Defined Operational Environment
Leaders to have starting points for terrain analysis must first define their operational environment. In developing the concept of the operation , the leader clarifies in his mind the best ways to use the available terrain and to employ the unit's strengths against the enemy's weaknesses. Specified tasks also may be found in annexes and overlays, for example-- "Seize OBJ FOX. The second mission variable to consider is the enemy. We had passengers, field Soldiers, aircrew and our aircraft to consider. Avenues of approach are classified the same as mobility corridors. If he has developed more than one COA, he applies this same analysis to each COA developed. The COA statement details how the unit's operation supports the next higher leader's operation, the decisive point and why it is decisive, the form of maneuver or type of defensive mission, and operational framework. For example, if the specified task is "Seize Objective Fox," and new intelligence has OBJ FOX surrounded by reinforcing obstacles, this intelligence would drive the implied task of "Breach reinforcing obstacles vicinity Objective Fox.". The area of interest includes threat forces or other elements characterizing the operational environment and greatly influencing the accomplishment of the mission. A-67. Constraints either prohibit or require an action. You may begin work on the COA S&S after you have completed the C600 block of instruction and the C634 MDMP Exam. Leaders also consider the effects of manmade and natural terrain in conjunction with the weather on friendly and enemy operations. These significant deductions drive the planning process and execution of operations. Table A-1 shows recommended situation template items. The reason the staff used the selected control measures. Avenues of Approach
A-121. A-69. Sometime before sunset, I headed out to preflight the aircraft. Evaluation of weather in support of these operations requires information on the wind at the surface as well as at varying altitudes. We discussed the weather conditions and decided to keep an eye on it. For example, an armor heavy task force organized with three armor and one STEP 5 Complete the course of action by preparing a statement and sketch. Population statuses overlays can best describe groups and define what feelings the group has toward American forces. An avenue of approach is an air or ground route of an attacking force leading to an objective or key terrain. Using the targeting methodology of D3A (decide, detect, deliver, and assess) may prove useful in determining whether a leader or influencer would best facilitate an operation, when to engage them, and what to expect. The decisive point might be where or how, or from where, the unit will combine the effects of combat power against the enemy. Prepare COA statement and sketch Avenue of approach Key terrain COA Analysis (war game) Observation/fields *Action - Reaction - Counteraction* of fire Methods Cover and concealment Box. MS200 Video lecture about Course of Action (COA) Sketch and Concept Statement The views expressed are those of the speaker and do not reflect the official policy or po MDMP: Course of Action. The CCIRs identify and filter information needed by leaders to support their vision and to make critical decisions, especially to determine or validate COA. 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. What additional assets are required to accomplish the mission? He begins TLP Step 3 after he issues his own WARNORD, and after he has received companys third WARNORD, or until he has enough information to proceed. (DRAW-D [defends, reinforce, attack, withdraw, or delay]). To determine how to maximize the effects of combat power while protecting friendly forces and minimizing collateral damage. The fifth mission variable of METT-TC is time available. During the first step of COA development, analyzing relative combat power, leaders compare and contrast friendly combat power with the enemy. PREPARE COURSE-OF-ACTION STATEMENT AND SKETCH STEP 1 Development begins with the staff analyzing relative-force ratios. Leaders analyze the enemy's dispositions, compositions, strengths, doctrine, equipment, capabilities, vulnerabilities, and probable COA. Many times, the spiritual leader is not necessarily the decision maker for a community, but the spiritual leader must approve the decision maker's actions. The leader should clearly explain what the decisive point is to his subordinate leaders and why it is decisive; this objective, in conjunction with his commander's intent, facilitates subordinate initiative. Prepare a COA statement and sketch (Decisive point, form of maneuver, and statement of each task to be accomplished) Write your mission statement using the 5Ws. What terrain is essential for communications nodes dictating the employment of digital communications equipment? For example, in the conduct of attacks, leaders might prioritize the areas immediately around their objective for analysis, followed by the platoons specific axis leading to the objective. He need not wait for a complete OPORD before starting to develop his own tentative plan. Determine Time Phase Lines (TPLs) and Mobility Corridors 3. Using the results of all previous analyses done during mission analysis, the leader compares his unit's combat power strengths and weaknesses with those of the enemy. This 3-page document outlines an individual's education and training, their appointments and positions, and other . Assign Responsibilities
Although the battle captain knew the environmental conditions, he told us we had legal weather and expected us to accomplish the mission.
