Post by 2nd Bat on Dec 28, 2005 1:52:29 GMT -5
The first thing an element leader would get is a warning order or frag order. This would tell the leader what type of mission he would be going on, roughly what the time frame is, how large a unit he would lead and if possible any special equipment he might need. EXAMPLE: "Lt I need you to select 12 men for a POW snatch across the river to be conducted at 0200 hrs returning before dawn. You'll need flares, an MG and a minimum of two grenades per man. A full briefing will be given at 1900 hrs at the battalion S-2 tent."
The element leader would then put the second in command in charge of preparation while the element leader was away getting his full briefing. The full briefing would include The Situation, (enemy, friendly forces, weather, why, what has to be done, has to be done.) the Mission, (What exactly does the patrol have to accomplish) Execution (as defined by the higher element) Administration, (precise timelines, where food would be delivered what they need to sustain themselves. etc.) Logistics (order of movement, how he would be transported to the jumping off point, special gear etc.) and Command and Signal. (Radio Frequencies, Call signs, passwords, reporting and chain of command.)
If possible the patrol leader would conduct a leaders recon or review the mission on a map or sand table. He would then formulate the specifics of his plan and then present this plan to his unit following the same SMEALCS formula listed above but with details specific to his unit. Part of the briefing is to share actions enroute, actions at the objective, actions during return from the mission and each element or individuals role. He would also share contingency plans for potential problems and remind the patrol about any long standing SOPs standard Operating Procedures. (How we cross roads, truck loading procedures, noise discipline requirements, behavior expectations. Hand and arm signals etc.)
Prior to departure he would "back brief" by asking his men to state what they would do in a given situation or what their role was supoposed to be at various points on the mission. he would confirm that each element had a complete chain of command from leader to lowest ranked man. he would conduct an equipment and weapons check and radio check. If possible they would rehearse actions for key potions of the patrol. Actions at the objective. New formations they were going to use, procedures with boats etc.
The element leader would then put the second in command in charge of preparation while the element leader was away getting his full briefing. The full briefing would include The Situation, (enemy, friendly forces, weather, why, what has to be done, has to be done.) the Mission, (What exactly does the patrol have to accomplish) Execution (as defined by the higher element) Administration, (precise timelines, where food would be delivered what they need to sustain themselves. etc.) Logistics (order of movement, how he would be transported to the jumping off point, special gear etc.) and Command and Signal. (Radio Frequencies, Call signs, passwords, reporting and chain of command.)
If possible the patrol leader would conduct a leaders recon or review the mission on a map or sand table. He would then formulate the specifics of his plan and then present this plan to his unit following the same SMEALCS formula listed above but with details specific to his unit. Part of the briefing is to share actions enroute, actions at the objective, actions during return from the mission and each element or individuals role. He would also share contingency plans for potential problems and remind the patrol about any long standing SOPs standard Operating Procedures. (How we cross roads, truck loading procedures, noise discipline requirements, behavior expectations. Hand and arm signals etc.)
Prior to departure he would "back brief" by asking his men to state what they would do in a given situation or what their role was supoposed to be at various points on the mission. he would confirm that each element had a complete chain of command from leader to lowest ranked man. he would conduct an equipment and weapons check and radio check. If possible they would rehearse actions for key potions of the patrol. Actions at the objective. New formations they were going to use, procedures with boats etc.