Tactics and Sustainment Exam

Answer

C419 Tactics and Sustainment Exam (AY15-16)

Section 1: Analysis and Development of a Doctrinal Remedy to a Tactical Issue

Question 1

1/1 Armor Brigade Combat Team (ABCT) is to defeat the adversary located on the northern flank in order to defend main body of the division, and rejoin the 5^th ID immediately this mission is completed.

Question 2

Through mission orders, operation commanders often focus their orders on the operation’s purpose, as opposed to the details of performing the assigned tasks[1]. 1/1 ABCT Commander’s intention for this mission is to execute the 5^th Infantry Division’s decisive operation with the aim of capturing OBJ TANGO, a city situated 80 km west of the city of MIDLAND. First, 1/1ABCT is to ensure that the adversary on the northern flank is defeated in order to protect the division’s primary body after which 1/1 ABCT will rejoin 5^th ID to seize OBJ TANGO.

Question 3

Offensive action serves as a decisive form associated with any military engagement. The principal aim of the offense operation is to defeat, neutralize, or damage an adversary force, as well as to deprive the enemy of a decisive terrain[2]. In relation to this, ABCT is going to execute an offense. The task involved to is to defeat the adversary forces existing on the northern flank in order to create a favourable condition (safe passage through MDILAND city) for the main division’s body to launch an offense against OBJ TANGO. The form of offense is frontal.

Question 4

Decisive operation entails simultaneous employment of military potentials or capabilities with the aim of accomplishing a purpose[3]. ABCT’s decisive operation exists in attacking the adversary at OBJ TANGO and seizing this city.

Question 5

Shaping operations take into consideration the nonlethal and lethal activities executed throughout the area of operations. Shaping operations impact the enemy forces and activities, as well as decisions in a negative manner, thereby supporting the decisive operation. Shaping operations employ all elements associated with combat power to reduce or neutralize the enemy capabilities[4]. Considering the case scenario, the first shaping operation is associated with the attack and defeat of the adversary forces on the northern flanks. The second shaping operation involves attacking and destroying the maneuver brigade of the enemy once it reaches a direct fire range of ROUTE BLUE. All these operations will contribute to the decisive operation, which involves the attack and defeat of the enemy at OBJ TANGO followed by conquering of this city.    

Section 2: Sketch and Explanation

Question 6

1. Provided in the sketch in the pdf document.
2. Cavalry plays the role of an economy of combat or force. The flexile potential associated with it enables the commander to preserve the power of combat of brigades or division for engagement where needed[5]. In relation to this, 1-2 cavalry Squadron task is to engage in defensive and offensive mission by protecting the units of the main division and attacking the enemy.
3. Shown in the sketch in the pdf document
4. 1-66AR CAB’s task is to handle complicated issues such as complex terrain during a combined operation with the aim of enabling the main enemy force to maneuver. 2-66AR CAB’s duty is to in order to launch lethal attack on the opponent to paralyze the opponent and allow for the maneuver of the main force of the enemy. 1-16IN CAB’s responsibility is to launch the final and main attacks on the opponent with the aim of ensuring complete paralysis of the opponent
5. Shown in the sketch in the pdf
6. The 2-11 Field Artillery Battalion’s task is to focus on the deployment by sea, land, or air throughout the area of operation with the aim of integrating and delivering nonlethal and lethal fires, and enable the maneuver and joint commanders to dictate their operational setting across the operational spectrums.
7. Shown in the pdf
8. Provided in the pdf
9. Main command post refers to a facility that contains the majority of members of staff designed to regulate the present operations, execute detailed assessment, and plan future activities[6]. The chosen location provides suits the main command post as it allows for easy deployment of troops and resources, and mobility, and has limited interference and adequate space. Tactical command post refers to a facility having a tailored segment of a unit headquarters developed to regulate portions of a military operation for a restricted time. The selected location is ideal for a tactical command post as it allows for extended deployment of personnel and resources, and regulation of the operation process or activities such as passage of lines, air assault operation, and gap crossing.

