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

Chapter 3
Command Post Organization and Operations
This chapter describes how commanders organize their headquarters into command
posts during the conduct of operations. It discusses the effectiveness and survivability
factors commanders consider, and describes how commanders further crossfunctionally
organize the staff within command posts into functional and integrating
cells. Next, this chapter provides guidelines for command post operations to include
the importance of establishing standard operating procedures and an effective battle
rhythm for the headquarters. See the corresponding field manual for specific
guidance on command post organization by echelon or type of unit. See JP 3-33 for
more information on an Army headquarters serving as a joint task force headquarters.
COMMAND POST ORGANIZATION
3-1. In operations, effective mission command requires continuous, close coordination, synchronization,
and information sharing across staff sections. To promote this, commanders cross-functionally organize
elements of staff sections in command posts (CPs) and CP cells. Additional staff integration occurs in
meetings, including working groups and boards (see paragraphs 3-65 through 3-71).
3-2. A command post is a unit headquarters where the commander and staff perform their
activities. The headquarters’ design of the modular force, combined with robust communications, gives
commanders a flexible mission command structure consisting of a main CP, a tactical CP, and a command
group for brigades, divisions, and corps. Combined arms battalions are also resourced with a combat trains
CP and a field trains CP. Theater army headquarters are resourced with a main CP and a contingency CP.
See appropriate echelon manuals for doctrine on specific CP and headquarters’ organization.
3-3. Each CP performs specific functions by design as well as tasks the commander assigns. Activities
common in all CPs include—
� Maintaining running estimates and the common operational picture.
� Controlling operations.
� Assessing operations.
� Developing and disseminating orders.
� Coordinating with higher, lower, and adjacent units.
� Conducting knowledge management and information management. (See FM 6-01.1.)
� Performing CP administration.
MAIN COMMAND POST
3-4. The main command post is a facility containing the majority of the staff designed to control
current operations, conduct detailed analysis, and plan future operations. The main CP is the unit’s
principal CP. It includes representatives of all staff sections and a full suite of information systems to plan,
prepare, execute, and assess operations. It is larger in size and in staffing and less mobile than the tactical
CP. The chief of staff (COS) or executive officer (XO) leads and provides staff supervision of the main CP.
Functions of the main CP include, but are not limited to—
� 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.
14 September 2011 ATTP 5-0.1 3-1