accurate information pertaining to the company's area
the platoon commanders, the listening posts (LP), and
of responsibility.
the observation posts (OP). The platoon commanders
must have constant communication with the troops on
4. Ensure incoming and outgoing messages follow
the front lines. A break in communication can cause
established routing procedures.
massive confusion and could result in heavy casualties
5. Retain releasing authority on all outgoing
and the loss of lives. Communications is covered in
messages.
depth farther on in this chapter.
6. Provide complete supervision of operations in
Defense and Security
the company CP.
Defensive and security measures for the company
Watch Petty Officer
CP are similar to that of the COC. The major
exception is that the company CP is not as fortified as
1. Handle and process information relating to
the COC. For example, barbed and tactical wire
entanglements are not used around the company CP
2. Gather and distribute information gained from
because of the constant flow of traffic entering the CP.
intelligence sources.
The company commander is concerned principally
w i t h the defense of the company's area of
3. Maintain overlays of the enemy situation map
responsibility.
pertaining to the company's area of responsibility.
4. Promptly inform the watch chief of significant
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY
or unusual incidents.
COMMAND POST
convoys.
The internal organization of the company CP
varies with each company or contingency operation.
6. Supervise the action of the communication
Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are
personnel.
established to avoid any confusion. Personnel duties,
7. Verify correct communication security measures
maps, and various boards are usually standard within
are being used by all assigned communicators.
any company CP.
The company commander is responsible for
Communicator
coordinating, organizing, operating, and training
watch standing personnel for the company CP. The
1. Monitor radio nets as assigned.
number of personnel assigned to the watch stations,
2. Use all necessary measures to minimize
which are manned on a 24-hour basis, is normally
interception or jamming of transmission.
maintained at the minimum needed to meet
operational requirements. The watch personnel and
Messengers/Security
their duties are as follows:
1. Perform all duties as assigned.
Watch Chief
2. Ensure only authorized personnel enter the
company CP.
1. Before assuming watch, the watch chief should
read the message board, be briefed on the current
CHARTS AND MAPS
situation from the current watch chief, and then make
liaison with the COC.
The types of charts and maps required within the
2. During watch, keep current on the tactical
company CP vary according to the mission and the
situation of the battalion, make routine decisions
company commander. All boards and maps must be
concerning the company, and notify the company
visible to all personnel in the company CP. This
commander of incidents of an unusual nature.
arrangement enables all personnel standing watch in
the company CP to visualize current situations and to
3. Read all incoming and outgoing messages.
help them to respond to any incoming messages
Take the appropriate action on messages received from
quickly and accurately.
the COC. Ensure the COC immediately receives
