary items? Where is the dead space in my area of operations? This can require reduced aircraft payloads. . How do civilian considerations affect the operation? Forward area arming and refueling points. Where can I support the movement of a friendly force with mortar, medium machine gun, or Javelin? A-120. A-86. It succinctly describes the enemy's aim, means, and approach to achieving its end state. Military aspects of terrain OAKOC are used to analyze the ground. We also obtained a report from the battle captain concerning the weather situation at the destination airfield. An avenue of approach is an air or ground route of an attacking force leading to an objective or key terrain. Some precipitation questions to answer include . The leader should focus his efforts to develop at least one well-synchronized COA; if time permits, he should develop several. For shaping operations, it accomplishes the assigned purpose, which shapes the decisive operation. _____ (60 points total) COURSE OF ACTION STATEMENT A-88. Even if time is tight, the leader should allocate as much time as possible to factor, starting at the. The two flight crews met at the TOC for the mission briefing. Capabilities Leaders constantly receive information, from the time they begin planning through execution. How will obstacles and terrain affect the movement or maneuver of the unit? Understanding these patterns helps leaders plan and execute information collection, combat operations, and logistical resupply. He does this analysis through war gaming or "fighting" the COA against at least one enemy COA. Strong winds and wind turbulence limit airborne, air assault, and aviation operations. Wind always is described as "fromto" as in "winds are from the east moving to the west." The leader must thoroughly understand when, where, and how the enemy prefers or tends to use his assets. A-74. To determine conditions and resources required for success. Search and attack operations are conducted by smaller, light maneuver units and air cavalry or air assault units in large areas. He might do it personally, by map, or with his subordinate units, or he can use the assets and information provided by the battalion reconnaissance platoon. COA analysis (war gaming) brings together friendly and enemy forces on the actual terrain to visualize how the operation will unfold. Will temperatures and humidity favor the use of nonpersistent chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear? Course of Move statement. What terrain is essential for communications nodes dictating the employment of digital communications equipment? For example, fratricide is a hazard categorized as an accident risk; surface danger zones and risk estimate distance are used to identify the controls, such as TRP and phase lines, to reduce this accidental risk. The initial commander's intent describes the purpose of the operation, initial key tasks, and the desired end state. People Gaining local support can best be accomplished by the leader who demonstrates dignity and respect to the civilian population he is charged to protect and train. Our pilot report, along with others, gave the forecaster more information to augment his observation. Higher headquarters provides the leader with civil considerations affecting the next echelons mission. The problem statement generated during problem framing communicates the commander's understanding of the problem or problem set upon which the organization will act. A-67. Terrain is important for friendly observation, both for commanding and controlling and for calling for fire? Gaining complete understanding of the enemy's intentions can be difficult when his situation templates, composition, and disposition are unclear. Our aircrews carefully synchronized our return flight using proven aircrew coordination skills. We decided to return to the airfield at that point because once we passed the light source, we wouldn't be able to see much of anything. He made an informed decision to put the crews on standby in case the weather lifted. After developing the COA, the leader analyzes it to determine its strengths and weaknesses, visualizes the flow of the battle, identifies the conditions or requirements necessary to enhance synchronization, and gains insights into actions at the decisive point of the mission. A good enemy COA tells a story. Leaders also answer these questions: A-84. Assessments regarding on-order and be-prepared missions. Specified tasks also may be found in annexes and overlays, for example-- "Seize OBJ FOX. ), Table A-1. When possible, the observer conducts a ground reconnaissance from both enemy and friendly perspectives. b. You may begin work on the COA S&S after you have completed the C600 block of instruction and the C634 MDMP Exam. Current activities, capabilities, and limitations are some of the information necessary to build situational understanding. A-81. A-30. He makes the final selection of a COA based on his own judgment, the start time of the operation, the area of operation, the scheme of maneuver, and subordinate unit tasks and purposes. Reconnaissance, surveillance, and target-acquisition positions. A-49. As addressed in step 1 of the TLP, time analysis is a critical aspect to planning, preparation, and execution. From this analysis, he might be able to determine patterns in the enemy's employment or troops and equipment. Start with Situation Template 2. Immediate higher headquarters (one level up) mission, intent, and concept. Heavy cloud cover often canalizes aircraft within air avenues of approach and on the final approach to the target. A-47. Flexibility built into the plan