Military

(a) Obstacles. In the attack, the leader considers the effect of restrictive terrain and enemy obstacles on his ability to maneuver. In the defense he considers how he will tie in his obstacles to the terrain to disrupt, turn, fix, or block an enemy force and protect his own forces from enemy assault. He also considers how he will cover the obstacles by direct or indirect fire.

(b) Avenues of approach. An avenue of approach is an air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or key terrain in its path. In the offense, the leader identifies the avenue of approach that affords him the greatest protection and places him at the enemy's most vulnerable spot. In the defense, the leader positions his key weapons along the avenue of approach most likely to be used by the enemy.

(c) Key terrain. Key terrain is any locality or area whose seizure or retention affords a marked advantage to either combatant. The leader considers key terrain in his selection of objectives, support positions, and routes in the offense, and on the positioning of his platoon in the defense.

(d) Observation and fields of fire. The leader considers ground that allows him observation of the enemy throughout his area of operation. He considers fields of fire in terms of the characteristics of the weapons available to him; for example, maximum effective range, the requirement for grazing fire, and the arming range and time of flight for antiarmor weapons.

(e) Cover and concealment. The leader looks for terrain that will protect him from direct and indirect fires (cover) and from aerial and ground observation (concealment).

(f) Weather. In considering the effects of weather, the leader is most interested in visibility and trafficability.

(a) Briefback. Briefbacks identify problems and disconnects in execution but to a lesser degree than hands-on rehearsals. The platoon leader should conduct at least two briefbacks with subordinate leaders. When possible, he should conduct briefbacks collectively at a meeting of the orders group. This makes the exchange of information easier, improves coordination among platoons and squads, and speeds the distribution of changes.

• The first briefback is done immediately after the platoon OPORD has been issued. This briefback is to ensure subordinate leaders understand the platoon's mission.
• The second briefback is done after subordinates have formulated their own concept, but before they have issued their OPORD. This briefback is to ensure the platoon and subordinate concepts agree before subordinate leaders issue their OPORD.

(b) Reduced-force rehearsal (key leaders). A reduced-force rehearsal is done when time is limited or the tactical situation does not permit everyone to attend. The platoon replicates its actions on mock-ups, sand tables, or smaller pieces of terrain than the actual operation.

(c) Full-force rehearsal. This type of rehearsal is the most effective, but uses the most time and resources. It involves every soldier who will participate in the operation. If possible it should be conducted under the same conditions (weather, time of day, terrain, and so on) that is expected to be encountered during the actual operations.

(a) Force on force. This technique is used during full-force rehearsals. Platoons rehearse in good visibility on open terrain before gradually increasing to realistic conditions. The platoon rehearses with squads/sections going force on force against each other or the entire platoon going force on force against another platoon in the company.

(b) Map. A map rehearsal may be conducted with a single map overlay. A map rehearsal limits the number of participants. Time and space constraints are very limited.

(c) Radiotelephone. This is used when time and enemy situation do not allow for the gathering of personnel; to test radios and determine backup systems in the event of communication equipment failure; and to rehearse key elements of the platoon plan such as the fire support matrix and execution of reserve obstacles.

(d) Sand table or terrain model. This technique is used when time is limited. Participants are the key leaders. This technique is normally conducted without vehicles. Training aids must be built large enough so all personnel can observe. Graphic features are included (such as phase lines, trigger points, objectives, and TRPs) and may include other items as necessary in painting a word picture.

(e) Rock/stick drill. This is similar to a sand table or terrain model. The difference is that participants either move themselves, rocks, sticks, or anything else to replicate their actions or their platoon's actions.

(f) TEW'T (tactical exercise without troops). The platoon normally conducts a TEWT as part of a larger force. Very few assets are required, normally just key leaders participate. This technique is most effective when used with wheeled vehicles upon key terrain.

(a) It should be built oriented to the ground (north on the model is north on the ground) and should show the main terrain features in the area.

(b) The next step after orienting the model to the ground is the construction of grid squares. The leader should identify the grid squares that the model will show. These ensure a more accurate model.

(c) The terrain model should depict key terrain, friendly control measures, and enemy dispositions.

