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

Chapter 4
Preparation
This chapter defines preparation and lists its functions. Next, it describes how
commanders drive preparation through battle command and explains the relationship
of preparation to the other operations process activities. The chapter concludes by
listing the preparation activities commonly performed within the headquarters and
across the force to improve the unit’s ability to execute operations.
PREPARATION FUNCTIONS
4-1. Preparation consists of activities performed by units to improve their ability to execute an operation.
Preparation includes, but is not limited to, plan refinement; rehearsals; intelligence, surveillance, and
reconnaissance; coordination; inspections; and movement (FM 3-0). Preparation creates conditions that
improve friendly forces’ opportunities for success. It requires commander, staff, unit, and Soldier actions to
ensure the force is ready to execute operations.
4-2. Preparation helps the force transition from planning to execution. Preparation normally begins during
planning and continues into execution by uncommitted units. Preparation activities help commanders,
staffs, and Soldiers to understand the situation and their roles in the upcoming operations. The primary
functions of preparation include—
• Improving situational understanding.
• Developing a common understanding of the plan.
• Practicing and becoming proficient on critical tasks.
• Integrating, organizing, and configuring the force.
• Ensuring forces and resources are ready and positioned.
IMPROVING SITUATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
4-3. Developing and maintaining situational understanding requires continuous effort throughout the
operations process. (See chapter 1.) Commanders realize that their initial understanding developed during
planning may be neither complete nor accurate. During preparation, commanders strive to improve their
situational understanding. Leader reconnaissance and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR)
operations help improve understanding the enemy, terrain, and civil considerations. Inspections, rehearsals,
liaison, and coordination help leaders improve their understanding of the friendly force. Based on their
improved situational understanding, commanders refine the plan as required, prior to execution.
DEVELOPING A COMMON UNDERSTANDING OF THE PLAN
4-4. A successful transition from planning to execution requires those charged with executing the order to
understand the plan fully. The transition between planning and execution takes place both internally in the
headquarters (among the plans cell, future operations cell, and current operations integration cell) and
externally (between the commander and subordinate commanders). Several preparation activities assist the
commander, staff, and subordinates in fully understanding the plan. A confirmation briefing, rehearsals,
and the plans-to-operations transition briefing help them all develop a common understanding of the plan.
Additionally, when possible, commanders personally brief plans to subordinates to ensure understanding.
PRACTICING AND BECOMING PROFICIENT ON CRITICAL TASKS
4-5. During preparation, units and Soldiers practice to become proficient in those tasks critical to the
success of a specific operation. Commanders issue guidance on which tasks to rehearse and train. They
26 March 2010 FM 5-0 4-1