ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Mission Command 18 June 2020 2-19 Current Operations Integration Cell The BSB CPs current operations integration cell is the focal point for operations execution. Current operations involves assessing the existing situation while regulating forces and warfighting functions in accordance with the mission, commander's intent, and concept of operations. The current operations integration cell displays the common operational picture and conducts shift changes, assessments, and other briefings as required. It provides information on the status of operations to all staff members and to higher, subordinate, and adjacent units. The battalion S-3 section forms the core of the current operations integration cell. Elements or watch officers from each staff section and liaison officers from subordinate and adjacent units form the remainder of the cell. The current operations integration cell has representation from all staff sections, either permanently or on call. The S-3 performs many of the tasks associated with short range planning and execution (current operations), but not all. Representatives from the functional cells and personal staff help with short range planning and execution as required. The representatives from the other integrating cells help the S-3 with integrating all warfighting functions into the planning process and with maintaining the common operational picture. Future Operations Cell The future operations cell is responsible for planning operations in the mid-range planning horizon. The future operations cell serves as a fusion cell between the plans and current operations integration cells. It monitors current operations and determines implications for operations within the mid-range planning horizon. In coordination with the current operations integration cell, the future operations cell assesses whether the battalion must modify ongoing operations to achieve the current phase's objectives. Integrated members from the SPO and S-3, along with other battalion staff representatives as required, create the mid-range planning (future operations) cell. While each unit has different standard operating procedures for the composition of its future operations cell, most future operations cells include a combination of the BSB’s S-3 operations and SPO sections. The S-3 operations section along with elements inside the future operations cell updates and adds details to branch and sequel plans foreseen in the current operation and prepares any orders necessary to implement a branch or sequel to the current operation. The current operations integration cell develops the fragmentary order necessary to implement the change. The SPO develops the BSB concept of operations based on the brigade’s sustainment concept of support before transitioning the plan to the BSB S-3 for orders production and execution. Plans Cell The BSB CP plans cell is responsible for planning operations for the long-range planning horizons. It prepares for operations beyond the scope of the current order by developing plans and orders including branch plans and sequels. The majority of the BSB staff balance their efforts between the current operations and the future operations cells. Additionally, personnel from the S-3 section may find themselves also integrating with members of the SPO section for mid-range (future operations) planning. The SPO may provide the BSB S-4 with information to support long range planning. Figure 2-3 found on page 2-20 depicts an example of BSB integrating cells. ATP 4-90