ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Chapter 2 52 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 COA Analysis Methods 2-163. Three COA analysis methods exist: belt, avenue-in-depth, and box. Each considers an AOI and all enemy forces that can affect the outcome of the operation. Planners use these methods separately or in combination, and sometimes modify them for long-term operations dominated by stability. 2-164. The belt method divides the AO into belts (areas) running the width of the AO. METT-TC shape each belt. The belt method works best when conducting offensive and defensive tasks on terrain divided into well-defined cross-compartments, during phased operations (such as gap crossings, air assaults, or airborne operations), or when the enemy is deployed in clearly defined belts or echelons. Belts can be adjacent to or overlap each other. 2-165. The basis of the belt method is the sequential analysis of events in each belt. Commanders prefer this method because it focuses simultaneously on all forces affecting a particular event. A belt might include more than one critical event. Under time-constrained conditions, the commander and staff can use a modified belt method that divides the AO into not more than three sequential belts. These belts are not necessarily adjacent or overlapping but focus on the critical actions throughout the depth of the AO (see figure 2-7 for an example of the belt method). Techniques: If war gaming, the time period the war-gaming turn covers depends on unit echelon, level of detail required, time available, and staff experience. A rule of thumb for turn lengths is: 4–6 hours for a battalion, 6–8 hours for a brigade, 8–24 hours for a division, and 12–48 hours for a corps. To maintain focus and brevity during a war-gaming turn, an effective briefing format is task-purpose- actions-orders-reports. This format applies to both friendly and enemy forces. Most units, after the first turn, will probably state “no change to task and purpose” and only describe the actions, orders, and reports they will do during the turn (see table 2-17 for definitions and examples of the format). Table 2-17. Example war gaming briefing format Term Definition Example Task “What” the unit is to do using approved doctrinal tasks Destroy enemy armor unit Purpose “Why” the unit is conducting the task Prevent enemy penetration of PL GREEN Action “How” the unit will actually accomplish the task in the time period of the turn We will move along AXIS IRON, in the following order of march. . . Orders Any orders the unit will issue to subordinate units Upon reaching PL PURPLE I direct a change to our movement technique from travelling to travelling overwatch Reports Any reports the unit will send to their higher headquarters. We will report crossing PL PURPLE to our higher headquarters