by gaining insights into possible branches to the basic plan. area of operation as well as the doctrinal requirements for each specified task might reveal the implied tasks. SELECT HERE, By CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER 2 DWAINE L. ESCH, C Company, 2nd Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. During the first step of COA development, analyzing relative combat power, leaders compare and contrast friendly combat power with the enemy. A-71. What we had was conflicting weather briefs from reliable sources. A-115. Following these or similar guidelines will result in a higher mission accomplishment rate, a lower weather-related mishap rate and a better image of aviation professionalism. Using this technique, they would, but need not, analyze mission first; followed by terrain and weather; enemy; troops and support available; time available; and finally civil considerations. PPT MDMP Class (Military Decision Making Process) PowerPoint He determines how the weather will affect the visibility, mobility, and survivability of his unit and that of the enemy. Higher headquarters (two levels up) mission, intent, and concept. If the benefits of performing the mission do not significantly outweigh the inherent risks of marginal/borderline weather, the flight should be a no-go or implement alternate transportation to accomplish the mission safely. After the COA briefing, the commander selects or modifies those COAs for continued analysis. They decide where their forces can deploy into attack formations that facilitate the initial contact and still provide freedom of action for the bulk of their forces. A COA describes how the unit might generate the effects of overwhelming combat power against the enemy at the decisive point with the least friendly casualties. The observer must observe both the impact and effects of indirect fires. If he has no mutually supporting mobility corridors, then a single mobility corridor might become an avenue of approach. Implied Tasks. They must determine how the terrain and weather will affect the enemy and their units. Will wind speed and direction affect the employment of available mortars? Both the COA statement and sketch focus at the decisive point. A-32. If the information is available, he determines the echelon force where the enemy originated. -Form of maneuver or type of defensive operation. Soon we had turned back and all the instruments were reading straight and level. Leaders study their task organization to determine the number, type, capabilities, and condition of available friendly troops and other support. Questions A-23. What avenues would support a friendly counterattack or repositioning of forces? They identify their headquarters tasks and purposes as well as their own contributions to this fight. The product of this process is the synchronization matrix. Most terrorists and insurgents depend on the support or neutrality of the civilian population to camouflage them. PREPARE COURSE-OF-ACTION STATEMENT AND SKETCH STEP 1 Development begins with the staff analyzing relative-force ratios. Array initial forces. A-91. Instructions: The C634 course of action statement and sketch (COA S&S) is worth 20% of the overall C600 grade. Then, they determine how those fit into their superiors concepts of the operation. Staff COA. Categories of terrain, severely restricted terrain which severely hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some effort is made to enhance mobility. These may be indigenous, come from a third country or U.S. agencies. Array Forces Composition A-118. COA statment and sketch Cover the; who (generic task organization), what (tasks), when, where, and why (purpose) for each subordinate unit. ATP 2-01.3 for more information. If a solution does not exist, the leader must develop one. Existing obstacles, natural include rivers; forests; mountains; ravines; gaps and ditches more than three meters wide; tree stumps and large rocks more than 18 inches high; forests with trees eight inches or more in diameter, with less than four meters between trees. An example of a basic COA sketch is shown in Figure 1-1. During the war game, the leader visualizes a set of enemy and friendly actions and reactions. How do I detect and, if desired, bypass the obstacles? Notes COA statement must clearly portray how the unit What locations afford cover and concealment as well as good observation and fields of fire? Identify number of units needed and operational. The process of getting from the original COA inputs (statement and sketch) to the formal inputs needed . Commanders should limit their CCIRs to essential information. What locations have clear observation and fields of fire along enemy avenues of approach? The COA statement briefly expresses how the unit will conduct the combined arm concept. Biographical Sketch. A mission is task and purpose clearly indicating the action to be taken and reason for the action. Are clear observation and fields of fire available on or near the objective for enemy observers and weapon systems? In analyzing the enemy, the leader must understand the One technique is to use the warfighting functions as a checklist to address every significant element the enemy brings to the fight. Some missions require a second briefing or the completion of another risk assessment. What (the unit's essential task and type of operation). The leader also determines how to avoid enemy strengths or advantages in combat power. 