FM/C100 - Leadership - Leadership of field elements

---

The FM outlines our core skills, policies and guides to ensure every member stands ready for the mission ahead.

Key Roles

• Field Leader (FL): Oversees planning and execution of the operation.
• Campaign Manager (CM): Sets the strategic context, controls the campaign.
• Game Master (GM): Controls OPFOR and scenario execution.
• Higher HQ: CM/GM acting as real-world higher command during planning and execution.

Key Terms

• OPORD: Operational order in SMEAC format.
• ORBAT: Structure and composition of the friendly force.
• Back Brief: Subordinates brief their plan to superiors.
• Concept of Operation: Early idea for the operation's tone and structure.

Each mission follows a clear lifecycle:

Concept (T-1 week):

• CM assigns GM and FL.
• Concept and execution date agreed.

Planning (T-6 days):

• CM/GM gives Higher HQ Briefing.
• FL confirms ORBAT and support assets.

Muster (T-4 days):

• OPORD sent to leadership.
• FL meets sub-leaders to finalize execution.
• ORBAT and plan released.

Execution:

• OPORD published.
• Back briefs conducted.
• Mission executed.

Review:

• FL and leaders debrief.
• Final review with CM/GM.

SMEAC is a standard mission briefing format used to clearly communicate plans. It includes: 

• Situation, 
• Mission, 
• Execution, 
• Administration/Logistics,
• Command/Signal. 

All UNITAF OPORDs follow this format via the Operations Centre editor.

Situation

• Covers the operational context, friendly forces, attachments (e.g., CAS, armor), and enemy strength, posture, and intent.
• Brevity: SITREP – Situation Report

Mission

• Defines the task: who, what, when, where, and why. It also states the desired end state.

Execution

• Includes the commander's intent, scheme of manoeuvre, and specific tasks to achieve the mission.
• Brevity: COA – Course of Action

Administration / Logistics

• Describes medical support, resupply, EPW handling, and supporting fires (e.g., artillery, CAS).
• Brevity: CASEVAC – Casualty Evacuation, RTB – Return to Base

Command / Signal

• Outlines comms protocols, signal plans, and contingencies. Defaults to SOP if unchanged.
• Brevity: COMMS – Communications, SOP – Standard Operating Procedure

The planning process should take no more than 30 minutes. This includes building the OPORD and issuing briefings. Complex missions may take longer, but the goal is clarity and speed. 

METT-TC is a planning framework used to assess the tactical situation and inform decisions at all levels of command. It helps leaders build effective, informed plans and adapt during execution. It stands for:

• Mission
• Enemy
• Terrain & Weather
• Troops & Support
• Time
• Civilians

METT-TC is not a plan itself but the context for planning. It supports both creating and reacting to operations orders (OPORDs) using SMEAC. Leaders should also apply METT-TC from the enemy's perspective to anticipate actions and identify opportunities.

Mission

• Clarify the task:
• What must be done?
• Why is it being done?
• Who is involved?
• Where and when is it happening?
• This sets the foundation for your entire plan. 

Enemy

• Understand the threat:
  • Composition: Infantry, mechanized, armor, air?
  • Capabilities: AT/AA, artillery, CAS?
  • Size: Squad? Platoon? Reinforced?
  • Location: Known or suspected?
  • Posture: Patrolling, defending, attacking?
• These factors inform a threat assessment to shape friendly actions. 

Terrain & Weather (OCOKA)

Use OCOKA to assess terrain:

• Observation & Fields of Fire: Visibility and weapon use
• Cover & Concealment: Protection and stealth
• Obstacles: Rivers, steep hills, barriers
• Key Terrain: Areas offering tactical advantage
• Avenues of Approach: Routes for friendly/enemy movement

Weather can also affect visibility, take in to account:

• Time of day, moon phase
• Fog, rain, cloud cover
• Forecast changes (e.g., dawn/dusk, moonrise)

 Troops & Support

• Account for all friendly assets:
• ORBAT and available units
• Attached elements (e.g., medics, JTACs)
• Support assets (vehicles, CAS, artillery)
• Know your capabilities and limits before committing to an approach.

Time

• Time affects tempo and feasibility:
• Mission deadlines or time-sensitive phases
• Consider natural transitions (sunrise, sunset)
• Adjust pace based on time constraints
• Use time to pace movement, synchronize phases, or avoid detection. 

Civilians

• Civilians can complicate operations:
• May be neutral, hostile, or mixed
• Can serve as lookouts or blend with insurgents
• Requires clear Rules of Engagement (ROE)
• Ensure ROE is unambiguous to avoid hesitation or collateral damage.

After reviewing the OPORD and considering METT-TC factors, the Field Leader (FL) constructs the plan either independently or with input from squad and special element leaders. Planning includes marking movement routes, setting rules of engagement, assigning recon, allocating vehicles, and defining rally points.

Planning varies based on mission type. Offensive missions may emphasize movement and assault coordination; defensive missions prioritize sectors, base-of-fire positions, and fall-back plans. FLs may also assign fire support and inter-unit attachments depending on the operation’s needs.

Plans should be detailed for the first phase and offer general guidance for later stages. This allows for flexibility as real-world outcomes rarely match expectations. Adapting based on updated METT-TC is key to success.

Phases divide an operation into major segments. Phase lines synchronize units across the AO. Units must await approval or confirmation from the FL before proceeding to the next phase, unless directed otherwise.

Standard map markers used in planning include:

• WP: Waypoint, a navigational point (e.g. WP-1)
• C: Compound, identified buildings or areas (e.g. C-4)
• OP: Observation Point
• AP: Assault Point
• CCP: Casualty Collection Point

These markers standardize coordination and reporting.

FLs identify key decision points—natural inflection moments in an operation. At these points, subordinate leaders may be presented with likely courses of action, enabling them to plan for contingencies like counterattacks or objective clearance.

The Commander’s Intent is a concise statement of the operation’s desired end-state. It empowers leaders and players to make decisions in the absence of orders, ensures continuity if leadership is lost, and is especially critical in low-comms or radio-light environments.