13sect9

a. General. After receiving an order, subordinate leaders must be afforded the necessary time to complete their own planning prior to the parent unit combined arms rehearsal. This planning window provides time for critical mission analysis, COA development and analysis, and publishing the OPORD. This ensures subordinate commanders have time to assign responsibility for specified tasks and resolve issues discovered in the parent commander's OPORD. (Additional information on the combined arms rehearsal can be found in CALL Newsletter 98-5, p A-3.)

b. Who attends: The commander, the XO and primary staff, the subordinate unit commanders and their S3s, the S2, and the FSO must attend. The trial counsel or civil affairs officer may be added, depending on the scenario. Other pivotal players in the unit mission must attend as well. These include the normal slice of leadership along with units operating in DS, such as aviation units or COLTs. Whenever possible, flank units and the higher unit should be invited to attend. When time is short, attendance may be modified.

c. How long: Usually, there is insufficient time to rehearse the entire operation. About 1½ to 2 hours is a good rule, but it depends on METT-T. If too much time is consumed, separate BOS support rehearsals and subordinate unit combined arms rehearsals will lack sufficient time. Rank those critical events that the leader must synchronize through visualization. Rehearse the most important event first and, as time permits, continue to rehearse subsequent events. Subordinates should arrive prepared to rehearse the ranked events.

Enemy actions

· Enemy locations.
· Enemy formation and movement technique.
· Current actions.

The action the enemy can take concerning:

· Visual contact. Where are the OP/recon units, when can they see us, and what will they do?
· Physical contact. At what point do we come into direct fire range (list each system and system location separately)?
· Indirect fire. At what point do we come into the indirect fire ranges (list each system separately).
· Obstacles. When, where, what kind, and how will the enemy establish obstacles?
· Air. Where and when will the enemy commit air assets by type?
· NBC conditions. Where and when will the enemy commit chemical weapons?
· EW. When and where will the enemy employ EW?

Friendly actions

· Task, purpose, and endstate.
· Task organization.
· Unit location.
· Formation.
· Movement technique.
· Current actions and responsibilities.

What are the unit’s countermeasures concerning:

· Visual contact (we see the enemy or he sees us). What are the contingencies?
· Physical contact (direct fire or confrontation). What actions taken?
· Receive indirect fire. What actions taken?
· Obstacles (breach, mark or bypass). What actions taken.?
· Enemy air. What actions taken?
· NBC conditions. What actions taken?
· EW. What actions taken?

The detail: In Fig 13-1 the TF 1-1 Commander explains the actions of his unit. The TF is attacking as part of a brigade deliberate attack. The TF 1-1 Commander is addressing from the time the breach is complete and marked through his establishment of SBF 4. The battlefield conditions necessary for his success are establishment of SBF Mech and suppression of the two northern enemy platoons by direct and indirect fire from SBF Mech. The southern enemy platoon has been isolated by a smoke screen and suppressed by direct and indirect fire from SBF Mech. The breach team has the breach open and marked. The brigade commander directs TF 1-1 to pass through the breach to continue the attack. The 1-1 TF commander might state and show the following at the brigade combined arms rehearsal:

"My task and purpose are * * *. The task organization has not changed and I anticipate my objective to be * * *. The conditions for success are the establishment of SBF MECH in the north, the suppression and isolation of * * *. We will move from the assault position on AXIS SLAM to passage point (PP) 1 in a column formation using traveling overwatch.