(d) Materiel for constructing the model includes string, yarn (various colors), chalk (colored), 3x5 cards, target markers, or unit markers.

(a) Flank shots offer the best opportunity to destroy enemy targets. Threat armor is more penetrable on the flanks and in the rear than in the front.

(b) The platoon engages only targets that offer a high-probability of a hit. Engagements beyond the effective range of the weapon system are avoided. Trigger lines and or the laser range finder are used to determine the maximum engagement lines. Exposing BFV firing positions and wasting ammunition are avoided.

(a) The 25-mm gun is best used to destroy lightly armored or unarmored vehicles and to suppress antitank guided missiles at medium to long range. Each BFV carries 900 rounds of 25-mm ammunition consisting of AP and HE rounds. Three hundred rounds are uploaded and 600 rounds are stored in the rear of the vehicle.

(b) For stand-off protection, the TOW is best used against armored targets 2,000 meters and beyond. The TOW is mainly used to engage tanks that cannot be destroyed with the 25-mm gun. Each BFV can carry up to seven TOW missiles; two missiles in the launcher and five stowed inside the BFV (The five missiles inside can be any combination of TOWs or Dragons.)

(c) The 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun is best used to destroy unarmored vehicles, kill dismounted infantry, and suppress enemy gunners out to 1,000 meters. It is used against suitable targets to complement the 25-mm gun at shorter ranges. This helps conserve the 25-mm ammunition.

(d) The dismounted squads use the machine gun, antiarmor weapons, and automatic rifles to close with and destroy the enemy.

(a) Sound signals. This includes both voice and devices such as whistles and horns. Sound signals are good only for short distances. Their range and reliability are reduced by battle noise, weather, terrain, and vegetation.

(b) Graphic control measures. These measures must be simple and clear. Above all they must support the concept of the operation. Routine use of standard control measures will ensure understanding and compliance at the lowest level. Listed below are some of the key control measures used by mechanized infantry platoons.

• Sector of fire. FM 101-5-1 defines a sector of fire as "an area that is required to be covered by the fire of an individual weapon, or a unit." The primary purpose of sectors of fire is to ensure distribution of fires across a platoon's area of responsibility. The leader may use sectors of fire to divide the engagement area among his principle weapons (Figure 2-11).
• Engagement areas. FM 101-5-1 describes an engagement area as "an area in which the commander intends to trap and destroy an enemy force with the massed fires of all available weapons." As a control measure, the engagement area attempts to concentrate the fires of a unit against enemy forces. Engagement areas can be divided into sectors of fire for subordinate units or weapons systems or both.
• Target reference point. A TRP is an easily recognizable point on the ground (either natural or man-made) used for identifying enemy targets or controlling fires (Figure 2-12).
• Phase lines. A phase line is a linear control measure normally used to control movement. It can also be used to control and distribute the fire of sections and squads. Any prominent natural or man-made linear terrain feature--for example, a ridge line, river or stream, road, or railroad track--can be used as a phase line. (Figure 2-13.)

(c) Other graphic control measures. The following graphic control measures also aid in the control but to a lesser degree than the previous listed graphic control measures. These control measures are used for both day and limited visibility. However, some adjustments may have to be made.

• Attack position. It is the last position occupied or passed through by the assault echelon before crossing the LD. It provides cover and concealment, and permits easy entry and exit. It is used to ensure coordinated effort by the entire force. It may or may not be used. During limited visibility, it may be closer to the LD and smaller than during good visibility.
• Line of departure. An LD is designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units at a specified time.
• Point of departure. Because it is critical all movements be closely coordinated; squads, section, or platoon may be assigned a specific point to cross the LD.
• Release point. Each company commander releases control of his platoons to the platoon leaders at the company RP. RPs are far enough from the objective to allow units to deploy before they reach the probable line of deployment.
• Route. The company commander normally picks the routes from the company RP to platoon RPs. Platoon leaders pick routes from platoon RPs to the squad RPs.
• Probable line of deployment. The company commander may designate a PLD. This is the place he deploys his unit before beginning the assault. A PLD is normally used during limited visibility.
• Objectives. The company commander assigns each platoon an objective, which is part of the company objective. These are easy-to-identify terrain features.
• Limit of advance. To keep friendly supporting fires from falling on friendly dismounted troops, leaders may designate a limit of advance. It should be a terrain feature easy to recognize during limited visibility. Assaulting elements do not advance beyond this feature. This allows supporting fires beyond the objective without endangering friendly troops.
• Battle positions. The company commander assigns each platoon a defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy avenue of approach from which a unit may defend or attack.

