Probook #6: USAFA Cadet Development (All Classes)

What level do Fourth-Class Cadets operate at?

Follower level

What level do Third-Class Cadets operate at?

Supervisor level

What level do Second-Class Cadets operate at?

Team Leader level

What level do First-Class Cadets operate at?

Commander level

4-Degrees:

- Acclimate to military life and develop followership skills, similar to enlisted Airmen transitioning from basic training

- Learn and ____ to military standards, customs, and courtesies while demonstrating task proficiency

- Responsibilities include ___, ____, and ____ ideas

- internalize

- develop self, assist in developing others, and generate ideas

3-Degrees:

- Step into a front-line supervisor role, akin to a ___

- Focus on ___, ___, and task ___ while ensuring proper resource utilization

- Develop and ___ Airmen Leadership Qualities, progressing toward advanced competency levels

- front-line NCO supervisor

- training, enforcing standards, and task management

- grow in proficiency of

2-Degrees:

- Assume responsibilities similar to ___

- Integrate and ___ of subordinates to accomplish the mission effectively

- Mentor ___ through education, training, and experience

- Develop self, others and the organization to ensure disciplined teams

- Senior NCOs

- align talents

- subordinates

Firsties:

- Begin stepping into ___

- Execute ___, lead personnel, manage resources, and improve unit efficiency

- Utilize the ___ effectively and exercise leadership authority

- officer-like command roles

- the mission

- chain of command

What does a Warning Order (WARNORD) do?

Acts as early notice that an OPORD is coming

WARNORD components:

Situation:

Mission:

Execution:

Admin/Sustainment:

Command and Control:

- Overview of current status

- Anticipated mission statement

- Initial preparation guidance

- Immediate logistics

- Key leaders and roles

What does an Operations Order (OPORD) do?

Gives full direction for operations

OPORD components:

Situation:

Mission:

Execution:

Admin/Sustainment:

Command and Control:

- Friendly/enemy forces, environment

- Clear task & purpose

- Concept of operations, tasks, coordinating instructions

- Logistics & support

- Leadership structure & locations

What does an Fragmentary Order (FRAGORD) do?

Modifies an existing OPORD and updates all components

What does an Exercise Order (EXORD) do?

Directs a training exercise

EXORD:

Situation:

Mission:

Execution:

Admin/Sustainment:

Command and Control:

- Situation

- Training objectives

- Plan and timeline

- Sustainment requirements

- Structure

What is A1's function and its responsibilities?

Manpower, Personnel, & Services

Manage personnel, programs, policies, and support services

What is A2's function and its responsibilities?

Intelligence

Intelligence planning, analysis, information requirements

What are A3/4's function and responsibilities?

Operations, Logistics, & Civil Engineering

Plans, executes, and sustains logistics and operations

What are A5/8/9's function and responsibilities?

Plans, Programs, and Requirements

Long-range planning, programming, and requirements development

What is A6's function and its responsibilities?

Communications & information Systems

Maintains command communications and cyber systems

What are the key objectives of mission planning?

Clarity & coordination, effective execution, and balancing demands

Why is mission planning so important?

Effective planning enables teams to execute operations with confidence and reduces the risk of confusion and last-minute changes.

What is mission planning?

Mission planning is a leadership responsibility. A well-planned mission allows subordinates to focus on execution rather than reacting to unnecessary confusion.

Leaders employ Troop Leading Procedures (TLPs) to ensure structured and effective planning.

TLPs:

- Break down ___ down operations into manageable steps

- Provide a ___ method for leaders to translate ___ into executable plans

- Ensure clear ___, necessary resources, and proper support

- complex operations

- structured, command intent

- expectations

TLP Step 1

Receive the mission

- start a timeline immediately

TLP Step 2

Issue a WARNORD

- provide early notice; share what you know now

TLP Step 3

Make a tentative plan

- Form basis for movement, recon, and coordination

TLP Step 4

Start necessary movement

- Delegate takes to subordinate elements or personnel, as required

TLP Step 5

Conduct reconnaissance (if time allows)

- Confirm routes, terrain, timing, and hazards

TLP Step 6

Complete the plan

- Need to successfully accomplish both specified & implied tasks and meet Commander's Intent

TLP Step 7

Issue the OPORD

TLP Step 8

Supervise and refine

- Good leaders must continuously coach, check, and verify