A Commander should consider the following when contemplating a terrain model rehearsal:

• If at all possible, locate the terrain model near an area that has a vantage point of the area of operations. This aids in visualization.
• Because of the smaller confines of a terrain model rehearsal, the attendees will almost always be key leaders in the unit.
• As in the previously discussed rehearsals, security must be paramount. With potentially all the unit’s key leaders in a confined area, an enemy attack of some kind would be devastating.
• Related to the above is to ensure you have a good parking plan for the vehicles in which the attendees use to get to the rehearsal. Poorly disciplined units will allow attendees to park anywhere. The result resembles a mall parking lot on Black Friday. Units must have a parking plan which considers operational security and overall security.
• Once the rehearsal is complete, you must make sure you sanitize the area. Lots of good intelligence can be retrieved by your opponents.

Sketch Map Rehearsal.

In theory, a sketch map rehearsal is similar to the terrain model rehearsal. The biggest difference is that instead of the terrain model; a unit uses a sketch map for visualization. This sketch map must be large enough so the attendees can see it and utilize it. Again, the sketch can be the entire area of operations or a blow-up of the objective area.

In terms of execution, participants will generally move stickers on the sketch map to various control measures and state their actions. The key in making the sketch map effective is making the sketch clear and large enough so it can be seen and utilized.

A Commander should consider the following when contemplating a sketch map rehearsal:

• If a commander wants the benefits of the terrain model rehearsal, but does not have the time to construct a quality model; then the sketch map is the next best alternative.
• As with the terrain model rehearsal, the optimum location for the sketch map rehearsal is at a vantage point of the area of operations. However, typically the sketch map rehearsal is conducted at higher unit’s command post.
• There is much flexibility in the sketch map rehearsal in regards to execution time. Since you can move the venue inside (large tents), you can conduct it at night and during poor weather conditions.
• Security issues for the sketch map rehearsal mirror those of the terrain model rehearsal.

Map Rehearsal.

One of the simplest types of rehearsal is the map rehearsal. All the map rehearsal requires is a map and the unit’s graphic control measures. Because of this, there is very little preparation needed to execute this rehearsal.

A map rehearsal has several positives associated with it. First, it provides an opportunity for the higher commander to see his subordinate commanders face to face. There is no better way to ensure understanding of a plan than personal interaction. Second, as touched on above, a map rehearsal requires few resources to execute. Simply get the map and graphics out and begin the rehearsal. Many of the best rehearsals we have participated in where conducted around the hood of a jeep or HUMVEE.

On the flipside, the map rehearsal may not be as effective as other types of rehearsals for several reasons. First, the products utilized in the rehearsal are simply not as effective as others in achieving the visualization you seek. Second, many times because of time constraints, the map rehearsal is not well-thought out in terms of objectives and expectations. Consequently, it can become a colossal waste of time, when time is at a premium.

A Commander should consider the following when contemplating a map rehearsal:

• Because the map/overlay is not particularly helpful in sparking visualization, it is wise to conduct the map rehearsal at a vantage point of the area of operations. This is not always feasible, but will pay dividends if achieved.
• As always, security is a significant issue. Many times, the map rehearsal will be held at a location which could put it at risk for enemy contact. Additionally, vehicles must be dispersed so it does not look like a parking lot. A cluster of vehicles is an invite for a storm of enemy artillery shells.
• If time is at a premium, but you want the advantages of personal interaction, then the map rehearsal is a viable technique.

Computer Rehearsal.

Ahh, the benefits of technology! If a unit possesses the right stuff, a rehearsal can be conducted via the unit’s computer systems. Of course, with the benefits of technology come the downfalls of technology. As we’ve all been told, you must take the good with the bad.

A computer rehearsal can take the appearance of several of the types of rehearsals we have discussed earlier. It can be similar to a map rehearsal in that the computer screen may only show a map and graphics. It can be comparable to a sketch map rehearsal if technology can blow up important pieces of terrain. It can even be akin to a key leader rehearsal if a simulation is used. It can resemble a radio rehearsal (addressed next) because it can linkup participants from various locations.

A Commander should consider the following when contemplating a computer rehearsal:

• You cannot put your eggs in one basket when utilizing a computer rehearsal. You must have a back-up plan. As you know, “stuff happens.”
• Does the enemy possess technology that can affect your execution of this rehearsal?
• Do not let the fascination with the technology override the objectives of the rehearsal.
• Depending on the technology, a computer rehearsal can have a non-personal feel to it. Is this acceptable?

Radio Rehearsal.

The radio rehearsal is the least resource intensive of the types available. It is also the least desirable type for a commander. During the radio rehearsal, the unit utilizes the airwaves to verbalize the important pieces of the mission. It is essential all participants have a map, current operational graphics and of course, a working radio.

