Chapter 2: Command and Control (TC 7-100.2)

This chapter focuses on tactical command and control (C2). It explains how the OPFOR expects to direct the forces and actions described in other chapters of this TC. Most important, it shows how OPFOR commanders and staffs think and work. In modern war, the overriding need for speedy decisions to seize fleeting opportunities drastically reduces the time available for decisionmaking and for issuing and implementing orders. Moreover, the tactical situation is subject to sudden and radical changes, and the results of combat are more likely to be decisive than in the past. OPFOR C2 participants, processes, and systems are designed to operate effectively and efficiently in this environment.

Concept and Principles

The OPFOR defines command and control as the actions of commanders, command groups, and staffs of military headquarters to maintain continual combat readiness and combat efficiency of forces, to plan and prepare for combat operations, and to provide leadership and direction during the execution of assigned missions. It views the C2 process as the means for assuring both command (establishing the aim) and control (sustaining the aim). The OPFOR’s tactical C2 concept is based on the following key principles:

MIssion Tactics

OPFOR tactical units focus on the purpose of their tactical missions. They continue to act on that purpose even when the details of an original plan have become irrelevant through enemy action or unforeseen events.

Flexibility Through Battle Drill

True flexibility comes from soldiers in tactical units understanding basic battlefield functions to such a degree that they are second nature. Battle drills are not viewed as a restrictive methodology. Only when common battlefield functions can be performed rapidly without further guidance or orders do tactical commanders achieve the flexibility to modify the plan on the move.

Accounting for Mission Dynamics

The OPFOR recognizes that enemy action and battlefield conditions may make the originally selected mission irrelevant and require an entirely new mission be acted upon without an intermediate planning session. An example would be an OPFOR fixing force that finds itself the target of an enemy fixing action. To continue solely as a fixing force would actually assist the enemy in achieving his mission. In this case, the OPFOR unit might choose to change its task organization on the move and allocate a part of the fixing force to the exploitation force and use a smaller amount of combat power to keep the enemy fixing force from being able to influence the fight. OPFOR tactical headquarters constantly evaluate the situation to determine if the mission being executed is still relevant and, if not, to advise the commander on how best to shift to a relevant course of action. Each situation requires the commander at each level of command to act flexibly, exercising his judgment as to what best meets and sustains the aim of his superior.

Command and Support Relationships

OPFOR units are organized using four command and support relationships, summarized in table 2-1 and described in the following paragraphs. These relationships may shift during the course of an operation in order to best align the force with the tasks required. The general category of subordinate units includes both constituent and dedicated relationships; it can also include interagency and multinational (allied) subordinates.

Table 2.1. Command and support relationships
Relationship	Commanded by	Logistics from	Positioned by	Priorities from
Constituent	Gaining	Gaining	Gaining	Gaining
Dedicated	Gaining	Parent	Gaining	Gaining
Supporting	Parent	Parent	Supported	Supported
Affiliated	Self	Self or "Parent"	Self	Mutual Agreement

Constituent

Constituent units are those forces assigned directly to a unit and forming an integral part of it. They may be organic to the table of organization and equipment (TOE) of the administrative force structure forming the basis of a given unit, assigned at the time the unit was created, or attached to it after its formation.

Dedicated

Dedicated is a command relationship identical to constituent with the exception that a dedicated unit still receives logistics support from a parent headquarters of similar type. An example of a dedicated unit would be the case where a specialized unit, such as an attack helicopter company, is allocated to a brigade tactical group (BTG). The base brigade does not possess the technical experts or repair facilities for the aviation unit’s equipment. However, the dedicated relationship permits the company to execute missions exclusively for the BTG while still receiving its logistics support from its parent organization. In OPFOR plans and orders, the dedicated command and support relationship is indicated by (DED) next to a unit title or symbol.

