ATP-3-09-24 The Field Artillery Brigade Download
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Command and Control 30 March 2022 ATP 3-09.24 2-3 or control on the move, so it must operate in a stationary mode. The main CP, as currently resourced, is 50- percent mobile and requires two lifts to displace with organic transportation assets. The detailed internal staff standard operating procedures (developed by each individual FAB) outline CP configurations and functions of individuals assigned. Both temporary and long-term configurations should be planned. POSITIONING THE MAIN COMMAND POST 2-13. The primary considerations in positioning the FAB main CP are communications, maintaining control over subordinate and supporting units, survivability, accessibility, and proximity to the higher HQ. The FAB commander determines the best location for the main CP based on the noted considerations and any plan for use of the tactical CP. When deployed to an AO, the main CP is normally located in an area that reduces exposure to enemy surveillance and long-range indirect fires. 2-14. The main CP relies on its ability to communicate both voice and digitally to control its dispersed elements and receive reports. Its communications capability allows it to position anywhere in the higher or supported HQ AO and remain in contact with its subordinates and the higher or supported HQ. The FAB main CP will typically locate within digital range of higher command's CP. Since the FAB is typically not assigned an AO, the main CP's position must be coordinated for terrain management and security. Displacements should be planned so that the main CP is stationary during critical phases of the battle. In many cases, operations on an extended battlefield will cause serious communications challenges that must be factored into the positioning decision. TACTICAL COMMAND POST 2-15. A tactical (TAC) CP for the FAB is not supported by its table of organization and equipment. Any personnel or equipment used to form a TAC CP must come from the FAB's organic assets. The FAB commander employs the TAC CP as an extension of the main CP to help control the execution of an operation or specific task. The TAC CP includes only the Soldiers and equipment essential to the tasks assigned. The TAC CP relies on the main CP for planning, detailed analysis, and coordination. 2-16. The TAC CP might be formed as an alternate CP when the main CP displaces, when the commander must be positioned away from the main CP, or when the mission requires a second CP to control operations. The TAC CP is usually configured as a lean, highly mobile, forward deployed CP. Usually the S-3 is responsible for the TAC CP. The TAC CP is normally manned by: The S-3. A current operations officer, normally the assistant S-3. An intelligence officer, normally the assistant S-2. Selected staff from the intelligence, fire control, operations and counterfire, targeting, fires, air support, information operations, and air defense airspace management element in the FAB main CP. Other staff area representatives from main CP elements as required for a particular operation (for example, selected staff from the sustainment element). EARLY-ENTRY COMMAND POST 2-17. An early-entry command post normally includes members of the main CP and additional planners, intelligence analysts, liaison officers, and others as required. During contingency operations, the FAB may organize its own early-entry CP to provide temporary control over subordinate units until a fully functional main CP deploys into the AO. Normally austere, its specific design is driven by METT-TC and may vary from deployment to deployment. The early-entry CP controls all units committed to the current operation, and conducts those critical C2 functions required to conduct tactical operations as the FAB and its higher HQ deploy into an unsecured area. 2-18. The early-entry CP coordinates FS for the current higher or supported HQ operation and synchronizes the flow of follow-on FAB units into the AO and phases them into the higher or supported HQ fight. It also begins initial planning for the conduct of future operations (branches and sequels). It serves as the FAB's control link early in the deployment between FAB organic, assigned, and attached forces on the ground, and