POST-MISSION
After any mission, it is essential that units conduct After Action Reports (AAR). This is the only way to identify strengths and weakness, thereby learning from actions taken while on missions.
Below is an example of how to perform an AAR.
After Action Review (AAR) Format
Discuss only the “good and bad” that pertain to the mission. The object of the AAR is to learn and improve, not to celebrate or complain.
Pre-Mission Preparation
Command:
Time schedule; Develop COA; Paragraph 1 (Situation); Paragraph 2 (Mission); Paragraph 3 (Execution); Paragraph 4 (Service Support); Paragraph 5 (Command and Signal); Coordination checklist; Communication
Assault:
Route planning; Infiltration; Actions on the objective; Exfiltration
Security:
Breach; Actions on the objective; Follow on targets; Exfiltration
Support:
Cordon/blocking positions; Actions on the objective; Sensitive site exploitation (SSE)
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Infiltration; Actions on the objective; Status reports; Dissemination of information; Exiting procedures; Exfiltration
Mission—C4
Control of movement to assembly area:
Assembly area to initial rally point; Initial rally point to objective rally point; Objective rally point to objective; Control on objective; Casualty collection point; Objective to objective rally point; Objective rally point to assembly area
Assault/security/support:
Control of movement to assembly area; Assembly area to initial rally point; Initial rally point to objective rally point; Objective rally point to objective; Actions on objective; Consolidation activities; Exfiltration; Objective to objective rally point; Objective rally point to assembly area
Post-mission clean up (supervised by squad leaders):
Account for all personnel, weapons, and equipment; Perform priorities of work; Replenish water, ammo, chow, and batteries; Maintenance of vehicles; Refill all fluids
Post-Mission Debrief
The following are examples of possible questions from higher headquarters:
Size and composition of unit conducting patrol
Mission of the unit and the type of patrol
Location/area of the patrol
Purpose of the patrol
Departure and return times
Routes (new information on roads, checkpoints, etc.)
Terrain description (vegetation, water, ditches, etc.)
Enemy contact results and TTPs
Unit status at mission end
Any other pertinent information
Recommendations
MEDICAL ASPECTS OF MISSION PLANNING AND EXECUTION
Medical mission planning is an integral part of overall operations planning and greatly affects the leader’s decision-making process during all phases. As a combat leader, it is imperative to have a complete understanding of your medical resources, responsibilities, and capabilities.
There are seven key aspects of medical mission planning:
•Intelligence.
•Training.
•Supply.
•Readiness.
•Preventive medicine measures.
•Casualty evacuation measures.
•AAR information.
Coordinate with the battalion S-1, battalion surgeon, physician’s assistant, and medical platoon leader, as they are responsible for planning and executing medical functions within the battalion.
Duties and Responsibilities
Following are some of the duties and responsibilities of medical leaders:
Perform required duties to support unit mission (a shooter, first and always)
Treat team members and indigenous personnel
Advise commander on all medical matters
Collect, analyze, and disseminate medical intelligence (assess medical threat)
Provide medical training to military and civilian indigenous personnel
Treat and Support
Team/platoon/company
Attachments
Indigenous military or civilians
Other units in area
Extended time periods (forty-eight to seventy-two hours without CASEVAC or resupply)
Think equipment
Think drugs
Existing facilities and indigenous medical personnel
Assess Medical Threats
It is crucial to properly assess all potential medical threats. Leaders should ensure they have the most up-to-date area study and make use of all available resources. Assess vulnerabilities immediately and institute proper countermeasures.
Training
Training applies not only to the leader but also to the members of the unit. In addition, work with the host nation’s military and local civilians to ensure proper assistance in a medical situation.
Pre-Mission Activities
Before a mission, check that all medical information and supplies are in order:
Perform records maintenance—know your team (allergies, illnesses, injuries, family history)
Perform physicals and immunizations
Ensure accurate blood types for all personnel
Maintain equipment and supplies
Inventory every six months
Know every piece of equipment and its use, function, and maintenance
Replace or add supplies or equipment
Replace soon-to-expire medications
Train all team members in basic first responder medicine
Identify team members who can be trained to a minimum of combat lifesaver level
Prepare for mass casualty situations
Isolation/Planning Phase
Prepare a medical area study that includes prevalent diseases, an evacuation net, and a list of medical equipment needed. Be sure to factor in mission requirements. Initiate vaccinations and administer prophylactic drugs based on the results of the area study.
Exfiltration Phase
Coordinate evacuation of sick, wounded, and dead as required, stressing safety above all. Also account for all medical supplies used during the mission.
Post-Mission Phase
Complete the following post-mission:
Turn in controlled drugs
Complete a medical area assessment/AAR
File SF600s in medical records
Follow up with treatments and consults
Continue drug prophylaxis
Complete labs (PPD, HIV)
Inventory and restock medical supplies
Perform equipment maintenance and repair
OPERATIONS SECURITY
All measures taken to maintain security and achieve tactical surprise constitute operations security (OPSEC). These measures include counter surveillance, physical security, signal security, and information security. OPSEC also involves the elimination or control of tactical indicators that can be exploited by the enemy. To provide the most effective OPSEC, you must see the enemy before it sees you. The following measures can be used to provide OPSEC:
•Use hide and defilade positions habitually.
•Position observation posts to observe enemy avenues of approach.
•Camouflage positions, vehicles, and equipment against both visual and infrared detection. Break up silhouettes, reduce glare, and reduce vehicle signatures caused by dust, exhaust smoke, and tracks.
•Reduce infrared and thermal signatures by parking in shadows, turning off engines and heaters, and using terrain masking.