A Commander should consider the following when contemplating a radio rehearsal:

• A radio rehearsal can give off a pretty significant signature to the enemy. If the opponent possesses the right equipment it can provide them intelligence and targeting information.
• A dangerous enemy situation may dictate a radio rehearsal.
• Some units are better suited to radio rehearsals than others. In particular, field artillery units.
• Very flexible in terms of when you can execute a radio rehearsal – anytime.
• Obviously, this type is not beneficial in achieving visualization.

PLANNING A REHEARSAL

The planning of a rehearsal is critical. An effective rehearsal, which aids in mission accomplishment, is not something that is just thrown together. There are many decisions to be made and they must be timely ones. Let’s review some of the key areas that must be addressed in rehearsal planning.

When? You must decide when you will conduct the rehearsal. This will be determined and finalized during steps of the military decision-making process. It’s all about time available. The more time you have available before the mission takes place; the more time available for a quality rehearsal.

Goals of the Rehearsal. The commander must determine what he wants to achieve out of a rehearsal. Do not conduct a rehearsal just to check the block. Take some time and decide what you want to achieve from the rehearsal. These goals will be a large factor in the next area …

Type of Rehearsal. As we have highlighted numerous times in this article, there are many things that must be considered in selecting the type of rehearsal. However, since this drives so many other things, it must be done early in the planning process.

Events to be Rehearsed. Perhaps, the most important action during planning is to determine the events/phases/tasks that will be rehearsed. Of course, this will vary depending on the mission and tactical situation. Additionally, the type of rehearsal you will conduct will have some bearing on the events to be rehearsed. Below we have provided some typical events that could be rehearsed:

IN THE OFFENSE:

Counter-recon Fight

Passage of Lines

Maneuver to the Objective

Refuel on the Move (If you are maneuvering a long distance)

Breaching Operations

Actions at Danger Areas

Medical Evacuation

Assault of the Objective

Actions on the Objective

Consolidation and Reorganization after

IN THE DEFENSE:

Counter-recon Fight

Security

Passage of Lines of Security/Recon Forces

Closing of Obstacles

Battle-Handover

Commitment of Counterattack Forces

Commitment of Striking Forces

Engagement Area Fight (Direct and Indirect Fire Plans)

Resupply (and other logistical activities)

Transition to the Offense

Decision Points. Another way to execute a rehearsal is to rehearse the commander’s decision points. As we have addressed in prior articles, a commander will likely have three to four key decisions he will make during the course of a particular mission. Thus, one way of structuring the rehearsal is to rehearse these decision points. The script for executing this should be the unit’s Decision Support Template. (We will discuss this important product in a future article).

Phases. One other way to structure the rehearsal is to break it in phases. For example: movement out of assembly area to a certain phase line, maneuver from that phase line through the breaching of an obstacle, after the breaching to maneuver to the objective, actions on the objective, finally consolidation and organization actions. For each phase, you would determine how much time you want to spend in rehearsal.

Enemy Course of Action (COA) to be portrayed. One of the key things that must be decided prior to executing the rehearsal is the enemy course of action (s) you will rehearse against. Normally, you will rehearse against the enemy course of action (s) you crafted your plan on. A rehearsal will quickly turn into one big ‘what if’ session if you rehearse against an enemy course of action you have not addressed in your planning. This benefits no one!

Time plan. (As addressed in the phases section) Once he has decided on your execution criteria (events to be rehearsed, enemy COA, etc…); you should make a tentative time plan for the rehearsal. For instance, you may want to spend 15 minutes on one action, 15 minutes on another action, and 20 minutes on another action. Remember, this is tentative planning. You will adjust during the time prior to the execution of the rehearsal.

Location of Rehearsal. The type of rehearsal will have a huge impact on the location of the rehearsal. As in all tactical matters, have a back-up location thought out. In planning a location there are several considerations. First, is should be conducive to executing the type of rehearsal you want to conduct. Second, if it is centrally located it assists in some units not having to drive long distances to attend. Third, the terrain should assist in providing security from enemy attacks (direct and indirect). Fourth, the terrain should assist in providing operational security. Fifth, it should facilitate parking the vehicles of the participants.

Participants. In many units, the participants for rehearsals are directed by the unit’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). Consequently, if it has been decided to conduct a terrain model rehearsal, then those designated in the SOP will attend. Generally, the only changes to this are when units not organically part of the organization are with the unit for that mission. If this is the case, the leaders of these units must be notified if their attendance is required at the rehearsal. Vice versa, if a normal participant for a rehearsal is not required to attend a particular rehearsal – let them know. Do not waste their valuable time.

