1. TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES FM 7-8

2. TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES (TLPs)
The process a leader goes through to prepare the unit to accomplish a mission.
Begins when the leader is alerted
May be accomplished concurrently
How to think vs. what to think

3. TLP STEPS RECEIVE THE MISSION ISSUE THE WARNING ORDER
MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN
START NECESSARY MOVEMENT
RECONNOITER
COMPLETE PLAN
ISSUE THE COMPLETE PLAN
SUPERVISE

4. RECEIVE THE MISSION Analyze mission using METT-TC What is the MISSION
What is known about the ENEMY
What is the impact of TERRAIN and weather
What TROOPS are available
How much TIME is available
What are the CIVILIAN considerations

5. 1/3- 2/3 RULE
Leader uses no more than 1/3 of available time for planning and issuing OPORD.
Subordinates get 2/3 of available time to plan and prepare for operation.
Offense- receipt of mission to LD
Defense- receipt of mission to must be prepared to defend time
Use backwards planning to schedule preparation time.

6. ISSUE WARNING ORDER
GIVEN AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AFTER RECEIVING THE MISSION
No specific format, never wait to fill a format
Leader provides updates as necessary
Things to cover if available
Who is participating in the operation
Time of the operation LD or defend time
Time and place for issuance of OPORD

7. MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN
Develop an estimate of the situation to use as the basis for the tentative plan.
Use the five step decision making process
Use METT-T as the basis of the estimate
Update the plan as information becomes available

8. DECISION MAKING PROCESS
Detailed mission analysis
Situation analysis
Course of action development
Analysis each course of action
Compare of each course of action & make a decision

9. MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN
Mission-Analyze CO’s intent two levels higher & determine essential tasks
Enemy- Consider type, size, tactics, organization, & equipment to identify greatest threat and vulnerability
Terrain- Estimate effects of terrain and weather on forces
Use key word OCOKA as guideline
Weather’s impact on visibility and trafficability
Troops- Consider strength of squads, weapon systems, and attached elements when assigning tasks
Time- Refine time allocation based on tentative plan and changes to situation

10. OCOKA Evaluating Terrain and Weather
Observation & Fields of Fire
Detection of enemy
Fields of fire based on weapons systems
Cover and Concealment
Protect against direct & indirect fire
Avoid detection by aerial & ground observation
Obstacles
Impact on ability to maneuver (friendly and enemy)
Key Terrain
Seizure or retention affords a marked advantage
Avenues of a Approach
Offense: gives most protection to enemy’s vulnerability
Defense: positioning of key weapon systems

11. START NECESSARY MOVEMENT*
Unit could start movement at any time during the Troop Leading Procedures. Unit may have to move under the control of the Platoon Sergeant or a Squad Leader if other leaders are on a recon.

12. At a minimum, the leader must make a map reconnaissance
RECONNOITER
If situation permits, leader makes a personal recon to verify terrain analysis, adjust the plan, and confirm information.
At a minimum, the leader must make a map reconnaissance

13. COMPLETE THE PLAN
Leader completes the plan based on reconnaissance & any changes to the situation. Once complete review the plan to ensure it is within the commander’s intent.

14. ISSUE COMPLETE ORDER
If possible issue the order at a place that overlooks the objective or on the defensive terrain.
*If unable to overlook objective a terrain model or sketch should be used.
Leader must insure that all soldiers understand the mission
*Use brief backs and quiz junior troops

15. 5 Paragraph Operations Order
Situation:
Enemy
Friendly
Mission: 5 W's - (Who, What, Where, When, Why)
Execution
Service and Support
Command and Signal

16. SUPERVISE Supervise by conducting rehearsals and inspections.
Rehearsals improve performance, reveal problems with plan, coordinate actions, and improve understanding (Must rehearse actions on the objective)
Squad Leaders conduct initial inspections, Platoon Sergeant spot checks, and Platoon Leader & Platoon Sergeant conduct the final inspection

17. TLP STEPS RECEIVE THE MISSION ISSUE THE WARNING ORDER
MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN
START NECESSARY MOVEMENT
RECONNOITER
COMPLETE PLAN
ISSUE THE COMPLETE PLAN
SUPERVISE

18. Questions