(d) Visual signals. The leader can give a visual signal when he wants the soldiers to begin, cease, or shift fire as soon as they see the signal. Platoons can also use visual signals triggered by the enemy.

(e) Time. Units may be directed to begin, shift, and cease firing at a set time.

(a) Alert. The first element alerts the crew of an immediate engagement and who will conduct the engagement.

(b) Weapon/ammunition. The second element informs the crew of the weapon and/or ammunition that is to be used.

(c) Description. The third element identifies the target for the crew. If there are multiple targets, the BC tells the crew which target to engage first.

(d) Direction. The fourth element is given to guide the gunner when the BC cannot lay the weapon for direction or elevation.

(e) Range. The fifth element of a fire command is used when the BC chooses the precision gunner method. (See FM 23-1, Chapter 3, Section II.)

(f) Execution. Once the crew responds to the first five elements, the BC gives the execution element. Before the execution element, the BC reconfirms the target as hostile.

(a) Point fire. Point fire is directed against a specific identified target, such as a machine gun or ATGM position. All weapons are fired at the target. Spreading out the platoon on the ground aids in point fire, because the target is hit from multiple directions. Point fire is not often used, because the platoon seldom encounters a single, clearly identified enemy weapon. (Figure 2-14.)

(b) Area Fire. Area fire is distributed over a larger area when enemy positions are numerous or less obvious. Each weapon or BFV in the defense or overwatch element is given a specific sector of the target area to fire into. This is done to ensure that the entire target area is covered by fire and observation. (Figure 2-15.)

(a) Frontal fire. Frontal fire is used when targets are dispersed laterally to the platoon's direction of fire. Each weapon shoots targets to its front, with flank weapons engaging flank targets first. As targets are destroyed, fire is shifted toward the center of the target area (Figure 2-16).

(b) Cross fire. Cross fire is used when targets are dispersed laterally but obstructions prevent all weapons from firing to the front (Figure 2-17). Cross fire is also used to get flank shots. Flank shots increase the chance of a kill and avoid detection when the enemy is moving straight at the BFV. Each weapon engages a target diagonal to its position, with flank weapons engaging targets on the opposite flank. As targets are destroyed, fire is shifted to the center of the enemy formation.

(c) Depth Fire. Depth fire is used when targets are exposed in depth (Figure 2-18). Weapons on one side engage the nearest targets, while weapons on the other side engage the farthest targets. Fire is then shifted toward the center of the formation. This is done by platoon SOP or as specified in the leader's order.

(d) Change in fire pattern. Fire patterns are changed or used concurrently with other fire patterns when necessary to ensure maximum coverage of an enemy formation. This may be necessary when the enemy, after being engaged, adjusts his formation (Figure 2-19).

(a) Centralized control. The platoon leader controls the fires of his Dragon gunners, either by locating the weapons near him and personally directing their fires, or by grouping them together under the control of the platoon sergeant or another individual the platoon leader designates.

(b) Decentralized control. Dragon gunners operate with, and are controlled by their squad leaders. It may be necessary for the squad leader to employ one fire team as a Dragon team. The platoon leader normally gives the command for opening fire.

(c) Target engagement. Target priorities and rules of engagement may change from situation to situation. Leaders must specify to Dragon gunners, either in their plans and orders, or by platoon SOP, target priorities and rules for engaging multiple targets. Dragon gunners should be assigned sectors of fire to preclude more than one weapon engaging the same target simultaneously. When engaging targets, gunners ensure they can track the target until impact.

