Publishing Disclaimer: In all of its publications and products, NCO Journal presents professional information. However, the views expressed therein are those of the authors and are not necessarily those of the Army University, the Department of the US Army, or any other agency of the US Government.

Have We Forgotten the Rehearsal?

By Maj. George Fust & MSG(S) Michael Vance

75th Ranger Regiment

September 6, 2022

Download the PDF

Graphic created by the NCO Journal

The massive hangar buzzes with activity. On one end, a wall of screens displays the most current intelligence available with diligent staff officers hurriedly coordinating last minute details. On the other, equipment layouts and inventories are taking place. The occasional outburst from a motivated team leader momentarily turns heads but is quickly replaced by the hum of service members hustling toward a common goal: the simultaneous joint forcible entry of multiple objectives during a period of darkness. This is arguably one of the most complex of all operations requiring an aggregation of units and organizations to operate with complete synergy. But how is this effort synchronized to within seconds? How are friction points identified and reduced during the planning process? The key to success, and the scenario highlighted above, is the rehearsal. This article will explain the history and importance of the rehearsal, how it can be improved, and what happens after.

The Rehearsal

Merriam Webster’s Online Dictionary defines a rehearsal as a “private performance or practice session preparatory to a public appearance,” or for military purposes, a practice run before the mission execution (“Rehearsal,” n.d., para. 2). It’s an essential element in identifying gaps in planning and identifying needed resources. Yet, rehearsals are often shortened or skipped altogether in the name of optimizing the plan or providing additional time for resourcing. Without one, the plan misses an opportunity for coordination and synchronization.

U.S. Army Rangers of the 75th Ranger Regiment conduct field training

Imagine a scenario where intelligence, fires, and effects operate independently of each other with only a written order or staff discussions to guide their action. The power of each is diminished and confusion will certainly surface. If entities synchronize efforts through the rehearsal process, their value to the operation will increase exponentially. Each will better understand the role of the other, and more importantly, how they function together. A good rehearsal reduces the time required to prosecute a target or deliver an effect based on intelligence.

The Rehearsal of Concept

One of the most well-known rehearsal types is the Rehearsal of Concept, or the “ROC drill.” A ROC drill brings in all relevant participants for a holistic observation of the plan. Returning to the hangar vignette, the ROC drill is the epicenter and biggest stressor besides actual mission execution. It is conducted on a large terrain model that includes all relevant operational graphics and other amplifying information. The ROC drill is a choreographed production where participants memorize their portion of the script. For audience members seated in the bleachers it is hard to imagine how such a well-orchestrated and confident plan will not succeed. This rehearsal style is closer in form to a confirmation brief than a traditional rehearsal. Where this style falls short is that it often becomes about the theatrical performance instead of the actual rehearsal itself. A memorized script isn’t particularly helpful when conditions change, which inevitably will in a combat environment.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Tasi Feleti

How to Improve the ROC

If an organization is willing to invest the time and resources to execute a ROC drill, those involved in executing the plan should brief it. They should stand on the terrain model and speak to those with whom they will coordinate during mission execution. This is one of the last opportunities available to identify friction points and gaps. It provides a final opportunity to synergize all aspects of the plan. The audience should not remain passive. Their macro external perspective is invaluable relative to a staff member buried in the micro details. Yes, ROC drills at the regimental and higher levels are often endurance events that stress an already overworked staff; however, they must exercise self-discipline, it could mean the difference between everyone coming home alive or not.

Refining the Plan

Once participants conduct a rehearsal and identify friction points, the tasks following the rehearsal should refine the plan. For example, if cold-blood storage is too far away from the airfield where casualties will be evacuated, an alternative location should be identified and resourced. If the intelligence analysts are not operating in the same chat groups as the fires cell, the primary, alternate, contingency, and emergency communication (PACE) plan must be updated. The ROC drill is not the final step. Participating units must implement the refinements to maximize the benefit of the rehearsal and increase the chance for mission success.

Doctrine

Army Doctrine Publication 5-0, The Operations Process, is the Army’s handbook for rehearsal doctrine. It defines it as “a session in which the commander and staff or unit practices expected actions to improve performance during execution” (Department of the Army, 2019, p. 3-7). It goes on to explain their importance:

Commanders use rehearsals to ensure staffs and subordinates understand the concept of operations and commander’s intent. Rehearsals also allow leaders to practice synchronizing operations at times and places critical to mission accomplishment. Effective rehearsals imprint a mental picture of the sequence of the operation’s key actions and improve mutual understanding among subordinate and supporting units and leaders. (Department of the Army, 2019, p. 3-7)


Among the most important rehearsal principles is fostering mutual understanding between all involved units. If all participants in an operation understand the actions of adjacent units, they can make better-informed decisions when modifications are inevitably required during execution. This concept is obvious in hindsight and yet we sometimes fail to commit adequate time to rehearsals.

UH-60 Blackhawks

Conclusion

Regardless of an operation’s complexity or type, rehearsals are critical to ensure mission success. We must give the same level of attention we give to rehearsing for a change of command ceremony, to a wet gap crossing, forward passage of lines, or airfield seizure. Rehearsals reduce anxiety and increase the chance of success. We owe our subordinates every opportunity to improve a plan prior to its execution. Make time for the rehearsal.

To listen to the Podcast about this article, click the player below.



References

Department of the Army. (2019). Army doctrine publication 5.0: The operations process. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN18126-ADP_5-0-000-WEB-3.pdf

Department of the Army. (2020). Army techniques publication 5.0.2-1: Staff reference guide volume 1. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN34870-ATP_5-0.2-1-000-WEB-1.pdf

Department of the Army. (2022). Field manual 6.0: Commander and staff organization and operations. https://armypubs.army.mil/epubs/DR_pubs/DR_a/ARN35404-FM_6-0-000-WEB-1.pdf

 

Maj. George Fust, battalion operations officer, 75th Ranger Regiment, holds a master's degree in political science from Duke University and has published in a variety of publications.

Master Sgt. (select). Michael Vance, battalion operations sergeant major, 75th Ranger Regiment, served in every leadership position from team leader to operations sergeant major. He has participated in numerous deployments and crisis response operations.

Back to Top