ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 349 Appendix M Command and Staff Roles This appendix provides a brief overview of staff responsibilities and available resources. This is not an all-inclusive list, but it can serve as a starting point for someone unfamiliar with certain roles. INTRODUCTION TO COMMAND AND STAFF ROLES M-1. Command is the authority that a commander in the armed forces lawfully exercises over subordinates by virtue of rank or assignment (JP 1). The legal and ethical responsibilities of a commander exceed those of any other leader of similar position and authority. The commander alone is responsible for what the command does or fails to do. Commanders constantly use their judgement for such things as delegating authority, making decisions, determining the appropriate degree of control, and allocating resources. A commander's experience and training also influence that commander's decision making. Proficiency in the art of command stems from years of schooling, self-development, introspection, and operational and training experiences. It also requires a deep understanding of the science of war. M-2. Commanders, aided by staffs, use control to regulate forces and the functions of subordinate and supporting units. Staffs give commanders their greatest support in providing control. However, for control to be effective, commanders must actively participate in exercising it. COMMON STAFF DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES M-3. Each staff element has specific duties and responsibilities by area of expertise. However, all staff sections share a set of common duties and responsibilities: Advising and informing the commander. Building and maintaining running estimates. Preparing plans, orders, and other staff writing. Assessing operations and providing recommendations. Exercising staff supervision and managing information within their area of expertise. Identifying and analyzing problems. Performing risk management. Performing intelligence preparation of the battlefield. Conducting staff inspections. Conducting staff research. Performing staff administrative procedures. COMMANDER RESPONSIBILITIES M-4. The commander must decide what the unit has to accomplish and then lead their unit through mission accomplishment. As such, the commander- Trains the staff on combining the "art" of command with the "science" of control. Sets the standards for training the staff. Drives the operations process. Determines if there is a need for design prior to conducting the military decision-making process. Provides guidance for each step of the military decision-making process.