Section 3: Sustainment

Question 7

Brigade Support Battalion (BSB) will contribute significantly to logistical support of 1/1 ABCT’s mission. The BSB is considered a complete spectrum-capable unit, which is organic to certain support brigades functioning at the tactical capacity and maneuver brigades. Thus, the operations of a BSB happen to be an inherent component of the whole brigade operational execution and planning cycle[7]. The command group of the BSB focuses on the synchronization and integration of the brigade’s requirements with the division G4 and sustainment brigade. During this operation the BSB’s mission will be planning, preparing, rapidly deploying and executing the continuous flow or supply of tactical-level logistics along with medical support to the 1/1ABCT. Medical care will comprise behavioral health assistance to all military units in the brigade. It is vital to note that organic medical help within the brigade, which lack a medical company is restricted to aid and battalion stations.

The BSB will also be instrumental in the preparation process. The BSB platoon in charge of water and fuel will focus on the preparation of vehicles and tankers with water and fuel. The platoon in charge of support supply will configure munitions, repair parts, and flat-tracks of supplies. On the other hand, the BSB company in charge of forward maintenance will focus on the preparation of equipment taken back to the battalion from the process of maintenance. For instance, drivers from the battalion will be responsible for driving vehicles that return from maintenance. It is significant to note that the BSB command faction offers control and command to include administrative activities for units attached and assigned to the BSB[8].

Distribution will also be a key logistic issue during 1/1 ABCT’s mission. As such, the BSB distribution company will focus on the provision of transportation assistance to the brigade by moving water, move fuel, ammunition, and dry cargo. The distribution supply potential of the BSB will take into consideration general supplies, bulk petroleum, repair parts, water distribution, water purification and ammunition. Since the BSB is adequately equipped and well trained to back the brigade’s needs for full spectrum activities, this unit will focus on the execution of defense and offense operations, and ensuring civil support and stability in 1/1ABCT’s operations.

1/1 ABCT’s operation will be sustained though a coordinated function of various stakeholders. For instance, the distribution company will provide supply assistance to the brigade headquarters, special troops battalion of the brigade, and the BSB. The FSCs will focus on the provision of this potential for their corresponding battalion. Moreover, the company responsible for field maintenance will provide field maintenance assistance to the BSB, special troops battalion of the brigade, and the brigade headquarters. Thus, the incorporation of the BSB in this operation will contribute largely to the successful execution of 1/1 ABCT’s mission. 

Question 8

Successful BSA operations often develop during the process of planning where rehearsed activities establish conditions leading to structured BSA site occupation[9]. Some of the factors considered in the selection of a strategic BSA site are the operation’s mission, weather and terrain, enemy, support, support, and time available, as well as the civil considerations associated with the proposed BSA location[10]. In relation to this, the chosen BSA’s location in the sketch is considered a defendable site to the commander of the battalion, and will ensure that the footprint of the BSA enables support activities or operations of both the main commanding post and tactical commanding post. 

Question 9

The sustainment principles are essential for the maintenance of combat power, and enhancement of operational and strategic reach along with the provision of Army troops with endurance. The eight principles of sustainment are improvisation, continuity, integration, survivability, economy, responsiveness, simplicity, and anticipation[11]. Among the eight principles, integration and responsiveness are considered the most significant for this operation. Without thoughtful integration of the division’s sustainment with all the joint operations of various units the attainment of the eight principles becomes impossibility. Besides, integration of sustainment is needed throughout the essential processes of operation including assessment, execution, preparation, and planning. Responsiveness involves the potential to meet the dynamic needs on brief notice and quickly sustain efforts or attempts to meet the changing conditions over time. Responsiveness is required in addressing urgent situations such as defeating the adversary on the northern flank, and launching a deadly attack on the maneuvering enemy brigade, which is advancing to the south, once it reaches a direct firing range from ROUTE BLUE.    

