Approved for Public Release
Distribution Unlimited
24 September 2020
1
20-575
The Battalion S-1 Section in
Large-Scale Combat Operations
News From the Combat Training Centers
SFC Rebecca Padgett
T
he ability to overcome challenges and
accomplish any mission remains a hallmark
of the American Soldier. To instill this
mindset, Soldiers and leaders have streamlined
processes to account for conditions associated
with large-scale combat operations (LSCO). For
the battalion S-1 section, this happens typically
from the comfort of the office in the form of
personnel actions, finance actions, customer
service, strength management, etc., focusing on the
shop and working close to counterparts. However,
when operating in a combat environment, S-1
personnel are challenged to adapt their processes.
To overcome these challenges, leaders should
consider doctrine, integrate S-1 personnel into
planning, thoughtfully position personnel and
equipment to optimize operations, and properly
integrate with other warfighting functions.
The primary responsibilities of S-1 personnel in a
tactical environment are casualty operations and
personnel accountability; these responsibilities
are in addition to regular operations. A standard
battalion modified table of organization and
equipment (MTOE) usually authorizes a Combat
Service Support Automated Information Systems
Interface (CAISI) for the battalion S-1 personnel.
Enabling the establishment of a Nonsecure Internet
Protocol Router Network (NIPRNET) connection
when linked to a very small aperture terminal
(VSAT), allows them to accomplish these tasks.
Field Manual (FM) 1-0, Human Resources Support,
states that CAISI can be connected to either the
brigade S-1 section’s VSAT, typically collocated
with the field trains command post (FTCP), or to
the one belonging to the forward support company
at the unit maintenance command post, typically
collocated with the combat trains command post
(CTCP).
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The S-4 personnel are usually also
authorized a CAISI on their MTOE and share
command posts at both locations with the S-1
personnel. The presence of two CAISIs allows one
for each location and enhances communication
flow and reporting between nodes. The frequency
of movement in the battalion’s scheme of
maneuver informs the S-1 and S-4 sections how
frequently they will need to disconnect and
reconnect the CAISIs. This is why it is important
to establish a fully developed primary, alternate,
contingency, emergency (PACE) plan with a shared
understanding of which communication platforms
will be used to send and receive information while
tearing down, while on the move, or during set up.
When deciding where to position personnel
assigned to the S-1 section, leaders should consider
the strengths and weaknesses of the section’s
Soldiers. FM 1-0 states that the S-1 section is
typically located at the CTCP, but it does not
specify the placement of all the nodes that could
be advantageous.
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Placing S-1 Soldiers at key
locations not only ensures that the S-1 section
receives the information necessary to allow the
commander to make decisions about personnel,
but also significantly increases the efficiency of
personnel operations. The battalion aid station
is a key location because casualties are normally
brought to this point for treatment. Although they
track the personnel who are seen, S-1 Soldiers’
primary focus is treatment. Therefore, having
an S-1 Soldier located at the aid station would
eliminate reporting delays and ensure reports
are sent forward for casualty packet processing.
Because the FTCP is typically collocated with the
brigade S-1 section at the brigade support area,
having an S-1 Soldier located there would be the
most effective way to ensure casualty packets
are submitted within the three-hour timeline,
