(2) As the Army fields automated systems, engineer units will receive
MCS hardware that allows access to the same information available
to maneuver units. Additionally, engineer-specific software will
enable engineer commanders and their staff to develop engineer
estimates and report information. MCS is not designed to perform
the command function or replace C2 requirements.
(3) MCS provides a business-as-usual tool, and the staff uses it
instead of a telephone, pen, paper, and maps.
MCS quickly
receives, organizes, stores, and sends critical information, and
it filters the raw data for decision displays.
3-3. Accurate and Timely Reports. The division engineer company commander
or the TF engineer staff officer must set up reporting procedures to
further facilitate the control of subordinate elements. He must also
establish a time line for measuring progress so the engineer officer
can make necessary adjustments to the task organization without delay.
3-4. Reporting System. Set up a system that provides subordinate engineer
elements with required reports and information (unit status, mission
status, and terrain analysis).
Standardize the information into
specific report formats.
a. Unit standard operating procedures (SOPs).
Review unit SOPs and
make additions, deletions, and changes to standardized reports as
needed.
b. Methods of communicating reports.
(1) Set up and maintain communication with all engineer elements.
Consider all forms of communication (FM radio, radio teletype
(RATT), wire, and courier).
Communication is essential for
transmitting accurate and timely reports.
(2) Use a dedicated net for FM radios. A separate division engineer
or brigade engineer net is preferred, but you may have to use the
operations net of the largest engineer unit supporting the
maneuver force.
(3) Follow up wire and radio reports
with
periodic
hard
copy
delivered by courier or RATT.
3-5. Time Line.
a. The engineer planner should develop a time line as part of the
engineer-estimate process or when writing the engineer annex.
b. Time is always a premium in war; the side that seizes a time
advantage over the enemy usually wins. A commander must seize every
time-saving expedient and use it to his advantage. He can do this
by quickly making clear, reasonable, and correct decisions.
The
side that makes decisions, issues orders, and translates orders into
decisive actions faster than its
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EN5483
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