Policy Update: Manual Slot Assignment/Allocation

The following policies have been updated:

• FM/BP-890 – Manual slot allocation before ORBAT lock
  Replaces FM/BP-247 – Manual slot allocation
• FM/BP-891 – Manual slot allocation after ORBAT lock
  Replaces FM/BP-782 – Reserve allocation policy

The relevant changes are:

• The policy FM/BP-247 – Manual slot allocation has been revised (now incorporated into FM/BP-890) so that the only permitted manual assignments (MAs) prior to general release of the ORBAT are:
  • The Field Leader themselves (limit of 1)
  • Any Mission Support Roles (no defined limit)
  • A Supervisor, where a supervisory role is required by policy
• These changes are designed to better reflect FM/BP-240 – Slot Allocation Philosophy, putting the onus on the training system to prepare members for the roles in which they slot.
• This approach is also more in keeping with FM/BP-864 – Principle 19: Design systems not rules, avoiding ad-hoc human judgement on a case-by-case basis.
• An additional exemption / benefit for Campaign Teams was considered as a reward for maintaining an active campaign, but this is deferred for possible implementation as a second step.

The intent of these changes is to tighten and clarify when manual assignments can be used, while maintaining flexibility for Field Leaders, Mission Support and required supervisory roles. The wider slotting model continues to rely on the training system and our existing progression paths rather than manual intervention.

These changes are effective immediately and will be reflected in the Force Manual under FM/BP-890 and FM/BP-891. System changes will follow to match the updated policy. For the full background and discussion, see the roadmap item:

MA Policy Proposal – MA before pre-slot window opens