ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Planning 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 39 Table 2-7. Substeps of Step 3.1, Assess the situation Note. Always choose a format that is easy to change. As planners develop and sketch ideas, task organizations and effects constantly change. The inability to completely erase or remove elements hinders a planner's ability to clearly and accurately present their concept. 2-116. With a medium chosen, staffs first determine what area the sketch is to cover (for example, AO, area of influence (AI), or area of interest (AOI)). This decision determines the boundaries of the sketch. A method for determining how much terrain to cover with the sketch is to define where action is taking place. Include actions outside the AO that affect the COA in the sketch. Some outside actions will not be identified until after beginning; therefore, make a best guess. At a minimum, include unit boundaries. Note. The key to a good sketch is to have enough room to clearly and accurately show what actions a unit will conduct in their assigned AO. If the scale is too large, clarity is lost. 2-117. The next substep in assessing the situation is to draw terrain. The sketch should show enough physical terrain to show the reader where activity is taking place. Consider including a rough scale so the reader can make time and distance inferences from the sketch. Use caution if the background is a map, because the sketch can look cluttered quickly. Ensure terrain with identifying features such as non-fordable rivers, valleys, natural choke points, restricted terrain, major roads, urban centers, or bridges are highlighted. 2-118. Next, add other key higher graphics to the sketch. This includes, but is not limited to, phase lines, objectives, support areas, the fire support coordination line (FSCL), and the coordinated fire line (CFL). 2-119. The next substep in assessing the situation is adding to the sketch the threat COA being planned against. The threat must be represented two levels lower than the unit. For example, for a brigade, the threat is represented down to the company level. Depicting specific equipment or capabilities—such as radars or air defense artillery (ADA), which often become HVTs—might be required. If the threat is moving, the sketch should indicate the direction of travel. Include any known or suspected obstacles and any neutral organization or populations that could influence planning. COA teams receive this information as output from the IPB process. 2-120. The next substep in assessing the situation is to identify the current friendly situation. This helps in understanding the starting point for the operation and shows the challenges the unit faces in accomplishing the mission. Friendly forces should be shown using task organization graphics (see table 2-8 on page 40). Substeps of assess the situation Step 3.1 Assess the situation Begin sketch Add higher graphics Draw terrain Add threat COA Add current friendly situation Evaluate combat power or effectiveness Technique. Use the same format for the COA brief and COA sketch. This saves time because reproducing it in a different format is not required. Ideally, this format is easy to send out to subordinates once COA analysis is complete. Another technique uses the terrain on and off feature of CPOF to provide clarity. If done properly, the graphic control measures are then prepared for immediate digital distribution. Technique. If possible, add key graphics of adjacent units as this will likely show how your unit’s operation relates to other units’ operations and where deconfliction may be required.