"Tm ALPHA Mech task and purpose are * * *. It will lead the TF through the breach to establish SBF 1, orienting direct fires between target reference points (TRPs) 2 and 3. As Tm ALPHA Mech moves through the breach, his FIST will call target AE0005 to support the movement of his team and Tm CHARLIE Tank through the passage. Tm CHARLIE task and purpose are * * * and it will follow ALPHA through the passage. Once Tm CHARLIE clears the breach, it will bound forward to and occupy SBF 2. Once Tm CHARLIE is set in SBF 2, Tm ALPHA will shift fires north, orienting between TRPs 3 and 4. From SBF 2, Tm CHARLIE will begin assaulting north, orienting on TRP 3. Tm BRAVO Mech will follow Tm CHARLIE through the breach and occupy SBF 3, which is oriented northwest to block possible commitment of the combined arms reserve. Tm BRAVO task and purpose are * * *. At this point I will have three companies through the breach; the fourth, Tm DELTA tank, task and purpose are to move to occupy SBF 2, be ready to follow and support. Tm DELTA will have the FAS moving behind it for initial establishment in the vicinity of SBF 2. Tm CHARLIE will continue assaulting north across objective SOUTH. As they reach the northern edge of objective SOUTH, Tm CHARLIE will call target AE0006, and SBF Mech will shift fires to objective NORTH. Once Tm CHARLIE is on objective CENTER, Tm ALPHA will lift direct fires. This will allow Tm CHARLIE to move across objective CENTER. If Tm CHARLIE becomes combat ineffective at any point, I have the flexibility to either commit Tm DELTA or bring up Tm ALPHA from SBF 3. As Tm CHARLIE reaches TRP 3, Tm DELTA will move off SBF 2 and follow Tm CHARLIE’s route across objective SOUTH. As Tm CHARLIE secures objective CENTER, it will establish SBF 4 to block the movement of the combined arms reserve if it is committed this late. We will then pass Tm DELTA through to continue to objective NORTH and establish SBF 5. The move onto objective NORTH is the key for SBF Mech to lift fires from objective NORTH."

Visual contact. "As we enter the breach area, my lead company will be able to assess the effectiveness of the smoke and adjust as necessary. I will use my mortars to mark the TRPs."

Physical contact. "I will establish a casualty collection point (CCP) behind SBF2, and, as soon as possible, move casualties back to the forward aid station (FAS) behind Tm DELTA."

Receive indirect fire: "We will depend on survivability moves and counterbattery radar to handle any indirect fires."

Obstacles. "We will use our tank plows to defeat these obstacles or any FASCAM used to close the breach. Every new team through the breach will lead with a plow tank to replow the breach and ensure it stays open. Any hasty protective obstacle breaches will be marked according to the brigade SOP. As Tm ALPHA moves off SBF 2, Tm CHARLIE will send a guide back to lead it through any obstacles Tm CHARLIE breached."

Enemy air. "Tms ALPHA, BRAVO, and CHARLIE will have Stingers oriented on enemy air corridors."

d. Result. By clearly articulating his actions, each subordinate commander adds to his and the unit’s visualization of the battlefield. This includes spacial relationships and the actions of each unit. He is able to display the timing of key events and the criticality of his unit or action to mission accomplishment. Players at the rehearsal must be prepared to discuss in detail how their units will perform and react to projected enemy actions. Situational awareness must be rehearsed by identifying critical locations, conditions, and events as they will present themselves in the battle.

a. General. The brigade CSS rehearsal ensures that the CSS effort is synchronized within the unit and that the CSS effort supports the commander’s intent. Brigade CSS rehearsals normally occur immediately following the combined arms rehearsal. The players include key CSS leadership from across the units. (Additional information on the CSS rehearsal can be found in CALL Newsletter 98-5, p A-7.)

b. Who attends. Units must remember this is the brigade commander’s rehearsal, even though the brigade S4 normally conducts it. Each TF sends the XO, S4, battalion motor officer (BMO), support platoon leader, medical platoon leader, and HHC commander. The FSB sends the commander, S2/S3, all company commanders, the supply platoon leaders and sergeants, the ambulance platoon leaders and sergeants, the medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) team leader, the shop officer, the maintenance officer, and the repair control supervisor. The brigade staff sends the XO and representatives from the S4, S2, brigade engineer, FSO, and S3. Also attending is platoon leadership from any specialty platoons, such as MP, chemical, etc. When time is short, the attendance may be modified.

c. How long. A good rule is 1 to 1 ½ hours. Time dedicated to the CSS rehearsal is very expensive because of the nature of ongoing CSS activities. Participants must arrive on time and be ready to rehearse. The timing of the rehearsal must be carefully coordinated. A convenient time is normally immediately following the combined arms rehearsal because most of the players are already there. Since key players like the TF or battalion XO, the S4, and HHC commander must attend both TF rehearsals and brigade CSS rehearsals, the brigade must coordinate the timing of the rehearsal early enough for the TF or battalion to incorporate it into the timeline.

d. Script. The brigade logistics synchronization matrix drives the rehearsal as the agenda.

