Troop Leading Procedures (TLP) are a dynamic process used by small-unit leaders to analyze a mission, develop a plan, and prepare for an operation.
- TLPs provide leaders with a systematic and consistent approach to prepare for both training and combat operations.
- Army Troop leading procedures (TLP) form the backbone of military operations, providing leaders with a systematic approach to translate the commander’s intent into specific actions.
The process consists of the following eight procedures:
Receive the Mission
Receive the Mission: The leader receives an initial briefing or order which contains the unit’s next mission.
- The first step in Army Troop leading procedures involves understanding the objective.
- Leaders typically receive the mission through a warning order, an operation order (OPORD), or a fragmentary order (FRAGO).
Critical in this step is the analysis of the METT-T factors:
METT-T Analysis
| Factor | Description | Example/Notes |
|---|---|---|
| MISSION | What is the main objective? | Capture a strategic point |
| ENEMY | Gather intel on opponent’s strengths/capabilities | Enemy troop numbers, weapons |
| TERRAIN | Evaluate the geographical features | Mountains, rivers, open fields |
| TROOPS | Assess the troops available | Number of squads, special units |
| TIME | Time available for the mission | Duration, deadlines |
Key Takeaway: Time management is pivotal. Leaders should allocate one-third of the total time for planning, leaving two-thirds for subordinates to prepare.
Issue a Warning Order
Issue a Warning Order: The leader provides preliminary instructions in a warning order format that describes the upcoming operation. It allows subordinates to begin their preparations early.
- This order ensures that troops can start their preparations immediately.
Components of a Warning Order
| Section | Details |
|---|---|
| Mission/Nature | Brief on what the operation entails |
| Participants | Who is involved in the operation |
| Time | When the operation will take place |
| Place | Where the operation order will be issued |
Make a Tentative Plan
Make a Tentative Plan: Based on the initial analysis of the mission and the unit’s current situation, the leader develops an initial plan. This plan will likely undergo changes as the TLP process progresses
- This involves a detailed situation estimate, often through the military decision-making process.
Estimate Development Process
| Step # | Process Step | Objective |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Detailed mission analysis | Understand the core objective of the mission |
| 2 | Situation analysis & course of action development | Evaluate the current situation and propose action plans |
| 3 | Analysis of each course of action | Evaluate the pros and cons of each proposed action plan |
| 4 | Comparison of each course of action | Compare each action plan to choose the best |
| 5 | Decision | Finalize the tentative plan based on analyses |
Key Point: Continuous updating of the situation estimate ensures the plan remains relevant.
Initiate Movement:
Initiate Movement: Begin movements as necessary, whether it’s relocating the unit, moving to a better vantage point for reconnaissance, or other necessary relocations..
- Subordinate leaders often oversee this preparatory movement, ensuring men and equipment are mission-ready.
Conduct Reconnaissance
Conduct Reconnaissance: If time and the situation permit, the leader physically inspects the objective and surrounding area to gain a clearer understanding of the situation, thereby refining the plan.
- Reconnaissance is crucial for confirming assumptions made during planning. Leaders ideally conduct a personal reconnaissance.
- However, if time or risk factors prevent this, map reconnaissance or reliance on scout reports becomes necessary.
Complete the Plan
Complete the Plan: After reconnaissance and considering all available information, the leader completes the plan, solidifying details of how the unit will execute the mission.
- Post-reconnaissance, leaders refine the plan, ensuring it aligns with both the mission and the commander’s intent.
- This completed plan serves as the foundation for the next step.
Issue the Order
Issue the Order: The leader delivers a complete and clear briefing to subordinates to ensure they understand their roles and tasks within the operation.
- Here, the refined plan is communicated to all involved.
- Typically, leaders give an oral operation order.
Key Consideration: For clarity, leaders should issue the order in a location resembling the mission area, using terrain models or sketches when possible.
Supervise
Supervise: This step is ongoing. The leader checks to ensure that all preparation activities are completed correctly and that subordinates understand the plan.
