Further Defining Protection Support Planning

By LTC Michael Carvelli

Read Time: < 12 mins

Protection planning often breaks down when it matters most. This article examines why current processes leave units without clear, actionable guidance and how adapting the TTLODAC targeting framework can help commanders prioritize critical assets and turn plans into executable tasks.

U.S. Army CH-47 Chinook helicopters transport Military Police Soldiers during a prisoner transport training exercise Titan Warrior 2025, Camp Shelby, Miss., July 25, 2025.

Read Time: < 5 mins

Protection: The Australian Army Combat Engineer Regiment Approach

Major Peter J. Witcomb examines how the Australian Army Combat Engineer Regiments (CERs) contribute to the protection warfighting function, emphasizing that protection extends far beyond physical force protection and survivability positions. He demonstrates this through organizational analysis and a detailed Indo-Pacific vignette.

By Major Peter J. Witcomb

Soldiers stand in a circle and receive instructions.

Read Time: < 4 mins

Commanders: A Deeper Understanding of the Warfighting Function

This article explains why a deep understanding of the protection warfighting function is essential for commanders operating in rapidly evolving multidomain environments, emphasizing its role in safeguarding forces, integrating across staff functions, and countering emerging threats like those seen in Ukraine.

By Major Joshua Tosi

Military tactical operations map showing 74th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade and 41st Combined Arms Army movements to secure Bilohorivka and isolate Ukrainian forces in Severodonetsk and Lysychansk, with unit positions, rest areas, traffic control points, and attack arrows on satellite imagery of Luhansk Oblast

Read Time: < 6 mins

Failing to Consider Protection in Large-Scale Combat Operations: The Siverskyi Donets River Crossing

Analysis of Russia's failed Siverskyi Donets River crossing in 2022. Learn critical protection lessons on survivability, air defense, and area security for military wet gap operations.

By Major Peter J. Witcomb

Read Time: < 14 mins

Protection: The Fabric of the Warfighting Functions

This article examines the U.S. Army’s protection warfighting function, its role as the connective fabric among other functions, and how risk management principles preserve combat power and enable operational success.

By Lieutenant Colonel Michael Carvelli