Sound Military Decision Part 27

(b) The name of the flags.h.i.+p, as U.S.S. AUGUSTA, Flags.h.i.+p.

(c) The place of issue: for example, NEWPORT, R.I., or, At Sea, Lat. 34-40' N., Long. 162-20' W.

(d) The time of issue: that is, the month, day, year, and hour; for example, July 12, 1935; 1100.

In the upper left-hand corner in the following sequence:

(e) The file notations and cla.s.sification: SECRET or CONFIDENTIAL, the cla.s.sification being underlined and spelled with capitals. This cla.s.sification is repeated on succeeding pages,

(f) The type and serial number of the directive, such as Operation Plan No. 5, the words Operation Plan being underlined. This is repeated on succeeding pages.

The Body. The task organization, which consists of a tabular enumeration of task forces or task groups, the composition of each, and the rank and name of its commander, is the beginning of the body of the directive. It is customary to omit the name of the issuing officer from any task force or task group commanded by him. Any unit included in a force named in the task organization is, by virtue of that fact, directed to act under the command of the commander of the specified force.

When so desired for additional ready identification, task forces and their subdivisions may be numbered. In our naval service, systematic methods for such numerical designation are indicated from time to time by proper authority. Numerals for this purpose are entered in the task organization to the left of the t.i.tle of each appropriate task force or subdivision thereof. The numerals may be placed in parentheses.

The directive is addressed for action solely to the commanders of the task forces or task groups listed in the task organization.

Train vessels a.s.signed exclusively to particular combatant task forces are listed among the units of those forces in the task organization.

If the directive is to be used for a.s.signing tasks involving strategical or tactical movement directly to the Train, or to any Train units, such units are grouped together to form a separate task force. If instructions to the Train are to be issued in another directive, the Train need not appear as a separate force in the task organization. As a matter of general custom, the Train is usually not included as a task force unless it is to accompany, or act in tactical concert with, some one or more of the combatant task forces listed.

Each task force named in this table, together with its numerical designation, is preceded by a separate letter, (a), (b), (c), etc., and its a.s.signed task is set forth in a similarly lettered subparagraph in paragraph 3.

Paragraph 1 is the information paragraph. It contains such available information of enemy and own forces as is necessary for subordinates to understand the situation and to cooperate efficiently. Paragraph 1 contains no part of the tasks a.s.signed by the commander. Information of the enemy and that of own forces, and a.s.sumptions where pertinent, are usually set forth in separate unlettered subparagraphs.

When deemed advisable, unless secrecy or other considerations forbid, paragraph 1 may include statements of the general plans of various higher echelons in the chain of command. A statement of the general plan of the next higher commander will frequently be included. For the same reasons, the commander will often include in this paragraph a statement of his own a.s.signed task, unless, of course, this point is adequately covered in the statement of his general plan in paragraph 2. Inclusion of such matters may enable subordinates to gain a clearer visualization of the relations.h.i.+ps existing among the several objectives envisaged by the higher command.

To promote cooperation, paragraph 1 may also state the princ.i.p.al tasks of coordinate forces of the commander's own echelon; for like reasons, the princ.i.p.al tasks of other task forces of the command not listed in the task organization may be included. Where the immediate superior has prescribed particular methods to other forces for cooperation and security, these may also be set forth as a matter of information. (See page 167.)

In this paragraph, distinction is drawn between information which is based upon established facts, and that of merely probable accuracy.

The latter is not to be confused with a.s.sumptions which, in Operation Plans, are accepted as a basis. (See page 155.)

When writing their own information paragraphs, subordinate commanders do not necessarily copy verbatim the information contained in the order of their superior. Good procedure calls for them to digest that information, select what is essential, and present it with any additional information considered necessary. Care is taken to include necessary information of coordinate task forces.

Paragraph 2 states the general plan of the complete force under the command of the officer who issued the directive. If several directives are issued for carrying out a single, complete plan (see, for example, discussion of fragmentary orders, page 184), then paragraph 2 is usually the same in all of them. The amount of detail given in this paragraph is sufficient to ensure a clear comprehension by the subordinates as to what is to be accomplished by the force as a whole.

It is customary to begin with the words, "This force will", followed by a statement of the general plan and, unless secrecy or other considerations forbid, by the purpose of the effort embodied therein.

(See Restatement of the Decision, page 187).

Paragraph 3 a.s.signs individual tasks to all of the task forces listed in the task organization. This paragraph is divided into as many subparagraphs, (a), (b), (c), etc., as there are task forces enumerated in the task organization. Each subparagraph commences with the designating letter in parentheses, followed by the t.i.tle of the task force, underlined.