- As needed, the leader revisits previous steps in the TLP to refine the plan and ensure mission success.
- The final step in TLP emphasizes supervision through rehearsals and inspections, ensuring troops are prepared and any weaknesses in the plan are addressed.
Rehearsal and Inspection Checklist
| Task Type | Task Description | Check (✓/X) |
|---|---|---|
| Rehearsal | Actions on the objective | |
| Rehearsal | Assaulting a trench, bunker, or building | |
| Inspection | Weapons and ammunition | |
| Inspection | Soldier’s understanding of the mission/responsibilities |
Critical Insight: Rehearsals on similar terrain, under comparable light conditions, greatly enhance mission preparedness.
Supervision Checklist
| Task | Description | Responsible | Status (Complete/In-progress/Not started) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehearsals | Conduct mission-specific rehearsals | [Name] | |
| Inspections | Check weapons and ammunition | [Name] | |
| Communication Checks | Ensure communication lines are intact | [Name] | |
| Ration Distribution | Ensure all soldiers have rations | [Name] |
Army Troop Leading Procedures Examples
| Step | Description | Example/Data |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Receive the Mission | The leader receives an initial briefing or order. | Order received: “Secure Bridge Alpha by 0600 tomorrow morning.” |
| 2. Issue a Warning Order | The leader gives preliminary instructions. | Warning Order: “Prepare to secure Bridge Alpha. Gather intel and equipment.” |
| 3. Make a Tentative Plan | Leader drafts an initial plan based on the mission. | Plan: “First Platoon will secure the north end, Second Platoon the south end.” |
| 4. Initiate Movement | Begin necessary movements for the operation. | Action: “First Platoon, move out to your forward staging area.” |
| 5. Conduct Reconnaissance | Leader inspects the objective area if possible. | Recon Data: “Bridge is lightly guarded with two watchtowers.” |
| 6. Complete the Plan | Finalize the operational details based on all info. | Final Plan: “We’ll initiate a diversion to the east while moving in on the bridge.” |
| 7. Issue the Order | Leader briefs subordinates to ensure understanding. | Briefing: “We move at 0500. First Platoon from the north, Second from the south.” |
| 8. Supervise | Ongoing step to ensure preparations are complete and the plan is understood. | Check: “Has First Platoon completed equipment checks? Do they know the diversion plan?” |
This table provides a simplified example of how TLP might be applied in a tactical scenario. Actual military operations would involve more complexity and detail in each step.
| Step | Metric | Data |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Receive the Mission | Time of order received | 0800 hrs, 12th June |
| 2. Issue a Warning Order | Number of subordinate units briefed | 3 (Alpha, Bravo, Charlie teams) |
| 3. Make a Tentative Plan | Key objectives identified | 1. Secure building, 2. Establish perimeter, 3. Neutralize threats |
| 4. Initiate Movement | Time taken for units to mobilize | Alpha: 10 mins, Bravo: 12 mins, Charlie: 8 mins |
| 5. Conduct Reconnaissance | Intel assets utilized | 2 Drones, 3 Scouts |
| 6. Complete the Plan | Time taken to finalize plan after recon | 25 mins |
| 7. Issue the Order | Total duration of briefing session | 18 mins |
| 8. Supervise | Number of preparatory checks made per team before operation | Alpha: 4, Bravo: 3, Charlie: 5 |
Army Troop Leading Procedures
In conclusion, the Troop Leading Procedures offer a systematic pathway for military leaders to prepare and guide their troops effectively.
- Each step, from receiving the mission to supervision, ensures meticulous planning and execution, culminating in mission success
Born and raised in Bozeman, Montana, he graduated from George State University with an MBA in Actuarial Science. His hobbies include beach volleyball, hiking, fishing, and lifting weights
George is also a certified nutritionist with a passion for health and fitness.
- Gambling Addiction in the Army: How to Recognize and Overcome It - November 29, 2024
- Exploring Career Opportunities in the Army for College Graduates - November 28, 2024
- Enhancing Military Training with Custom patches - November 28, 2024