Lesson 1/Learning Event 4
efficiently. A warning order is usually issued orally through the chain of command. All personnel
must be kept informed of what they are to do and why they are to do it.
Step 3. Make a Tentative Plan
The commander should make a tentative plan of how the mission will be accomplished. Company
commanders normally have uncomplicated missions, and because their time is usually limited, they
quickly produce tentative plans. Each commander knows the unit situation and as much about the
enemy as circumstances allow. The commander also knows the mission and what it requires. The
tentative plan the commander develops is the basis for coordination, movement, reorganization, and
Step 4. Start Troop Leading and Movement
The commander has many important matters to consider at this point. Often, the driving
consideration is the absolute necessity of properly using available time. The commander must be
ever mindful that the subordinate leaders also need time. The commander must reconnoiter to verify
or modify the tentative plan. The unit may be required to move, and it may need reorganization for
the tasks at hand. Subordinate leaders must also reconnoiter and plan. In addition, crews and
squads must ready their vehicles. All these things must be done almost at the same time or at least
with minimum loss of time. The commander must have a standing operating procedure. The unit
must practice until the procedure can be done smoothly. even when fragmentary orders require
sudden mission changes or when orders are received while moving.
When the commander is called to receive an order, some other soldier in authority (often the first
sergeant) should go along who can return to the unit to issue a warning order and move the unit if
necessary. The commander must decide instantly when and where the final order will be issued and
then convey this information to subordinates. Whatever the system, it must work effectively
because mission accomplishment often depends upon it.
Step 5. Reconnoiter
To move, the commander must use terrain in a manner which minimizes vulnerability. Personal
reconnaissance lets the commander verify the tentative plan. This verification may lead to minor
modifications. If the area cannot be completely reconnoitered due to distance or enemy presence,
the commander can only make detailed plans of the part that has been reconnoitered. Other
instructions must be given in general terms and confirmed or changed as the terrain is revealed
during movement.
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