(d) Oblique fire. Whenever possible, gunners engage targets with oblique fire. Platoon and squad leaders, when selecting positions, make every effort to emplace the gunner in a position that permits him to cover his sector with oblique fire. It is difficult for the enemy to retrace the flight path of a missile to its launch site when the missile moves obliquely across their front, as opposed to being launched from a head-on position. Forces generally orient to their front, and are therefore more vulnerable to fires from their flanks.

(a) Single firing. In single firing, one soldier engages a target with one LAW or AT4--there are no follow-on shots. This method is mostly for use at short ranges (50 meters or less with the LAW; 200 meters or less with the AT4). The single-firing method can be effective at greater ranges (out to 200 meters with the LAW, out to 300 meters with the AT4) when the exact range to the target is known.

(b) Sequence firing. In sequence firing, one firer armed with two or more LAWs or AT4s engages a single target. The firer--

• Inspects and prepares the weapons for firing and lays them side by side.
• Fires and observes the impact of the round.
• If he hits the target, continues to fire follow-on rounds until the target is destroyed or until ordered to cease fire.
• If he misses, applies burst-on-target corrections with follow-on rounds until the target is hit. He then fires until he destroys the target or until ordered to cease fire.

(c) Pair firing. In pair firing, two or more firers each armed with two or more LAWs or AT4s engage the same target. They exchange information throughout the target engagement.

• The first firer who sees the target identifies it, announces the estimated range and the lead he will use, and fires.
• The second firer observes the firing, announces a revised estimate of range and lead (if appropriate), and fires.
• The firers continue exchanging range and lead information until the target is hit.
• Once the range and lead have been determined, both firers, on command, engage the target until it is destroyed or until ordered to cease fire.

(d) Volley firing. In volley firing, more than one firer engages the same target using one or more LAWs and AT4s. Volley firing should be used when the range to the target has been determined. This method is desirable because more rounds are fired at a given time, thus increasing the probability of hitting/killing the target (FM 23-33 and FM 23-25).

(a) Wedge. The wedge is the basic formation for the fire team. The interval between soldiers in the wedge formation is normally 10 meters. The wedge expands and contracts depending on the terrain. When rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors make control of the wedge difficult, fire teams modify the wedge. The normal interval is reduced so that all team members can still see their team leader and the team leaders can still see their squad leader. The sides of the wedge can contract to the point where the wedge resembles a single file. When moving in less rugged terrain, where control is easier, soldiers expand or resume their original positions. (Figure 2-26.)

(b) File. When the terrain precludes use of the wedge, fire teams use the file formation. (Figure 2-27.)

(a) Squad column. The squad column is the squad's main formation. It provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without sacrificing control, and facilitates maneuver. The lead fire team is the base fire team. Squads can move in either a column wedge or a modified column wedge. (Figure 2-28.) Rough terrain, poor visibility, or other factors can require the squad to modify the wedge into a file for control purposes. As the terrain becomes less rugged and control becomes easier, the soldiers assume their original positions.

(b) Squad line. The squad line provides maximum firepower to the front. (Figure 2-29.) When a squad is acting as the base squad, the fire team on the right is the base fire team.

(c) Squad file. When not traveling in a column or line, squads travel in file. The squad file has the same characteristics as the fire team file. If the squad leader wishes to increase his control over the formation, exert greater morale presence by leading from the front, and be immediately available to make key decisions, he will move forward to the first or second position. Additional control over the rear of the formation can be provided by moving a team leader to the last position. (Figure 2-30.)

(a) Column. The column is the platoon primary movenent formation. It provides good dispersion both laterally and in depth, and simplifies control. This formation can deliver a limited volume of fire to the front and high volume to the flanks. The lead squad is the base squad.

(b) Line. It provides good lateral dispersion. In this formation, the platoon can deliver the greatest amount of fire to the front. The platoon leader designates the base squad. The transition from movement techniques to maneuver must be done quickly to attain the initiative.

(a) When the platoon uses mounted bounding overwatch, one or two vehicles bound while the others overwatch from a stationary position. (Figure 2-36.) When the new position is reached, the bounding fire teams dismount for local security. If the new position is relatively open, the bounding section may not need dismounted personnel to secure the position. As soon as the position is secured, the bounding section covers the rest of the platoon as they move forward. The process is repeated for subsequent moves.

