FM 5-0, The Operations Process - Federation of American Scientists

Appendix C
Figure C-1. Parallel planning
C-5. Normally, the first three steps (receive the mission, issue a WARNO, and make a tentative plan) of
TLP occur in order. However, the sequence of subsequent steps is based on the situation. The tasks
involved in some steps (for example, initiate movement and conduct reconnaissance) may occur several
times. The last step, supervise and refine, occurs throughout.
C-6. A tension exists between executing current operations and planning for future operations. The smallunit
leader must balance both. If engaged in a current operation, there is less time for TLP. If in a lull,
transition, or an assembly area, leaders have more time to use TLP thoroughly. In some situations, time
constraints or other factors may prevent leaders from performing each step of TLP as thoroughly as they
would like. For example, during the step, make a tentative plan; small-unit leaders often develop only one
acceptable course of action (COA) vice multiple COAs. If time permits, leaders may develop, compare, and
analyze several COAs before arriving at a decision on which one to execute.
C-7. Ideally, a battalion headquarters issues at least three WARNOs to subordinates when conducting the
MDMP as depicted in figure C-1. WARNOs are issued upon receipt of mission, completion of mission
analysis, and when the commander approves a COA. However, the number of WARNOs is not fixed.
WARNOs serve a function in planning similar to that of fragmentary orders (FRAGOs) during execution.
Commanders may issue a WARNO whenever they need to disseminate additional planning information or
initiate necessary preparatory action, such as movement or reconnaissance. (See appendix E for a detailed
discussion on WARNOs.)
C-8. Leaders begin TLP when they receive the initial WARNO or receive a new mission. As each
subsequent order arrives, leaders modify their assessments, update tentative plans, and continue to
supervise and assess preparations. In some situations, the higher headquarters may not issue the full
sequence of WARNOs; security considerations or tempo may make it impractical. Commanders carefully
consider decisions to eliminate WARNOs. Subordinate units always need to have enough information to
plan and prepare for the operation. In other cases, leaders may initiate TLP before receiving a WARNO
C-2 FM 5-0 26 March 2010