KISSis the idea that simpler product solutions to broad-based issues are more effective then highly, more complicated product solutions.
That is to say, whereas a complex solution may yield a higher mission success percentage rate, it also has a higher fail rate. It has been concluded that a simpler, more streamlined solution allows for a higher success rate and thus more probability of Mission Complete (MC).
Standard Operating Procedures
SOP - 'The primary purpose of an SOP (Standard Operating Procedures) - is to carry out the operations correctly and always in the same manner.'
Highly intricate SOPs are not functional in a 'real world' environment
If an SOP has too many moving parts, then mission success is dependent on total SOP adherence
In harsh environments operational simplicity rules supreme, whether it be equipment, tactics or mission planning
Thus SOPs need to be 'bare bones', which is to say 'simpler is better'
• Essential trauma kit (tourniquet/bandage/Quick-Clot) in right sleeve pocket • Protective eyewear
'Leaving the Gate':
• 'Trip' ticket manifest (lists all vehicle/personnel)
• Serviceable vehicle/equipment
• Full tank of gas
• Test firing of turret mounted weapons
• Communication test with HQ
• Battlefield intel brief
Mission Receipt:
• Receive mission from higher headquarters (HQ)
• IMMEDIATELY send a warning order 2 levels down
• Higher HQ and below work on 'Parallel Planning'
• Unit tasked with mission starts Troop Leading Procedures (TPLs)
• Higher HQ completes OPORD respecting 1/3 to 2/3 planning time
• Tasked unit utilizes remaining 2/3 planning time
• OPORD is issued
• Tasked unit starts movement to OBJ area
• Leader's recon is performed
• FRAGOs are issued based on recon and higher HQ input
• Mission execution
• RTB/CM METT-TC
KISS Gone Askew
What a bad day of KISS looks like...
Unit signal/control measures -Whistle
• 1 short and 1 long blast = close ambush
• 2 short and 1 long blast = far ambush
• 3 short and 1 long blast = attack by fire only
• 4 short and 1 long blast = section under fire acts as the SBF
• 5 short and 1 long blast = section not under fire prepares to flank
• 1 long and 1 short blast = section not in contact flank left
• 1 long and 2 short blast = section not in contact flank right
• 2 long blast = prepare to break contact
• 2 long blast and 1 short blast = section not in contact breaks contact
• 2 long blast and 2 short blast = section in contact breaks contact
See how complicated that is? Now try to perform that under stress and fire and see how well it works out.
What a good day of KISS looks like...
Unit signal/control measures - Whistle
• Support by Fire element shift fire = 1 long blast
• Support by Fire element lift fire = 2 long blast
• Assault element move = 3 long blast
• Break contact = repeated short blast
'Master the Basics'
'Jack of all trades...and...master of none'
ALL military units need to strive to master the basics. Mastering the basics is more important then excelling in only a few tasks. Anything advanced is usually just the basics done really well.
Repetition of battle drill and mission planning 'ad nauseam' is the key to success.
'A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one'
Examples of KISS
• Rule of Least Power Use the minimum amount of force needed solve your tactical situation
• Essential Complexity The notion that a tool will only be as complex as the task requires
• Brevity is the Soul of Wit The idea that communicating in a concise manner is more effective
• Sanity Check The practice of 'stepping outside the box' to ensure that it makes sense
• Perfection is the Enemy of Good A search for the perfect solution can lead to perfect failure
• Golden Mean Stay away from solutions that are extreme and choose the most reasonable one
• Over Optimizing Don't over prioritize on a solution if it does not include the 'big picture'
• Paralysis by Analysis Don't spend too much time analysing and not taking timely action
• Preserving Ambiguity Don't let traditions get in the way in finding a solution
Battle Drills
Battle drills are one of the best examples of KISS
"An Infantry battle drill describes how platoons and squads apply fire and maneuver to commonly encountered situations. They require leaders to make decisions rapidly and to issue brief oral orders quickly."
The Ranger Handbook defines a battle drill as "A collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decision-making process."
They allow small elements all across the operational spectrum to train under the same standards/principles. This ranges from infantry from the Army & Marines to special operations forces from all branches, as well as non-combat roles
Conclusion
The KISS idea is important for military operations as simplicity reigns supreme on the battlefield
One must strive to achieve mission success issuing the least amount of instructions necessary