Supporting

Supporting units continue to be commanded by and receive their logistics from their parent headquarters, but are positioned and given mission priorities by their supported headquarters. This relationship permits supported units the freedom to establish priorities and position supporting units while allowing higher headquarters to rapidly shift support in dynamic situations. An example of a supporting unit would be a multiple rocket launcher battalion supporting a BTG for a particular phase of an operation but ready to rapidly transition to a different support relationship when the BTG becomes the division tactical group (DTG) reserve in a later phase. The supporting unit does not necessarily have to be within the supported unit’s area of responsibility (AOR). In OPFOR plans and orders, the supporting command and support relationship is indicated by (SPT) next to a unit title or symbol.

Affiliated

Affiliated organizations are those operating in a unit’s AOR that the unit may be able to sufficiently influence to act in concert with it for a limited time. No “command relationship” exists between an affiliated organization and the unit in whose AOR it operates. Affiliated organizations are typically nonmilitary or paramilitary groups such as criminal cartels or insurgent organizations. In some cases, affiliated forces may receive support from the DTG or BTG as part of the agreement under which they cooperate. Although there will typically be no formal indication of this relationship in OPFOR plans and orders, in rare cases (AFL) is used next to unit titles or symbols.

Note. In organization charts, the affiliated status is reflected by a dashed (rather than solid) line connecting the affiliated force to the unit with which it is affiliated (see the examples in figures 2-1 and 2-2). This is not to be confused with dashed boxes, which indicate additional units that may or may not be present.

Tactical-Level Organizations

OPFOR tactical organizations fight battles and engagements. They execute the combat actions described in the remainder of this TC.

In the OPFOR’s administrative force structure (AFS), the largest tactical-level organizations are divisions and brigades. In peacetime, they are often subordinate to a larger, operational-level administrative command. However, a service of the Armed Forces might also maintain some separate single-service tactical-level commands (divisions, brigades, or battalions) directly under the control of their service headquarters. (See FM 7-100.4.) For example, major tactical-level commands of the Air Force, Navy, Strategic Forces, and the Special-Purpose Forces (SPF) Command often remain under the direct control of their respective service component headquarters. The Army component headquarters may retain centralized control of certain elite elements of the ground forces, including airborne units and Army SPF. This permits flexibility in the employment of these relatively scarce assets in response to national- level requirements.

For these tactical-level organizations (division and below), the organizational directories of FM 7-100.4 contain standard “TOE” structures of the AFS. However, these administrative groupings normally differ from the OPFOR’s go-to-war (fighting) force structure. (See FM 7-100.4 on task- organizing.)

Divisions

In the OPFOR’s AFS, the largest tactical formation is the division. Divisions are designed to be able to⎯

Serve as the basis for forming a DTG, if necessary. (See discussion of Tactical Groups, below.)
With or without becoming a DTG, fight as part of an operational-strategic command (OSC) or an organization from the AFS (such as army or military region) or as a separate unit in a field group (FG).
Sustain independent combat operations over a period of several days.
Integrate interagency forces up to brigade or group size.
Execute all of the actions discussed in this TC

Integrated Fires Command

The integrated fires command (IFC) is a combination of a standing C2 structure and task- organizing of constituent and dedicated fire support units. Division or DTG and above have IFCs. Brigades, BTGs, and below do not. All division-level and above OPFOR organizations possess an IFC C2 structure-staff, command post (CP), communications and intelligence architecture, and automated fire control system. The IFC exercises C2 of all constituent and dedicated fire support assets retained by its level of command. This includes army aviation, artillery, and missile units. It also exercises C2 over all reconnaissance, intelligence, surveillance, and target acquisition (RISTA) assets allocated to it. (See chapter 9 for more detail on the IFC.)

Note. Based on mission requirements, the division or DTG (or above) commander may also place maneuver forces under the command of the IFC commander. One possibility would be for the IFC CP to command the disruption force, the exploitation force, or any other functional force whose actions must be closely coordinated with fires delivered by the IFC.

