TACTICS: Control Measures Primer

One reason we started the DDOD was to help part-time leaders maintain fluency in the language and vocabulary of the profession of arms. At Maneuver Captain’s Career Course the entrance exam (which determines if students get in or not) is heavy on terms and graphics, causing a lot of lost sleep the night prior for reserve component students.

But, as leaders in the profession of arms, fluency should be expected.

Control measures provide structure to the chaos of combat. FM 3-90 (Tactics) Appendix A (Tactical Control Measures) tells leaders how control measures should be used. This is not FM 1-02.2, which gets deep into the weeds of the elements of each graphic control measure (GCM) used on maps and concept sketches. Rather, FM 3-90 Appendix A gets into the purposes of control measures the graphics represent.

In other words, Appendix A addresses the vocabulary of tactics while FM 1-02.2 gets into the grammar and diction of expressing them visually. It does no good to be able to draw a support by fire position if you don’t know how to use it.

As always, italics added for our emphasis, and […] indicates we cut out stuff we thought was fluff. And, as always: you’re smarter reading the doctrine yourself to be exactly sure.

The major takeaways:

General Rules For Control Measures

Appendix A explains measures common to offensive, defensive, and enabling operations. like:

Maneuver control measure types:

• Common

• Offensive operations control measures

• Defensive operations control measures.

• Fire support coordination measures,

• Airspace coordination measures

Units use control measures to:

• Assign responsibilities

• Coordinate the warfighting functions

• Control operations

• Prevent fratricide.

These control measures apply to both automated and hand drawn graphics or symbols, displays, and overlays.

Most tactical control measures are used in both planning products and operation overlays.

Commanders ensure that all higher echelon control measures are incorporated into their units’ orders and common operational picture.

Units reference the control measures established by higher headquarters when making reports to that headquarters.

Diving deep in the doctrinal details:

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR CONTROL MEASURES

A-1. Units use control measures to assign responsibilities, coordinate the warfighting functions, control operations, and prevent fratricide. Well-conceived control measures facilitate current and future operations. Throughout an operation, commanders adjust control measures as necessary to maintain synchronization and ensure mission accomplishment.

A-2. Control measures apply to all forces. Control measures are used throughout the operations process and are graphically depicted within digital systems and on analog map overlays. Commanders ensure that all higher echelon control measures are incorporated into their units’ orders and common operational picture. Subordinate units develop additional control measures to command and control their forces and ensure those control measures are shared with adjacent, higher, and subordinate units and staffs. They reference the control measures established by higher headquarters when making reports to that headquarters.

A-3. Units generally establish and follow standard operating procedures for naming common control measures. During operations, units follow the timelines or procedures prescribed by their higher headquarters regarding control measure updates. For example, a division artillery headquarters will normally establish rhythmic times for subordinate units to provide updates to their current and planned fire support coordination measures.

A-4. The sections below consist of common maneuver control measures, fire support coordination measures, airspace coordination measures, and obstacle control measures. These control measures are not a comprehensive listing of all possible control measures a unit may employ during operations. (See FM 1-02.2 for a listing of all control measures.)

Want to exceed the boundaries of your knowledge of tactical control measures? Take A Doctrine Deep Dive with a read of FM 3-90 by clicking here.