Common Operational Picture
Encyclopedia
A common operational picture (COP) is a single identical display of relevant (operational) information (e.g. position of own troops and enemy troops, position and status of important infrastructure such as bridges, roads, etc.) shared by more than one Command
. A COP facilitates collaborative planning and assists all echelons
to achieve situational awareness.
A commander's headquarters
is typically responsible for ensuring that the appropriate information is presented to the commander, so that he can make the best command decisions. Traditionally, headquarters
prepares maps with various symbols to show the locations of friendly and enemy troops and other relevant information. In the modern military, the COP is prepared electronically by a command and control battle command system (e.g. Army Battle Command System
).
Command (military formation)
A command in military terminology is an organisational unit that the individual in Military command has responsibility for. A Commander will normally be specifically appointed into the role in order to provide a legal framework for the authority bestowed...
. A COP facilitates collaborative planning and assists all echelons
Military organization
Military organization is the structuring of the armed forces of a state so as to offer military capability required by the national defence policy. In some countries paramilitary forces are included in a nation's armed forces...
to achieve situational awareness.
A commander's headquarters
Headquarters
Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top of a corporation taking full responsibility managing all business activities...
is typically responsible for ensuring that the appropriate information is presented to the commander, so that he can make the best command decisions. Traditionally, headquarters
Headquarters
Headquarters denotes the location where most, if not all, of the important functions of an organization are coordinated. In the United States, the corporate headquarters represents the entity at the center or the top of a corporation taking full responsibility managing all business activities...
prepares maps with various symbols to show the locations of friendly and enemy troops and other relevant information. In the modern military, the COP is prepared electronically by a command and control battle command system (e.g. Army Battle Command System
Army Battle Command System
The Army Battle Command System is a digital Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence system for the US Army. It includes a mix of fixed/semi-fixed and mobile networks...
).
Further reading
- Department of the US Army Headquarters Field Manual 3-0 (FM 3-0), Operations, (2008) http://downloads.army.mil/fm3-0/FM3-0.pdf
- FDSE's COP Page http://www.situational-awareness-systems.com/?itemCategory=33355&siteid=297&priorId=33350