Failure to meet tactical requirements. Any course of action that fails to meet the tactical
requirements would definitely be a disadvantage and should be disregarded. Signal facilities
must be located so that they not only provide highly efficient signal systems, but also provide
ready access to the tactical unit and facilities. This will aid in the overall accomplishment of
the mission of the command.
(5) Paragraph 5 - Recommendation. In your recommendation, select the course of action that has the
greatest possibility of ensuring the success of the signal support mission. Translate this course of action into a
statement of what the signal elements of the command as a whole are to do to assist the command in the
accomplishment of its mission. State as much of the elements of who, what, when, where, how, and why as may
be appropriate. The greater the emphasis placed on these elements prior to the announcement of the decision, the
more efficient will be the functioning of the signal systems during the tactical operation. Assign tasks to the
signal elements of the command to ensure that facilities are established and operating when required. Do not
overtax any single element, and provide adequate reserves to meet unforeseen requirements. Key points of your
recommendations should be:
(a) Select the best course of action.
(b) Translate the course of action into a statement of requirements for the signal elements.
(c) State and emphasize the elements of who, what, when, where, how, and why.
(d) Assign tasks without overtaxing.
(e) Provide adequate reserves.
3. Signal Annex. The signal annex, one of many annexes in an operations order (OPORD), deals with the
specific aspects of communications support. Addressing the details of signal operations in the annex keeps the
basic text of the OPORD short. The signal annex should not include matters covered in the SOP; where
appropriate, reference should be made to an SOP. The signal annex format is illustrated at Figure 3-3.
a. Paragraph 1 - Situation includes items of information affecting signal support not included in paragraph 1
of the OPORD or which needs to be expanded. A reference to enemy forces is usually made (such as enemy
jamming and infiltration activities to disrupt friendly communications). Specifics about friendly forces may
include how units are task organized, who is giving signal support to whom, and attachments and detachments.
3-8
SS0122
Previous Page
