AR 500-3 — U.s. Army Continuity Of Operations Program
AR 500-3 governs the U.S. Army Continuity of Operations Program and continuation of critical missions and mission essential functions.
- Publication number: AR 500-3
- Title: U.S. ARMY CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS PROGRAM
- Date: 07/02/2021
- Proponent: G-3/5/7
- Status: ACTIVE
View AR 500-3 on armypubs.army.mil
Related publications
AR 500-3 covers continuity policies, roles, plans, exercises, essential records, alternate facilities, and devolution. It requires continuity programs to support critical missions and sustain operations during threats and emergencies.
Applies to: Tenant commands with validated requirements from their higher headquarters (that is, commander or director of ACOM, ASCC, DRU, or USAR) to support the performance of the higher headquarters MEFs or to gain responsibility for MEFs during devolution must have a COOP plan.
Topics covered
- Continuity of Operations Program
- Mission essential functions
- Continuity plans
- Emergency relocation groups
- Essential records
- Continuity exercises
- Alternate facilities
- Devolution plans
Questions and answers
What takes precedence when AR 500-3 conflicts with another Army continuity policy?
If at any time there is a conflict in this regulation with any other COOP-related Army policy, including other Army regulations, this regulation takes precedence. (paragraph 1-7)
What does the U.S. Army continuity program include?
The U.S. Army maintains a comprehensive continuity program consisting of integrated policies, plans, procedures, communications, information systems, trained continuity personnel, and capabilities that provide for the continued execution of critical missions and MEFs across a wide range of potential threats and emergencies. (paragraph 1-8)
How long must continuity operations be sustained under the budgeting requirement?
The budget provides for acquisition of resources necessary to conduct TT&E events and sustain continuity operations for a minimum of 30 days or until normal operations are resumed. (paragraph 2-7)
How often must an agency COOP OPLAN be reviewed and reissued?
Review, update, and reissue the agency COOP OPLAN every 2 years, or more often as changes warrant.
What must a tenant command's COOP plan include?
The COOP plan must include the approved higher headquarters requirements.