Integrated Support Command

The integrated support command (ISC) is the aggregate of combat service support units (and perhaps some combat support units) organic to a division and additional assets allocated from the AFS to a DTG. It contains such units that the division or DTG does not suballocate to lower levels of command in a constituent or dedicated relationship. The division or DTG further allocates part of its ISC units as an integrated support group (ISG) to support its IFC, and the remainder supports the rest of the division or DTG, as a second ISG.

For organizational efficiency, combat service support units may be grouped in this ISC and its ISGs, although they may support only one of the major units of the division or DTG or its IFC. Sometimes, an ISC or ISG might also include units performing combat support tasks (such as chemical warfare, engineer, or law enforcement) that support the division or DTG and its IFC. (See chapter 14 for more detail on the ISC and ISG.)

Maneuver Brigades

The OPFOR’s basic combined arms unit is the maneuver brigade. In the AFS, maneuver brigades are typically constituent to divisions, in which case the OPFOR refers to them as divisional brigades. However, some are organized as separate brigades, designed to have greater ability to accomplish independent missions without further allocation of forces from higher-level tactical headquarters. In OPFOR plans and orders, the status of separate brigades may be indicated by (Sep) next to a unit title or symbol. Similarly, a brigade that is part of a division may be marked as (Div) in order to distinguish it from a separate brigade.

Maneuver brigades are designed to be able to⎯

Serve as the basis for forming a BTG, if necessary.
Fight as part of a division or DTG.
Fight as a separate unit in an OSC, an organization from the AFS (such as army, corps, or military district), or an FG.
Sustain independent combat operations over a period of 1 to 3 days.
Integrate interagency forces up to battalion size.
Execute all of the actions discussed in this TC.

Tactical Groups

A tactical group is a task-organized division or brigade that has received an allocation of additional land forces in order to accomplish its mission. These additional forces may come from within the Ministry of Defense, from the Ministry of the Interior, or from affiliated forces. Typically, these assets are initially allocated to an OSC or FG, which further allocates them to its tactical subordinates. The purpose of a tactical group is to ensure unity of command for all land forces in a given AOR. Tactical groups formed from divisions are division tactical groups (DTGs) and those from brigades are brigade tactical groups (BTGs). A DTG may fight as part of an OSC or as a separate unit in an FG. A BTG may fight as part of a division or DTG or as a separate unit in an OSC or FG. Figures 2-1 and 2-2 give examples of the types of units that could comprise possible DTG and BTG organizations.

In addition to augmentation received from a higher command, a DTG or BTG normally retains the assets that were originally subordinate to the division or brigade that served as the basis for the tactical group. However, it is also possible that the higher command could use units from one division or brigade as part of a tactical group that is based on another division or brigade.

Note. Any division or brigade receiving additional assets from a higher command becomes a DTG or BTG.

The division that serves as the basis for a DTG may have some of its brigades task-organized as BTGs. However, just the fact that a division becomes a DTG does not necessarily mean that it forms BTGs. A DTG could augment all of its brigades, or one or two brigades, or none of them as BTGs. A division could augment one or more brigades into BTGs, using the division’s own constituent assets, without becoming a DTG. If a division receives additional assets and uses them all to create one or more BTGs, it is still designated as a DTG. Within a DTG or BTG, some battalions and companies may become task-organized as detachments, while others retain their original structures. (See discussion of Detachments, below.)

Note. Unit symbols for all OPFOR units use the diamond-shaped frame. All OPFOR task organizations use the “task force” symbol placed over the “echelon” (unit size) modifier above the diamond frame. When there is a color capability, there are two options for use of red: all parts of the symbol that would otherwise be black can use red, or the diamond can have red fill color with the frame and other parts of the symbol in black. (See figures 2-3 through 2-5 and also figures 2-10 through 2-14 on pages 2-9 through 2-11 for examples.)

Unit symbols for tactical groups show the unit type and size of the “base” unit (division or brigade) around which the task organization was formed and whose headquarters serves as the headquarters for the tactical group. Figures 2-3 through 2-5 show examples of unit symbols for various types of OPFOR tactical groups.

