Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations - Historic Naval Ships ...

CHAPTER XIREHEARSALS“Like other amphibious animals we must come occasionally on shore. . . .”Lord Bolingbroke:Idea of a Patriot King, 17491. GeneralRehearsal is the period during which theprospective operation is practiced to:a. Test adequacy of plans, timing ofdetailed operations, and combat readiness ofparticipating forces;b. Ensure that all echelons are familiar withthe plan; andc. Test communications-information systems.2. RequirementsThe rehearsal phase may be conductedconcurrently with other phases of theamphibious operation but most often isassociated with the movement to theoperational area phase. During this periodthe amphibious force or elements conduct one(or more) rehearsal exercise(s), ideally underconditions approximating those to beencountered in the littorals and landing area.The objective during this phase will be toexercise as much of the force and the OPLANas the situation permits, with OPSEC being alimiting factor.JP 3-02.1, Joint Doctrine for Landing ForceOperations, provides further detail on varioustypes of rehearsals.3. Rehearsal PlansResponsibility for preparation of rehearsalplans is the same as for preparation of theOPLAN. Rehearsal plans will be issuedseparately from actual plans and requireexecution of the various tasks and functionsparalleling those required during the operation.a. The number, nature, and scope ofrehearsals will be influenced by the followingconsiderations.• The complexity of the tasks.• Time available for rehearsals.• State of training.• Suitability of available areas.• Special or unusual problems to be facedin the actual operation.• Intelligence and counterintelligence.• Adequacy of C4 plan.• Logistic and CSS availability toreplenish, replace, or repair assets used.• OPSEC to prevent disclosure of timing,location, or intent to conduct anamphibious operation.• Organic modeling and simulation ability.b. The dates on which rehearsals areconducted and the time allocated for themmust provide for the following.• Complete and careful execution of theentire rehearsal.• Re-embarkation of all troops, equipment,and supplies.XI-1