Section 4: Mission Command Essay

Question 10

The mission command doctrine of command happens to among the key foundations associated with the unified land operations. According to[12], mission command involves the exercising of direction and authority by the commander by employing mission orders to ensure orderly initiative within the intent of the commander to empower adaptive and agile leaders within the execution of unified land actions. Unforeseen threats and opportunities often present themselves in a rapid manner throughout operations[13]. This essay champions the argument that embracing the six codes of command enables the commanders to initiate and incorporate all military actions and functions towards the realization of a common goal. As the 1/1 ABCT commander, I will focus on the employment of six principles associated with the mission command to achieve the assigned mission of the brigade, as explained in the subsequent paragraphs. These principles are the establishment of cohesive team via mutual trust, creation of shared understanding, provision of a clear intent, exercise of a disciplined initiative, employment of mission order, and acceptance of prudent risk.

Establishing a cohesive team via mutual trust contributes significantly to mission accomplishment. Mutual trust involves shared confidence among partners, subordinates, and commanders[14]. As a commander, I will focus on building a cohesive team in a setting of mutual trust. Besides, I ensure that I earn the trust of my subordinates by upholding the values of the Army and exercising leadership, which is consistent with the leadership principles of the Army. While sharing experiences with the team, my interaction with the soldiers and subordinates will be based on a two-way communication to reinforce trust. These undertakings will enable me to establish a united team via mutual trust.

Creation of shared understanding is also an essential recipe for attaining the brigade mission. According to[15], shared purpose and understanding forms a robust foundation for unity of trust and effort. During the operation, I will engage in active establishment and maintenance of shared understanding within the brigade by maintaining dialogue and collaboration throughout the process of operation. In this manner, I will manage to create shared understanding.

Providing a clear intent is a significant step towards a successful mission accomplishment. Commanders develop their commander’s intent within their higher commander’s intent. I craft a commander’s intent that conveys a clear picture of the purpose of the northern flank enemy operation, desired outcome, and tasks. This step will contribute largely to developing a clear intent.

Exercising of a disciplined initiative is vital for mission accomplishment. The exercise of disciplined initiative results into the creation of opportunities. As a commander, I will employ my intent to define the boundaries within which my subordinates may execute initiative. In this manner, the subordinates will take action to establish the situation, which will in turn establish and sustain operational initiative that dictates action terms throughout the northern flank operation.  

Employment of a mission order is key to mission accomplishment. Mission orders refer to directives that highlight the desired outcomes to subordinates, as opposed to how such results are to be achieved. I will employ mission orders to offer guidance and direction that targets the activities of the brigade on the attainment of the primary objective, which is to defeat the enemy on the northern flank and rejoin immediately with the main division.

Accepting a prudent risk is an essential component of mission accomplishment. Commanders embrace prudent risk when making judgments and decision because military operations are associated with uncertainties[16]. As a commander, I will engage in careful determination of risks, and focus on analysis and minimization of hazards after which I will embrace prudent risks with the aim of exploiting opportunities.

In conclusion, embracing the six principles associated with mission command will contribute largely to mission accomplishment during the northern flank operation. My actions will involve establishing a cohesive team via mutual trust, creating shared understanding, providing a clear intent, exercising a disciplined initiative, employing a mission order, and accepting prudent risk.

[1] ADRP 5-0 The Operations Process (2012)

[2] FM 3-90-1 Offense and Defense (INCL C1 & C2) (2015)

[3] Ibid

[4] Ibid

[5] FM 3-90-2 Reconnaissance, Security, and Tactical Enabling Tasks (2013)

[6]FM 6-0 Commander and Staff Organizations and Operations (INCL C1 & C2) (2016)

[7] FM 3-96 Brigade Combat Team (2015)

[8] Ibid

[9] Ibid

[10] Ibid

[11] ADRP 4-0 Sustainment (2012)

[12] Ibid

[13] Ibid

[14] Ibid

[15] Ibid

[16] Ibid