Battalions

In the OPFOR’s force structure, the basic unit of action is the battalion. (See figure 2-6.) Battalions are designed to be able to⎯

Serve as the basis for forming a battalion-size detachment (BDET), if necessary. (See discussion of Detachments below.)
Fight as part of a brigade, BTG, division, or DTG.
Execute basic combat missions as part of a larger tactical force.
Plan for operations expected to occur 6 to 24 hours in the future.
Execute all of the tactical actions discussed in this TC.

Companies

In the OPFOR’s force structure, the largest unit without a staff is the company. In fire support units, this level of command is commonly called a battery. (See figure 2-7.) Companies are designed to be able to⎯

Serve as the basis for forming a company-size detachment (CDET), if necessary. (See discussion of Detachments below.)
Fight as part of a battalion, BDET, brigade, BTG, division, or DTG.
Execute tactical tasks. (A company will not normally be asked to perform two or more tactical tasks simultaneously.)

Detachments

A detachment is a battalion or company designated to perform a specific mission and allocated the forces necessary to do so. (See figures 2-8 and 2-9.) Detachments are the smallest combined arms formations and are, by definition, task-organized. To further differentiate, detachments built from battalions can be termed battalion-size detachments (BDETs), and those formed from companies can be termed company-size detachments (CDETs). The forces allocated to a detachment suit the mission expected of it. They may include⎯

Artillery or mortar units.
Air defense units.
Engineer units (with obstacle, survivability, or mobility assets).
Heavy weapons units (including heavy machineguns, automatic grenade launchers, and antitank guided missiles).
Units with specialty equipment such as flame weapons, specialized reconnaissance assets, or helicopters.
Interagency forces up to company size for BDETs, or platoon size for CDETs.
Chemical defense, antitank, medical, logistics, signal, and electronic warfare units.

BDETs can accept dedicated and supporting SPF, aviation (combat helicopter, transport helicopter), and unmanned aerial vehicle units.

The basic type of OPFOR detachment—whether formed from a battalion or a company—is the independent mission detachment (IMD). IMDs are formed to execute missions that are separated in space and/or time from those being conducted by the remainder of the forming unit. IMDs can be used for a variety of missions, some of which are listed here as examples:

Seizing key terrain.
Linking up with airborne or heliborne forces.
Conducting tactical movement on secondary axes.
Pursuing or enveloping an enemy force.
Conducting a raid or ambush.

Other types of detachments and their uses are described in subsequent chapters. These detachments include—

Counterreconnaissance detachment. (See chapter 5.)
Urban detachment. (See chapter 5.)
Security detachment. (See chapter 5.)
Reconnaissance detachment. (See chapter 7).
Movement support detachment. (See chapter 12.)
Obstacle detachment. (See chapter 12.)

Unit symbols for detachments show the unit type and size of the “base” unit (battalion or company) around which the task organization was formed and whose headquarters serves as the headquarters for the detachment. Figures 2-10 through 2-12 on pages 2-9 and 2-10 show examples of unit symbols for various types of OPFOR detachments.

Platoons and Squads

In the OPFOR’s force structure, the smallest unit typically expected to conduct independent fire and maneuver is the platoon. Platoons are designed to be able to⎯

Serve as the basis for forming a functional element or patrol.
Fight as part of a company, battalion, or detachment.
Execute tactical tasks. (A platoon will not be asked to perform two or more tactical tasks simultaneously.)
Exert control over a small riot, crowd, or demonstration.

Platoons and squads within them can be task-organized for specific missions. Figures 2-13 and 2-14 show examples of unit symbols for various types of OPFOR task-organized platoons and squads.

Organizing the Tactical Battlefield

The OPFOR organizes the battlefield in such a way that it can rapidly transition between offensive and defensive actions and between linear and nonlinear dispositions. This flexibility can help the OPFOR adapt and change the nature of conflict to something for which the enemy is not prepared.

In his combat order, the commander specifies the organization of the battlefield from the perspective of his level of command. Within his unit’s AOR, as defined by the next-higher commander, he designates specific AORs for his subordinates, along with zones, objectives, and axes related to his own overall mission.

