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

Appendix A
integration and plans cells. Battalions are not resourced for a plans cell. Planning in combined arms
battalions occurs in the current operations integration cell.
Future Operations Cell
A-28. The future operations cell is responsible for planning operations in the mid-range planning horizon. It
focuses on adjustments to the current operation—including the positioning or maneuvering of forces in
depth—that facilitates continuation of the current operation. The cell consists of a core group of planners
led by an assistant operations officer (the chief of future operations). All staff sections assist as required.
Divisions and above headquarters have a future operations cell. Battalion and brigade headquarters do not.
A-29. In many respects, the future operations cell serves as a fusion cell between the plans and current
operations integration cells. The future operations cell monitors current operations and determines
implications for operations within the mid-range planning horizon. In coordination with the current
operations integration cell, the future operations cell assesses whether the ongoing operation must be
modified to achieve the current phase’s objectives. Normally, the commander directs adjustments to the
operation, but the cell may also recommend options to the commander. Once the commander decides to
adjust the operation, the cell develops the fragmentary order necessary to implement the change. The future
operations cell also participates in the targeting working group since the same planning horizons normally
concern them both. The future operations cell updates and adds details to the branch plans foreseen in the
current operation and prepares any orders necessary to implement a sequel to the operation.
Current Operations Integration Cell
A-30. The current operations integration cell is the focal point for the execution of the operations. This
involves assessing the current situation while regulating forces and warfighting functions in accordance
with the mission, commander’s intent, and concept of operations.
A-31. The current operations integration cell displays the common operational picture and conducts shift
changes, assessments, and other briefings as required. It provides information on the status of operations to
all staff members and to higher, subordinate, and adjacent units. The operations synchronization meeting is
the most important event in the battle rhythm in support of the current operation.
A-32. The operations officer leads the current operations integration cell and is aided by an assistant
operations officer (the chief of operations). The movement and maneuver cell forms the core of the current
operations integration cell. Elements or watch officers from each staff section and liaison officers from
subordinate and adjacent units form the remainder of the cell. All staff sections are represented in the
current operations integration cell, either permanently or on call. (Chapter 5 discusses execution with a
focus on the current operations integration cell.)
Staff Sections
A-33. Not all staff sections reside in one of the functional or integrating cells. Personal staff officers and
their associated staff sections, such as the inspector general and public affairs staff sections, are examples.
Special staff sections such as the operations research/systems analysis, red team, and knowledge
management are other examples. These staff sections maintain their distinct organizations. They operate in
different CP cells as required and coordinate their activities in the various meetings established in the unit’s
battle rhythm.
COMMAND POST OPERATIONS
A-34. Units must man, equip, and organize command posts to control operations for extended periods.
Command post personnel, information systems, and equipment must be able to support 24-hour operations
while in continuous communication with all subordinate units and higher and adjacent units. Commanders
arrange CP personnel and equipment to facilitate internal coordination, information sharing, and rapid
decisionmaking. They also ensure they have procedures to execute the operations process within the
A-6 FM 5-0 26 March 2010