(1) TTP. Divide the mission into three phases: before, during, and after. Use LD time to divide between the before and during phases. Use achievement of the commander’s end state or an "on order" mission to begin the after phase. Move through your response sequence one time per phase to ensure all players are represented.

As the enemy is deployed, the S2 should address likely avenues of approach, intelligence updates concerning Levels I and II threats, refugee activity, and deep artillery and aviation threats. Units may provide a current status update; for example, the TFs and battalions successively lay out current assets, unit locations to include the battalion aid station (BAS), and unit maintenance collection point (UMCP) trains; and their current combat power. The FSB S3 briefs current brigade support area (BSA) locations, critical logistic activities within the next 24 hours, critical shortages, and throughput locations and times.

The staff rehearses the branches in the same sequence they were rehearsed at the combined arms rehearsal.

-TF XO. Unit task and purpose (stated once), unit location, unit actions (approach march, assault, etc).

-TF S4. Combat trains location, combat trains movements, combat trains CP actions (movements, reports, possible emergency requests).

-Medical platoon leader. FAS and main aid station (MAS) location, displacement routes, triggers, and setup times for ambulance exchange points (AXPs).

-HHC commander. Location of field trains, resupply actions, logistics package (LOGPAC) status.

-Support platoon leader. TF resupply and movement actions as described by the HHC commander.

-Service battery commander. Location, LOGPAC status, and resupply actions as described by the S4.

-HHC commander. Locations of field trains, LOGPAC status and resupply operations described by the S4.

-S3. BSA location and unit disposition, critical supply activities, and CSS synchronization matrix.

-B Co Commander. Class IX activities, maintenance support posture, and movements.

-Ambulance platoon leader. Show AXPs and routes as described by the C Co Commander.

(e) Specialty units. Only respond if they have critical issues or actions that impact on a specific event; i.e., air corridors change or the MSB has a resupply push package set for a specific trigger.

e. Detail. Every functional area must be addressed. Units must articulate en route requirements; i.e., refuel on the move (ROM), recovery, evacuation, etc. Units must move physically on the terrain board or sketch map to show the relationship between positions and functions of the logistics effort. Specific times, grids, communications nets, and requirements must be stated. Critical points, such as trigger points, control measures, and coordination points, are confirmed. Interactive coordination must occur throughout this process.

The senior logisticians present should ensure actions "during" the battle contribute to the logistics preparation of the battlefield for the next fight. These include hasty displacement plans, alternate communications means, alternate routes and locations, response to rear threats, use of aerial resupply and evacuation, and security measures.

Walk through key events such as medical evacuation from point of injury to the forward support medical company across all phases emphasizing the connectivity of the AXP and potential reconstitution. Players must "see" the operation from all aspects.

The FSB commander and the support operations officer should discuss each set of branches, particularly if the branch affects division or corps throughput. The focus must be on continuing to logistically shape the battlefield for future operations.

Logistic actions on the objective should reflect the same level of detailed coordination as the preceding phases. Focus on recovery of combat, clearing casualties, and pre-positioning Class IV and other commodities. Concentrate on speed of recovery from losses and reestablishment of the brigade logistics base. Identify dedicated routes for both access and egress and emphasize route discipline. Ensure units know the location of obstacles and minefields.

f. The results. Two critical products should result from the CSS rehearsal: a validated CSS annex for brigade and FSB orders and a finalized brigade CSS synchronization matrix. The CSS rehearsal validates the who, what when, where, and how of support. It will demonstrate that supporting plans integrate the logistic imperatives of anticipation, integration, continuity, responsiveness, and improvisation. It helps subordinates visualize the conditions for actions and triggers for change. After the rehearsal is complete, the recorder should restate any changes, coordination, or clarifications directed by the commander and estimate the time that a written fragmentary order (FRAGO) to codify the changes will follow.

