Battalion Command and Staff

Organization, Function, Roles and Responsibilities

Key Areas of Emphasis

• Triennial Inspection
• Leadership Excellence – At all Levels Including Squad
• Tutoring Program - Academics
• Camp Nesbit
• Veteran’s Day
• Military Ball
• Host Drill Competition
• Awards Night
• Cadet Challenge
• Fundraising – Germany/Italy Trip
• Battalion History and Symbols – Patch, Crest

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Typical Staff

• Commander
• Executive Officer
• S1 (Personnel)
• S2 (Intelligence and Security)
• S3 (Plans, Training and Operations)
• S4 (Supply and Logistics)
• S5 (Computers and Communication)
• Public Affairs Officer (Publicity, History)

How We Differ

• S2 is Fund Raising and Recreation Officer
• S4 is Responsible for Traditional JROTC S2 Functions – Security and Monthly Inventory of Rifles and Sensitive Items
• Could Assign a Battalion Ordnance Officer for these Duties
• XO Renamed Chief of Staff/Deputy CDR

Battalion Commander

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Responsible for all Battalion Activities
• Sets Battalion Goals and Objectives
• Maintains the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Integrates/De-conflicts Battalion and School Activities
• Provides Planning Guidance for Battalion Activities – Camp Nesbit, Veteran’s Day, Military Ball, etc
• Approves/Publishes Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Battalion CofS, CSM and Company Commanders
• Provides Guidance to Company Commanders – Duties and Responsibilities
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge
• Supervises Preparation of the Battalion Staff Briefing – Prepares and Delivers the Battalion Commander Portion

�Company Commander

• Sets the Example for the Company in all Areas
• Responsible for all Company Activities
• Sets Company Goals and Objectives
• Keeps track of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Provides Planning Guidance for Company Activities – Camp Nesbit, Veteran’s Day, Military Ball, etc (What is the role of your company in the battalion event?)
• Approves/Publishes Compamy Plans and Orders (If required)
• Prepares the Company for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the First Sergeant and Platoon Leaders
• Provides Guidance to Platoon Leaders – Duties and Responsibilities
• Prepares and Conducts or Delegates Training in the Following Bullet:
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge
• Conducts or Delegates Weekly Inspections – Compiles Results
• Prepare Cadets and Officers for the Cadet of the Month Board
• Promotion Authority up to the Rank of Staff Sergeant – Recommend Promotions to the Battalion Commander for SFC and Above
• Demotion Authority for all Cadets SSG and Below – Demotion Recommendations to the Battalion Commander for SFC and Above
• Makes Leadership Position Decisions and Assignments within the Company – Keeps the Battalion Commander and S1 Informed
• Makes Award Recommendations to the Battalion Commander – Conducts Periodic Company Awards Programs

Battalion Chief of Staff/�Deputy Commander

• Assumes Command in the Absence of the Commander
• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Responsible for all Battalion Staff Activities
• Sets Battalion Staff Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates Battalion Staff Actions
• Reviews Battalion Plans and Orders Prior to Commander Approval
• Prepares the Battalion Staff for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Battalion S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, and PAO
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Supervises Preparation of the Battalion Staff Briefing – Prepares and Delivers the Battalion XO Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing

Battalion Personnel Officer (S1)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Primary Plans Officer for Awards Night
• Responsible for all Battalion Personnel Actions – Promotion, Demotion, Assignments, Awards, Orders, etc
• Expert in JUMS Administration
• Maintains Personnel Files for All Cadets
• Sets Battalion S1 Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides S1 input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion S1 Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Assistant S1
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion S1 Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a detailed S1 SOP

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Battalion Fundraising and Recreation Officer (S2)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Responsible for all Battalion Fundraising and Recreation Activities – Candy Bar Sales, Pancake Breakfast, Military Ball, Lock In, etc
• Publishes Orders/MOI for Major Battalion Activities
• Prepares Information Briefings for Companies for Major Battalion Activities
• Provides Input to S1 for Cadet Records
• Sets Battalion S2 Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides S2 input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion S2 Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Assistant S2 (If Assigned)
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion S2 Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a Detailed S2 SOP

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Battalion Plans, Operations and Training Officer (S3)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Responsible for Planning Major Battalion Activities – Camp Nesbit, Homecoming, Veteran’s Day, Memorial Day, Service Learning, etc
• Publishes Orders/MOI for Major Battalion Activities
• Prepares Information Briefings for Companies for Major Battalion Activities
• Prepares Risk Assessments for all Major Battalion Activities
• Publishes a Monthly Battalion Training Calendar
• Publishes the Weekly Battalion Training Schedule
• Enters Training Data into JUMS Cadet Records
• Develops and Maintains the Battalion Unit Report
• Sets Battalion S3 Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides S3 input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion S3 Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Assistant S3
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion S3 Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a Detailed S3 SOP

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Battalion Logistics Officer (S4)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Responsible for Maintaining the Battalion Supply and Arms Rooms
• Maintains and Inventory of all Battalion Uniforms and Equipment
• Alerts AI of Need to Purchase Additional Items
• Maintains Security of Battalion Property
• Provides Resources for All Major Battalion Activities
• Expert in JUMS Logistics
• Maintains a Clothing and Equipment Record for All Cadets
• Sets Battalion S4 Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides S4 input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion S4 Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Supervises the Assistant S4 or Ordnace Officer (If Assigned)
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion S4 Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a Detailed S4 SOP