(b) The vehicles in the overwatch should follow the platoon or company SOP for weapons-ready posture. For example, all BFVs might have their TOW launchers erected and self-tested with one of the BFVs designated to fire, and another ready to fire its 25-mm gun or 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun. Each gunner should be prepared for immediate engagement in accordance with the platoon leader's fire control and distribution plan. Designated gunners should have their thermal sights on. Those BFVs chosen to have the 25-mm gun ready should select the proper ammunition and rate of fire, and turn the range index knob to the estimated range of the most likely target. Those BFVs selected to have the 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun ready also turn their range control knob to the range of the most likely target. This arrangement ensures that the overwatch force can provide immediate and accurate fire support with the proper weapon and ammunition. This can be adjusted to fit the enemy situation, terrain, and availability of ammunition and missiles.

(a) Control. When visibility is poor, the following methods aid in control:

• The platoon uses vehicle night vision devices when mounted and selected personnel use night vision devices when dismounted.
• Leaders move closer to the front.
• The platoon reduces speed.
• The platoon uses small strips of luminous tape or chemical light on the rear of vehicles or helmets to ensure the vehicle or soldier behind them can maintain visual contact.
• Leaders reduce the interval between vehicles, soldiers, and squads to make sure they can see each other.
• During dismounted movement, leaders conduct headcounts at regular intervals and after each halt to ensure personnel accountability.

(b) Navigation. To assist in navigation during limited visibility, leaders use--

• Terrain association (general direction of travel coupled with recognition of prominent map and ground features).
• Dead reckoning (compass direction and specific distances or legs). At the end of each leg, leaders should verify their location.
• Resection.
• Movement routes that parallel identifiable terrain features.
• Guides to marked routes.
• GSRs to vector platoons to the proper location.
• Position-location devices.
• Thermal sights.

(c) Security. For stealth and security in night moves, squads and platoons--

• Use radio-listening silence.
• Use terrain to avoid detection by enemy surveillance or night vision devices.
• Make frequent listening halts during dismounted movement.
• Mask the sounds of movement with artillery fires.

(a) The overwatching element should erect their TOWs and perform the self-test, and the designated vehicles prepare 25-mm HEI-T, APDS-T, and 7.62-mm coax.

(b) When restrictive terrain dominates the route, the bounding element may not have the same fields of fire as the overwatching element and may be less capable of employing TOWs. Once again, the leader designates which vehicles will prepare to fire the various weapons and types of ammunition. A mounted overwatching element is not the only technique in restrictive or slow-go terrain. The platoon leader may also decide to use a combination of a long-range overwatch (BFVs) and a dismounted squad or fire team as a short-range overwatch. In this case, soldier and vehicle locations, limits of fire, and signal control measures are all important to minimize the chances of fratricide.

(a) Light resistance is resistance from an enemy squad-sized element or smaller that is not causing friendly casualties, and the enemy force is equipped with or without an armored vehicle, in hasty fighting position with no obstacles, and primarily hand-held antiarmor weapons.

(b) Medium resistance is resistance from an enemy squad- to platoon-sized element that is causing light friendly casualties. The enemy defense is organized around the best defensible terrain with combined arms assets integrated.

(c) Heavy resistance is resistance from an enemy platoon-sized element or larger that is causing heavy friendly casualties. The enemy is defending a strongpoint with combined arms assets.

(a) Light resistance (Figure 2-45)--

• One section of BFVs provides long-range overwatch from a covered position or supporting fires on the move, especially against enemy ATGM.
• The other section maneuvers to conduct the assault.
• The platoon leader calls for and adjusts indirect fire to suppress the enemy.
• Infantry remains mounted unless the enemy must be cleared from restrictive terrain, or unless forced to dismount by enemy resistance.
• The platoon conducts consolidation and reorganization.
• The platoon leader reports the status, and the platoon continues the mission.

