ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Chapter 2 2-4 ATP 4-90 June 18, 2020 The science of control consists of systems and procedures used to improve the commander’s understanding and support accomplishing missions. The science of control supports the art of command. In contrast to the art of command, the science of control is based on objectivity, facts, empirical methods, and analysis. Commanders and staffs use the science of control to overcome the physical and procedural constraints under which units operate. Units are bound by such factors as movement rates, fuel consumption, weapons effects, rules of engagement, and legal considerations. Commanders and staffs strive to understand aspects of operations they can analyze and measure, including the physical capabilities and limitations of friendly and enemy organizations. Control requires a realistic appreciation for time and distance factors, including the time required to initiate certain actions. THE COMMAND AND CONTROL WARFIGHTING FUNCTION The C2 warfighting function is the related tasks and systems that enables commanders to synchronize and converge all elements of combat power (movement and maneuver, intelligence, fires, sustainment, protection, information and leadership). This warfighting function assists the BSB commander in achieving objectives and accomplishing missions. Additional information on the C2 warfighting function is available in ADP 6-0, Mission Command: Command and Control of Army Forces. There are four C2 warfighting function tasks the BSB commander must execute to accomplish missions: Command forces. Control operations. Drive the operations process. Establish the C2 system. COMMAND AND CONTROL SYSTEM The BSB must establish an information system to effectively exercise C2. The system consists of the arrangement of people, processes, networks, and command posts that enable the commander to conduct operations. The C2 system enables subordinate BSB units to work toward a common purpose. The system supports the commander’s decision making, allows the commander to disseminate orders, and allows the commander to control forces. UNITY OF EFFORT The BSB commander ensures the battalion’s plans and operations contribute to and support the BCT mission, commander’s intent, and concept of operations of higher headquarters. Continuous coordination, cooperation, and collaboration with the BCT ensures all operations are fully synchronized and integrated. There are various mechanisms available to the BSB commander to enable unity of effort. Mechanisms can be physical activities or processes commanders understand to use them effectively: the operations process including the MDMP, command post operations, battle rhythm, and liaison. THE OPERATIONS PROCESS The BSB commander and staff use the operations process to understand, visualize, and describe both the OE and the operation’s end state. The commander uses this information to make decisions on how to best support the BCT and then issues orders to articulate those decisions, direct, lead and assess BSB operations. The operations process provides commanders and staff a deliberate method of developing executable plans despite time constraints faced during large-scale combat operations. Commanders and staffs understand the process well and know which elements of it can be compressed or eliminated to save time but still develop an executable plan. The BSB commander and staff use the operations process to integrate and synchronize the warfighting functions with BSB unit operations to accomplish the mission. The process allows commanders to understand how each of the warfighting functions enables or limits sustainment operations. Examples include: