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Other tactical operations include retrograde (withdrawal, delay, and retirement) and special operations (linkup, stay-behind, relief in place, and passage of lines). Squads, along with BFV sections, and platoons conduct these operations as part of a larger force. A retrograde operation is an organized movement to the rear or away from the enemy.
1. Withdrawal. In a withdrawal, a platoon disengages from the enemy and repositions for another mission. Platoons withdraw either not under pressure or under pressure.
a. Withdrawal Not Under Pressure. In this type of withdrawal, platoons normally serve as the detachment left in contact (DLIC) or as part of the DLIC (Figure 2-88). A DLIC is used to deceive the enemy into thinking that the entire force is still in position. As the DLIC, the platoon:
- Repositions BFV sections, squads, and weapons to cover the company's withdrawal (Figure 2-89).
- Repositions a squad and a BFV in each of the other platoon positions to cover the most dangerous avenue of approach into the position.
- Continues the normal operating patterns of the company and simulates company radio traffic.
Figure 2-88. Withdrawal Not Under Pressure.
Figure 2-89. Repositioning of Squads and Section.
- Covers the company withdrawal with planned direct BFV fire, dismounted infantry fire, and indirect fire if the company is attacked during withdrawal.
- Withdraws by echelon once the company is at its next position. The BFV is specially suited for this purpose because of its protection, mobility, and organic weapons systems.
b. Withdrawal Under Pressure. If the platoon cannot prepare and position the security force, it conducts a fighting withdrawal. The platoon disengages from the enemy by maneuvering to the rear (Figure 2-90). Soldiers, squads, or BFV sections not in contact are withdrawn first so they can provide suppressive fires to allow the soldier, squad, or BFV sections in contact to withdraw.
Figure 2-90. Bounding Overwatch to the Rear.
c. Disengagement. Based on orders from the task force commander, the commander decides how long to retain defensive positions. The company or company team may be required to remain and fight as long as possible, or it may be required to disengage and displace to subsequent positions. A platoon, as part of a company or company team, may disengage to defend from another battle position, to prepare for a counterattack, to delay, to withdraw, or to prepare for another mission.
(1) Fire and Movement. Fire and movement to the rear is the basic tactic for disengaging. All available fires are used to slow the enemy and allow platoons to move away. The commander may move his platoons and mass fires to stop or slow the enemy advance before beginning the movement away from the enemy.
(a) A base of fire is formed to cover platoons or squads moving away from the enemy. One platoon or squad acts as the base of fire, delaying the enemy with fire or retaining terrain that blocks his advance, while other platoons or squads disengage. (Figure 2-91.)
Figure 2-91. Breaking Contact.
(b) When moving platoons or squads get to their next position, they provide a base of fire to cover the rearward movement of forward platoons and squads. (Figure 2-92.)
Figure 2-92. Rearward Movement.
(c) Fire and movement is repeated until contact with the enemy is broken, the platoons pass through a higher level base-of-fire force, or the platoons are in the next position to resume their defense.
(d) Tactics used by the platoon to disengage from the enemy differs according to how the platoon is deployed, the commander's plan for disengagement, and other factors. The following actions apply in all cases.
- Maximum use is made of the BFV's firepower to cover rearward movement.
- BFVs should back out of position and move, keeping a terrain feature between the vehicle and the enemy.
- Turret weapons remain pointed in the direction of the enemy. Firing port weapons should be manned and ready to fire, especially from the rear firing ports. This is critical when the squad is operating at reduced strength.
- Rapid movement and effective base of fire enhance the mobility advantage and are key to a successful disengagement.
(2) Plans for a Disengagement. Plans for a disengagement may be part of any defensive plan. When squads are deployed, a plan for rapid remounting must be made.
(a) When the platoon employs the BFV and dismount elements on separate positions, platoon remount points and routes to the remount points must be chosen. In addition, routes must be rehearsed. The platoon remount point can be near the dismount element position, near the BFV position, or between the two. (Figure 2-93.)
Figure 2-93. Platoon Remount Points.
(b) Within the remount point, covered positions for vehicles and dismounted infantry should be chosen that allow for easy remounting even during limited visibility. Squad leaders must ensure their men know where the remount point is, where the vehicle is at that point, and routes to the point. Routes to the remount point should be covered and allow speedy movement for both elements. Considerations for planning are:
- BFVs move faster and have more protection from small-arms fire and artillery fragments than dismounted soldiers.
- BFVs often shift from one firing position to another, so routes must be planned from each position to the remount point.
