ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Chapter 2 2-10 ATP 4-90 June 18, 2020 operation sharing information sequentially through warning orders from the higher headquarters before the operation plan or operation order. Since several echelons develop their plans simultaneously, parallel planning significantly shortens planning time. The higher headquarters continuously shares information concerning future operations with subordinate units through warning orders and commander dialogue to facilitate parallel planning. Frequent communication between commanders and staffs to share information (such as intelligence preparation of the battlefield products) help subordinate headquarters plan. Parallel planning requires significant interaction among echelons. During parallel planning, subordinate units do not wait for their higher headquarters to publish an order to begin developing their own plans and orders. Parallel planning is critical for the BSB and its sustainment concept of support development. Other preparation activities include confirmation briefs, training, and information collection. During preparation, the responsibility for developing and maintaining the plan shifts from the plans (or future operations) cell to the current operations integration cell. The plans-to operations transition ensures members of the S-3 current operations integration cell fully understand the plan before execution. This transition is the point at which the current operations cell becomes responsible for controlling the execution of the operation order. The transition includes answering requests for information concerning the order and maintaining the order through fragmentary orders. The plans to operations transition enables the plans cell to focus its planning efforts on sequels, branches, and other planning requirements directed by the commander. The S-3 is responsible for managing the handoff of a plan from future operations to current operations. Rehearsals The BCT performs rehearsals to prepare for upcoming operations. A rehearsal is a session in which the commander and staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance during execution. Four primary types of rehearsals are the back brief, combined arms rehearsal, sustainment rehearsal, and battle drill or standard operating procedure rehearsal. Methods for performing rehearsals are limited only by the commander’s imagination and available resources. The commanders use rehearsals as a tool to ensure staffs and subordinates understand the concept of operations and commander’s intent. Sustainment rehearsals help synchronize each warfighting function with the BCT’s overall operation. Throughout preparation, the BCT executes support rehearsals that typically involve coordination and procedure drills for sustainment, aviation, fires, engineer support, and medical and casualty evacuation. Support rehearsals and combined arms rehearsals complement preparations for the operation. Units may perform rehearsals separately and then combine them into full-dress rehearsals. Although these rehearsals differ slightly by warfighting function, they achieve the same result. Sustainment Rehearsal The BCT sustainment rehearsal ensures the synchronization of sustainment efforts before, during, and after operations. The sustainment rehearsal validates the logistics synchronization matrix and BSB’s concept of the operation. The rehearsal focuses on the supported and supporting unit with respect to sustainment operations across time and space as well as the method of support for specific actions during the operation. The sustainment rehearsal normally occurs after the combined arms rehearsal. The BSB commander hosts the rehearsal for the BCT commander and XO. The SPO facilitates the rehearsal to ensure rehearsal of critical sustainment events. BCT attendees include the BCT XO, brigade S-1, surgeon, chaplain, S-2 representatives, S-3 representatives, S-4 representatives, and S-6 representatives. Subordinate battalion representatives include the BSB commander, BSB CSM, SPO, the brigade support medical company commander, and each maneuver battalion XO, S-1, S-4, and medical platoon leader, as well as the FSC commanders, mobility warrants, and distribution company commander. The primary document used at the sustainment rehearsal is the logistics synchronization matrix. Combined Arms Rehearsal The BCT combined arms rehearsal ensures that subordinate units’ plans synchronize with those of other units, and that subordinate commanders understand the intent of the higher headquarters. Usually, the BCT commander, XO, primary staff, and subordinate battalion commanders and their battalion S-3s attend