Develop a Concept of Operations
The reason units are arrayed as shown on the sketch. 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. The leader identifies locations along each avenue of approach providing clear observation and fields of fire for both the attacker and defender. A-42. A-44. Furthermore, their own assumptions about the enemy must be consistent with those of their higher commander. A-28. How will existing obstacles and restricted terrain affect the enemy? Prepare COA Statements and Sketches Conduct a Course of Action Briefing. Consider all nonmilitary groups or institutions in the area of operation. Or, they might have to move much more slowly than they would like. This process is designed to facilitate the decision-making process. (a) The decisive point method employs the following steps: Determine the decisive point and the results to be achieved there. Finally, he must update previous timelines for his subordinates, listing all events affecting the platoon and its subordinate elements. 4 Q Given more time, they might analyze the remainder of their platoons area of operation and area of interest. Coa Statement And Sketch Example digitalpictures If the method isn't listed, select other. The impact on civilians. Structures
Designating a decisive point is critical to the leader's vision of how he will use combat power to achieve the purpose, how he will task-organize his unit and how his shaping operations will support the decisive operation, and how the decisive operation will accomplish the unit's purpose. Instructions: The C634 course of action statement and sketch (COA S&S) is worth 20% of the overall C600 grade. It is a continuous cycle of action, reaction, and counteraction. It is a conclusion, usually arrived at after enemy analysis and COA development, rather than an observation: A-48. Next, the leader analyzes relative combat power, generates options, arrays his forces, develops a CONOP, assigns responsibility, and prepares a COA statement and sketch. What is the enemy's most probable course of action? It is also why he must clearly explain his intent to his subordinates. From the modified combined obstacle overlay (MCOO) developed by higher headquarters, leaders already appreciate the general nature of the ground and effects of weather. Complete. Once identified, risk must be reduced through controls. Form of maneuver or type of defensive mission. Assess capabilities in terms of those required to save, sustain, or enhance life, in that order. Search and attack operations are conducted by smaller, light maneuver units and air cavalry or air assault units in large areas. What lateral routes could we use to shift to other axes, and which could the enemy use to threaten our flanks? Poorly developed road systems may hamper logistical or rear area movement. Categories of terrain, restricted terrain hindering movement somewhat. When (this is the time given in the company OPORD). 1 / 38. With the preflight accomplished and the gear prearranged where we wanted it, we headed for the dining facility to grab dinner before our long mission. A-110. The purpose of this step is to compare the combat power of friendly and enemy forces. A-43. The COA statement specifies how the unit will accomplish the mission. This preview shows page 13 - 24 out of 34 pages. We informed the battle captain of our weather forecaster's concerns of flying the mission. Will variations in trafficability force changes in formations or movement techniques, or require clearance of restricted terrain? By focusing on the motivations for civilian labor and creating essential services and prosperity where there was none, unit leaders/commanders can win the support of the civilian who now can feed and clothe his family and now has clean running water. How does the operation affect the civilians? What locations have clear observation and fields of fire along enemy avenues of approach? Second, leaders confirm the missions decisive point. Template of enemy forces and essential weapon systems. Both the COA statement and sketch focus at the decisive point. These may be indigenous, come from a third country or U.S. agencies. Compile data from other bases and other crews to help your crew make an informed decision about your mission. Decisive point and what makes it decisive. _____ (60 points total) COURSE OF ACTION STATEMENT Examples of critical events that can be identified in advance for a defensive operation are reward passage of counter reconnaissance forces, commitment of the reserve, displacement of forces,. This situation template is portrayed one echelon lower than developed by the higher headquarters S-2. Most importantly, as events occur, he must adjust the time available to him and assess its impact on what he wants to accomplish. Areas
Leaders must understand assumption the battalion (S-2 uses to portray the enemy's COA. Consequently, this information must be protected from identification by the enemy. Leaders must understand each groups perceptions about the United States, the Army, and specific units operating within that area. e. Mission. Categories of terrain, unrestricted terrain free of restrictions to movement, so no actions are needed to enhance mobility. Figure C-1 shows an example of the COA sketch and text (COA statement) that go with the OPFOR countertasks listed above. For each COA, the leader thinks through the operation from start to finish. He locates intervisibility lines (ridges or horizons which can hide equipment or personnel from observation).
The unit's decisive operation always focuses at the decisive point, and always accomplishes the unit's purpose. The normal cycle for defensive missions is engagement area development and preparation of the battle positions, actions in the EA, counterattack, and consolidation and reorganization. A-82. Leaders understand their second higher up concepts of the operation. The observer must observe both the impact and effects of indirect fires. (b) A COA COA stmts and sketches. Leaders capture their understanding of what their units are to accomplish in their revised mission statements. Cover and Concealment
Staff COA. To determine conditions and resources required for success. 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. Identify number of units needed and operational. A-29. A-68. How will cloud cover affect helicopter and close air support? Reinforcing obstacles, protective (reinforcing) obstacles offer close-in protection and are important to survivability. Higher headquarters information, he determines how the enemy is (or might be) arrayed. Leaders identify existing (inherent to terrain and either natural or man-made) and reinforcing (tactical or protective) obstacles limiting mobility in his area of operation.
