The Five Points of Command

The day-to-day tasks of the First Line Supervisor cannot be accomplished effectively without certain considerations before the necessary actions are carried out. To these considerations the supervisor applies both planning and management knowledge.

The structure of the 5 Points of Command is a good pattern to follow when you have to prepare for accomplishing an operation. Planning according, to model of 5 points of command, is one document that describes what should be done, why it should be done and how it should be done. It can be applied to all situations where a leader and his subordinates have to take action.

The 5 Points of Command model should be followed when you have to be prepared to accomplish a task. It can be applied in every situation when a leader and co- workers should take action. The 5 Points of Command will ensure that you consider all relevant aspects within an operation. It is a guide that is very easy to use and understand.

The purpose of this lesson is to make participants aware of the importance of planning according to the 5 points of command. The preparation that should be taken before we apply the actions for compiling an operational plan (action), and to present effective tools for the preparation and the implementation of an operational plan.

At the end of this session each participant will be able to:

1. Explain a Leader's responsibilities following the 5 Points of Command.
2. Explain a ‘Leader’s Actions’ and the command functions on which they are based.
3. Apply the 5 Points of Command to a practical exercise.