(3) Dismount Element Disengagement. When the dismount and fighting vehicle elements are separated, there are three ways the dismount element can disengage. Simultaneous disengagement (moving all teams at the same time) can be used when the element is covered by another force. When the dismount element must cover its own movement, it disengages by teams or by thinning the lines.
(a) Simultaneous disengagement's. When the squads simultaneously disengage, they assemble and move as one element as fast as possible to the remount point, using proper movement techniques.
- Simultaneous disengagement is favored when rapid movement is critical, the disengaging element is adequately covered by overwatching fires, and the enemy has not closed on the dismount element or cannot fire effectively at it or there are obstacles to delay the enemy.
- Simultaneous disengagement can be used when the dismount element can move before the enemy can close on the position because of an obstacle or distance between the dismount element and the enemy: or when other platoons of the company, company team, or battalion task force are adequately covering the disengagement.
(b) Disengagement by fire teams. When the dismount element must cover its own movement, one squad stays in position as a base of fire. The rest of the dismount element moves to the rear. The squad left in position must fire into the entire element's sector to cover the movement of the other squad. Sectors of fire are adjusted to get better coverage of the element's sector. The squad that is moving may move by fire teams. (Figure 2-94.) The squad left in position disengages when the rest of the element is in position to cover them. Movement to the rear by alternating squad is continued until contact is broken. Once contact with the enemy is broken, the disengagement is complete and the dismount element moves to the remount point using proper movement techniques.
Figure 2-94. Disengagement by Fire Teams.
(c) Disengagement by thinning the lines. When disengaging by thinning the lines, selected soldiers from each fire team (often one soldier from each fighting position) disengage and move to the rear. The soldiers still in position become the base of fire to cover the movement. (Figure 2-95.)
Figure 2-95. Disengagement by Thinning the Lines.
(d) Disengagement of squads when employed with the BFVs. When BFVs and squads are employed on the same position, the squads normally move to the remount point while the BFVs provide a base of fire. The BFVs then quickly move to the remount point, link up with the infantry, load them, and move out. Squads use the disengagement techniques discussed earlier. The method selected is dictated by the enemy situation, terrain, fighting vehicle crews' ability to serve as a base of fire, and type and amount of overwatching fires.
(4) Fighting Vehicle Element Disengagement. Because of the BFV's speed, firepower, and protection against small-arms fire and artillery shell fragments, it is usually best for the dismount element (when deployed) to disengage first while covered by the BFVs. If the BFVs are not in a position to support the dismount element by fire or if the dismount element is heavily engaged, the fighting vehicle element may disengage first and move to a position to assist the dismount element in disengagement. Whichever method is used, there are two basic ways the vehicle element can disengage. If BFVs are covered by another force, simultaneous disengagement may be used. If BFVs must cover their own movement, it disengages by section. These methods are similar to those used by the dismount element.
(a) Simultaneous Disengagement. When BFVs disengage simultaneously, they move as a platoon as quickly as possible. This method is normally used when BFVs are covered by another force and speed is the most critical factor. If fire teams are already mounted, the entire platoon moves, using movement techniques, to a position designated by the commander. If fire teams are deployed, BFVs move to the remount point to pick them up, or they may attack the enemy by fire from a new position to allow the fire teams to disengage. (Figure 2-96.)
Figure 2-96. Simultaneous Disengagement.
(b) Disengagement by Vehicle or Section. When BFVs must cover their own disengagement, one, two, or three vehicles can be left in position as a base of fire while the remainder move to the rear. BFVs left in position must cover the entire sector until moving vehicles reach positions they can use to provide a base of fire. (Figure 2-97.)
Figure 2-97. Disengagement by Sections.
2. Delay. In a delay, the platoon forces the enemy to slow its movement by forcing him to repeatedly deploy for the attack. Before the enemy assault, the delaying force withdraws to new positions. The squads or sections and platoons disengage from the enemy as described in a withdrawal under pressure. Once disengaged, a platoon moves directly to its next position and defends again. The squads and platoons slow the advance of the enemy by shaking his morale, causing casualties and equipment losses. It can employ:
- Ambushes.
- Snipers.
- Obstacles.
- Minefields (to include phony minefields).
- Artillery and mortar fire.
3. Retirement. A retirement is a retrograde operation in which a force not in contact moves away from the enemy. Platoons and squads or sections retire as members of larger units using standard movement techniques. A force that is not engaged with the enemy moves to the rear in an organized manner. Retirements usually involve tactical road marches along secured routes.
4. Linkup. A linkup is a meeting of friendly ground forces. Linkups depend on control, detailed planning, and stealth. The linkup procedure begins as the platoon or squad moves to the linkup point. The steps of this procedure are as follows:
STEP 1. If using radio communications, the platoon reports its location using phase lines, checkpoints, or other control measures.
