HEADQUARTERS
HEADQUARTERS
In accordance with ATP 6-0.5 a command post (CP) is a unit headquarters where the commander and staff perform their activities (FM 6-0). Often divided into echelons, each echelon of the headquarters is a CP regardless of whether the commander is present. When necessary, commanders control operations from other locations away from the CP. In all cases, the commander alone exercises command when in a CP or elsewhere. CPs are facilities that include personnel, equipment, information systems, and networks, guided by processes and procedures that assist commanders in the exercise of mission command. Commanders employ CPs to help control operations through continuity, planning, coordination, and synchronizing of the warfighting functions. Commanders organize their CPs flexibly to meet changing situations and requirements of different operations (see chapter 2 for CP organization). CP functions directly relate to assisting commanders in understanding, visualizing, describing, directing, leading, and assessing operations. Different types of CPs, such as the main CP or the tactical CP, have specific functions by design. Functions common to all CPs include:
Conducting knowledge management and information management.
Building and maintaining situational understanding.
Controlling operations.
Assessing operations.
Coordinating with internal and external organizations.
Performing CP administration.
In accordance with ATP 3-21.10 the Infantry rifle company command post (CP) does not have a set organization. It consists of the commanding officer and other personnel and equipment required to support company mission command. The CP is located where the commander determines it is best able to support mission command. Its purpose is to provide communications with higher, lower, adjacent, and supporting units; to assist the commander in planning, coordinating, and issuing company orders, and to support continuous operations by the company. Often the CP is required to provide its own security but is able to locate with subordinate elements on the move or stationary when necessary.
Normally the CP consists of the; radiotelephone operators, FIST headquarters, and the senior radio telephone operator. The XO, 1SG, signal support NCO, armorer, reserve element leader, and the leaders of attached or supporting elements may also locate with the CP. When positioning the CP, the commander considers communication requirements, the security needs for the CP, and above all, the location where the commander is best able to fight the company.
CP personnel support the commander by:
Establishing mission command systems (antennas, radios, tracking mechanisms).
Assisting in preparation of the company OPORD.
Providing recommendations or input during planning.
Receiving and sending required reports and updated information to the battalion and subordinates.
The commander organizes and mans the CP to conduct continuous operations. Techniques the commander considers to ensure continuous operations include the following:
Cross train personnel within the CP.
Ensure the XO and 1SG are aware of critical decisions in the commander’s absence.
Establish a rest plan, and ensure compliance.
Ensure key decision makers get rest.
The most critical decision in organizing a company command post is committing resources. There are several options for manning an Infantry rifle company command post when 24 hour CP operations are required. The basic manning requirement is for two NCOs to serve as non-commissioned officers in charge. One NCO is in charge during the day shift and the other is in charge during the night shift. These NCOs must be able to perform their duties with little or no supervision. There are several members of the company who can meet this manning requirement.
When conducting continuous 24 hour operations other members of the headquarters section can man needed positions in the CP, such as senior radio telephone operators. At a minimum, there should be two senior radio telephone operators. One senior radio telephone operator supports the day shift and the other supports the night shift. The senior radio telephone operator assists the NCO in charge as needed to accomplish the CP mission. The Soldiers manning the company CP assist the commander by reducing the number of items the commander must personally track and report. This frees the commander to focus on and conduct troop leading procedures during planning. Key tasks performed by the Soldiers manning the CP include:
Record incoming information such as status reports, warning order, and fragmentary orders.
Continuously refine the situation template using the latest intelligence and distribute the updated situation template to all company elements.
Post current guidance, timelines, and overlays.
Pass required reports to the battalion and subordinate units.
Track unit preparations and logistical status.
Conduct required coordination with adjacent and flank units.
Facilitate bottom-up refinement of planning and preparation.
Battle track.
Attached or operational control units can use the CP as the point of contact. The units can further assist the commander in their troop leading procedures by supervising and enforcing the timeline and reproducing overlays and constructing sand tables for company and platoon rehearsals. The company CP is an information management center during the plan and preparation phase of a mission and battle tracking during mission execution.
Additional tasks performed by the Soldiers manning the CP include:
Track and provide situational updates of current missions.
Alert the command group or subordinate elements.
Coordinate with higher and subordinate units to receive, send, and track daily and reoccurring information requirements.
Track friendly unit locations.
Track times for planned patrols or upcoming combat missions.
Track current manning status and task organization of unit.
Track current status of key weapons systems, vehicles, and equipment.