ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download

Chapter 3 3-8 ATP 4-90 18 June 2020 Like the other activities of the operations process, the BSB commander drives preparation activities with a focus on leading and assessing. The functions of preparation include the following:  Improve situational understanding. This is through intelligence channels, analysis of logistics status reports, and information management,  Develop a common understanding of the plan. This includes a thorough understanding of the higher headquarters and supported commander operation order, detailed operation order briefings and confirmation back briefs.  Train and become proficient on critical tasks. Normally a home station event, training continues when deployed. Understanding all required distribution management functions and their desired outcome is critical.  Task-organize and integrate the force. Establish appropriate command and support relationship and describe them clearly in the operation order. Every supply and transportation unit needs to understand the units with whom they have a support relationship and vice versa.  Ensure forces and resources are positioned. All supply and transportation capability is positioned to provide the most responsive support to the maneuver commander. All units have the maximum supplies and transportation assets on hand to support the operation. Execution Execution is the act of putting a distribution plan into action by applying supply and distribution capability to accomplish the mission and adjusting operations based on changes in the situation. The BSB commander, staff, and subordinate commanders focus their efforts on translating decisions into actions. A part of execution is deciding whether to execute planned actions or to modify the plan using branches and sequels based on unforeseen opportunities or threats. Although a plan provides a reasonable forecast of how execution occurs, it remains a starting point for operations and does not to be followed exactly if circumstances dictate otherwise. Subordinate commanders need maximum latitude to take advantage of situations and meet the BCT commander's intent when the original order no longer applies. Effective execution requires leaders trained in independent decision making, aggressiveness, and risk taking in an environment of mission command. The BSB commander develops situational understanding that prompts them to adjust plans provides to exploit opportunities or counter threats. Major activities of execution include assessment, decision making, and directing action. Assessment allows the BSB commander and staff to determine if the distribution plan is achieving the desired end state and commander's intent. If it is not, assessment allows the commander and staff to make prudent adjustments to the distribution plan to ensure success. Assessment may indicate that the plan may be executed more effectively than expected if the plan is altered. Conversely, assessment may indicate the distribution organizations are at threat of enemy destruction if the plan is not altered. The situation and type of operations affect the characteristics of assessment. During large-scale combat, assessment is rapid, focused on the effectiveness of distributions operations and the logistics status of the friendly force. Identifying what and how to assess requires significant effort from the commander and staff. Regardless, assessment includes monitoring the current situation to collect relevant information, evaluating progress toward attaining end state conditions, achieving objectives, and performing tasks, and recommending or directing changes to the plan. Decision making is required when the BSB commander determines the situation requires an alteration to the plan. Execution decisions implement actions that are anticipated and planned into the order. These decisions may be based on anticipated circumstances such as route changes, the need to commit additional supply or transportation assets, of the need to execute a branch. The current operations integration cell oversees the synchronization and integration needed to implement execution decisions. Adjustment decision may be required and are more complex. These decisions modify the operation based on unanticipated circumstances or threats. Adjustment decisions include reallocating resources, changing the operations concept, or changing the mission. During execution the BSB commanders and staff may use the RDSP. Unlike the MDMP, the RDSP does not seek optimal solutions. Instead, the RDSP seeks a timely and effective solution within the commander's intent, mission, and concept of operations. When using the RDSP the BSB commander and staff combine their experiences and intuition to quickly understand the situation, develop a viable option, and direct adjustments to the current order using the decision-making techniques described above.