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

Chapter 5
STAFF
5-20. In execution, the staff—primarily through the current operations integration cell—integrates forces
and warfighting functions to accomplish the mission. The staff assesses short-term actions and activities as
part of this integration. While the COS (XO) integrates staff activities among all functional and integrating
cells and separate sections, the operations officer integrates the operation through the current operations
integration cell. Other staff principals integrate within their areas of expertise.
5-21. Formal and informal integration of the warfighting functions by functional and integrating cells is
continuous. The integration occurs both within and among command post cells and staff sections and
between headquarters. When staffs need a more structured integration, they establish meetings (to include
working groups and boards) to share information, coordinate actions, and solve problems. (See command
post operations in appendix A.) The COS (XO) also identifies staff members to participate in the higher
commander’s working groups and boards.
CURRENT OPERATIONS INTEGRATION CELL
5-22. The current operations integration cell is the integrating cell in the command post with primary
responsibility for execution. Staff members in the current operations integration cell actively assist the
commander and subordinate units in controlling the current operation. They provide information,
synchronize staff and subordinate unit or echelon activities, and coordinate subordinate support requests.
The current operations integration cell solves problems and acts within the authority delegated by the
commander. It also performs some short-range planning using the RDSP. (See paragraphs 5-40 through
5-69.)
5-23. The current operations integration cell is staffed and equipped to—
• Monitor and assess execution of the operation, to include tracking tasks assigned to subordinate
forces.
• Maintain the location and status of friendly forces (higher, lower, and adjacent) and their
resources.
• Maintain the location and status of threat forces.
• Maintain the location and status of significant civilian organizations.
• Track CCIRs and decision points.
• Adjust the current order within its authority or recommend adjustments to the commander.
• Conduct short-range planning to take advantage of opportunities or to counter threats. (The
future operations cell or plans cell solves complex planning problems and planning beyond the
short-range planning horizon.)
• Conduct knowledge management and information management activities, to include—
• Managing requests for information.
• Maintaining displays, such as CCIRs, execution matrixes, and significant events.
• Maintaining the common operational picture.
• Receiving and sending reports, including operational and commander summaries.
• Helping to prepare, authenticate, and distribute operation plans and orders, messages, and
other directives.
• Conducting rehearsals.
• Collecting, processing, storing, displaying, and disseminating relevant information.
5-24. Several decision support tools assist the commander and staff during execution. Among the most
important are the decision support template, decision support matrix, and execution matrix. The current
operations integration cell uses these tools among others to help control operations and to determine when
anticipated decisions are coming up for execution.
5-25. A decision support template is a combined intelligence and operations graphic based on the results of
wargaming. The decision support template depicts decision points, timelines associated with movement of
forces and the flow of the operation, and other key items of information required to execute a specific
friendly course of action (JP 2-01.3). Part of the decision support template is the decision support matrix.
5-4 FM 5-0 26 March 2010