TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES
These are the eight steps of
troop-leading procedures, which are covered in detail in FM 3-20.15:
1 Receive and analyze the mission.
2 Issue the warning order.
3 Make a Tentative Plan
4 Initiate movement.
5 Conduct recon.
6 Complete the plan.
7 Issue the order.
8 Supervise and refine.
Whenever possible, the troop-leading
steps are accomplished concurrently rather than sequentially. Time management
is the key. The platoon leader normally uses one-third of the available time to
plan, prepare, and issue the order; BCs and squad leaders have the remaining
two-thirds of the time available to prepare their BFVs/crews and squads for the
operation. This is the “one-third/two-thirds” rule of time allocation.
1. Receive and analyze the
mission.
a. Task
identification (specified, implied, and essential).
b.
Limitations and constraints.
c.
Additional resources required.
d.
Coordination requirements.
e.
Reverse planning schedule.
2. Issue the warning order.
a. Enemy
situation (with a copy of the situational template).
b.
Restated mission.
c.
Changes to task organization.
d.
Delegation of critical tasks. BEGIN PCC/PCIs. Platoon leader must give a focus.
e.
Coordination requirements.
f. REDCON
level and conditions under which it will change. To relieve soldiers for
preparation tasks, use the lowest REDCON level that will provide adequate
security.
g.
Reverse planning schedule.
h. Time
and place the OPORD will be issued.
i.
Service support requirements.
j. Begin
graphics production
3. Make a tentative plan.
a.
Identify Task and Purpose based on mission.
b.
METT-TC analysis.
c.
Integration of the intelligence preparation of the battlefield (IPB).
d.
Analysis of courses of action.
e.
Contingencies.
4. Initiate movement.
a. Time
the route to the start point (SP).
b.
Determine why/when to move.
c.
Position the platoon at a location advantageous to preparation for the mission.
5. Conduct reconnaissance.
a.
Map/air/ground reconnaissance.
b. Leader
reconnaissance.
6. Complete the plan.
a.
Complete the details of how the platoon/section will accomplish each task.
b.
Develop platoon graphics as additions to troop or TF graphics.
c.
Integrate the fire support (FS) plan.
d.
Develop the communication plan.
e.
Integrate the ENG plan.
f.
Integrate CS.
g.
Execute CSS.
7. Issue the order.
a. PL
checks graphics.
b. Use
terrain model or dry erase board.
c.
Mission/Intent/Task Purpose/ Actions on the OBJ /Actions on Contact (minimum).
d. Rules
of Engagement (ROE) / Rules of Interaction (ROI).
e.
MEDEVAC procedures and plan.
f. End
with backbriefs.
8. Supervise and refine.
a.
Conduct pre-combat checks (PCC) and pre-combat inspections (PCI).
b.
Supervise section/squad orders.
c.
Conduct a platoon-level backbrief.
d.
Conduct platoon-level rehearsals in order of precedence:
1)
Full dress (run-through).
2)
Sand table (walk-through).
3)
Map (talk-through).
4)
FM (talk/read-through).
e. Check
and conduct training on mission-critical tasks.
f. If
time is available, plan for as many contingencies as possible at this point.
9. Backbrief Format.
Backbriefs will normally be conducted after troop orders and after rehearsals.
a. Higher
CDRs’ mission and intent (two echelons up).
b.
Platoon mission, task/purpose/endstate by phase and event, and relationship to
other units.
c. Key
platoon actions (what achieves success)
d. Risk
Assessment
1)
Safety risks
2)
Tactical risks
3)
Fratricide risks
4)
Risk reduction measures
e. Issues
and required assistance
1)
Ability to meet timeline
2)
Ability to accomplish tasks
10. Questions for Backbriefs and
PCC/PCI. The following is the minimum information to be checked during
backbriefs and PCC/PCI.
a. All
elements briefed
b.
Graphics posted
c. Enemy
situation, avenues of approach, positions, COAs
d. Kill
zones, obstacles and bypasses
e. OP
locations, associated NAIs, and expected duration
f.
Actions on contact
g. Actions
on objective
h.
Location of elements forward and adjacent to the unit
i. Routes
j.
Passage of lines recognition signals
k.
Displacement criteria
l. PIR
m. Air
defense threat and status
n. Commo
card updated and frequencies set
o.
Actions if commo lost
p.
Casualty collection points
q.
Location of aid station
r. MEDEVAC
procedures and frequencies
s. MOPP
level and times
t.
ROE/ROI
u. Force
protection concerns and actions