text: Chapter 3
  solving those problems. Shared understanding of the situation, which requires effective flow of information
  between echelons, forms the basis for unity of effort and subordinate initiative.
  3-51. Effective decentralized execution depends on shared understanding. Shared understanding starts with
  Army doctrine and leader development that instill a common approach to the conduct of operations, a
  common professional language, and a common understanding of the principles of mission command. It is
  this shared understanding that allows even hastily task-organized units to operate effectively. Commanders
  and staffs actively create shared understanding throughout the operations process (of planning, preparation,
  execution, and assessment). They collaboratively frame an operational environment and its problems, and
  then they visualize approaches to solving those problems. (See ADP 6-0 for a more detailed description of
  shared understanding.)
  Common Operational Picture
  3-52. A common operational picture (COP) is key to achieving and maintaining shared situational
  understanding in all domains and making effective decisions faster than the threat. The common operational
  picture is a display of relevant information within a commander’s area of interest tailored to the user’s
  requirements and based on common data and information shared by more than one command (ADP 6-0).
  Although the COP is ideally a single display, it may include more than one display and information in other
  forms, such as graphic representations or written reports.
  3-53. The COP facilitates collaborative planning and helps commanders at all echelons achieve shared
  situational understanding. The COP must account for relevant factors in domains affecting the operation, and
  it provides and enables a common understanding of the interrelationships between actions and effects through
  the physical, information, and human dimensions. Shared situational understanding allows commanders to
  visualize the effects of their decisions on other elements of the force and the overall operation.
  3-54. Command posts draw on a common set of shared and relevant information to create a digital COP.
  Units always maintain an analog COP in the event that the digital COP is compromised. During large-scale
  combat operations, communications are likely to be degraded or denied during the course of operations.
  Army forces maintain shared situational understanding by updating physical maps and graphics, and using
  rehearsed and reliable primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency (known as PACE) communication
  plans. Command posts are typically responsible for maintaining the digital and analog COP. Units develop
  standard operating procedures (known as SOPs), reporting timelines, and battle rhythm events to ensure the
  COP is accurate, relevant, and current.
  3-55. The difficulty of maintaining a COP in a multinational environment varies based on training level,
  language differences, level of data sharing, technical compatibility of systems, restrictions based on
  classification, and other national caveats. Unified action partners may not have the technical capability or
  compatible systems to create and share a digital COP. Commanders must recognize and plan for this
  possibility by using alternate methods, such as liaison officers, messengers, and voice communication.
  ACCOUNT FOR BEING UNDER CONSTANT OBSERVATION AND ALL FORMS OF ENEMY
  CONTACT
  3-56. Air, space, and cyberspace capabilities increase the
  likelihood that threat forces can gain and maintain That which can be detected can be
  targeted for attack and killed.
  continuous visual and electromagnetic contact with Army
  forces. Enemy forces possess a wide range of space-, air-,
  maritime-, and land-based ISR capabilities that can detect U.S. forces. Leaders must assume they are under
  constant observation from one or more domains and continuously ensure they are not providing lucrative
  targets for the enemy to attack.
  3-57. Leaders consider nine forms of contact in multiple domains. They are—
  (cid:122) Direct: interactions from line-of-sight weapon systems (including small arms, heavy machine
  guns, and antitank missiles).
  (cid:122) Indirect: interactions from non-line-of-sight weapons systems (including cannon artillery, mortars,
  and rockets).