text: _________________________________________________________________________________Chapter 2
  2-183. FGs and OSCs can use the same basic types of CPs (main, IFC, for-
  ward, sustainment, and airborne). FG and OSC airborne CPs may be aboard
  fixed-wing aircraft. However, helicopters are more likely to serve this pur-
  pose at OSC level.
  2-184. A theater headquarters normally deploys main, IFC, and sustainment
  CPs. An airborne CP will always be available to the theater commander. A
  theater forward CP may be established. The main CP at this level may ini-
  tially be in permanent, hardened bunkers; the other CP types may be at less-
  protected sites. The airborne CP is most likely aboard fixed-wing aircraft.
  2-185. For brevity, OPFOR plans and orders may use acronyms for the
  various types of CP. Thus, main CP may appear as MCP, integrated fires
  command CP as IFC CP, forward CP as FCP, sustainment CP as SUSCP,
  airborne CP as AIRCP, alternate CP as ALTCP, auxiliary CP as AUXCP,
  and deception CP as DCP.
  Main Command Post
  2-186. The main CP generally is located in a battle zone or in a key sanctu-
  ary area or fortified position. It contains the bulk of the staff. The chief of
  staff directs its operation. Its primary purpose is to simultaneously coordi-
  nate the activities of subordinate units not yet engaged in combat and plan
  for subsequent missions. The particular emphasis on planning in the main
  CP is on the details of transitioning between current and future operations.
  The main CP is the focus of control. It is less mobile and much larger than
  the forward CP. It makes use of hardened sites when possible.
  2-187. The chief of staff directs the staff in translating the commander’s deci-
  sions into plans, directives, and orders. He also coordinates the movement
  and deployment of all subordinate units not yet in combat and monitors their
  progress and combat readiness. In addition to the chief of staff, personnel
  present at the main CP include the liaison teams from subordinate, supporting,
  allied, and affiliated units, unless their presence is required in another CP.
  IFC Command Post
  2-188. The DC directs the IFC from the IFC CP. The IFC CP possesses the
  communications, airspace control, and automated fire control systems re-
  quired to integrate RISTA means and execute long-range fires. Each secon-
  dary staff subsection and some functional staff subsections have an element
  dedicated to the IFC CP. The IFC CP includes liaison teams from fire sup-
  port, army aviation, and Air Force units. The IFC CP is typically separated from
  the main CP. Also for survivability, the various sections of the IFC headquarters
  that make up the IFC CP do not necessarily have to be located in one place.
  Forward Command Post
  2-189. An OSC commander often establishes a forward CP with a small
  group of selected staff members. Its purpose is to provide the commander
  with information and communications that facilitate his decisions. The for-
  ward CP is deployed at a point from which he can more effectively and per-
  sonally observe and influence the operation. The need for this is less likely at