text: Mission Command
  provides guidelines for CP organization and operations to include the importance of establishing running
  estimates, SOPs and a battle rhythm. In addition, this section considers various factors that degrade the
  efficiency of command and control systems within organizations and considerations for digital and analog
  commandand controlsystems techniques. (SeeFM 6-0 and ATP 6-0.5 for additional information.)
  COMMON COMMAND POSTCONSIDERATIONS
  4-224. The BCT commander organizes CPs by staff sections or staff cells. Organizing the staff among CPs,
  and into cells within CPs,expands the commander’s ability to exercise command and control and makes the
  system survivable. The commander assigns functions and tasks to each CP. The commander determines the
  sequence,timing of the deployment or movement,initial locations,and exact organization of CPs.
  4-225. CP survivability is vital to the success of the BCT mission. CPs often gain survivability at the price
  of effectiveness. When concentrated, the enemy can easily acquire and target most CPs. However, when
  elements of a CP disperse,they often have difficulty maintaining a coordinated staff effort. When developing
  CP SOPs and organizing the headquarters into CPs for operations,the BCT commander uses dispersion,size,
  redundancy,and mobility to increase survivability.
  4-226. Echelons within the BCT man,equip,and organize CPs to control operations for extended periods.
  CP personnel maintain communication with all subordinate units and higher and adjacent units. The
  commander arranges CP personnel and equipment to facilitate internal coordination, information-sharing,
  and rapid decision-making. The BCT commander and staff use SOPs,battle rhythms,and meetings to assist
  with CP operations. The commander positions CPs within areas of operation to maintain flexibility,
  redundancy,survivability,and mobility. Activities common in all CPs include but are not limited to—
  (cid:122) Maintaining running estimates.
  (cid:122) Controlling operations.
  (cid:122) Assessing operations.
  (cid:122) Developing and disseminating orders.
  (cid:122) Coordinating with higher,lower,and adjacent units.
  (cid:122) Conducting knowledge management and information management.
  (cid:122) Conducting DODINoperations.
  (cid:122) Providing a facility for the commander to control operations,issue orders,and conduct rehearsals.
  (cid:122) Maintaining the COP.
  (cid:122) Performing CP administration (includes sleep plans,security,and feeding schedules).
  (cid:122) Supporting the commander’s decision-making process.
  COMMAND POSTCONFIGURATION
  4-227. The BCT design,combined with robust communications,gives the commander two CPs,the main
  CP and theTAC,and a command group. The BCT commander may designate the main CP of a subordinate
  battalion,normally the BEB,field artillery battalion,orBSBas the BCT alternate CP. Either,the BSBor the
  BEBmain CP may be assigned responsibility for the brigade support area(BSA)(see chapter 9).
  Main Command Post
  4-228. Themain command postis a facility containing the majority of the staff designed to control current
  operations, conduct detailed analysis, and plan future operations (FM 6-0). The main CP (graphically
  depicted as the MAIN) is the BCT’s principal CP. The main CP includes representatives of all staff sections
  and a full suite of information systems to plan,prepare,execute,and assess operations. The main CP is larger,
  more staffing and less mobile than the TAC. Normally, the BCT XO leads and supervises the staff of the
  main CP. Functions of the main CP include the following:
  (cid:122) Planning current operations including branches and sequels.
  (cid:122) Developing contingency plans from identified branches to the plan.
  (cid:122) Developing plans from information from higher headquarters.
  (cid:122) Developing plans from sequels identified during the planning process.