The current operations (CUOPS) cell is essential to translating plans to orders and eventually the execution of combat operations. The CUOPS integrating cell “is the focal point for controlling the execution of operations. It “involves assessing the current situation while regulating forces and warfighting functions in accordance with the mission, commanders intent, and operations.” (ATP 6-0.5) CUOPS synchronizes operations, sustains the common operational picture (COP) and mitigates risk to the mission. In the operations process, the CUOPS cell is the commander’s most prominent tool to understand, describe, visualize, and direct operations. Because of the cell’s importance, the CUOPS teams must organize and train personnel, information systems, and processes to enable the commander to make a decision base on understanding rather than data points.
Despite the importance of the CUOPS cell, trends from combat training centers (CTCs), Mission Command Training Program (MCTP), and lessons learned from recent deployments demonstrate that units continue to struggle with synchronizing current operations. This is despite–or because of–advances in technology and years of combat experience. Recent trend analyses demonstrate that units commonly fail to integrate warfighting functions throughout the operations cycle. Root-cause analyses from these trends point to lack of home-station training as well as poor standard operating procedures (SOPs). However, perhaps a lack of practical understanding exists at the field-grade level of the concepts and tools commanders have exercise control of the battle.
For commanders to exercise mission command, CUOPS cells exercise control. Army Doctrine Publication (ADP) 6-0 defines control as “the regulation of warfighting functions to accomplish the mission in accordance with the commander’s intent.” The science of control “relies on objectivity, facts, empirical methods, and analysis.” Data and information reported to the operations center can be dense and complex. Utilizing procedural controls, CUOPS can identify variances that give commanders the appropriate decision space to mass effects of combat power and direct necessary changes. Components of command and control (C2) systems are utilized by CUOPS to achieve control over forces.
This article discusses the processes and techniques that optimize CUOPS cells’ control over forces. In addition to C2 systems, this articles intertwines techniques to manage CUOPS personnel and enhance the rapid decision-making and synchronization process. The operations process of planning, preparing, executing, and assessing forms the outline of this article. The intent is to bridge doctrinal understanding with the practical application of managing a CUOPS cell.
Click HERE to access the full document from JRTC Ops Group and CALL–The Science of Control: Synchronizing Current Operations
This document is a U.S. Army, Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL) product developed by members of the JRTC Operations Group and written by Major David Chichester and edited by Mr. Rick Averna.
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