ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Chapter 3 132 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 Rehearsal Methods 3-39. Methods for conducting rehearsals are limited only by a commander's imagination and available resources. Some methods include full dress, key leader, terrain model, digital terrain model, sketch map, map, and network rehearsals. Resources required for each method range from broad to narrow, and some methods take more time and resources. Each rehearsal method also imparts a different level of understanding to participants. The implications for each method include— Time—the amount of time required to conduct (plan, prepare, execute, and assess) the rehearsal. Echelons involved—the number of echelons that can participate in the rehearsal. Operations security (OPSEC) risks—the ease by which an enemy can exploit friendly actions from the rehearsal. Terrain—the amount of space needed for the rehearsal. Different methods of conducting rehearsals based on these implications are described below. Full-Dress Rehearsal 3-40. A full-dress rehearsal produces the most detailed understanding of an operation. It includes every participating Soldier and system. Leaders conduct the rehearsal on the actual, or similar terrain of the AO, initially under good light conditions, and then in limited visibility. Leaders repeat small-unit actions until units execute them to standard. A full-dress rehearsal helps Soldiers clearly understand what commanders expect of them. It helps them gain confidence in their ability to accomplish the mission. Supporting elements, such as aviation crews, meet and rehearse with Soldiers to synchronize the operation. 3-41. The higher headquarters may support full-dress rehearsals. The full-dress rehearsal is most difficult to accomplish at higher echelons. At those levels, commanders may develop an alternate rehearsal plan that mirrors the actual plan but fits the terrain available for the rehearsal. 3-42. Full-dress rehearsals consume more time than any other rehearsal type. For companies and smaller units, full-dress rehearsals most effectively ensure all units in the operation understand their roles. However, brigade and task force commanders consider how much time their subordinates need to plan and prepare when deciding whether to conduct a full-dress rehearsal. 3-43. All echelons involved in the operation participate in the full-dress rehearsal. Moving a large part of the force may create an OPSEC risk by attracting unwanted enemy attention. Commanders develop a plan to protect the rehearsal from enemy information collection. Sometimes commanders develop an alternate plan, including graphics and radio frequencies, where subordinates rehearse selected actions without compromising the actual OPORD. Commanders take care not to confuse subordinates when doing this. Terrain management for a full-dress rehearsal is challenging. Units identify, secure, clear, and maintain the rehearsal area throughout the rehearsal. Key Leader Rehearsal 3-44. Circumstances may prohibit a rehearsal with all members of a unit. A key leader rehearsal involves only key leaders of the organization and its subordinate units. This type of rehearsal normally requires fewer resources than a full-dress rehearsal. Terrain requirements mirror those of a full-dress rehearsal, even though fewer Soldiers participate. The commander first decides the level of leader involvement. Then the selected leaders rehearse the plan while traversing the actual or similar terrain. Often commanders use this technique to rehearse fire control measures for an EA during defensive tasks. Commanders often use a key leader rehearsal to prepare key leaders for a full-dress rehearsal. The key leader rehearsal may require developing a rehearsal plan that mirrors the actual plan but fits the terrain of the rehearsal. 3-45. Often, small-scale replicas of terrain or buildings substitute for the actual AO. Leaders not only explain their plans, but also walk through their actions or move replicas across the rehearsal area or sand table. This is called a rehearsal of concept (ROC) drill. It reinforces the backbrief given by subordinates, since everyone can see the concept of operations and sequence of tasks. 3-46. A key leader rehearsal normally requires less time than a full-dress rehearsal. Commanders consider how much time their subordinates need to plan and prepare when deciding whether to conduct a reduced-