4. Defining other influential organizations or groups of influence allows for information collection. They try to keep their span of control between two to five subordinate elements. I kept an eye on the dust cloud and the instrument panel at the same time, which wasn't a good idea because I soon became disoriented. When fully boarded, we took off and headed to the first stop. (a) The decisive point method employs the following steps: Determine the decisive point and the results to be achieved there. A-40. These effects translate directly into conclusions applying to friendly or enemy COA. A-107. A-70. However, as the global situation changes, the possibility of fighting threat who lack a structured doctrine increases. The leader identifies critical conclusions about visibility factors such as light data, fog, and smog; and about battlefield obscurants such as smoke and dust. In common usage, especially when applied to lower military units, a mission is a duty or task assigned to an individual or unit. A-63. How will each avenue support movement techniques, formations and, once we make enemy contact, maneuver? Many Eastern cultures rely upon religious organizations as their centers of power and influence, whereas Western culture's power comes from political institutions by elected officials. AGADAP Example Walk-through Part 3:. What is the potential for chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear contamination? Recommended enemy situation template items. Whether it is set times for prayer, shopping or commuting, people follow patterns. In a time-constrained environment, a platoon leader typically develops only one COA. He locates intervisibility lines (ridges or horizons which can hide equipment or personnel from observation). Finally, given the scale with which the leader often develops his situation template, on a 1:50,000 maps, the situation template should be transferred to a graphic depiction of terrain for briefing purposes, as the situation allows. War gaming is a critical step in the planning process and should be allocated more time than the other steps. CBRN operations usually favor the upwind force. Can I observe and fire on his location with at least two-thirds of my combat power? In it, leaders show terrain mobility classifications, key terrain, intervisibility lines, known obstacles, avenues of approach, and mobility corridors. Leaders who analyze the ethnic dynamics of their area of operation can best apply combat power, shape maneuver with information related capabilities, and ultimately find the common denominator all ethnic varieties have in common and focus unit efforts at it. They must clearly understand their immediate higher up intent from the OPORD. I expressed my concern and some uneasiness about the situation because our crews had been caught in dust before and knew the consequences. A-60. COA analysis begins with both friendly and enemy COA and, using a method of action-reaction-counteraction war game, results in a synchronized friendly plan, identified strengths and weaknesses, and updated risk assessment. Heavy precipitation can reduce the quality of supplies in storage. A-76. This doctrinal requirement provides a framework for the leader to develop a COA. If the leader determines his tentative decisive point is not valid during COA development or analysis, then he must determine another decisive point and restart COA development. BMNT, sunrise, sunset, He conducts mission analysis to help him start developing his vision, and to confirm what he must do to accomplish his mission. Given more time, they might analyze the remainder of their platoons area of operation and area of interest. In the operational environment, this might be the most important analysis the leader conducts and is likely to yield the most useful information to the leader. A-83. Leaders look at the terrain, foliage, structures, and other features along avenues of approach (and on objectives or key terrain) to identify sites offering cover (protection from the effects of direct and indirect fire) and concealment (protection from observation). A-45. The decisive point might be the event or action (with respect to terrain, enemy, or time, and generation of combat power) will ultimately and irreversibly lead to the unit achieving its purpose. A-44. Doctrinal Analysis (How Enemy Will Fight) An appreciation for time, space, and triggers needed to integrate direct and indirect fire support, obscurants, engineers, air defense artillery, and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear with maneuver platoons (Infantry, antiarmor, or tank) to support unit tasks and purposes identified in the scheme of maneuver. How will cloud cover affect unit operations at night? Each COA the leader develops must be detailed enough to clearly describe how he envisions using all of his assets and combat multipliers to achieve the unit's mission-essential task and purpose. They must go beyond merely passing along the MCOO to their subordinate leaders and making general observations of the terrain such as "This is high ground," or "This is a stream." Heavy snow cover can reduce the efficiency of many communication systems as well as degrade the effects of many munitions and air operations. They must assess if the new information affects their missions and plans. Template of enemy forces and essential weapon systems. For example, if a battalion situation template identifies a platoon-size enemy element on the company's objective and squad-size enemy elements on the platoons objective, the leader, using his knowledge of both the enemy's doctrine and terrain, develops a situation template positioning squad-size battle positions, crew-served weapons positions, or defensive trenches.
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