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

Appendix A
mobile than the tactical CP. The COS (XO) leads and provides staff supervision of the main CP. Functions
of the main CP include—
• Controlling and synchronizing current operations.
• Monitoring and assessing current operations (including higher and adjacent units) for their
impact on future operations.
• Planning operations, including branches and sequels.
• Assessing the overall progress of operations.
• Preparing reports required by higher headquarters and receiving reports for subordinate units.
• Providing a facility for the commander to control operations, issue orders, and conduct
rehearsals.
Tactical Command Post
A-6. The tactical command post is a command and control facility containing a tailored portion of a
unit headquarters designed to control portions of an operation for a limited time. Commanders
employ the tactical CP as an extension of the main CP to help control the execution of an operation or a
specific task, such as a gap crossing, a passage of lines, or an air assault operation. Commanders may
employ the tactical CP to direct the operations of units close to each other. This can occur for a relief in
place. The tactical CP may also control a special task force or a complex task, such as reception, staging,
onward movement, and integration.
A-7. The tactical CP is fully mobile. As a rule, it includes only the Soldiers and equipment essential to the
tasks assigned. The tactical CP relies on the main CP for planning, detailed analysis, and coordination. A
deputy commander or the operations officer leads the tactical CP.
A-8. When employed, tactical CP functions include the following:
• Monitor and control current operations.
• Provide information to the common operational picture.
• Assess the progress of operations.
• Monitor and assess the progress of higher and adjacent units.
• Perform short-range planning.
• Provide input to targeting and future operations planning.
• Provide a facility for the commander to control operations, issue orders, and conduct rehearsals.
A-9. When the commander does not employ the tactical CP, the staff assigned to it reinforces the main
CP. Unit standing operating procedures (SOPs) should address the specifics for this, including procedures
to quickly detach the tactical CP from the main CP.
Command Group
A-10. A command group consists of the commander and selected staff members who accompany
commanders and enable them to exercise command and control away from a command post. The
command group is organized and equipped to suit the commander’s decisionmaking and leadership
requirements. It does this while enabling the commander to accomplish critical C2 functions anywhere in
the area of operations. The command group consists of critical staff officers necessary to assist the
commander in directly influencing the ongoing operation.
A-11. Command group personnel includes staff representation that can immediately affect current
operations, such as maneuver, fires (including the air liaison officer), and intelligence. The mission and
available staff, however, dictate the command group’s makeup. For example, during a deliberate breach,
the command group may include an engineer and an air defense officer. When visiting a dislocated
civilians’ collection point, the commander may take a translator, civil affairs operations officer, a medical
officer, and a chaplain.
A-12. Divisions and corps headquarters are equipped with a mobile command groups. The mobile
command group serves as the commander’s mobile CP. It consists of ground and air components. The
ground component contains vehicles configured with Army Battle Command System multifunctional
A-2 FM 5-0 26 March 2010