CORPORALS COURSE TACTICAL PLANNING
2026 REVISION NOTES AND STRUCTURED
COMBAT PLANNING OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ Arrange for recon and coordination. Answer: Based on the
detailed analysis and tactical thought process performed during the
previous step, "Begin Planning," the leader should ask:
"What information am I lacking to achieve success?"
To get this information and reduce risk, the leader must arrange for
a reconnaissance of the enemy and terrain.
•First, the leader determines the most effective means of available
reconnaissance. Ideally, this is a physical reconnaissance in which
the leader visits or observes the ground on which the unit will fight.
•Second, the leader determines the priority of reconnaissance.
,-
Priority one should be to validate or correct assumptions regarding
the enemy location, orientation, or current tactical activity.
-
Priority two is to identify elements of the friendly scheme of
maneuver such as the route, assault position, or defensive positions.
-
Finally, if a physical reconnaissance is feasible, the leader must
determine which subordinate leaders will participate in a leader's
recon. The personnel will vary according to the tactical situation, but
the leader should take only as many subordinate leaders as
necessary; others remain behind to supervise mission preparation.
◉ Recon and coordination. Answer: Whether conducting a
deliberate attack, establishing a refueling point, conducting a convoy,
or any other similar task, every effort should be made to conduct a
reconnaissance of the objective and enemy forces in the vicinity.
Whenever possible, the leader makes a physical reconnaissance of
the objective area and route. For certain missions, the unit may
, move closer to the objective area and conduct a leader's
reconnaissance from there.
• Leaders should leverage all available assets to gather information
to support planning.
•In addition to a physical recon, leaders should use other assets
(imagery, air reconnaissance, etc.) available to help fill information
gaps.
•A successful reconnaissance should answer questions and validate
assumptions made during your planning.
◉ Complete your plan. Answer: After conducting coordination and
completing a reconnaissance, it is time to complete the plan.
•Update your estimate of the situation (METT-T analysis) and revisit
the tactical thought process using the new information you have
gained. Do not fall in love with your plan. If your scheme of
maneuver must be changed because the EMLCOA and exploitation
plan were incorrect, change the plan.
•Review your mission, as it was received from higher; ensure that
your plan meets the requirements of the mission and stays within
the framework of the commander's intent.
2026 REVISION NOTES AND STRUCTURED
COMBAT PLANNING OVERVIEW GUIDE
◉ Arrange for recon and coordination. Answer: Based on the
detailed analysis and tactical thought process performed during the
previous step, "Begin Planning," the leader should ask:
"What information am I lacking to achieve success?"
To get this information and reduce risk, the leader must arrange for
a reconnaissance of the enemy and terrain.
•First, the leader determines the most effective means of available
reconnaissance. Ideally, this is a physical reconnaissance in which
the leader visits or observes the ground on which the unit will fight.
•Second, the leader determines the priority of reconnaissance.
,-
Priority one should be to validate or correct assumptions regarding
the enemy location, orientation, or current tactical activity.
-
Priority two is to identify elements of the friendly scheme of
maneuver such as the route, assault position, or defensive positions.
-
Finally, if a physical reconnaissance is feasible, the leader must
determine which subordinate leaders will participate in a leader's
recon. The personnel will vary according to the tactical situation, but
the leader should take only as many subordinate leaders as
necessary; others remain behind to supervise mission preparation.
◉ Recon and coordination. Answer: Whether conducting a
deliberate attack, establishing a refueling point, conducting a convoy,
or any other similar task, every effort should be made to conduct a
reconnaissance of the objective and enemy forces in the vicinity.
Whenever possible, the leader makes a physical reconnaissance of
the objective area and route. For certain missions, the unit may
, move closer to the objective area and conduct a leader's
reconnaissance from there.
• Leaders should leverage all available assets to gather information
to support planning.
•In addition to a physical recon, leaders should use other assets
(imagery, air reconnaissance, etc.) available to help fill information
gaps.
•A successful reconnaissance should answer questions and validate
assumptions made during your planning.
◉ Complete your plan. Answer: After conducting coordination and
completing a reconnaissance, it is time to complete the plan.
•Update your estimate of the situation (METT-T analysis) and revisit
the tactical thought process using the new information you have
gained. Do not fall in love with your plan. If your scheme of
maneuver must be changed because the EMLCOA and exploitation
plan were incorrect, change the plan.
•Review your mission, as it was received from higher; ensure that
your plan meets the requirements of the mission and stays within
the framework of the commander's intent.
