1. Analyze relative combat power. 2. Generate options.
3. Array forces.
4. Develop the concept of operations. 5. Assign responsibilities.
6. Prepare COA statement and sketch.
Figure 4-2. Development of courses of action.
Analyze (War-Game)
4-30. For each COA, the team thinks through the operation from beginning to end. They compare each COA with the most likely enemy COA, given what the LRS team is doing at that instant. Normally, small unit leaders visualize a set of actions, reactions and counteractions. The LRS team leader does this also, but because the LRS team’s objective is to not make enemy contact, the result should minimize the chance of contact. The team records the results of all wargames.
Compare
4-31. The team leader compares results of all the wargames and chooses the COA that has the best chance of mission accomplishment and preserves the team for future operations. Criteria normally include-- mission accomplishment, time to execute the mission, risk, and posture of the team for future operations.
Approve
4-32. The team leader picks the COA that best supports successful mission accomplishment. Normally, before the team continues plan development, the team leader must obtain approval for the chosen COA. This briefing is given to the detachment leader or company commander. Once approval is obtained and guidance given, the team begins development of the OPORD.
Conduct Reconnaissance
4-33. Ideally, the team leader reconnoiters the area visually. If this cannot be done, then the team leader continues to study aerial reconnaissance photos, UAS video and satellite imagery (if available). He confirms, clarifies, and supplements information gleaned from maps and other sources.
Complete the Plan
4-34. Complete detailed planning to include necessary coordination with all support elements required for the mission. (Appendix G provides an example list of the necessary coordination.)
Issue the OPORD
4-35. Include all necessary annexes. Use a detailed OPORD format. (Appendix B provides an example.) Use visual aids (terrain models, objective sketches, charts, photos, maps, and overlays) to reinforce information and to help ensure the team fully understands all aspects of the mission.
Supervise and Inspect Soldiers
4-36. The team leader and the assistant team leader supervise the team throughout the preparation to ensure timely completion of all required tasks. They inspect to ensure that--
• The team takes only the equipment required for the mission.
• All equipment is functional, complete, secured, and evenly distributed. • Resupply bundles and packages meet SOP criteria.
• Cache meets SOP criteria.
• Insertion vehicle and aircraft preparation meet SOP criteria.
Check the Communications Equipment
4-37. Under the guidance of the team leader, the RTO checks all communications equipment on a distant BRS (HF and UHF TACSAT). They also check--
• Internal communications with all VHF frequency modulation (FM) communications equipment. Unserviceable and inoperable equipment is reported to the communications NCOIC.
• For all radios, frequencies are confirmed with the frequency manager, and, if needed, more frequencies are requested.
Rehearse Mission
4-38. After briefing the OPORD, the team leader conducts rehearsals. This includes inspecting personnel and equipment. During the rehearsal, the team wears the full uniform and carries all mission-essential equipment. The unit conducts detailed, full force rehearsals, because the team needs them to reinforce complex procedures. Terrain and conditions should, as much as possible, replicate those expected for the actual operation. Detailed rehearsals can include transportation and OPFOR, and as many contingencies as can be anticipated. The team simulates casualties among key personnel, with other team members assuming their duties. Leaders continually ask team members to answer mission-specific questions. Sand table briefings, a map study, and photograph examinations should complement all rehearsals. At a minimum, during hasty planning, the team should rehearse actions in the objective area (entering; maintaining; and sterilizing the hide, surveillance, and communication sites). Otherwise, rehearsals should cover as much as possible the following, also shown in Table 4-3.
• Off-loading and assembly procedures at points of insertion. • Movement formations.
• "Lost-man" drill. • Security halt procedures. • Actions at possible danger areas.
• Reaction drill for aircraft flyover (friendly or enemy). • Countertracking techniques.
• Actions on enemy contact such as chance, near/far ambush, sniper, air attack, indirect fire, flares. • Loading procedures at the extraction site.
• Special actions (as required), and use of new or unfamiliar equipment. • Procedures for emplacement and recovery of a cache.
• Actions at recovery points or contact points. • Actions in the absence of a communications plan.
Table 4-3. Priority of actions for rehearsal.
Rehearsal Actions
Rehearsal Type Hasty/
Critical Important Minimal/ Detailed/ Useful
Actions in the objective area (entering,
maintaining, and sterilizing the hide, surveillance, and communication sites)
X X X
Off-loading and assembly procedures at points of insertion
X X
Movement formations X X "Lost-man" drill X X Security halt procedures X X Actions at possible danger areas X X Reaction drill for aircraft flyover (friendly or enemy) X X Countertracking techniques X X Actions on enemy contact (chance, near and far
ambush, sniper or air attack, indirect fire, flares)
X X
Loading procedures at the extraction site X X Special actions (as required) and use of new
or unfamiliar equipment
X X
Procedures for emplacing and recovering cache X X Actions at recovery points or contact points X X Actions in the absence of a communications plan X X Communications during scheduled windows
and initial entry X X
Transportation contingencies X
Sand table briefings X
Map study X
Photographic examinations X
Conduct Backbrief
4-39. When mission planning is complete, the team briefs back the entire mission to the commander or to the commander's designated representative. The backbrief ensures the commander that the team understands and is prepared for the mission. They can shorten the backbrief to accommodate condensed planning time or as the commander requests, based on his knowledge of the team's experience and on who attends the backbrief. The team rehearses the backbrief to ensure that all team members understand all aspects of the operation. (Appendix B provides an example backbrief format.)
Conduct Final Inspection
4-40. The team always conducts a final inspection before the team leaves the planning area. The team leader inspects personnel, personal equipment, and mission equipment, especially those items identified during previous inspections or during rehearsals as needing correction. The team leader questions team members to reinforce critical aspects of the mission.
Receive Intelligence Updates
4-41. The team leader receives intelligence updates from higher and adapts his plans accordingly.