a. General. The battalion or TF CSS rehearsal is in much greater detail than its brigade counterpart. How CSS tasks will be accomplished must be laid down by unit and event. Individual sections and units are addressed for each task. Most often the rehearsal occurs just prior to LOGPAC handoff at the logistics release point (LRP). The only shortcoming with this technique is that the unit supply sergeant and support platoon leader are not able to attend because they are usually on the road with the LOGPAC at that time.

b. Who attends. The XO, S4, command sergeant major (CSM), BMO, mortar and scout representatives, and the medical platoon leader attend from the TF. Having the S3 air and chaplain attend is helpful as well. The HHC commander or XO attends The company first sergeant must attend. He may bring the company medic and mechanic sergeants. Any slice units (ADA, for example) must provide a platoon leader, sergeant, etc.

c. The detail. Use the same agenda that was used in the TF combined arms rehearsal. The details of who does what by bumper number and name must be presented. The S4 controls the rehearsal just as the XO did the combined arms rehearsal.

-Team or company specialty platoon first sergeant or platoon sergeant. Unit task and purpose (stated once), unit location, unit actions, (assault, LOGPAC, fueling, etc).

-TF S4. Combat trains location, combat trains movements, combat trains CP actions (movements, reports, possible emergency requests).

-Medical platoon leader. FAS and MAS locations, displacement routes, triggers, setup times, and AXPs.

-HHC commander. Location of field trains, resupply actions, and LOGPAC status.

-Support platoon leader (if available). TF resupply and movement actions as described by the HHC commander.

a. Who Attends. Although this is a FS rehearsal, the brigade S3 must be closely involved to ensure the synchronization of the FS plan with the maneuver plan. Whenever possible, the brigade commander should participate as well. Normally the brigade sends the XO, the S3, the S4, the S2, the brigade engineer, the brigade FSO, and a representative from the FSB. Key representatives from the DS artillery battalion include the commander, the S3, the S2, the battalion FDO, the radar warrant officer (WO), and the MLRS LO. From the maneuver TFs, the commander (if available), the S3, the FSO, the scout platoon leader, and the mortar platoon leader should attend, as well as a COLT representative, the Army aviation LO, and USAF ALO. The DS artillery battalion commander normally commands this rehearsal for the brigade commander. He is assisted by the brigade FSO.

b. How long. Plan for 1 to 1½ hours for the FS rehearsal. There is seldom time to rehearse every target; at a minimum, rehearse the priority targets. The FS rehearsal ensures synchronization of the FS effort within the unit and that the fire support plan supports the commander’s intent. Fire support rehearsals normally occur after the combined arms rehearsal. The technique selected for the rehearsal is usually the radio technique, although the terrain model technique works as well. Performing the brigade FS rehearsal to the howitzer level is a very effective technique, but it carries a high cost in the amount of time required.

c. TTP. Units must gain proficiency on the radio technique at the home station. Attempting to perform this technique for the first time in the field is inviting disaster. Use the crawl- walk- run method: try the technique face to face the first time to work out the bugs. In the walk phase, move the players into different rooms of the same building, then, for the run, move them out to radios.

d. The script. The agenda used in FS rehearsals is the FSEM. Prior to the rehearsal, the DS FDO will announce the brigade consolidated target list by number and grid and list any special instructions for the targets. Establish your response sequence early. Include an intelligence update. The FSCOORD states the FSCM in effect at the starting point of the rehearsal and provides last minute guidance.

If the FS rehearsal occurs prior to the combined arms rehearsal, selection of branches to rehearse is done by the FSCOORD. If it occurs after the combined arms rehearsal, the sequence the branches are rehearsed mirrors that of the proceeding combined arms rehearsal.

e. The detail. The DS artillery battalion S2 advances the enemy or the friendly force one critical event at a time. When the S2 finishes describing the event, all fire supporters will execute the portion of the FS plan triggered by the action.

Friendly unit actions

· When are the conditions or trigger?
· Where is the target and from where will it be observed?
· Who is responsible for the target, the backup, and the radio net and backup?
· Why (purpose of the target)?
· What are the desired effects?

f. TTP. Often when using the radio technique, it becomes difficult to keep the rehearsal moving because the players cannot see each other. Establishing a response sequence by SOP will help significantly. One technique is for the units to respond as they are deployed front to rear, ensuring units with no targets state so and backup observers are allowed to fire targets. The shortcoming to this technique is that backup observers often call the target prior to the primary, but this technique does ensure every "looker" rehearses every target for the phase. Another technique is to fire the targets in the probable order in which they will be fired. This normally takes longer and often leads to some confusion about which unit follows in the sequence.