Feasible. If executed, the COA accomplishes the mission consistent with the higher commander's concept and intent. We had legal weather; however, the weather report showed a dust storm in our flight path. These campaigns include infrastructure rebuild projects, creation of labor opportunities, and education. PPT MDMP Class (Military Decision Making Process) PowerPoint NSF requires a biographical sketch for each individual identified as senior personnel. Asset locations such as enemy command posts or ammunition caches. These attributes may pertain to the accomplishment of the unit purpose, the use of terrain, the destruction of the enemy or other aspect of the operation he believes is important. Understanding of time and space relationships of events, leading to thorough contingency plans. People
What lateral routes could the enemy use to threaten our flanks? How will the terrain affect the employment of mortars, medium machine guns, and Javelin missiles? Leaders assign responsibility for each task to a subordinate. First, leaders consider TTP from doctrine, unit SOPs, history, or other resources to determine if a solution to a similar tactical problem exists already. Goal is to develop COAs for every feasible ECOA; however, the commander usually limits that option with his guidance. Not only does it facilitate planning, but it also aids in briefing subordinates. War gaming is a critical step in the planning process and should be allocated more time than the other steps. During all phases, leaders consider critical times, unusable time, the time it takes to accomplish activities, the time it takes to move, priorities of work, and tempo of operations. New facts and new or updated . How can the enemy use each avenue of approach? A-92. 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. He allocates resources required for the decisive operation's success first and determines the resources needed for shaping operations in descending order of importance. When possible, the observer conducts a ground reconnaissance from both enemy and friendly perspectives. Leaders who identify the economic production base of their area of operation can execute civil-military campaigns within their area of operation bolstering the economic welfare of the people. Some cloud cover questions follow: Temperature and Humidity
In order to keep communication at a standstill, phone lines are cut connecting the outside to the camp before the attack. However, the weather forecaster at our station did not agree with that assessment. They must determine how the terrain and weather will affect the enemy and their units. Offensive considerations in analyzing observation and fields of fire include , A-55. Information related capabilities also can be properly focused with a healthy understanding of the perceptions of the civilian population. The leader must thoroughly understand when, where, and how the enemy prefers or tends to use his assets. He then develops the maneuver control measures necessary to convey his intent, enhance the understanding of the schemes of maneuver, prevent fratricide, and clarify the tasks and purposes of the decisive shaping, and sustaining operations. 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. They take five steps to fully analyze their assigned mission as directed from higher .
He determines how the weather will affect the visibility, mobility, and survivability of his unit and that of the enemy. War gaming is the process of determining "what if?" How can precipitation (or lack of it) add to the unit achieving surprise? Cover and concealment can be either part of the environment or something brought in by the unit to create the desired effect : A-57. How do our forces build national will in our area of operations? Windblown sand, dust, rain, or snow can reduce the effectiveness of radar and other communication systems. A-94. Defensive considerations when analyzing obstacles and restricted terrain: Where does the enemy want to go? The COA covers the operational factors of who, what, when, where, and how, and must show from start to finish how the unit will accomplish the mission. A-75. Leaders analysis must determine the types of vehicles, Soldiers, and equipment the enemy could use against his unit. Seize, destroy, and neutralize are examples of tasks associated with an offensive operation. Recommended enemy situation template items. The leader must consider two kinds of risk: tactical and accident. Heavy snow cover can reduce the efficiency of many communication systems as well as degrade the effects of many munitions and air operations. We stopped our climb at a base altitude of 3,000 feet and returned to the airfield. Leaders conclude their mission analyses by restating their missions. Write your commanders intent to address key tasks or conditions that must be met to achieve the stated purpose and end state. The mission brief went as usual. The operations purpose usually matches or achieves the purpose of the immediate higher headquarters. A-38. Battle, support by fire, and assault by fire positions. By defining organizations within the community, leaders can understand what groups have power and influence over their own smaller communities and what groups can assist our forces. Array Forces
A-63. These effects translate directly into conclusions applying to friendly or enemy COA. A-64. Order Description . How do you weigh the importance of the mission with your ability to complete that mission safely? A-109. He includes in this situation template the likely sectors of fire of the enemy weapons and tactical and protective obstacles, either identified or merely templated, which support defensive tasks. Projected sustainment expenditures, friendly casualties, and resulting medical requirements. Essential Task. A-37. Conclusions include at least the following : Obstacles
This includes studying the maximum effective range for each weapon system, the doctrinal rates of march, and timelines associated with the performance of certain tasks. Other systems? A-117. It was only then that I was able to look outside again. Defensive considerations the leader can include in his evaluation of avenues of approach: Key Terrain
At small-unit level, the enemy's most probable COA is what the enemy is most likely to do. 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. Only those requiring resources should be used. Existing obstacles, man-made include towns; canals; railroad embankments; buildings; power lines; telephone lines. The leader also determines the capabilities of the next higher enemy element. Leaders must understand how their units' purposes relate to higher. The leader looks at specific enemy actions during a given operation and uses the appropriate situation template to gain insights into how the enemy may fight. The result of the COA development process is paragraph 3 of the OPORD. One technique is to use the warfighting functions as a checklist to address every significant element the enemy brings to the fight. OAKOC
Disposition
Selecting of movement techniques and formations, to include when to transition to tactical maneuver. A-112. The next day, we were then able to make it back to our home base, but not without encountering a slight amount of bad weather along the way. Do not discuss this assignment or your answers with anyone other than a Department of Distance Education (DDE) instructor or your academic advisor A-73.
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