Mission command application in brigade combat team operations

¶ … Army doctrinal concepts in lessons C410 through C421 to answer the questions. Use the C400 online lessons and readings to help you answer the questions.

• If you state something from doctrine, the readings, or the lessons as part of your answer, you must give a citation in accordance with ST 22-2. You may use parenthetical citations, endnotes or footnotes; all citations must include page numbers.

• Type your answers directly into the spaces provided. The font and margins are already set for you; the document will expand as you type your responses. Single-space your answers; double-space between paragraphs; write in complete sentences, not bullets. The question tells you how much space (approximately) it should take.

THE SITUATION -- 30 minutes ago

You are the commander of the 1/9 Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT), which is the lead element of the main body in the 9th Infantry Division's attack to seize OBJ ALPHA, a city 80 kilometers west of NEWPORT. 1/9 ABCT as the division's decisive operation was to seize OBJ ALPHA NLT 040900 May 2018 (H+12) in order to protect the II Corps' main effort. The division's advance guard, 1/35 ABCT (attached to 9 ID), passed NEWPORT without incident approximately two hours ago. In the period between 1/35's departure from NEWPORT and 1/9's approach, the enemy quickly emplaced several obstacles (overturned vehicles and building materials) on ROUTE GREEN south of NEWPORT to disrupt friendly force movement. As lead elements of 1/9 ABCT approached NEWPORT, they received consistent and accurate mortar and RPG fire from the city. The intensity of these fires increased as the brigade approached the outskirts of town.

Enemy Course of Action

Note: Citing doctrine is NOT enough to answer the questions. Read the situation carefully, and then apply the principles of doctrine. After you have analyzed the situation, write a meaningful response for each question.

The Tactics & Sustainment Sketch for this situation is available to you in a separate document. Use the Tactics & Sustainment Sketch to answers the questions below.

Section 1: Analyze and develop a doctrinal solution to a tactical problem.

FOR THIS SECTION, YOU ARE THE 1/9 ABCT COMMANDER.

1. Based on the situation and sketch, write the 1/9 ABCT's mission statement (FM 6-0, p. 9-12). [Remember to address the who, what, when, where, and why in your answer.]

The 1/9 Armor Brigade Combat Team, lead element of the main body within the 9th Infantry Division's attack must defeat the enemy situation on the northern flank and NEWPORT to safeguard the division's main body. On order, secures NOTHERN FLANK to prevent 1/9 ABCT from being attacked by enemies in NORTHERN FLANK and around NEWPORT.

2. Write the 1/9 ABCT Commander's intent for this mission. Your answer MUST include expanded purpose, key tasks, and end state (ADRP 5-0, p. 2-19). [Write five sentences.]

Expanded Purpose:

To secure area of NORTHERN FLANK and around NEWPORT and serve as means to protect division's main body from enemy attack by coordinated efforts from the REDLAND BRIGADE.

Key Tasks:

Defend against enemies in the Northern Flank.

Protect the division's main body.

This is an enemy-focused operation.

Deny enemies access to HPTs or main body.

Destroy enemy targets before the arrival of division's main body in NORTHERN FLANK NEAR NEWPORT.

Endstate:

AO clear of enemies, no enemy direct/indirect fires.

Freedom of movement for friendly units off/on roads.

Civilians in NEWPORT secure

Return to base.

3. Identify the ABCT's primary offensive task and the form of maneuver, OR defensive task and form of defense (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chapter 1 and 6). [Write five sentences.]

The primary offensive task is ATTACK. An attack enables the destruction and defeat of enemy forces while also allowing the unit to secure ad seize terrain. Since there is a small window of time to perform such operations, it must be hasty and should take the form of ambush.

The primary maneuver is infiltration. Infiltration is necessary to attack enemy-held positions and secure key terrain. The Northern Flank and the area around Newport must be secured for the division's main body. This maneuver also allows the use of part of a unit and can be performed to conduct raids and ambushes, allowing the destruction of important facilities or disrupt enemy defensive structures. With obstacles along the path, infiltration allows for a covert breach. The size of the unit is small enough with support coming 2 hours behind.

4. Identify and explain the ABCT's decisive operation, include task and purpose. (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chapter 1 and 6). [Write five sentences.]

The main objective for ABCT's decisive operation is to attack and create an area defense. The decisive operation will take shape through assessment of the problem which is the enemy, visualization of nature, endstate, and design of the operation. It is an offensive operation with defensive tasks with the purpose to generate a secure environment for stability operations and develop intelligence, along with retaining key terrain. The next task is to gain time by defeating or deterring offensive operations allowing the surrounding area to prepare for arrival of main division.