STEP 2. The first platoon at the site stops and sets up a linkup rally point about 300 meters from the linkup point or as terrain dictates.
STEP 3. The first platoon sends a security team to find the exact location of the linkup point. Depending on the size of the organization, the security team can be a strictly dismounted element or both a dismounted and mounted squad or section.
STEP 4. The security team clears the immediate area around the linkup point. It then marks the linkup point with the coordinated recognition signal. The platoon moves to a covered and concealed position to observe the linkup point.
STEP 5. The next platoon approaching the site repeats Steps 1 through 3. When its security team arrives at the site and spots the coordinated linkup point recognition signal, it gives the far recognition signal.
STEP 6. The first security team responds, and the second team advances to the first team's location. The teams exchange near recognition signals.
STEP 7. If entire units must link up, the second team returns to its unit's rally point and brings the unit forward to the linkup point. The first security team guides the entire second unit to the linkup rally point. Both teams are integrated into the security perimeter.
STEP 8. When more than two units use the same linkup point, the first unit leaves a security team at the linkup point. They repeat the linkup procedure as other units arrive.
5. Stay-Behind Operations. Stay-behind operations can be used as a part of defensive or delay missions. In the defense once the enemy's combat units have passed, his weakest point (CS and CSS units) can be attacked.
a. Types. The two types of stay-behind operations are unplanned and deliberate.
(1) Unplanned. An unplanned stay-behind operation is one in which a unit finds itself cut off from other friendly elements for an indefinite time without specific planning or targets and must rely on its own organic assets.
(2) Deliberate. A deliberate stay-behind operation is one in which a unit plans to operate in an enemy-controlled area as a separate and cohesive element for a certain amount of time, or until a specified event occurs. This requires extensive planning. Squads and sections and platoons conduct this type of stay-behind operation only as part of larger units.
b. Planning. The troop-leading procedure applies to stay-behind operations. Planners must pay strict attention to the following.
(1) Task Organization. The stay-behind unit includes only the soldiers and equipment needed for the mission. It needs only minimal logistics support and can provide its own security. It must be able to hide easily and move through restrictive terrain. Therefore, BFVs may or may not be a part of the stay-behind forces.
(2) Reconnaissance. This is most important in a stay-behind operation. Reporting tasks and information requirements can include suitable sites for patrol bases, hide positions, OPs, caches, water sources, dismounted and mounted avenues of approach, kill zones, engagement areas, and covered and concealed approach routes.
(3) Combat Service Support. Because the stay-behind unit will not be in physical contact with its supporting unit, supplies of rations, ammunition, radio batteries, water, and medical supplies are cached. Provisions for casualty and EPW evacuation depend on the company and battalion plans. BFVs in the stay-behind forces have some advantages however, BFVs do cause some CSS planning problems.
(4) Deception Plan. Most stay-behind operations are set up covertly. The enemy must be mislead during this effort to cause him to act in a manner favorable to the unit's plan of action. COMSEC is a special concern; radio transmissions must be brief and encoded.
(5) Concept of the Operation. Units usually operate in small groups in their own areas. The actual concept, however, depends on the commander's intent.
6. Relief in Place. A relief in place is an operation in which a unit is replaced in combat by another unit. The incoming unit assumes responsibility for the combat mission and the assigned sector or zone of action of the outgoing unit. Normally platoons conduct relieves in place as part of a larger unit.
a. Coordination. Platoon responsibility is usually limited to the detailed coordination between key personnel and their counterparts. Leaders must coordinate the following items as a minimum.
(1) Reconnaissance. Leaders must reconnoiter different routes into and out of the position; assembly areas; logistics points; primary, alternate, and supplementary positions; obstacles; immediate terrain; and when possible, patrol routes and OP locations.
(2) Plans and Tasks. The outgoing leader must provide copies of the unit sector sketch, fire plan, range cards for all vehicles, weapons, barrier plan, minefield records, counterattack plans, and plans for any other tasks that must be performed as part of the defense.
(3) Relief Plan. Both leaders must know which method and sequence of relief has been prescribed in the company order, and how they will execute the plan. They must:
- Know if their platoons will execute the relief by squads, by BFV (section), or as a complete platoon (method). Platoons may also execute the relief by occupying adjacent terrain or terrain in depth rather than by relieving soldiers and units in position.
- Know the order of relief for platoons within the company (sequence); include the relief of OPs by patrol.
- Coordinate the use of vehicle guides, signals, challenge and password, and passage of responsibility for the mission and control of the unit (normally when most of the incoming unit is in place).
