2-17. Leaders may receive one or more WARNORDs prior to receipt of the company OPORD. In a time-constrained environment, they may not receive their mission until receipt of the company OPORD. In the worst case, units may receive a change of mission while in execution, or even realize themselves the requirement for a new mission to achieve a higher commander’s intent. When units conduct parallel planning, subordinate leaders will have a greater understanding of future missions, whether an order is issued or not.
2-18. Upon receipt of the order, leaders conduct an initial analysis of the mission variables of METT-TC (I) to understand their likely mission, the threat, and other details necessary to start preparations for combat. Critical to success is the platoon leader’s time analysis. The leader’s primary objective is to maximize the time available to the unit to prepare the upcoming mission through effective time management.
Note. The HOPE-LW format (higher, operational, planning, enemy, light/weather) is an effective tool leaders use to analyze time variables impacting their operation.
2-19. Using the variables mentioned above, the leader develops a timeline to manage the platoon’s planning and preparation for operations. While this timeline will be updated with the plan, it is essential to time management that the leader identify necessary tasks and starts movement on them in accordance with the timeline. The leader should—
- Analyze the time the unit has available, accounting for hours of darkness.
- Apply one third of available time to planning, leaving two thirds for preparation.
- Identify externally imposed times (for example, rehearsals, orders, and so forth).
- Identify required movements (for example, reposition, reconnaissance, and so forth).
- Prepare an initial timeline for planning, preparation, and execution of the mission.
Note. The WARNORD is the leader’s best tool to manage time. Even when the company does not issue a WARNORD, the platoon leader can and should issue a WARNORD providing any known information.
Next Page : Step 2 – Issue Warning Order