5. Identify and explain the ABCT's shaping operations, include tasks and purposes. (FM 3-90 Vol.1, Chapter 1 and 6). [Write five sentences.]

Shaping operations allow use of the full range of military power to lessen enemy capabilities. The main objective of shaping operations will be denying enemy the use of the surrounding terrain and destroy enemy essential capabilities like fire support. Specific security operations will be screen and guard. Along with these tasks, the mission is to ensure ongoing reconnaissance through route reconnaissance. Route reconnaissance will be essential in planning the attack. The main purpose of these actions is to deliver the maneuver needed to prepare decisive operation.

Section 2: Sketch and Explanation (FM 6-0, p. 9-24).

6. You must address each of the following items listed below. The answers you provided for questions 3, 4, and 5 will help you with items a through i below.

For parts a, c, e, g, and h, you will depict your answers on the sketch.

On the sketch, depict your visualization of the 1/9 ABCT's operation for solving the tactical problem. Use Powerpoint to make and place the symbols on the sketch.

For parts b, d, f, and i, you will state or explain your answers.

a. Depict the location of the cavalry squadron on the sketch.

b. State the task and purpose of the cavalry squadron (FM 3-90 Vol. 2).

The Calvary squadron is an important part of developing ongoing situational understanding through use of fundamental security and reconnaissance skills. It is the scout of the unit and serves the reconnaissance and security side of operations. Therefore, the purpose is route reconnaissance and the task is search and secure through screen and guard.

c. Depict the location of EACH combined arms battalion on the sketch.

d. State a task and purpose for EACH combined arms battalion (FM 3-90 Vol. 1, App. B).

The point of CAB is to perform civil support operations and possible provide C2 and sustainment to transportation, medical, etc.

e. Depict the location of the fires battalion on the sketch.

f. State the task and purpose of the fires battalion (FM 3-09, Chapter 1).

Actions by friendly forces will consist of Attack by Fire using direct fires and supported by indirect fires to disrupt and neutralize enemy forces. It will provide security including control measures. Another task is breach to establish passage through obstacles and enemy defense.

g. Depict the boundaries of the combined arms battalions' and the cavalry squadron's area of operations on the sketch.

h. Depict the locations for the main command post and the tactical command post on the sketch.

i. Explain your decision for locating the main command post and the tactical command post (FM 6-0, Chapter 1).

The main command post contains most of the staff that controls existing operations, performs detailed analysis, and plans any future operations. The main functions of the main CP are to synchronize and control existing operations, assess and monitor current operations, plan operations, evaluate overall progress, and prepare reports needed by headquarters. This means it of utmost important to locate it as it provides the central operations. The tactical command post contains a tailored segment of a unit HQ developed to (for a limited time) control parts of an operation. Tactical CP acts as an extension to the main CP and may assist in controlling execution of an operation like a passage of lines.

Below is map with the depictions for a-i

Section 3: Sustainment

FOR THIS SECTION OF THE EXAM, YOU ARE THE BRIGADE SUPPORT BATTALION (BSB) COMMANDER of the 1/9 ABCT.

Given that you are still in the early phase of planning, address each of the following listed below.

7. Provide your vision for how the BSB will logistically support the 1/9 ABCT's mission (FM3-90.6, Chapter 9). Your answer MUST include a discussion of the planning considerations and priorities for Class III, Class V, Medical and Maintenance (35MM). [Your answer is one-half of a typed page.]

The brigade support battalion represents the HBCT's organic sustainment unit. BSB offers support with dedicated logistics assets. BSB possesses forward support companies for artillery and infantry battalions in addition to supporting the reconnaissance squadron. One limitation of the BSB is not possessing forward support companies for every maneuver battalion. Some roles the BSB CP takes on as functions for the BCT are: tracking current battles, monitoring MSR and controlling sustainment vehicle traffic, coordinating movement of KIA personnel and coordinating the evaluation of detainees, casualties, and equipment, among other functions.

Concerning the BSB commander's role and responsibilities, the BSB commander is responsible for the control/command of all units within terrain management and in the BSA. The BSB commanders uses sustainment planning and chooses from among an assortment of alternatives, recommending the best support for the maneuver commander's missions and priorities. Along with the staff, the BSB commander has the responsibility of executing BCT sustainment operations. These sustainment operations include:

Commander's priorities, Class (CL) III/V resupply during mission, Priority of support (Type/Unit), Supply routes, Quantities and type of support needed, Logistic release points, Operational contract support, Maintenance collection points, and Movement criteria.