Normally the tasks for each task force are stated in order of their importance. If preferred, however, the sequence of tasks may be chronological, i.e., in the order of their execution. Each method has certain advantages, according to the nature of the situation. Where the chronological sequence is utilized, that fact is clearly indicated, in order to avoid confusion. (See also page 166). After the statement of the tasks, these subparagraphs conclude with such detailed instructions as are necessary.

In cases where the entire force is listed in the task organization, the proper formulation of tasks requires that the accomplishment of all the tasks of paragraph 3 result in the accomplishment of the general plan set forth for the entire force in paragraph 2. On the other hand, where several directives are issued, each to a different part of the force, with a paragraph 2 common to all, then the accomplishment of the tasks of all of the paragraphs 3, of the several directives is properly equivalent to the accomplishment of the general plan prescribed in the common paragraph 2.

Where two or more task forces have identical task a.s.signments, only the common subparagraph need be written after the t.i.tle of the task forces concerned, thus:

(a) Submarine Detachment,

(b) Air Patrol, (a.s.signment of the common task or tasks).

If the Train has been included as a separate force of the task organization, it will be given its tasks as to tactical and strategical movement in a separate subparagraph of paragraph 3.

In order to avoid repet.i.tion, task a.s.signments and instructions which apply to all task forces, or which pertain to the general conduct of the operation, are embodied in a final subparagraph, designated as 3(x). It is particularly necessary that there be included in this subparagraph the measures (e.g., as to cooperation, security, intelligence, and the like) pertaining to freedom of action and applicable to the force as a whole. Any tasks or instructions applicable to individual task forces, only, will have been included in the appropriate earlier subparagraph(s) (i.e., 3 (a), (b), (c), etc.).

To avoid repet.i.tion in these subparagraphs, coordinating instructions applying to more than one task force may also be included, when convenient to do so, in paragraph 3 (x).

Paragraph 3 (x) of Operation Plans and Battle Plans prescribes, in addition to other applicable matters, the time and/or manner of placing the plan in effect.

Paragraph 4 is the logistics paragraph. It sets forth the availability of services and supplies, and describes and gives effect to the general plan for the logistics support of the operation. If the information and instructions as to logistics are long and detailed, they may be embodied in a separate logistics plan, which is referred to in paragraph 4, and is attached as an annex.

Paragraph 4 is not used for a.s.signing tasks as to movement, either for the Train or for any other subdivision of the force.

Paragraph 5 is the command paragraph. It contains instructions considered necessary for the control of the command during the operation, such as the plan of communications, zone time to be used, rendezvous, and location of the commander. Paragraph 5 completes the body.

The Ending consists of the signature, the list of annexes, the distribution, and the authentication, as noted below:

The Signature of the commander issuing the directive, with his rank and command t.i.tle, is placed at the end, for example: John Doe, Vice Admiral, Commander Northern Scouts.

Annexes consist of amplifying instructions which are so extensive as to make them undesirable for inclusion in the directive itself. They contain detailed instructions, in written form or in the form of charts or sketches. Separate Communications, Logistics, Sortie, Movement, Cruising, Intelligence, Scouting, Screening, Approach and Deployment Plans may be, and frequently are, disseminated as annexes to a directive. Alternative Plans may also be annexed.

Annexes are referred to in the appropriate paragraph of the body of the directive, and are listed and serially lettered in capitals at the end near the left-hand margin, immediately below the body and the signature, and above the distribution.

The Distribution indicates to whom the directive will be transmitted and the medium of transmission. The recording of this distribution in the directive is essential for the information of all concerned.

Standard distribution may be indicated, as Distribution I, II, etc.

Authentication. Unless signed by the issuing officer, each copy of the directive distributed is authenticated by the signature, rank, and designation of the Flag Secretary, with the addition of the seal whenever possible.

Campaign Plans. Campaign Plans (see page 196), when communicated to officers on the highest echelons, are usually, in the Order Form, modified as follows:

Heading. No change.

Task Organization. Not usually used.

Paragraph 1. In addition to the information to be furnished, a statement is given of the a.s.sumptions (page 155) forming the basis of the plan.

Paragraph 2. No change.

Paragraph 3. This shows the stages into which the campaign has been divided; the several operations which will be undertaken in each stage, and the order of their accomplishment; and usually the forces to be made available for the first stage.

Paragraph 4. No change.

Paragraph 5. No change.

If it be found desirable, however, to employ a letter of instructions instead of a formal directive, this may be done. In this case the letter sets forth the essential features of the subject matter as above described for the Order Form.

Sample Outline Form. For convenient reference, the outline form of an Operation Plan is appended (see page 219). The Operation Order follows the same form, the essential difference being that the Operation Order makes no provision for a.s.sumptions, and is effective upon receipt unless otherwise provided in the body of the Order.

Types of Naval Directives