Areas of Responsibility

The OPFOR defines an area of responsibility (AOR) as the geographical area and associated airspace within which a commander has the authority to plan and conduct combat operations. An AOR is bounded by a limit of responsibility (LOR) beyond which the organization may not operate or fire without coordination through the next-higher headquarters. AORs may be linear or nonlinear in nature. Linear AORs may contain subordinate nonlinear AORs and vice versa. (See figures 2-15 through 2-18 on pages 2-12 and 2-13 for examples of tactical-level AORs. See chapters 3 and 4 for additional examples of AORs and zones in offense and defense.)

A combat order normally defines AORs (and zones within them) by specifying boundary lines in terms of distinct local terrain features through which a line passes. The order specifies whether each of those terrain features is included or excluded from the unit’s AOR or zones within it. Normally, a specified terrain feature is included unless the order identifies it as “excluded.” For example, the left boundary of the DTG AOR in figure 2-16 on page 2-12 runs from hill 108, to hill 250 (excluded), to junction of highway 52 and road 98, to the well. That example also illustrates that, even in a linear AOR, not all boundaries have to be straight lines.

It is possible, although not likely, that a higher commander may retain control of airspace over a lower commander’s AOR. This would be done through the use of standard airspace management measures.

Zones

AORs typically consist of three basic zones: battle zone, disruption zone, and support zone. An AOR may also contain one or more attack zones and/or kill zones. The various zones in an AOR have the same basic purposes within each type of offensive and defensive action. Zones may be linear or nonlinear in nature. The size of these zones depends on the size of the OPFOR units involved, engagement ranges of weapon systems, the terrain, and the nature of the enemy’s operation. Within the LOR, the OPFOR normally refers to two types of control lines. The support line separates the support zone from the battle zone. The battle line separates the battle zone from the disruption zone.

2-37. An AOR is not required to have any or all of these zones in any particular situation. A command might have a battle zone and no disruption zone. It might not have a battle zone, if it is the disruption force of a higher command. If it is able to forage, it might not have a support zone. The intent of this method of organizing the battlefield is to preserve as much flexibility as possible for subordinate units within the parameters that define the aim of the senior commander. An important feature of the basic zones in an AOR is the variations in actions that can occur within them in the course of a specific battle.

Disruption Zone

The disruption zone is the AOR of the disruption force. It is that geographical area and airspace in which the unit’s disruption force will conduct disruption tasks. This is where the OPFOR will set the conditions for successful combat actions by fixing enemy forces and placing long-range fires on them. Units in this zone begin the attack on specific components of the enemy’s combat system, to begin the disaggregation of that system. Successful actions in the disruption zone will create a window of opportunity that is exploitable in the battle zone.

Specific actions in the disruption zone can include—

Attacking the enemy’s engineer elements. This can leave his maneuver force unable to continue effective operations in complex terrain⎯exposing them to destruction by forces in the battle zone.
Stripping away the enemy’s reconnaissance assets while denying him the ability to acquire and engage OPFOR targets with deep fires. This includes an air defense effort to deny aerial attack and reconnaissance platforms from targeting OPFOR forces.
Forcing the enemy to deploy early or disrupting his offensive preparations.
Gaining and maintaining reconnaissance contact with key enemy elements.
Deceiving the enemy as to the disposition of OPFOR units.

The disruption zone is bounded by the battle line and the LOR of the overall AOR. In linear offensive combat, the higher headquarters may move the battle line and LOR forward as the force continues successful offensive actions. Thus, the boundaries of the disruption zone will also move forward during the course of a battle. (See the example in figure 2-16 on page 2-12.) The higher commander can push the disruption zone forward or outward as forces adopt a defensive posture while consolidating gains at the end of a successful offensive battle and/or prepare for a subsequent offensive battle. Disruption zones may be contiguous or noncontiguous. They can also be “layered,” in the sense that one command’s disruption zone is part of the disruption zone of the next-higher command. (See an example of this layering in figure 2-17 on page 2-13.)

