# Rehearsals ## Rehearsals in Aviation Operations A rehearsal is essential for success in operations. FM 6-0 contains a discussion of rehearsal types, techniques, responsibilities, and conduct. Following is a discussion of items critical to aviation operations. Once commanders are satisfied and personnel understand the concept of operation, they must rehearse the plan. The rehearsal cannot become the brief to commanders. The purpose is to validate synchronization of subordinate units' tasks to execute the commander's intent. ### Rehearsal types * Confirmation brief. * Backbrief. * Combined arms rehearsal. * Support rehearsal. * Battle drill or SOP rehearsal. ### Rehearsal techniques * Full dress rehearsal. * Reduced force rehearsal. * Terrain model rehearsal. * Sketch map rehearsal. * Map rehearsal. * Network rehearsal. Although a full dress rehearsal is preferred, a terrain model rehearsal is the most common technique. The terrain model must represent the unit’s area of influence and be large enough for participants to easily traverse. An effective rehearsal is dependent upon an accurate terrain model, complete with key terrain features, reliefs, obstacles, and unit positions (friendly and enemy) correctly portrayed. Additionally, an effective technique for utilizing terrain models is to increase the scale of the objective area for better visualization by rehearsal participants. A standardized terrain model kit is an effective tool to reduce setup time. Rehearsals are accomplished at all levels. They may be conducted separately at each echelon, in one large rehearsal, or using a combination of the two. An appropriate large rehearsal would be a cross-forward line of own troops (FLOT) IA. Rehearsals are as detailed as time and resources permit. They may be a series of full-up, live-fire rehearsals or as simple as a quick review on the map. All rehearsals must include reviewing or conducting the following: * Actions on the objective. * Maneuver, movement, and fires. * Critical event rehearsals (such as FARP and egress). * Contact drills en route. * Contingencies. *** ## Rehearsal Sequence and Attendance Rehearsals follow a script and proceed in action, reaction, counteraction sequence. Elements of the script include: * Agenda. * Attendee response sequence to actions. * Unit actions response checklist (standardized format). * Sequence of events. If time becomes critical during the rehearsal, then the most critical part of the mission must be given adequate attention. Rehearsals must include a representation of the enemy and should cover: * Actions on the objective. * Enemy positions and disposition. * Friendly scheme of maneuver/ground tactical plan. * Integration of FIRES/suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD). * Actions on contact. * Occupation of reconnaissance or security positions, battle positions (BPs), and landing plans. * Passage of lines. * Flight plans including primary/alternate routes, ingress/egress procedures at the objective, maneuver formations, flight techniques, and altitudes. * Actions in the AA (out-front boresight, communication checks, line up for takeoff, takeoff, landing upon return). * Ammunition loads and FARP information. * CASEVAC procedures. * IIMC procedures. * In stride/immediate downed aircrew recovery procedures. * Contingency plan TTP (such as change of mission and aircraft equipment malfunction). All critical members of units should attend the rehearsal. Critical members are those who have key parts in the operation and whose failure to accomplish a task could cause mission failures. *** ## Rehearsal Question Resolution The battalion commander and staff may conduct the rehearsal or observe it. Regardless, detailed questions ensure units executing the mission thoroughly understand it, and battalion has accomplished its planning. The following questions are examples of critical questions that should be answered during the rehearsal: * What are contingencies at the objective for various enemy actions? * Who is responsible for calls for fire and who do they call? * Who has clearance of fires authority by phase and in which zones? * Who provides rear or flank security? * Who collects and sends SPOTREPs, whom do they call, and on which net? * Who initiates fires for the attack? * Where do crews get the time sequencing for Have Quick (unless automatic)? * Who is talking to the Air Force for JAAT operations? * Who initiates communications checks? * Who coordinates with the ground force commander? * Who confirms call signs, nets, and authenticators? * What radio calls (digital and voice) are required during the conduct of the operation? * What are the success criteria, and how do we know if they have been met? * What are the mission criteria, and who selects these criteria? * What are the divert criteria and who makes that decision? * What are the mission abort criteria? * What are the in-stride downed aircrew procedures? * What are the CASEVAC procedures? * What are the ROE? * What are the ASE requirements and settings? * What are the critical times (PP, TOT, RP)? * Who makes BDA reports, to whom, and when? * What is the bump and spare aircraft plan? * Where are FARPs, and what are the procedures? *** ## Conflict Resolution at the Rehearsal Conflicts may arise during a rehearsal. The commander must ensure conflicts are resolved, and the rehearsal does not become a wargame. Wargaming should have been accomplished during the planning process. The rehearsal ensures all members of the unit understand their roles and how they contribute to success. It is not the time to develop a new plan, but if required, refinements may be made. *** ## Additional Rehearsals The communications exercise (COMMEX) should mirror the signal requirements of the mission. The COMMEX ensures assignment of nets, equipment capabilities, range, RETRANS requirements, and COMSEC requirements. All elements participating in the mission participate in the COMMEX. The use of a common communications card is highly recommended and allows for a quick reference guide to frequencies and call signs. Company rehearsals are required to cover key company events not portrayed at the battalion rehearsal, such as formation, bump plan, departure sequence, radio calls, and actions on the objective. Attendees include all aircrews and key leaders. *** ## Rehearsal Completion At the end of any rehearsal the commander should receive correct responses from every member present concerning— * The mission/actions at the objective. * The commander's intent. * The timetable for mission execution Following rehearsal and prior to executing the mission, commanders conduct PCIs to ensure PCCs on aircraft and mission equipment are complete. *** ### Precombat Checks Aircrews and vehicle operators conduct PCC. Checks include— * Posting graphics on maps. * Completing aircraft performance planning. * Preflight/before operations preventive maintenance checks and services (PMCS). * Ensuring proper configuration of vehicles, aircraft, and weapons systems. * Ensuring DTC upload. * Ensuring IFF is loaded. * Ensuring COMSEC is loaded. * Verifying communications checks. * Test firing of weapons systems, if possible --- # Agent Instructions: Querying This Documentation If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question. Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter: ``` GET https://229.gitbook.io/229-hub/knowledge/attack-reconnaissance-helicopter-operations/command-and-control/rehearsals.md?ask= ``` The question should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language. 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