Supporting defensive operations or defensive planning may involve making plans to obliterate stocks when needed, resupplying during restricted visibility to minimize any potential enemy interference, use of maintenance support teams within unit maintenance collection points to minimize need for recovery of equipment, consideration and planning for the transformation requirements of CL IV pre-positioned ammunition, material, and mines, along with prepared defensive positions. For offensive operations, the objective of sustainment is to aid the commander in keeping momentum by considering fuel (Class III) and ammunition (Class V), medical evaluation, and movement control. To do so, the commander should consider along with the staff, establishing forward logistics bases and aerial resupply for sustainable operations (2-16). The BSB commander also has the responsibility for the concise assignment of what is labeled, 'priority designators. Taking all of this into consideration, the vision of how the BSB will logistically support will be presented below.

To begin, for the BSB to offer sufficient CLV support, it relies on the assumption that units carry a full basic load (organic weapons) along with an extra basic load (FSC). That assumption aside, there is also the need for BSB to coordinate with supporting sustainment brigade for identification of delivery locations. Additional BSB SPO must if necessary, destroy/remove ammunition to prevent enemy use and secure ammunition. For the medical aspect, planning requires planning of landing zones and evacuation routes, bio waste disposal, integration of special teams and FSTs, patient regulation, and blood resupply. A potential challenge lies in support to units performing counter-attack and security operations.

For Class III planning there may arise a need for an integrated and synched aerial delivery plan. A vital aspect of BSB is early establishment of visibility and movement control. The BSB commander must identify then distribute vital supplies when needed. Visibility is critical for movement in terms of item visibility and in-transit visibility and must be included in the planning. With maintenance, some challenges may arise like maintenance personnel frequently lacking special tools, spare parts, and expertise to sustain and repair non-organic equipment. This is where planned, coordinated efforts with contractors may help with maintenance worries.

8. Depict on the sketch where you would locate the BSA, and explain why (FM3-90.6, Chapter 9). [Write five sentences.]

A brigade support area must when established, sustain a BCT's tactical operations. That means it must be placed in enemy territory and the BSB must form a defense plan that safeguards and secures BSA support activities. The area selected for the BSA must be big enough to support all BSB related functions along with a combat sustainment support battalion. A site must also have available and identifiable road networks while at the same time keeping somewhat hidden from enemies.

9. Out of the eight principles of sustainment, identify the TWO principles you think are the most important for this mission and explain why (ADRP 4-0, Chapter 1). [Write five sentences.]

While all eight principles are useful, the most important for this mission are continuity and improvisation. Continuity is one of the more important principles because it is the uninterrupted provision of sustainment over each level of war. By planning and coordinating efforts properly, continuity can be accomplished through focused and integrated efforts. It assures confidence permitting commanders and units freedom of action and lengthy endurance. Because of the nature of this mission, there is a level of uncertainty and unexpected situations. The ability to adapt this level of uncertainty is important.

Section 4: Mission Command Essay.

10. Referring to your operation as the 1/9 ABCT Commander, write a two-page essay describing how you will apply the Mission Command principles in accomplishing the brigade's assigned mission (ADRP 6-0, p. 2-1). Your essay may not exceed two typed pages.

You may refer to ST 22-2 to review the components of an essay and the citations of sources. This is an informative essay, not an argumentative essay. However, your essay must have an introduction with a thesis statement, body paragraphs with topic sentences and clear details, and a conclusion that summarizes the main points and reiterates the thesis.

Commanders stand to learn greatly from mission command philosophy as such a philosophy assists in countering the ambiguity of operations through reduction of the degree of certainty required to act. Commanders know that a portion of decision-making is fast and best done at point of action. The basis of mission command is a shared understanding, mutual trust, and purpose among staffs, commanders, unified action partners, and subordinates. It necessitates each Soldier understand the need to maintain unity, assume responsibility, act resourcefully, and take judicious action within the intent of the commander.

The role of leadership plays an integral part of mission command and thus will be the main source of cohesion for the mission. However, with leadership comes the understanding that for subordinates to succeed in a mission, they must be able to handle and adapt to any changes in plans due to unexpected events and people. This is when the commander should allow subordinates and other staff the freedom to effectively handle through disciplined initiative any potential changing situations. Mission command distributes decision-making authority and provides subordinates major freedom of action to perform necessary actions.

