ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Chapter 2 54 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 2-167. The box method is a detailed analysis of a critical area, such as an EA, a wet-gap crossing site, or a landing zone. It works best in a time-constrained environment, such as a hasty attack. The box method is particularly useful when planning operations in noncontiguous areas of operation. When using this method, the staff isolates an area and focuses on critical events therein. Staff members assume that friendly units can handle most situations in the AO and therefore focus their attention on essential tasks (see figure 2-9 for an example of the box method). Note. COA analysis leaders often use the term "critical event" to focus on what to analyze. Critical event is a box method applied to a certain area while units are conducting complex operations that require synchronization and deconfliction. Examples include actions on the objective, wet-gap crossings, and unit movement through restricted terrain. Care must be taken with this version of the box method because the critical event does not typically last for the entire duration of the operation. Therefore, assumptions need to be made to position forces into the initial set of the critical event. Figure 2-9. Box method COA Analysis Techniques 2-168. Staffs use three different techniques to conduct COA analysis: key leader or full staff discussion, war gaming, and modeling and simulation. While war gaming is the most well-known, it is not the only way to analyze a COA. Key Leader or Full Staff Discussion 2-169. When time is limited, key leaders, staff members, and subject matter experts can gather around a sketch or map with graphics and talk through a COA. The lead planner quickly describes the scheme of maneuver in as much detail as possible followed by the other warfighting functions (typically by phase). As the group discusses the actions, key leaders use their skills, knowledge, and experience to fill in details or provide guidance on how to prevent friction. If time constraints prevent completing these actions, key leaders and subject matter experts discuss actions at critical events. This technique is less time consuming