Infantry Rifle Squad Operation Orders: Their Characteristics and Role in Mission Success
Abstract
Military teams are characterized by functions that distinguish them from collections of individuals. Two of these functions, orientation and organization, were examined in the context of these Infantry squad leader's operation order. Operation orders given by 54 squad leaders prior to a movement to contact mission were analyzed for content. Omissions of information from the higher-level platoon order reflected a failure of the squad leader to communicate critical orientation and organization information. However, few distortions of platoon order information occurred. Although leaders emphasized squad execution, they made few contingency plans. Leader experience was the best predictor of operation order content and quality. Leaders frequently used operation order delivery techniques that were likely to increase member confusion regarding the mission. The movement to contact missions were conducted using the multiple-integrated laser engagement system (MILES) against an opposing force of three. The strongest correlate of mission outcome was the degree of experience the opposing force had acquired through participation in multiple missions. Squad leader experience was a secondary predictor, and operation order content had only a small relationship to mission outcome.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA170760
Entities
People
- Jean L. Dyer
- Robert H. Bennett
- Robert H. Sulzen
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences