What does "situational awareness" entail in the context of LSCO?

Situational awareness in the context of Large-Scale Combat Operations (LSCO) fundamentally involves comprehending the operational environment and enemy actions. This includes being aware of not only where friendly forces are located and what they are doing, but also understanding the disposition and intentions of enemy forces, the terrain, and other relevant factors such as weather conditions and civilian presence. This holistic understanding enables commanders and soldiers to make informed decisions, adapt to rapidly changing situations, and anticipate possible threats or opportunities.

In LSCO, where the complexity of the battlefield is significantly elevated, situational awareness plays a critical role in operational success. It affects everything from strategic planning to tactical engagements, ensuring that forces can effectively coordinate and respond to evolving dynamics on the battlefield.

Although understanding supply chain logistics, focusing solely on friendly troop movements, and gathering intelligence from reconnaissance drones may contribute to situational awareness, they do not encompass the full scope of comprehensiveness required. These aspects are components of situational awareness, but it is the broader comprehension of the entire operational environment and enemy actions that is paramount in ensuring effective command and control during large-scale combat operations.