Army Officer's Guide by Dr Robert J. Dalessandro

Author:Dr Robert J. Dalessandro
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9780811752572
Publisher: Stackpole Books

Generic Operation Order/Plan Format

Staff officers who exercise supervision over any phase of operations must restrict their control to the commander’s announced intent, as well as specific directives. When circumstances arise that in their opinion may make advisable a deviation from established intent, even in the most minor degree, the situation should be presented to the commander for decision.

When a commander has given specific instructions to a staff officer, the actual issue of the necessary orders or instructions to members of the command are properly given in the name of the commander by the staff officer, thus “The Commanding Officer directs” or, if an adjutant or other specifically authorized staff officer is signing the instructions, “For the Commander.” The orders may be given verbally or over the signature of the staff officer.

When a commander has decided on a policy to be followed and has indicated that policy to a staff officer, all future questions that fall completely under that policy should be handled without further reference to the commander. Routine matters are handled according to written or uniformly observed SOPs.

Some commands and staffs have a formal policy file for nonroutine but special matters of concern to the commander. All experienced staff officers will establish an informal personal policy file if a formal one does not exist. An established policy provides the limits within which the staff can function without continual reference to the commander.

A staff officer must never usurp the prerogatives of command. In the event of an unforeseen emergency when immediate action is imperative and the commander cannot be consulted, the staff officer should be prepared to state to the senior line officer with whom he or she is able to get in touch the action he or she believes the commander would desire. The decision then becomes the responsibility of the senior officer consulted and is not the responsibility of the staff officer.

Some commanders announce broad policies and desire members of the staff to proceed with confidence in the execution of tasks with little consultation on the details; others wish to give personal approval to at least the more important phases encountered. The staff must adjust itself to the method of operation desired by the commander.

COMPLETED STAFF WORK

Completed staff work is Army doctrine. The staff officer who is skilled will think through each problem assigned for staff action and then plan courses of action. The staff officer must determine the information needed and where to seek it and must list the individuals who have an interest in the problem, or knowledge of the problem, and plan to see them. He or she will determine all the angles and consider the varying viewpoints on important matters. “Legwork” is the requirement. A staff officer who neglects these essentials is unlikely to succeed.

The completed staff work doctrine means more work for the staff officer, but it results in more freedom for the commander to do and see the things that are essential to the discharge of his or her own responsibilities. It

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