PLANS Phase - P - Procedures
P – Procedures: In the military, once the unit is in the field and the long complicated MDMP has been developed, then small units depend on a trusted very easy to follow process to lead troops on through decentralized execution of tactical missions…the TLP’s.
Also the Army Ranger Handbook (SH 21-76) quotes Field Manual (FM 25-101) which defines a battle drill as “a collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decision-making process.”
Characteristics of a battle drill are –
They require minimal leader orders to accomplish and are standard throughout the Army.
• Sequential actions are vital to success in combat or critical to preserving life.
• They apply to platoon or smaller units.
• They are trained responses to enemy actions or leader’s orders.
• They represent mental steps followed for offensive and defensive actions in training and combat.
When the enemy attacks from the right at close range it is the wrong time for a unit to “discuss” how to react to this contact. The drills enable team members to be on the same sheet and react properly based on a “CUE” followed by effective leader direction and communication as needed – this cue can be a flare that pops up or the commencement of enemy fire hits a unit, the inherent and implied direction is to react instinctively, get down, and return fire towards the enemy. The team leader provides supplemental directives based on development of the situation.
Likewise your family needs to be in sync with plans and have the ability think the WHAT through and result in the skills, knowledge, and abilities on HOW-TO think and execute through any challenge.
Battle Command – Troop Leading Procedures – Battle Drills
I know you may not in the military, but in the war against disasters you will be facing hostile and dangerous threats that can kill and threaten your family’s safety. The terrible thought of my family suffering unnecessarily due to my failure to lead a plan is enough to motivate me to action. The attempt here is to simplify and correlate some of the most time-tested, effective and efficient ways to accomplish tremendous feats in the face of hardship and austerity in emergencies and disasters and danger.
While serving in the military, troops are trained to endure some of the harshest, nastiest, bone-shaking, terrible, hot, cold, dusty, and spirit wrenching environments and scenarios. I remember time in the 3rd Ranger’s watching battle-tested weathered and tough NCO’s show no sign of softness even when laying a cold wet puddle. Can toughness can be trained? Maybe at least your family can be educated on the critical thinking skills and get exposure to emergency action drills, carry a bag for miles, and suffer the mental changes that occur when normal life is interrupted.
For military leaders thinking and acting are simultaneous activities, and these activities were done under intense pressure and fear of battle. In the battle for your lives against the foe of disaster will likewise bring a sudden rush of panic, fear, and indecisiveness. As HH6 your knowledge, skills, and abilities and those you develop in your family will make the difference even over life and death.
Without being overly dramatic and scaring your family, confidence builds and reduces fear and your command system covers the knowledge, techniques, and procedures necessary to control operations and to motivate your family into action to be prepared and survive.
Command and control are interrelated.
Command is the art of assigning missions, prioritizing resources, guiding and directing subordinates, and focusing the unit’s energy to accomplish clear objectives.
Control is the regulation of forces and other battlefield operating systems (BOS) to accomplish the mission in accordance with the commander’s intent. It is the science of defining limits, computing requirements, allocating resources, monitoring performance, and directing subordinate actions to accomplish the commander’s intent.
These together made a command and control (C2) system within a unit is the arrangement of personnel, information management, procedures, and equipment and facilities essential to plan, prepare for, execute, and assess operations.
A family C2 system must be reliable, responsive, and durable. The military trains leaders several levels up and down to withstand crises and continue to function, even the loss of the primary leader. For your family’s sake please too ensure clear, concise instructions that focus the your loved ones to safety.