text: The Brigade Combat Team and the Operational Environment
  derive the critical tasks and missions the BCT will most likely be called upon to execute. They express these
  tasks and missions as the BCT’s mission-essential tasks. (See FM 7-0.) The commander develops and
  executes a mission-oriented training program that incorporates the entiremission-essential task. This training
  must be mentally challenging,physically demanding,and as realistic as common sense,safety,and resources
  permit. Such training allows units to deploy rapidly in accordance with an N-hour sequence or deploy in
  accordance with an X-hour sequence when not involved in a rapid,short notice deployment.
  2-133. The X-hour/N-hour sequences for deployment are developed and followed to ensure all reports,
  actions, and outload processes are accomplished at the proper time during marshalling. They aid in
  developing air and deployment schedules and are flexible to allow for modifications based on the mission
  and the unit commander’s concept of the operation.
  2-134. X-hour is the unspecified time that commences unit notification for planning and deployment
  preparation in support of potential contingency operations that do not involve rapid,short notice deployment.
  X-hour sequence is an extended sequence of eventsinitiated by X-hour that allow a unit to focus on planning
  for a potential contingency operation,to include preparation for deployment.
  2-135. N-hour is the time a unit is notified to assemble its personnel and begin the deployment sequence.
  The N-hour sequencestarts the reverse planning necessary after notification to have the first assault aircraft
  en route to the objective area for commencement of the parachute assault or to begin movement to a port of
  embarkation (POE) in accordance with the order for execution. An N-hour sequence may be employed by
  any unit when it is notified for a contingency deployment and assigned a date/time for first element departures
  either by wheels up by strategic airlift or a designated start time for convoy or line-haul to a POE.
  2-136. In anticipation of an order for execution the BCT staff and its key leaders begin preparing or updating
  an operation order or plan. The length of X-hour planning varies based on the contingency planning or crisis
  action planning situation and the specific operation order or plan. It normally ceases with either the
  designation of N-hour, or if political or military events warrant, no further action. Deployment planning
  sequences fall into one of three scenarios:
  (cid:122) Unconstrained X-hour sequence. Used primarily for deliberate planning or crisis-action planning
  that is not under a time constraint.
  (cid:122) Constrained X-hour sequence. Used for crisis action planning.
  (cid:122) N-hour sequence. May be proceeded by an X-hour sequence.
  2-137. The X-hour and N-hour sequence and deployment procedures are covered in the unit’s tactical
  standard operating procedures (SOPs). Both sequences are just part of the force projection picture. (See
  ATP3-35 for additional information.)
  Note. ATP 3-35.1 provides the framework for commanders and their staff at all levels and
  deploying units on the employment of Army pre-positioned stocks to support force projection and
  the combatant commanders. It describes the missions, duties, and responsibilities of all
  organizations involved in moving Army pre-positioned stocks to an operational area and handing
  it off to designated Army units. It also describes planning and executing pre-positioned operations
  as well as supporting the combatant commander in a theater.
  PROCESS
  2-138. Force projection encompasses a range of processes including mobilization, deployment,
  employment, sustainment, and redeployment, and is inherently joint requiring detailed planning and
  synchronization. Each force projection activity influences the other having overlapping timelines repeated
  continuously throughout an operation. Deployment,employment,and sustainment are inextricably linked so
  one cannot be planned successfully without the others.
  2-139. The operational speed and tempo reflect the ability of the deployment pipeline to deliver combat
  power where and when the joint force commander requires it. A disruption in the deployment will inevitably
  affect employment. Decisions made early in the process directly affect the success of the operation. (See
  ATP3-35 for additional information.)