Tactical decision making - UNITAF Force Manual (FM)


Group

Tactical decision making



FM/BG-1050 - Leading through execution and adaptation

Leaders must ensure their element executes the operations order effectively while adapting to real-time developments. Leadership involves supervising movement, enforcing tactical discipline, and adjusting plans based on enemy contact or environmental changes.

FM/BG-1051 - Leadership actions when not in combat

Identify and track the enemy

  • Constantly ask: "Where is the enemy?"
  • Use terrain and likely avenues of approach to infer enemy positions. 

Maintain formation and discipline

  • Confirm elements are following orders; address deviations promptly.
  • Monitor spacing, formation integrity, and mutual support.
  • Adjust formations to match terrain and threat levels. 

Avoid gaps and exposed flanks

  • Identify and close any gaps between units that could be exploited.
  • Maintain overwatch and support relationships between elements. 

Position key assets effectively

  • Ensure anti-tank and other special assets are placed forward and ready.
  • Confirm recon and point elements are in use where applicable. 

Clarify contact drills and ROE

  • Reiterate ROE and reaction-to-contact drills.
  • Adapt SOPs to mission-specific threats if necessary.

Confirm operational reality

  • Compare the actual situation to the OPORD.
  • Adjust plans if discrepancies arise due to faulty intel or unexpected contact.
FM/BG-1052 - Leadership actions when in combat

Assess the tactical picture

  • Identify enemy strength, weaponry, and disposition.
  • Determine friendly deployment and positioning.

Achieve fire superiority

  • Ensure the enemy is suppressed and fixed.
  • Position elements for tactical advantage and cover.

Employ and coordinate assets

  • Bring special teams and vehicles into action.
  • Request artillery, CAS, or indirect fire when available.

Evaluate and adapt tactics

  • Determine if the current plan can win the fight.
  • Consider flanks, rear approaches, and terrain for alternate tactics.

Exploit enemy weakness

  • Identify vulnerable enemy positions or exposed flanks.
  • Use fire and manoeuvre, or assaults to gain the upper hand.

Monitor the fight continuously

  • Track casualties and effectiveness.
  • Disengage if unable to win the engagement.
FM/BG-1053 - Leadership actions post combat

Establish security immediately

  • Secure the area with 360° coverage.
  • Clear enemy combatants and occupy strong positions.

Conduct status and ACE reports

  • Collect SITREPs and ACE Reports from all elements.
  • Determine remaining combat capability.

Address casualties and medical needs

  • Confirm medics are treating wounded effectively.
  • Avoid clustering around aid stations; establish triage.

Reorganize and redistribute

  • Reassign leadership if casualties occurred.
  • Merge understrength teams as needed.
  • Redistribute key equipment and ammunition.

Prepare for the next objective

  • Once stabilized, determine the next phase of the mission.
  • Rebrief units if needed and resume movement with discipline.
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