Battalions and below do not typically have their own disruption zones. However, they may conduct actions within the disruption zone of a higher command.

Battle Zone

The battle zone is the portion of the AOR where the OPFOR expects to conduct decisive actions. Forces in the battle zone will exploit opportunities created by actions in the disruption zone. Using all elements of combat power, the OPFOR will engage the enemy in close combat to achieve tactical decision in this zone.

In the battle zone, the OPFOR is typically trying to accomplish one or more of the following:

Create a penetration in the enemy defense through which exploitation forces can pass.
Draw enemy attention and resources to the action.
Seize terrain.
Inflict casualties on a vulnerable enemy unit.
Prevent the enemy from moving a part of his force to impact OPFOR actions elsewhere on the battlefield.

A division or DTG does not always form a division- or DTG-level battle zone per se⎯that zone may be the aggregate of the battle zones of its subordinate units. In nonlinear situations, there may be multiple, noncontiguous brigade or BTG battle zones, and within each the division or DTG would assign a certain task to the unit charged to operate in that space. The brigade or BTG battle zone provides each of those subordinate unit commanders the space in which to frame his actions. Battalion and below units often have AORs that consist almost entirely of battle zones with a small support zone contained within them.

The battle zone is separated from the disruption zone by the battle line and from the support zone by the support line. In the offense, the commander may adjust the location of these lines in order to accommodate successful offensive action. In a linear situation, those lines can shift forward during the course of a successful attack. Thus, the battle zone would also shift forward. (For an example of this, see figure 2-16 on page 2-12.)

Support Zone

The support zone is that area of the battlefield designed to be free of significant enemy action and to permit the effective logistics and administrative support of forces. Security forces will operate in the support zone in a combat role to defeat enemy special operations forces. Camouflage, concealment, cover, and deception (C3D) measures will occur throughout the support zone to protect the force from standoff RISTA and precision attack. A division or DTG support zone may be dispersed within the support zones of subordinate brigades or BTGs, or the division or DTG may have its own support zone that is separate from subordinate AORs. If the battle zone moves during the course of a battle, the support zone would move accordingly. The support zone may be in a sanctuary that is noncontiguous with other zones of the AOR.

Attack Zone

An attack zone is given to a subordinate unit with an offensive mission, to delineate clearly where forces will be conducting offensive maneuver. Attack zones are often used to control offensive action by a subordinate unit inside a larger defensive battle or operation.

Kill Zone

A kill zone is a designated area on the battlefield where the OPFOR plans to destroy a key enemy target. A kill zone may be within the disruption zone or the battle zone. In the defense, it could also be in the support zone.

Functional Organization of Forces and Elements

An OPFOR commander specifies in his combat order the initial organization of forces or elements within his level of command, according to the specific functions he intends his various subordinate units to perform. At brigade or BTG and above, the subordinate units performing these functions are referred to as forces, while at battalion or BDET and below, they are called elements.

Note. This portion of chapter 2 provides a brief overview of functional organization as a key part of the OPFOR C2 process. This provides a common language and a clear understanding of how the commander intends his subordinates to fight functionally. Thus, subordinates that perform common tactical tasks such as disruption, fixing, assault, exploitation, security, deception, or main defense are logically designated as disruption, fixing, assault, exploitation, security, deception, or main defense forces or elements. OPFOR commanders prefer using the clearest and most descriptive term to avoid any confusion. For more detailed discussion and examples of the roles of various functional forces and elements in offense and defense, see chapters 3 and 4, respectively.

