1966 US Army Vietnam War ARMOR ... - Survival Books

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMCHAPTER 4THE COMMANDER AND HIS STAFFSection I. THE COMMANDER61. General those of adjacent and supporting units.The commander and his staff are a militaryentity with one purpose: successful accomplishb.The commander goes where he can bestdirect, control, and influence the operation. Hement of the commander's mission. The corn- may be with the command group element, atmander's mission involves varied and complex his command post, or anywhere else in his areaproblems as reflected in chapter 3. The purpose of operations where his presence is required.of this chapter is to discuss the specific duties Before he leaves the command post, he informsof the staff to include its actions and relation- his staff on plans to be made or actions to beship with the commander to insure the success- taken if the situation changes. When he isful accomplishment of the mission.away, he insures that he can communicate withhis command post and subordinate com-62. The Commander's Conduct in Combat manders. If, while away from his commanda. The commander uses all available means post, he issues orders or obtains pertinent intoaccomplish his mission. His plans, orders, formation of the situation that has not beenand supervision insure that the actions of allunits contribute effectively toward that end.made available to the staff, he informs themwithout delay.When additional units, weapons, or other sup- c. The commander influences the conduct ofport is required to accomplish the mission, the battle by employing supporting fires, shiftingcommander takes action to obtain it. He coor- maneuver elements, and making his presencedinates the activities of his command with felt at critical points.Section II. THE UNIT STAFF63. General mander by relieving him of time-consuming dea.A staff officer is an assistant to the unit tails. The staff keeps its information and esticommsanderin the exercise of command. The mates current on the strength, location, andfive broad functions of the staff officer are pro- action of lower units; enemy capabilities,viding information, making estimates, making strength, location, and composition; and therecommendations, preparing plans and orders, status of combat service support. On the basisand supervising the execution of orders. He of this information, the staff makes recommentransmitshis commander's orders to unit com- dations to the commander. When a decision ismanders or conveys his commander's instiuc- made, the staff members assist in translatingtions or desires. Staff officers may, when so au- the decision into orders and in supervisingthorized, issue orders based upon the policies their execution.of the commander. Whenever a staff officer is- b. The unit staff is a closely knit team. Thesues an order, he informs the commander as successful functioning of this team dependssoon as possible. The staff assists the com- primarily upon close coordination among its29