Actions on the objective; Actions at linkup; Actions on contact; Actions during contact

Know where your unit’s elements are at all times

Plan routes and create overlays

Platoon Sergeant/Assistant Patrol Leader

Help the platoon leader

Write paragraph 4 (Service Support)

Supervise paragraph 5 (Command and Signal)

Coordinate with medics and identify aid and litter teams

Identify the casualty collection point (CCP)

Task organize the support element

Reorganize men, weapons, and equipment as needed in support of operation

Provide status reports to commander (keep all informed)

Identify the objective rally point (ORP)

Identify en route rally points

Participate in route planning and creation of overlays

Determine actions at halts as per S-2 (intelligence) brief

Plan for supporting security elements

Know where your unit’s elements are at all times

Enforce the six priorities of work in the patrol base (PB) or forward operations base (FOB):

Security plan; Maintenance plan; Hygiene plan; Water plan; Mess plan; Rest plan

Maintain the sensitive items list (three copies)

Squad Leader

Control the squad

Rotate heavy loads

Prepare for assault, support, and security

Help with paragraphs 1 (Situation), 3 (Execution), and 5 (Command and Signal)

Help with the entire planning process (squad mission responsibilities)

Assist with route planning and overlays

Weapons Squad Leader

Rotate heavy loads

Determine the tactical employment of crew-served weapons

Assist with paragraphs 1 (Situation) and 3 (Execution)

Team Leader

Lead by example

Identify and request supplies for the team

Inspect supplies for deficiencies

Prepare the terrain model and SOP sketches

Post maps, photos, and any visual reference materials

Ready the briefing area for the operations order (OPORD)

Request and coordinate for the rehearsal area

Start rehearsals with the squad leader’s guidance

Assist with route planning and overlays

Medic

Control the aid and litter teams

Organize and ID the casualty collection point (CCP)

Triage and treat the wounded

Determine evacuation (ground or air)

Ensure the hygiene and health of soldiers

Supervise first aid training

Inspect individual first aid kits (IFAK)

Inspect vehicle first aid kits, including trucks and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) helicopter if possible

Determine procedure to move wounded and killed in action (KIA) from target

Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution) and 4 (Service Support)

Be prepared to brief medical portion of operations order (OPORD)

Radio Operator

All communication issues (crypto, hop sets, frequencies, timing, program radios, etc.)

Maintain a frequency card to communicate with all friendlies (ground and air)

Ensure unit knows all passwords and checkpoint procedures

Maintain patrol log and en route recorder

Prepare the size, activity, location, uniform, time, and equipment (SALUTE) report

Prepare any situation reports (SITREP)

Prepare sketches and grid reference graphic (GRG)

Assist with overlays (determine any communication blackout areas)

Assist with paragraph 5 (Command and Signal)

Forward Observer

Plan for all fires

Coordinate all fire support

Be prepared to follow theater SOP for call for fire

Create overlays—determine target reference points (TRP)

Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution) and 5 (Command and Signal)

Mobility Element Leader

Ensure all vehicles are in a state of readiness

Check and confirm vehicle load plan

Coordinate with gunners

Handle all aspects of route planning

Prepare overlays (routes and checkpoints)

Coordinate for security, blocking positions, ambulance, and route reconnaissance

Provide helicopter landing zone (HLZ) security

Determine actions at halts

Breachers/EOD

Identify primary/alternate breach point (door, window, wall, etc.)

Prepare for breach (surreptitious, ladder, mechanical, ballistic, thermal, explosive)

Plan for destruction of captured equipment using blow in place (BIP) kit

Assist with paragraph 3 (Execution)

Prepare room for operations order (OPORD)

Reserve Element Leader

Prepare for sensitive site exploitation (SSE)

Take control of/secure enemy prisoners of war (EPW)

Ensure interpreters (TERP) are standing by for rehearsals/operations order (OPORD)

Organize battlefield interrogation team (BIT)

Reinforce mail element if/when necessary

Plan for helicopter landing zone (HLZ)

Assist with paragraphs 1 (Situation) and 3 (Execution)

Reconnaissance/Sniper Section

Perform route reconnaissance

Perform close-target reconnaissance (CTR)

Plan for objective reconnaissance (leader’s recon)

Prepare overlays (fields of fire and known danger areas along route)

Determine sniper employment and primary/alternate positions

Be prepared for overwatch security where needed

Assist with paragraphs 3 (Execution), 4 (Service Support), and 5 (Command and Signal)

The listed duties and responsibilities of unit members enable unit success. For example:

•The assault element seizes the objective and protects special teams during post assault.

•The security element isolates and supports withdrawal from the objective.

•The support element handles direct- and indirect-fire support for the unit and cordons off the target area.

•Command and control handles conflicts with internal elements, friendly units, and follow-on objectives or targets, and coordinates fire support.

MISSION-ORIENTED COMMAND AND CONTROL

The mission-oriented C² (or mission control) both encourages and helps subordinates to act within the intent and concept of both the battalion and company commanders. Mission-oriented C² requires that subordinate elements clearly understand the purpose and intent of their commanders two levels up. This allows them the freedom to respond, with disciplined initiative, to the changing situation without further guidance. With mission-oriented C², the combat leader must:

Expect Uncertainty. Understand that the impact of combat and dynamic battle conditions may challenge the leader’s ability to know what is happening, even in his immediate area of operation (AO).

Reduce Leader Intervention. Adopt the principle that trained subordinates with a clear understanding of the mission will accomplish the task when subordinates must act without leader guidance or intervention.

Optimize Planning Time for Subordinates. Ensure that the timelines developed for mission planning and preparation allow adequate troop leading time for the subordinate leaders.

Allow Maximum Freedom of Action for Subordinates. Given the expected battlefield conditions, avoid unnecessary limits on soldiers’ freedom of action. Soldiers win battles; place them where they can seize the opportunity to do so.

Encourage Cross Talk. In some instances, because of their position on the battlefield, two or more subordinates working together may have on-site information that enhances the leader’s understanding of the situation, thus providing a clearer view of what is happening. Encourage the sharing of this information.

Lead Well Forward. The leader positions himself where he can best employ his unit and make critical decisions to influence the outcome of the fight. This is normally a position with the main effort.

Battlefield Environment. The framework of the battlefield can vary, ranging from one extreme of front and rear (linear) to a dispersed, decentralized (noncontiguous) structure with few secure areas and unit boundaries. To visualize the battlefield accurately, the leader must know the friendly situation at least one level higher. The leader must also know the enemy situation and continuously analyze and reform his strategy based on how he sees the operational picture.