2-114. This final step of the TLP is crucial. After issuing the OPORD, leaders and subordinate leaders must ensure the required activities and tasks are completed in a timely manner prior to mission execution. Supervision is the primary responsibility of all leaders. Both officers and noncommissioned officers must check everything important for mission accomplishment. These checks include, but are not limited to—
- Conducting numerous backbriefs on all aspects of the platoon and subordinate unit operations.
- Ensuring the second in command in each element is prepared to execute in the leaders’ absence.
- Listening to subordinates’ OPORD.
- Observing rehearsals of subordinate units.
- Checking load plans to ensure units are carrying only what is necessary for the mission or what the OPORD specified.
- Checking the status and serviceability of weapons.
- Checking on maintenance activities of subordinates.
- Ensuring local security is maintained.
Rehearsals
2-115. A rehearsal is a session in which the commander and staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance during execution (ADP 5-0). They are essential in ensuring thorough preparation, coordination, and understanding of the commander’s plan and intent. Leaders should never underestimate the value of rehearsals.
2-116. Rehearsals require leaders and, when time permits, other platoon Soldiers to perform required tasks, ideally under conditions as close as possible to those expected for the actual operation. At their best, rehearsals are interactive, while verbalizing their elements’ actions. During every rehearsal, the focus is on the how element, allowing subordinates to practice the actions called for in their individual scheme of maneuver.
Note. Rehearsals are different from a discussion of what is supposed to happen during the actual event. Leaders can test subordinates understanding of the plan by ensuring they push the rehearsal forward rather than waiting to dictate each step of the operation.
2-117. Leaders use well-planned, efficiently run rehearsals to accomplish the following:
- Reinforce training and increase proficiency in critical tasks.
- Reveal weaknesses or problems in the plan, leading to more refinement of the plan or development of additional branch plans.
- Integrate the actions of subordinate elements, to include actions on contact during movement and maneuver.
- Confirm coordination requirements within the platoon and between the platoon and adjacent units.
- Improve each Soldier’s understanding of the concept of operations, the direct fire plan, anticipated contingencies, and possible actions and reactions for various situations may arise during the operation.
- Ensure seconds-in-command are prepared to execute in their leaders’ absence.
Types of Rehearsals
2-118. Each rehearsal type achieves different results and has a specific place in the timeline. (See ATP 3-21.10 and FM 6-0 for additional information.) The four types of rehearsals are—
- Backbrief.
- Combined arms rehearsal.
- Support rehearsal.
- Battle drill or SOP rehearsal.
Methods of Rehearsals
2-119. Rehearsals should follow the crawl-walk-run training methodology whenever possible. This prepares the platoons and subordinate elements for increasingly difficult conditions. (See ATP 3-21.10 and FM 6-0 for additional information.) Units may conduct these methods of rehearsals dependent on the situation and as time permits—
- Full-dress rehearsal.
- Reduced-force rehearsal.
- Terrain-model rehearsal.
- Digital terrain-model rehearsal.
- Sketch-map rehearsal.
- Map rehearsal.
- Network rehearsal.
Note. Because time is scarce during TLP, leaders should direct certain rehearsals (for example, special teams, breach, battle drills) to occur by way of the WARNORD.
Precombat Checks and Inspections
2-120. PCCs and PCIs are critical to the success of missions. These checks and inspections are leader tasks and cannot be delegated below the team-leader level. For example, at the platoon echelon, the platoon sergeant spot checks throughout the unit’s preparation for combat. The platoon leader and platoon sergeant make a final inspection. For the squad echelon, team leaders spot check throughout preparation, and the squad leader makes a final inspection. They ensure the Soldier is prepared to execute the required individual and collective tasks supporting the mission. Checks and inspections are part of the TLP protecting against shortfalls endangering Soldiers’ lives and jeopardize the execution of a mission.
2-121. PCCs and PCIs must be tailored to the specific unit and mission requirements. Each mission and each patrol may require a separate set of checklists. A rifle squad will have its own established set of PCCs and PCIs, but each squad within its rifle platoon should have identical checklists. Weapons squads will have a different checklist than rifle squads, but each weapons squad within a company should be the same.
2-122. One of the best ways to ensure PCCs and PCIs are complete and thorough is with full-dress rehearsals. These rehearsals, run at combat speed with communication and full-battle equipment, allow the leader to envision minute details, as they will occur in the AO. If the operation is to be conducted at night, Soldiers should conduct full-dress rehearsals at night as well. PCCs and PCIs should include backbriefs on the mission, the task and purpose of the mission, and how the Soldiers’ role fits into the scheme of maneuver. The Soldiers should be familiar with the latest intelligence assessments, ROE, and be versed casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) and in medical evacuation(MEDEVAC) procedures and sustainment requirements.
2-123. Table 2-3 lists sensitive items, high dollar value items, pieces of equipment, and supplies that a unit may be equipped with during a particular mission. A unit’s SOP generally addresses PCC and PCI specific to an individual unit. Table 2-3 is only provided for discussion purposes and is not all inclusive for every mission.
Table 2-3. Precombat checks and precombat inspection checklist, example
Next Page : Chapter 3 – Movement and Maneuver