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Battalion Automation Officer (S5)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Maintains a Serial Number Inventory of all Battalion Automation Equipment
• Alerts AI of Need to Purchase Additional Items
• Maintains Security of Battalion Automation Equipment
• Sets Battalion S5 Goals and Objectives
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides S5 input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion S5 Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Establishes the Format for the Battalion Staff Briefing; Consolidates Staff Input for the Briefing
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion S5 Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Assists the S2/S3 in Preparing Briefings for Companies Pertaining to Major Battalion Events and Activities
• Develops a Detailed S5 SOP

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Battalion Public Affairs Officer (PAO)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Sets Battalion PAO Goals and Objectives
• Supervise the Battalion Recruiting Plan
• Coordinates with School Yearbook and Newspaper (If Available)
• Maintains Bulletin Boards in the School and Colosseum
• Maintains the Battalion Historical Scrap Book
• Ensures Photographic Coverage of Battalion Activities
• Prepares a Periodic Battalion Newsletter
• Prepare and Submit Articles to the Daily Mining Gazette
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides PAO input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion PAO Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion PAO Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a Detailed PAO SOP

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Battalion Command Sergeant Major (CSM)

• Sets the Example for the Battalion in all Areas
• Sets Battalion CSM Goals and Objectives
• Coordinate with Battalion Senior NCOs – 1SG and PSG
• President of the Cadet of the Month and Year Boards
• Provide Input to S1 on Board Winners
• Provide Photo of Board Winners to PAO for Bulletin Board and Newsletter
• Supervise Battalion Tutoring/Work Study Program
• Responsible for Cleanliness of all Battalion Areas
• Stays Abreast of the Battalion Master Events List (Extra-Curricular)
• Coordinates with Other Staff Officers
• Provides CSM input to Battalion Plans and Orders
• Prepares the Battalion CSM Section for the Annual Informal Inspection and Triennial Formal Inspection
• Expert in Drill, Uniform, Chain of Command, General Knowledge, Curriculum Knowledge and Staff Actions/Planning
• Prepares and Delivers the Battalion CSM Portion of the Battalion Staff Briefing
• Develops a Detailed Cadet of the Month SOP

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Staff Planning Process�Step 1: Receive/Develop the Mission

• Where do missions come from? SAI/AI, Master Events List, Principal, etc
• BE PROACTIVE. SEEK OUT YOUR MISSIONS.
• Analyze the mission. What are we trying to accomplish?
• Develop a Mission Statement. Include Who, what, when, where and why. “The Northstar Battalion will conduct adventure training for 6^th graders at Camp Nesbit to develop self confidence and physical fitness among 6^th graders and JROTC Cadets.”
• It is the Commander’s Responsibility to approve the Mission Statement.

Staff Planning Process�Step 2: Gather Information

• What do we know about the mission?
• Have we done this before? Do we have the previous AAR comments?
• Do we have a previous order?
• What specific tasks are associated with this mission?
• What is MY role in accomplishing this mission? (S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, PAO)
• Do we need information from external sources?

Staff Planning Process�Step 3: Issue Planning Guidance

• Commander’s Responsibility
• Provide Direction – How do you want to accomplish the mission?
• Allows Staff to Focus on Developing the Plan or Plans
• Can be general guidance or specific based on the commander’s experience and personality
• If time is short issue preliminary guidance to units affected by this mission. (Companies)

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Staff Planning Process�Step 4: Develop Staff Estimates

• Chief of Staff Coordinates Staff Briefing (Formal or Informal)
• S1 – What are the personnel requirements? Awards?
• S2 –You are the primary planner for some events. You develop the specific plan and have tasking authority. Which units will you task to do what?
• S3 – You are the primary planner for most events. You develop the specific plan and have tasking authority. Which units will you task to do what?
• S4 – What are the resource requirements? What supplies and equipment will you need to accomplish the mission? Do we have what we need?
• S5 – What are the automation requirements? Do we need to brief the companies?
• PAO – What are the publicity requirements? Who needs to know about it? CHS? All Schools? Community? What about photography?
• CSM – How will this impact on the morale of the unit? How can we generate enthusiasm among the corps of cadets?

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Staff Planning Process�Step 5: Commander’s Decision

• Staff briefs their estimates to the commander and requests a decision

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• Commander approves the plan/concept with or without modifications or

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• Commander disapproves the plan/concept, provides additional guidance and the staff goes back to step 4

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Staff Planning Process�Step 6: Prepare Written Plan/Order

• Use Order or Memorandum of Instruction (MOI) Format
• Essential elements include:
• Mission
• Concept of the Operation
• Tasks to Subordinates (Staff, Companies)
• Supply/Logistics
• Annexes (Packing Lists, Detailed Schedules, Permission Slips, etc)
• Start coordination (internal/external) now

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Staff Planning Process�Step 7: Final Approval

• Before the written order is published it must be approved and signed by the Commander

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• If the Commander is not available, the Chief of Staff may approve and sign the plan

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Staff Planning Process�Step 8: Publish the Plan/Order

• This has two parts:
• Publish the written plan/order and all annexes
• Prepare and deliver a briefing that hi-lites key components of the plan.
1. Company Commanders will present this briefing to their units
2. COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO SUCCESS

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Staff Planning Process�Step 9: Command and Staff Supervision

• The Commander, XO and Primary Staff Officer (normally S1/S2/S3) Supervise Execution to Make Sure Everything Goes According to Plan and

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• They Make Logical Adjustments When Things Go Wrong

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Staff Planning Process�Step 10: After Action Review (AAR)

• Executive Officer Coordinates
• Prepare a detailed, written AAR that answers the following questions:
• What was our mission?
• Did we accomplish our mission?
• What went really well?
• What went wrong and how can we prevent this from going wrong again?
• Tie up loose ends. Awards, JUMS, thank you notes, etc
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