ATTP 5-0.1 Commander and Staff Officer Guide - Army Electronic ...

Chapter 8
NETWORK REHEARSAL
8-47. Units conduct network rehearsals over wide-area networks or local area networks. Commanders and
staffs practice these rehearsals by talking through critical portions of the operation over communications
networks in a sequence the commander establishes. The organization rehearses only the critical parts of the
operation. These rehearsals require all information systems needed to execute that portion of the operation.
All participants require working information systems, the operation order, and overlays. Command posts
can rehearse battle tracking during network rehearsals.
8-48. This technique can be time efficient if units provide clear SOPs. However, if the organization has
unclear SOPs, has units not operating on the network, or has units without working communications, this
technique can be time-consuming.
8-49. This technique lends itself to multiechelon rehearsals. Participation is limited only by the
commander’s intent and the capabilities of the command’s information systems.
8-50. If a unit executes a network rehearsal from current unit locations, the operations security risk may
increase. The enemy may monitor the increased volume of transmissions and potentially compromise
information. To avoid such compromise, organizations use different frequencies from those planned for the
operation. Using wire systems is an option but does not exercise the network systems, which is the strong
point of this technique.
8-51. If a network rehearsal is executed from unit locations, terrain considerations are minimal. If a
separate rehearsal area is required, considerations are similar to those of a reduced-force rehearsal.
REHEARSAL RESPONSIBILITIES
8-52. This discussion addresses responsibilities for conducting rehearsals based on the combined arms
rehearsal. Responsibilities are the same for support rehearsals.
PLANNING
8-53. Commanders and chiefs of staff (executive officers at lower echelons) plan rehearsals.
Commander
8-54. Commanders provide certain information as part of the commander’s guidance during the initial
mission analysis. They may revise the following information when they select a course of action:
� Rehearsal type.
� Rehearsal technique.
� Location.
� Attendees.
� Enemy course of action to be portrayed.
Chief of Staff (Executive Officer)
8-55. The chief of staff or executive officer ensures all rehearsals are included in the organization’s timemanagement
SOP. The chief of staff or executive officer responsibilities include—
� Publishing the rehearsal time and location in the operation order or warning order.
� Conducting staff rehearsals.
� Determining rehearsal products, based on type, technique, and mission variables.
� Coordinating liaison officer attendance from adjacent units.
PREPARATION
8-56. Everyone involved in executing or supporting the rehearsal has responsibilities during preparation.
8-6 ATTP 5-0.1 14 September 2011