A problem is an issue or obstacle that makes it difficult to achieve a desired goal or objective. In the context of operations, an operational problem is the issue or set of issues that impede commanders from achieving their desired end state.

What is the important first step in the Army problem-solving model? Gather information and knowledge 7 . When analyzing possible solutions, in what order should criteria be applied? Screening criteria are applied first, and then evaluation criteria 8.

Five categories of screening criteria are commonly applied to test a possible solution: • Suitability—solves the problem and is legal and ethical. Feasibility—fits within available resources. Acceptability—worth the cost or risk. Completeness—contains the critical aspects of solving the problem from start to finish.

Military Decision Making Process

MDMP is typically conducted at no lower than the battalion/squadron level due to increased staff requirements, so small-unit tactical planning (company/flight level and below) involves the less rigorous TLP. While TLP is tactical ground operations oriented, it is applicable to planning virtually any activity.

Surveillance

EIGHT-STEP TROOP-LEADING PROCESS:

• Receive the Mission.
• Issue a Warning Order.
• Make a Tentative Plan.
• Initiate Movement.
• Conduct Reconnaissance.
• Complete the Plan.
• Issue the Order.
• Supervise, Inspect and Refine.

An OPORD is formatted to organize an operation into five easily understood paragraphs: Situation, Mission, Execution, Sustainment (formerly Service and Support, currently referred to as Admin & Logistics by the US Marine Corps), and Command and Control.

The order consists of an orientation and five paragraphs. The five paragraphs are: Situation, Mission, Execution, Administration and Logistics, and Command and Signal.

five

FIVE PARAGRAPH ORDER FORMAT The purpose of the five-paragraph order is to issue an order in a clear and concise manner by a thorough orientation of the area of operations. A five-paragraph order gives subordinates the essential information needed to carry out the operation.

The Military use the SMEAC system to document their orders and instructions for field operations, so that they can pass this information on to their troops.

SMEAC is an effective tool for communicating everything a firefighter needs to know about a mission in a structured format, making it easy to identify each specific requirement in a predictable and deliberate order. Originating in the military, it has been converting strategies into action for generations.

There are several types of combat orders; the most common are the: Operation Order. Warning Order. Fragmentary Order.

A warning order is “a preliminary notice of an order or action which is to follow.” It is issued by the commander at the outset of receipt of an order from higher. The warning order is issued prior to beginning the planning process in order to allow subordinate leaders and units to maximize their preparation time.

Description of how arrayed forces will accomplish the commander’s intent. It is the central expression of the commander’s concept for operations and governs the design of supporting plans or annexes. Dictionary of Military and Associated Terms.

The FRAGO provides timely changes of existing orders to subordinate and supporting commanders while providing notification to higher and adjacent commands. A FRAGO is either oral or written and addresses only those parts of the original OPORD that have changed.

Noun. METT-TC (uncountable) (US, military, mnemonic) Initialism of mission, enemy, terrain, troops available, time, and civilian considerations. Used by the United States military to help commanders remember the considerations in the planning of any operation.

At a minimum a warning order contains the situation, mission, general instructions and specific instructions. There are different methods of disseminating the information to your Marines.

A fragmentary order (or “Frag-O”) is “an abbreviated form of an operation order, usually issued on a day-to-day basis that eliminates the need for restating information contained in a basic operations order. It may be issued in sections.” Fragmentary orders are often necessary due to enemy action.

Fragmentary Order

The Execution paragraph is where the unit leader describes and conveys his plan for accomplishing the unit mission. It includes four main subparagraphs: Commander’s Intent, Concept of Operations, Tasks, and Coordinating Instructions.

SMEAC

BAMCIS is an acronym for: Begin planning, Arrange for reconnaissance, Make reconnaissance, Complete the plan, Issue the order, and Supervise, and it’s a core tenet of Marine Corps leadership.

The process is the same when we discuss planning at the tactical level in the Marine Corps, we have simply standardized that process with the Six Troop Leading Steps. (Begin Planning, Arrange for Reconnaissance, Make Reconnaissance, Complete the Plan, Issue the Order, and Supervise [BAMCIS]).

Supervise