(4) Exchange of Equipment. Leaders coordinate the exchange of phones or switchboards, and emplaced munitions (if included in the relief order). Units do not exchange radios or radar equipment (if attached).
(5) Exchange of Supplies. Leaders identify numbers and classes of supplies to be left behind and their location to include sensors, construction materiel, wire, and any supplies that might slow the movement of the outgoing platoon.
b. Execution. During the execution both platoon leaders should collocate at the outgoing unit's CP. The leader of the outgoing unit remains responsible for the defense of the area until most of the incoming unit is in position. If the enemy attacks during the relief, the leader who has responsibility for the position at the time is in control. The other leader assists with assets under his control as directed. Squad leaders physically walk soldiers to positions and trade them out on a one-for-one basis. They allow time for outgoing soldiers to brief their reliefs on their positions, range cards, and other pertinent information. Key weapon systems replacement is a higher priority than personnel replacement. All leaders report completion of their portion of the relief as soon as possible.
7. Air Assault Operations. Through the conduct of combat operations, Bradley platoons may be required to conduct air assault operations as part of the higher headquarters commander's tactical plan. Successful air assault execution is based on a careful analysis of METT-T and detailed, precise reverse planning. The basic plans that comprise the reverse planning sequence and developed for each air assault operation are ground tactical plan, landing plan, air movement plan, loading plan, and staging plan. These plans are normally coordinated and developed by the air assault task force (AATF) staff to make the best use of available time. If time is limited, planning steps maybe compressed or conducted concurrently; detailed within plans and orders maybe SOPs or lessons learned in training (previous training and the development of SOPs cannot be overemphasized). The battalion is the lowest level that has sufficient personnel to plan, coordinate, and control an air assault operation. When company-size or lower operations are conducted, the bulk of the planning takes place at battalion or higher headquarters. Bradley platoon leaders must use FM 90-4 for more detailed information when planning air assault operations. Although it is not the highest priority training in the mechanized infantry battalion, air assault operations and mission task should be included in the platoon METL. To ensure that an air assault is executed in an effective and efficient manner, the platoon leader and platoon sergeant have specific responsibilities they must perform, which are outlined in the platoon SOP (IAW FM 90-4).
a. Ground Tactical Plan. The foundation of a successful air assault operation is the commander's ground tactical plan, around which subsequent planning is based. The ground tactical plan specifies actions in the objective area to ultimately accomplish the mission and address subsequent operations. The ground tactical plan contains essentially the same elements as any other infantry attack but differs in that it is prepared to capitalize on speed and mobility to achieve surprise.
b. Landing Plan. The landing plan must support the ground tactical plan. This plan sequences elements into the area of operations ensuring that platoons arrive at designated locations and times prepared to execute the ground tactical plan.
c. Air Movement Plan. The air movement plan is based on the ground tactical and landing plans. It specifies the schedule and provides instructions for air movement of soldiers, equipment, and supplies from PZs and LZs.
d. Loading Plan. The loading plan is based on the movement plan. It ensures soldiers, equipment, and supplies are loaded on the correct aircraft. Platoon integrity is maintained when aircraft loads are planned. Cross-loading may be necessary to ensure survivability of command and control assets and the mix of weapons arriving at the LZ are ready to fight. The platoon leader or squad leader should always ensure that the aircraft is loaded so that dismounting soldiers react promptly and contribute to the mission accomplishment. The platoon leader must have a bump plan. A bump plan ensures that essential soldiers and equipment are loaded ahead of less critical loads in case of aircraft breakdown or other problems.
e. Staging Plan. The staging plan is based on the loading plan and prescribes the arrival time of ground units (soldiers, equipment, and supplies) at the PZ in the proper order of movement. The staging plan also includes the disposition of the vehicles left in the staging area and the platoon's linkup plan on return from their air assault mission.
(1) Disposition of Vehicles. The platoon leader must develop a security plan in the staging area for the vehicles until the air assault mission is completed and the platoon returns to the LZ. The security plan can be as simple as a coil or herringbone formation for the platoon, or the platoon may be part of a company modified perimeter defense. Instructions for link up of the platoon with its vehicles will also be included.
(2) Linkup of Vehicles. The platoon leader's linkup plan must be just as detailed as the staging and loading plan. To simplify the linkup, the platoon leader must ensure that platoon integrity is maintained as much as possible. The platoon leader or company commander should designate a linkup point for each unit to link up with their vehicles on landing. As the aircraft land, the unit's immediately move to their linkup point, mount their vehicles if required, and prepare to continue the mission.
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