(b) Medium resistance (Figure 2-46)--

• BFVs suppress the enemy from support-by-fire positions and maneuver against the enemy if a trafficable, covered and concealed approach is available.
• The platoon leader calls for and adjusts indirect fires to suppress the enemy and smoke to screen the movement.
• BFVs immediately suppress the enemy from a hull-down position, while the infantry dismounts. BFVs continue to suppress while the infantry moves to the objective. The BFVs keep fires in front of the infantry as they conduct the assault.
• If the BFVs can maneuver closer to the objective, the BCs search for hull-down positions to serve as dismount points and support-by-fire positions. The BFVs then continue to suppress the enemy, while the infantry moves to the objective. Supporting fires are kept in front of the infantry as they conduct the assault.
• The infantry conducts the assault using fire and movement. One squad supports by fire while one squad moves. The platoon leader and FO moves with the squad conducting the assault to control the movement and adjust or control all supporting fires.
• Once the dismount element assaults across the objective, the platoon leader calls the BFV forward to assist in securing the objective.
• The platoon conducts consolidation and reorganization.
• The leader reports to higher headquarters.
• The dismount element remounts the BFVs, and the platoon continues the mission.

(a) BFVs suppress from long-range support-by-fire positions.

(b) Infantry dismounts to protect BFVs from ground attack or to secure a dismounted avenue of approach.

(c) The platoon leader calls for and adjusts indirect fires to suppress the enemy.

(d) The platoon prepares to lift or shift fires as other platoons conduct the assault.

(e) Depending on the company formation and order of movement, platoons must be prepared to support by fire for another platoon while it conducts the assault or conducts the assault while other platoons support by fire.

(f) If more than one platoon is involved, the commander issues instructions for fire control and distribution to the platoon leader. The platoon leader will then control the platoon fires as discussed earlier.

(a) If tanks are available, the team commander directs them to lead the assault, and BFVs support while moving. BFVs orient their turret weapons on ATGM and dismounted targets that could slow the tanks. If assaulting mounted, firing port weapons should be manned to ensure a high volume of suppressive firing during the assault. As the BFVs assault over the objective, care must be taken to ensure the bypassed enemy infantry cannot attack the tanks and BFVs with close range AT weapons.

(b) The assault should be coordinated with suppressive indirect fire, especially VT, that would not pose a threat to the tanks and BFVs. The BFV platoon should select a tentative dismount point in the event the enemy begins to place effective antitank fires on the platoon.

(a) When the rifle squads are on line, the platoon continues forward using fire and movement. The final assault is not a stand-up, on-line rush. In the assault, fire team leaders lead by example because it is hard for oral orders to be understood. "Follow me and do as I do" is the way to lead.

(b) Team leaders lead through the enemy positions. They move using individual movement techniques. Soldiers follow their leaders' examples. The assault may be by crawling or by short rushes from covered position to covered position. It must be aggressively done, because the dismount element cannot stop once it is near the enemy. As it fights its way through the objective (still using fire and movement), the dismount element must avoid exposing itself to fire from enemy forces behind or to the flanks of the objective. Soldiers must not bunch up because this makes them easier targets.

(c) Normally, the entire dismount element supported by BFVs, tanks, and ITVs moves forward to assault the enemy. When their fires are not adequate to support the assault, the platoon leader may set up his own base of fire from within the dismount element.

(d) When the dismount element begins to fire and move through the objective, actions by squad leaders are key to fire distribution. Squad leaders move near the center of their squads where their own men can see them. Most of the time, they control fire by firing their own weapon into the areas where they want their men to fire. They also can use arm-and-hand signals. At times, short, easily understood oral orders can be used, but in most cases oral orders will not be heard over battle noises.

(e) Since the squad leader is near the center of his squad, he may fire his weapon to mark the center of the squad objective. Men on his right and left fire to the sides of the point where his rounds are hitting. The team leader also can use his M203 grenade launcher to mark the center of the team objective with a smoke round. (The platoon leader can assign squads a different color.) The squad leader can use tracer ammunition or have the squad automatic weapons stay with him to mark the objective.

(f) As stated earlier, squad objectives are usually specific terrain features or specific enemy positions. The type of objective influences the kind of fire distribution the leader will want to use, either point or area fire.

• When the leader's marking fire hits a bunker, firing point, or fighting position, then the team uses point fire.
• When the marking fire hits a point that cannot be identified as an enemy position, the team uses area fire.