The following uses the previous deliberate attack example. The response sequence is front to rear; several units were left out for brevity. The sequence is: COLT, TF Mech, TF 1-1,* * *, ALO, * * *, and S2. The DS battalion S2 states: "It is now H+6. SBF Mech has been established. All three enemy platoon positions are being obscured by smoke and suppressed by SBF Mech. TF 1-1 is moving on Axis SLAM just approaching passage point (PP)1."

The brigade COLT would respond: "This is brigade COLT 2. I am backup for target AE0005 vicinity NA123456. TF 1-1's closure on PP1 is the trigger to fire. I will observe the target from vicinity NA345678 and call it on FS net * * *. The alternate method is * * *. The TGT purpose is * * *. The desired effects are * * *. Break * * *. FDC, this is COLT 2 fire target AE0005, over." The FDO would repeat the call for fire and issue a message to observer to include time of flight. The observer would end the mission.

The TF 1-1 FSO would respond: "This is TF 1-1 FSO. I am the priority for target AE0005. Our closure on PP1 is the trigger to fire target AE0005, NA 123456. ALPHA Team FIST will observe the target from vicinity NA234567 and call it on FS net * * *. The alternate method is * * *. The target purpose is * * *. The desired effects are * * *. Break * * *. FDC this is TF1-1 FSO fire target AE0005, over." The FDO would repeat the call for fire and issue a message to observer to include time of flight. If the ALPHA Team FIST was participating, he would then fire the target instead of the TF FSO. The observer would end the mission.

The ALO would state: "This is the brigade ALO. TF 1-1 closure on PP1 is my trigger. Four A-10 with Mavericks are at initial point (IP) CHEESE." The ALO would continue with the magnetic heading from the IP to the target, the target description, location, and elevation; the method of marking location of friendlies; the egress; and the time from IP to target. Any SEAD or airspace coordination area changes in support of CAS should be rehearsed with the CAS mission.

The S2 states: "Radar, this is the S2. TF 1-1 closure on PP1 is my trigger. Call for fire zone number 1 and critical friendly zones 4, 5, and 6 are in effect now. Que radar schedule JANE, 12 minutes, over."

The radar technician would respond: "S2, this is radar tech. Call for fire zone number 1 and critical friendly zones 4,5, and 6 are in effect. Que radar schedule JANE, 12 minutes, out."

For each target rehearsed address grid location, trigger point, engagement criteria, primary and backup observer and communications method, method of engagement, and attack guidance. Ensure the DS battalion S3 presents the battery movement plans and out-of-action cycles. Rehearse the radar target handoff and include clearing the fires at the TF level if the TF FSO is involved. Have the radar technician insert one or two acquisitions per phase of the rehearsal.

g. The result. This rehearsal ensures the validity of the FS plan. It will illustrate why fires are needed in relation to specific maneuver events and what they are intended to accomplish. It crosswalks lookers with shooters and ties them to a condition or event on the battlefield. It will ensure that FS will perform the missions assigned and meet the commander’s intent. When properly performed, the rehearsal practices the redundancy of observers and nets by having both the backup and primary shoot the targets. The FS plan is validated with the scheme of maneuver, the commander’s intent, and attack guidance. It ensures the obstacle plan is coordinated with the FS plan and that both support the maneuver plan. Finally it ensures the control measures for protecting and controlling aerial and ground forces are in place, integrated, and understood by all.

h. TF fire support rehearsals. The TF FSO normally runs this rehearsal. Involvement should be from the TF FSE all the way to the observers, including the S3, USAF, and S2. Lookers include scouts, the company FIST, and the platoon leadership responsible for a target. Shooters include the mortar platoon. This is often difficult in a compressed time sequence because many of the lookers are maneuver units that have already crossed the LD. The format for the rehearsal is exactly like that of the brigade rehearsal.