BattlePro Online
Updated OPP Stage 1
Initiation Triggers
A warning order or operation order received from higher HQ
Written or verbal
Planning guidance issued by a higher commander
A major change in the operational or political situation
The commander's personal assessment of the situation
An unexpected risk or opportunity arises
Initiation Tasks
Conduct initial assessment of the situation and task
Including a concept of the end state
Is there is a pre-existing contingency plan?
Assemble staff planning team and issue instructions to prep for the OPP cycle
Establish liaison with higher, flanking and subordinate HQs to open a two-way flow of information
Consider bringing in collaborative planners to save time
Gather planning tools and data
Identify the threat
Send out recce elements or task other information collection systems
Commander issues initial planning guidance
After review of Higher Wng O
Preliminary Warning Order issued to subordinate HQs
Commander's Initial Planning Guidance
HQ Staff Planning Team assemble
Usually lead by G5 or COS
Brief is 5-10 Mins long
Prepared by Comd/COS
Time allocation
Changes to OPP, if any
Initial information requirements
Recce and movement requirements/limitations
Special tasks
Esp. any that must begin immediately
Products
COS: HQ Battle Rhythm established
And understood by all HQ Staff
Liaoson system activated
Send/recv LO teams to/from higher/lower HQs
Collaborative planners integrated with staff planning team
IPB Initiated
COMD: Initial Planning Guidance to Staff
COMD: Input to Wng O
G5/COS: Preliminary Wng O
With Comd's review/approval
Commander Initiation Considerations
What is my task in relation to the situation, and where does it fit in?
How much time do I have?
What probable key timings must I meet?
What do I need the Staff to produce right now?
What do I need to know about the situation, especially the threat?
Focus is info needed immediately
Staff Initiation Considerations
Plan to the one-third/two-thirds rule
Give your subordinates 2/3 of the time remaining
Notify subordinate HQs as soon as practical
Staff planning team assembles, lead by G5
COS or G5 briefs Battle Rhythm
Including any changes to OPP
G5 ensures all planning team members know their role
Including collaborative planners and LOs
G5 provide applicable Higher Orders/Wng Os
G2 begins IPB
All planning materials are gathered
Electronic and paper maps, imagery, reports, assessments, staff tables, etc.
All planning tools are gathered
Decision Support Template, G5 Master Matrix, Effects Guidance Matrix, calculators for Force Ratios, Personnel Loses, Tactical Manoeuvre, etc.
G5 drafts Wng O for Comd approval
Issued to subordinate HQs after approval