(g) The mounted and dismounted elements strive to get a heavy volume of accurate fire on the objective, and dismounted leaders ensure their soldiers move forward aggressively. As the noise and confusion of battle makes voice control difficult, leaders move to critical points to make sure their commands are understood and carried out. They also must see that soldiers do not fire randomly and waste ammunition.

(h) Assaulting soldiers clear the enemy positions and move over the objective far enough to fire at any withdrawing enemy. When the BFVs join the dismount element on the objective, the dismount element should be prepared to support them by--

• Suppressing remaining enemy positions as the BFVs move across the objective.
• Designating firing positions for them on the far side of the objective.
• Providing flank and rear security for them once they are in position.

(i) The squads and the BFVs quickly occupy their assigned positions for consolidation to be ready for an enemy counterattack, or to remount the fighting vehicles and resume the attack after the objective is seized.

(j) To help coordinate and control the assault of two or more platoon dismount elements, the company commander designates a base platoon. The platoon leader in turn designates a base squad. Each dismount element guides on the company's base element. Squads guide on their element's base squad.

(a) The leader's reconnaissance--

• Maintains security. This includes the period during the occupation of the position as well as the leader's reconnaissance.)
• Checks for enemy activity, or signs of past enemy activities, obstacles, booby traps, and NBC contamination.
• Confirms and adjusts BFV and squad positions and sectors of fire from those in the tentative plan. Normally the platoon leader assigns and adjusts machine guns and antiarmor positions. (This includes a reconnaissance forward of the positions to verify what routes the enemy will use and how he may approach over different routes [mounted and dismounted].)

(b) The platoon occupies the designated position. Guides control the movement of the platoon into position.

(a) Establishes security (to include OPs, hasty perimeter, or security patrols).

(b) Positions BFVs and squads, machine guns, and any attachments.

(c) Assigns sectors of fire, engagement priorities, and other fire control measures. Sites crew-served weapons.

(d) Chooses the platoon CP location.

(e) Assigns alternate and supplementary positions and routes to them.

(f) Develops an obstacle and direct-fire plan. Sites obstacles to support placement of crew-served weapons.

(g) Develops a fire support plan with the platoon FO (includes final protective fires, and fires used to support repositioning the platoon to alternate or supplementary positions).

(h) Ensures that communications have been established from the company CP and to the BFVs and squad positions. (Responsibility for establishment of communications is from higher to lower.)

(i) Confirms all positions and squad sector sketches before soldiers begin digging (includes range cards for all BFVs and antiarmor and crew-served weapons).

(j) Collects BFV and squad sector sketches and consolidates them into a platoon sector sketch. He forwards a copy to the company CP.

(k) Ensures that his platoon is tied-in with platoons on its left and right. (Responsibility for adjacent unit coordination is left to right and higher to lower.)

(l) Develops a reconnaissance and surveillance plan IAW the company plan (includes the location of PEWS).

(m) Walks positions to confirm that they meet standards.

(n) Walks forward of positions, if possible, to check camouflage and confirm dead space.

(o) Checks on wire and mine teams. The platoon leader ensures that protective wire is outside of hand-grenade range from the fighting positions. He checks to ensure that tactical wire lies along the principal direction of fire (PDF), the final protective lines (FPL), or the left and right limit of weapons.

(p) Briefs the platoon sergeant on the logistics plan (includes resupply and casualty evacuation routes).

(q) Issues platoon order and checks soldier knowledge and understanding. (All soldiers must be aware of friendly forces forward of the position; for example, patrols, reconnaissance platoons, major units, and their return routes. They must also know the signals or conditions to initiate fires, shift fires, fire FPF, and cease fires; and to reposition to alternate and supplementary positions.)

(r) Reconnoiters alternate and supplementary positions, routes into and out of the platoon position, and counterattack route, if required. (This includes good and limited visibility reconnaissance.)

(s) Plans and conducts rehearsals. The platoon rehearses the fire plan (that is, when and where to shift fires); movement to alternate and supplementary positions; counterattack; and linkup of BFVs and squads, if on separate positions.

(t) Checks the platoon reconnaissance, surveillance, and security plan, the patrol plan,