FM 7-8, pg 2-3

1
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
2
Receive the Mission
Begins with receipt of initial WARNORD or OPORD
Platoon Leader determines probable mission
Platoon Leader conducts initial time analysis
The receive-the-mission step is intended to get
the planning and preparation process underway by
enabling him to prepare and issue a Warning Order
as quickly as possible.
FM 7-8, pg 2-4
3
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
4
Issue Warning Order

• Usually given orally.
• Follows the 5 paragraph OPORD format
• Includes
• Units probable mission
• PLs initial time planning timeline
• Any additional information available
• Initial instructions

This enables the squads and other subordinate
units to begin the parallel planning process
FM 7-8, pg 2-4
5
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
6
Make a Tentative Plan(Tools of the Platoon
Leader)
Armys decision making process for tactical
situations at Company Level. FM 71-1, FM 7-8
Continuous process
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
7
Make a Tentative Plan
1. Mission Analysis 2. Course of Action
Development 3. Analysis of Course of Action 4.
Course of Action Comparison 5. Course of
Action Selection
If the PL (due to time constrains), is unable to
develop more than one COA, step 4 does not apply
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
8
MTETT(METT-T)
M ISSION ANALYSIS T ERRAIN AND WEATHER E NEMY
SITUATION T ROOPS AVAILABLE T IME AVAILABLE
Guides the platoon leader through the decision
making process
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
9
Step 1 Mission Analysis(Analysis of the
Mission)
Identify Purpose Specified Implied Tasks
Limitations Identify Mission Essential Task
Commanders Mission, Concept Intent 1 2
LEVELS UP
Results in the Restated Mission
10
Mission Analysis(METT-T)
M ISSION ANALYSIS T ERRAIN AND WEATHER E NEMY
SITUATION T ROOPS AVAILABLE T IME AVAILABLE
Guides the platoon leader through the decision
making process
11
Terrain Analysis(Military Aspects of Terrain)
O bstacles A venues of Approach K ey Terrain O
bservation and Fields of Fire C over and
Concealment
FM 34-130, pg 2-10
12
Terrain Analysis(Obstacles)
What is an obstacle? Any natural or manmade
obstruction that canalizes, delays, restricts or
diverts movement How are obstacles classified?
Existing and reinforcing
FM 34-130, pg 2-14
13
Obstacles contd(Terrain Classification)
Unrestricted Indicates terrain free of
constraints to movement. Nothing needs to be
done to enhance mobility Restricted Hinders
movement to some degree Little effort is needed
to enhance movement but units cannot move to
preferred speeds or combat formations Severely
Restricted Hinders or slows movement in combat
formations unless some effort is made to enhance
mobility
(GREEN)
(GREEN)
FM 34-130, pg 2-15
14
Terrain Analysis(Avenues of Approach)
An air or ground route of an attacking force of a
given size leading to its objective or to key
terrain in its path. Mobility Corridor - Areas
where a force will be canalized due to terrain
restrictions. They allow military forces to
capitalize on the principles of mass and speed.
FM 34-130, pg 2-18
15
Terrain Analysis(Key Terrain)
Any locality or area the seizure, retention, or
control of affords a marked advantage to either
combatant. Examples Terrain with good
observation over AAs Terrain providing cover of
an obstacle Road junctions or communication
centers used for sustainment
FM 34-130, pg 2-17
16
Terrain Analysis(Observation and Fields of Fire)
Observation is the ability to see the threat
either visually or through use of surveillance
devices. Fields of Fire are areas that a
weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover
with fire from a given position.
FM 34-130, pg 2-10
17
Terrain Analysis(Cover and Concealment)
Cover is protection from the effects of direct
and indirect fires. Concealment is protection
from observation.
FM 34-130, pg 2-11
18
Terrain Analysis
Additional Considerations Vegetation Surface
Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC)
Canopy
FM 34-130, pg 2-16
19
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
20
Initiate Movement
May occur at any point in the Troop Leading
Process Examples Move main body to Area of
Operations Send out recon teams Begin gathering
necessary equipment Begin rehearsing drills you
anticipate using
FM 71-1, pg 2-30
21
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
22
Leaders Reconnaissance
Plan and conduct leaders recon for every
mission. If recon reveals a change in the
situation, the plan must be adjusted
accordingly. Recon must avoid detection while
trying to confirm or deny the leaders
assumptions. May be conducted at Company, Platoon
or Squad level.
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
23
Leaders Reconnaissance
The smaller the element, the better the chances
are of avoiding detection At a minimum, take a
leader from each squad or key element LDR must
specify what information is needed to confirm the
plan Two types Long Range-Outside small arms
fire Short Range-Inside small arms fire
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
24
Leaders Reconnaissance
Leader must determine His information
requirements Priorities of requirements Assets
available Security requirements Time available
Most critical information needed
Leader provides specific guidance on Tasking of
troops and equip. Time schedule Special
equipment required Likely contingency plans
Fire support Withdrawal from the OBJ Linkup
plan
FM 71-1, pg 2-32
25
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8.
Supervise
26
Complete the Plan

• The Tools of the Platoon Leader and COA become
  the OPORD
• IPB results Para. 1a.
• Mission analysis Para. 2, 1b., Para. 3b., c.,
  d., and Para 5
• COA with analysis Para 3, 4, 5
• Complete a second, more detailed, wargame
  resulting in the subparagraphs of Para 3, as well
  as 4 and 5

27
What is IPB ?
Systematic, continuous process of analyzing the
threat and the environment in a specific area.
Determines the threats likely COA Describes
the environment your unit is operating in.
Helps the Platoon Leader selectively apply and
maximize his combat power at critical points in
time and space.
FM 101-5, pg 5-6
28
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD 8.
Supervise
29
Issue the Order
Can be issued either orally or written Issue
while observing the combat area if possible
Possible aids that can be utilized Terrain
models Map boards Sketches
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
30
OPORD Characteristics
Good Combat Orders . . . Have Clarity Are
Complete and Brief Are Timely Allow Initiative
by recognizing subordinates freedom of action
within the commanders intent Use affirmative
form and are authoritative Avoid Qualified
Directives
FM 71-1, pg 2-36
31
Supplements to OPORDs
Should amplify or clarify the OPORD Overlays --
Friendly and Enemy Fire Support, RS, Ops,
Movement Intel, Event Concept Sketch Terrain
Model Execution Matrix Fire Support Matrix
Annexes, etc.
FM 7-10, pg G4
32
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
33
Supervision
Rehearsals As Time, Resources, and Enemy
Situation allows rehearse the following Actions
on the Objective Battle Drills for Fire and
Movement Actions on Enemy Contact Special Teams
Movement Techniques
FM 71-1, pg 2-38
34
Supervision
Inspect Weapons and Ammunition Uniforms and
Equipment Mission Essential Equipment
Communications Equipment Rations and Water
Camouflage
FM 71-1, pg 2-38
35
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3.
Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5.
Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
The order of these steps doesnt change Steps
4-7 are interchangeable. Step 8 occurs
throughout the process.
36
The Process
Troop Leading Procedures
Military Decision Making Process
Battlefield Visualization

• Mission Analysis (METT-T)
• Mission
• Enemy
• Terrain (and Weather)
• Troops
• Time Available

1. Receive and Analyze the Mission
See the Terrain
2. Issue a Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
Development of COA
Analysis of COA
See the Enemy
4. Initiate Movement
COA Comparison
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete the Plan
Selection of COA
Refinement of plan, Integration of CS, CSS, and
development of branch plan
7. Issue the Order
See Yourself
8. Supervise Refine
FM 71-1 pg 2-10