text: Chapter 4
  battle rhythm,meetings,running estimates,information,battle captains,and command and control systems
  and techniques to assist in CP operations.
  Standard Operating Procedures
  4-262. SOPs that assist with effective command and control serve two purposes. Internal SOPs standardize
  each CP’s internal operations and administration. External SOPs,developed for the entire force,standardize
  interactions among CPs and between subordinate units and CPs. CPs are organized to permitcontinuous and
  rapid execution of operations. SOPs for each CP should be established,known to all,and rehearsed. These
  SOPs should include at a minimum the following:
  (cid:122) Organization and setup.
  (cid:122) Plans for teardown and displacement.
  (cid:122) Eating and sleeping plans.
  (cid:122) Shift manning,shift changes and operation guidelines.
  (cid:122) Physical security plans.
  (cid:122) Priorities of work.
  (cid:122) Loading plans and checklists.
  (cid:122) Orders production.
  (cid:122) Techniques for monitoring enemy and friendly situations.
  (cid:122) Posting of map boards.
  (cid:122) Maintenance of journals and logs.
  4-263. Effective SOPs require all Soldiers to know their provisions and to train to their standards. (See
  ADRP 1-03for additional information on tasks for CP operations.) Critical BCTSOPs include tactical SOPs
  (seeATP 3-90.90),targeting SOPs (seeATP3-60),and CP battle drill SOPs (seeADRP 1-03).
  Battle Rhythm
  4-264. Battle rhythm is a deliberate daily cycle of command, staff, and unit activities intended to
  synchronize current and future operations (FM 6-0). Within the operations process,the BCT commander and
  staff integrates and synchronizes numerous activities, meetings, and reports with their headquarters and
  higher headquarters and with subordinate units. The BCT’s battle rhythm sequences the actions and events
  within a headquarters that are regulated by the flow and sharing of information that supports decision-making.
  The establishment of a battle rhythm is always dependent on the availability of time (including speed of
  decision-making, speed of action, and operational tempo). For example, time considerations (especially
  within large-scale combat operations) across physical domains and the dimensions of the information
  environment help the commander determine the correct battle rhythm in regards to the type and number of
  activities and events relevant to operational tempo. An effective battle rhythm—
  (cid:122) Establishes a routine (dependent upon the availability of time) for staff interaction and
  coordination.
  (cid:122) Facilitates interaction (dependent upon mission constraints) among the commander, staff, and
  subordinate units.
  (cid:122) Facilitates (dependent upon planning horizon) staff planning and the commander’s
  decision-making.
  4-265. As a practical matter, a BCT’s battle rhythm consists of a series of meetings,report requirements,
  and other activities synchronized by time and purpose. These activities may be daily, weekly, monthly, or
  quarterly depending on the planning horizon.
  4-266. The BCT commander adjusts the unit’s battle rhythm as operations progress. For example,early in
  the operation,a commander may require a commander’s update every several hours. As the situation changes,
  the commander may require only a daily commander’s update. Some factors that help determine a unit’s
  battle rhythm include the staff’s proficiency, higher headquarters’ battle rhythm, and current mission. The
  BCT commander andXOconsider the following when developing the unit’s battle rhythm:
  (cid:122) Higher headquarters’battle rhythm and report requirements.