The OPFOR organizes and designates various forces and elements according to their function in the planned offensive or defensive action. A number of different functions must be executed each time an OPFOR unit attempts to accomplish a mission. The functions do not change, regardless of where the force or element might happen to be located on the battlefield. However, the function (and hence the functional designation) of a particular force or element may change during the course of the battle. The use of precise functional designations for every force or element on the battlefield allows for a clearer understanding by subordinate units of the distinctive functions their commander expects them to perform. It also allows each force or element to know exactly what all of the others are doing at any time. This knowledge facilitates the OPFOR’s ability to make quick adjustments and to adapt very rapidly to shifting tactical situations. This practice also assists in a more comprehensive planning process by eliminating the likelihood of some confusion (especially on graphics) of who is responsible for what. Omissions and errors are much easier to spot using these functional labels rather than relying on unit designators, numbers, or code words.

Note. A unit or group of units designated as a particular functional force or element may also be called upon to perform other, more specific functions. Therefore, the function of that force or element, or part(s) of it, may be more accurately described by a more specific functional designation. For example, a disruption force generally “disrupts,” but also may need to “fix” a part of the enemy forces. In that case, the entire disruption force could become the fixing force, or parts of that force could become fixing elements.

The various functions required to accomplish any given mission can be quite diverse. However, they can be broken down into two very broad categories: action and enabling.

Action Forces and Elements

One part of the unit or grouping of units conducting a particular offensive or defensive action is normally responsible for performing the primary function or task that accomplishes the overall mission goal or objective of that action. In most general terms, therefore, that part can be called the action force or action element. In most cases, however, the higher unit commander will give the action force or element a more specific designation that identifies the specific function or task it is intended to perform, which equates to achieving the objective of the higher command’s mission.

For example, if the objective of the action at detachment level is to conduct a raid, the element designated to complete that action may be called the raiding element. In offensive actions at brigade or BTG and higher, a force that completes the primary offensive mission by exploiting a window of opportunity created by another force is called the exploitation force. In defensive actions, the unit or grouping of units that performs the main defensive mission in the battle zone is called the main defense force or main defense element. However, in a maneuver defense, the main defensive action is executed by a combination of two functional forces: the contact force and the shielding force.

Enabling Forces and Elements

In relation to the action force or element, all other parts of the organization conducting an offensive or defensive action provide enabling functions of various kinds. In most general terms, therefore, each of these parts can be called an enabling force or enabling element. However, each subordinate force or element with an enabling function can be more clearly identified by the specific function or task it performs. For example, a force that enables by fixing enemy forces so they cannot interfere with the primary action is a fixing force. Likewise, an element that clears obstacles to permit an action element to accomplish a detachment’s tactical task is a clearing element.

Other types of enabling forces or elements designated by their specific function may include—

Disruption force or element. Operates in the disruption zone; disrupts enemy preparations or actions; destroys or deceives enemy reconnaissance; begins reducing the effectiveness of key components of the enemy’s combat system.
Fixing force or element. Fixes the enemy by preventing a part of his force from moving from a specific location for a specific period of time, so it cannot interfere with the primary OPFOR action.
Security force or element. Provides security for other parts of a larger organization, protecting them from observation, destruction, or becoming fixed.
Deception force or element. Conducts a deceptive action (such as a demonstration or feint) that leads the enemy to act in ways prejudicial to enemy interests or favoring the success of an OPFOR action force or element.
Support force or element. Provides support by fire; other combat or combat service support; or C2 functions for other parts of a larger organization.

Other Forces and Elements

In initial orders, some subordinates are held in a status pending determination of their specific function. At the commander’s discretion, some forces or elements may be held out of initial action, in reserve, so that he may influence unforeseen events or take advantage of developing opportunities. These are designated as reserves (reserve force or reserve element). If and when such units are subsequently assigned a mission to perform a specific function, they receive the appropriate functional force or element designation. For example, a reserve force in a defensive operation might become the counterattack force.

In defensive actions, there may be a particular unit or grouping of units that the OPFOR commander wants to be protected from enemy observation or fire, to ensure that it will be available after the current battle or operation is over. This is designated as the protected force.

Command of Forces and Elements

Each of the separate functional forces or elements—even when it involves a grouping of multiple units—has an identified commander. This is often the senior commander of the largest subordinate unit assigned to that force or element.