Tactics Talk - SMEAC

 

How to think About Orders

Command Ops 2 is a game of strategic planning, operational decision making, and tactical chess moves. Balancing all of the aspects of commanding your forces can be a daunting task, especially as you take on larger and longer scenarios. Real life military commanders use the orders process to pass their guidance and intent to subordinate commanders, and in turn those commands do the same down the line. We don't need to hand write orders when planning in CO2 (it is a hobby game after all) but thinking about the parts of a 5-paragragh operations order (OPORD) can help you think about the different phases of the game.

 SMEAC

 SMEAC stands for situation, mission, execution, administration (logistics or service support), command and signal. These sections of the OPORD are typically numbered 1-5, hence the common name 5-paragraph order. 

Mission Analysis

Planing typically starts with higher headquarters (HHQ) guidance and intent. In CO2, these come from the scenario description, command briefing, and objective list. Summarizing these into a who, what, when, where, and why statement forms the basis of the Mission statement in paragraph 2 (more of this later). 

Upon launching the game you begin in what I like to call Phase Zero, the time before the game clock starts. This in when you must analyze your assigned Mission through the view of your own forces as well as the enemy. Paragraph 1, Situation, is a combined assessment from the "2" Intelligence Staff (G2 in US Army speak) and the G3 Operations or G5 Planning Staff. In your assigned area of operational responsibility (AOR) you need to understand what actions the enemy has taken, is taking, and may take in the future. The intelligence settings in CO2 are how we do this: All, Resent, Current. You must also understand your own forces that are deployed including there disposition and command structure. Furthermore, review who are your reinforcements and when they will enter the battlefield.

Course of Action Development

The active planning phase begins after you have developed an understand of what you are supposed to do, who you can tell to do it, and who is trying to stop you. Paragraph 3, Execution, is where the details of the operation are described. In the written order you provide the details of the HHQ intent and then break down the specified and implied tasks for your unit. Specified tasks are directly stated in the HHQ order while implied tasks are additional tasks that need to be accomplished such as lines of control or key terrain. All of these tasks are then organized into a concept of operation. An in game example would be identifying what objectives need to be captured on what days or when units should be prepared to respond to counterattacks. 

The Execution paragraph includes task to subordinate units. This is where specific units have their tasks laid out for them. This is a helpful in CO2 because you know how to detach your forces for specific actions. For example, you may want a full regiment to attack a town and then have a number of companies push out to set up a perimeter. Many times I will have my initial forces advance to a certain point and then have my reinforcements scheduled to cross the line and continue the push. This allows me to anticipate when a unit may be exhausted but also have a plan to relieve their assault and keep momentum up. 

Logistics and administrative planning is captured in Paragraph 4. In CO2, logistics isn't actively managed but it is something to keep in mind. Are you centrally controlling your artillery units? Be mindful of how much ammunition you are using. 

Command Posts

When I think about the final paragraph, Command and Signal, I think command posts locations and who they control. When you launch an attack, for example, the form up point (FUP) is where the headquarters will establish its command post. It is important where these FUPs are placed because a liner series of FUPs in a greater operation form the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) with their subordinate units operating out to the forward line of own troops (FLOT). Behind the FEBA is the rear areas where your units such ad regiment artillery and supply bases are located. Planning your operation with phase lines (PLs) can inform you how to move your command posts as the battle moves forward

Conclusion

Hopefully this crash course in orders helps how to think about the game. Let me know it it was useful!