The mission is complex in that it requires several actions such as reconnaissance and security. The enemy may have help from NEWPORT and a host of other unexpected situations could occur. By decentralizing decision-making authority and giving more freedom to subordinates, they can do the required actions and processes to collect information and establish security during and after the mission. Another aspect that is an integral component of mission command principles is communication. Communication provides a commander and his/her subordinates with mutual trust and shared understanding which are part of two of the six principles of mission command.

Through communication, a commander can offer his or her subordinates clear intent and demonstrate disciplined initiative. Furthermore, communication allows for full understanding and use of mission orders- realizing and accepting the prudent risk associated with missions. By clearly stating the mission, providing the mission objective in a concise, easy to understand manner, and allowing subordinates to ask questions for additional clarity, such actions support communication among commanders and subordinates. This leads to the next integral part of mission command, mutual trust.

Shared confidence makes up what mutual trust is. While effective communication can help foster mutual trust, to construct cohesive teams, trust must be built over time, and it should be earned. Part of developing mutual trust and thus a cohesive team, is upholding Army values through effective leadership in line with Army leadership principles. While some may imagine, trust being gained in missions or grand gestures, it is the everyday tasks that help develop and foster mutual trust among people.

That is why shared experiences are an important part of missions. Prior to missions, providing some additional training can allow some fostering of mutual trust through shared experience. Two-way interaction and communication can only be gained through these kinds of experiences and will make carrying out a mission that much easier. Along with shared experiences, the commander must be willing to trust his or her subordinates. Once subordinates see the commander trusts them, they may be more willing to trust the commander and each other.

While the time frame to complete the mission is narrow, there can still be some small exercises completed to establish communication, shared experience, and interpersonal relations. Because at the core of mission command principles is the cultivation of teamwork and integrity. Integrity and teamwork requires several processes to grow and strengthen within any given group. Along mutual trust, communication, and interpersonal relations is creating a unified vision, a unified goal for everyone to come together for and accomplish. Unity of effort "is the coordination and cooperation toward common objectives, even if the participants are not necessarily part of the same command or organization -- the[[:blank:]]product of successful unified action (JP 1).

When a commander must create unity of effort, he or she must all generated shared understanding which can present as a critical challenge to all part of the mission. Shared understanding is crucial to provide clarity of operations problems, purpose, approaches, environment, and how to solve them in case the need arises. To achieve shared understanding there must be ongoing collaboration through the entire operations process from planning to preparation, to execution, and finally assessment.

Collaborative effort means framing problems, visualizing approaches, framing operational environment, and figuring ways to solve any obstacles. Inclusion of red teams helps provide various perspectives that can strengthen collaboration. By allowing different perspectives to come together a unified, shared understanding, missions like the one detailed will be much easier to handle and plan for, especially considering unexpected situations and unknown factors. Collaboration in conjunction with the use of dialog will facilitate not only shared understanding, but help build trust.

In terms of the mission, a briefing among everyone involved with the commander allowing input from certain people can allow cultivation of collaboration and use of dialog. It does not have to take a long time to do and can produce a unified vision that is needed to carry out complex missions like these. Complex missions are often driven by a strong and unified front that can understand each other and communicate effectively. Otherwise, there is confusion and inability to understand carry out orders successfully. Army principles suggest allowance for collaboration to decrease margin of error when carrying out a mission. This is an integral aspect of mission command that should be implemented whenever possible.

Part of collaboration and dialog is allowing participants to question assumptions, share information, as well as exchange ideas. This can help resolve misunderstandings that can happen in a complex mission such the current mission and provide the opportunity to assess progress of operations. Collaboration and dialog does not have to happen only before a mission, but during, and after. This will be a way to assess the progress of the mission and allow for any potential changes in operations.

In conclusion, there are many things that make up the principles of mission command. The first step is providing a clear intent. It is the responsibility of the commander to give his or her subordinates and all other parties involved, a clear and concise understand of what is expected of them during the mission. By delivering an easy to understand, simple, clear mission objective, there will be less questions and assumptions from subordinates concerning what must be done and how it must be done. Although there may be questions that will arise regardless of level of clarity and simplification, the clearer and more concise the commander's intent is and the mission objective, the easier it will be to execute.

The next areas to focus all tie together to help form progression and unity within the group. From communicating effectively, to distributing decision-making authority, to shared understanding and mutual trust. Many actions and processes are required to create an effective mission outcome. Starting a dialog and collaboration can provide the much-needed shared understanding to any commander, subordinates, staffs, and partners in action. Mission command principles incorporate Army values and principles that create harmony and trust among teams and groups for successful mission objective completion.