What materials are needed. The type of rehearsal will dictate the types of materials needed to execute the rehearsal. As addressed earlier, some types of rehearsals will require significant amounts of materials, while others need little to execute the rehearsal.

Security Plan – As addressed earlier, security must be thoroughly planned during the rehearsal. Since all of the types of the rehearsals are so leader intensive, any enemy attack can be devastating to a unit. The security plan must address all the various actions that the enemy can conduct against you while you are executing a rehearsal. This could a mounted attack, dismounted attack, airstrike, artillery strike, etc… Remember each type of rehearsal has its’ own unique security requirements.

Alternate COAs – As we have highlighted many times in this series, the friendly and enemy situation and the terrain and weather are continually changing. Because of this, the rehearsal you anticipated to execute a few hours ago may not be feasible or useful now. Thus, a unit must have alternate courses of action planned in regards to the rehearsal.

Disseminate the Details. Once the above have been decided, you must ensure the right people get the right information at the right time regarding the rehearsal. This dissemination is an important part of planning and cannot be neglected.

PREPPING FOR A REHEARSAL

Prepping for a rehearsal can be very minimal or can be a huge ordeal. Perhaps, many of you have experience in building terrain models for rehearsals. We have seen and build some terrain models that would make the world’s most famous architects envious. These terrain models took hours to construct and employed many personnel. We are not sure if they were worth the resources, but they made great conversation pieces! Besides the above, there are many other actions that can take place during rehearsal prep. These include:

Preparing the Rehearsal Site. This can be a significant ordeal or relatively painless based on the type of rehearsal and the unit. As we mentioned earlier, a terrain model rehearsal can be a tremendous amount of work. Preparation must start early!

Inspect the Rehearsal Site. As in all endeavors, leaders should conduct timely inspections to ensure the site is being constructed to the commander’s specifications. This should be done early in the construction of the site. You cannot wait until the last minute to tell the construction team that the model is not correct. Many of these models take hours to build.

Write the Script. One of the key actions during rehearsal prep is to craft the script for executing the rehearsal. Depending on the size of the unit, this will be done by the commander, his executive officer, or his operations officer. As the name implies, the script provides the blueprint on the execution of the rehearsal. It provides the sequence of events and the role of the participants in these events. In our next article, we will show you what a script should include.

Rehearse the Rehearsal. Prior to the rehearsal, it is an excellent technique for key staff members to rehearse their portions of the rehearsal. In particular, the person orchestrating the rehearsal should go over their script. Time is a factor here. If the time is available use it!

Check the List. It is a good idea to develop a checklist on actions that must be completed before the execution of the rehearsal. A key staff member should review the list during prep and monitor their completion.

Participants are Prepared. No matter what type of rehearsal is conducted, every participant should be prepared to be an active contributor. This preparation should entail several things. This includes: 1) knowing and understanding not only their plan, but their higher headquarters’ plan. 2) Bringing the right stuff to the rehearsal. This means a map and graphics, binos if needed, and anything else required. Preparation also means arriving early so you can look over the rehearsal site.

Emplacing Security. As we have stressed throughout this article, security is critical during the execution of a rehearsal. The security requirements will vary depending on the type of rehearsal. The key in all security is emplacing it before the execution of the rehearsal. This security could include actions such as emplacing observation and surveillance posts, emplacing dismounted infantry or armor, conducting patrols, and designating reaction teams.

Preparing Parking Areas. One of the added complexities of conducting a rehearsal is finding places for participants to park their vehicles. This cannot be a lightly thought-out endeavor. A cluster of vehicles, with many of them equipped with a bunch of antennas is a highly lucrative target for an enemy. Parking areas must be planned and prepared prior to the vehicles arriving.

Execution Products Complete and Updated. There are several products that are instrumental in the execution of a rehearsal. Most critical is the Decision Support Template. These products must be available and updated.

REVIEW
A quality rehearsal just does not happen. It takes good planning and preparation to set the conditions for execution. In this article, we began by addressing the definition of a rehearsal, the purpose of a rehearsal, and the goals of a rehearsal. We next focused in describing the types of rehearsals available to a commander. We concluded the article by highlighting the planning considerations and preparation actions that should be conducted to set the stage for a successful rehearsal. There is much flexibility in conducting a rehearsal. The key is determining what your rehearsal objectives are and selecting the type of rehearsal that best meets these.
NEXT MONTH
We will conclude our discussion of rehearsals next month by focusing on the execution phase. We will key on three areas. First, we will lay-out things you must consider during the execution of a rehearsal. Second, we will provide you a template of a rehearsal script. This script drives the execution of a rehearsal. Finally, we will provide you a group of keys to success as they relate to the overall planning, preparation, and execution of a rehearsal.