What are some good topics to include in an Army field notebook?

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 17:18:52 -0400

To be more specific, it has laminated pages with space for dry erase notes, and so far includes OPORD/SMESC and WARNO shells, METT-TC, TLPs, OACOK, ASCOPE, SALUT, LACE, 9-line, as well as a patrol base checklist. In your experience, which are the most important, and how would you organize your field notebook? Thank you for your assistance.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 27 at 2018 6:04 PM

SGM Bill Frazer — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 18:04:22 -0400

Easier to just carry a regular notebook and a Ranger Handbook.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 28 at 2018 2:10 AM

COL Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 28 Mar 2018 02:10:15 -0400

First it has to fit in the cargo pocket without rubbing your leg raw. For now anyway. When you commission, it will depend on your branch. I went Armor, so I changed mine to a knee board with two o-ring clips on the top like a legal note pad. Anyhow, you need the WARNO and the OPORD basics. The Ranger Handbook version is the best to have. Sector sketch card for a team, squad and platoon. TLP's. 9-line, SALUTE report (you left the E for equipment off), SALT report, LACE, NBC report, priorities of work. Beyond that, it's up to you. If you can't remember the acronyms, fine...put them in there, but honestly you should be able to know OAKOC, METT-TC and ASCOPE from memory. Those just take up space. I had a bunch of blank laminated pages in mine. It needs to be tailored to what you are doing. Flip through the Ranger Handbook, FM 7-8 and any other small unit tactics books. Take what you need that you can't memorize and take it with you. Every one is different. Just using the Ranger Handbook is fine, but it isn't tailored to what you need.