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LESSON 2
PLAN A DISMOUNTED DAYLIGHT ATTACK FOR AN INFANTRY PLATOON
OVERVIEW
Lesson Description:
In this lesson you will learn to plan a dismounted daylight attack for an infantry platoon.
Terminal Learning Objective:
Action: |
Conduct an attack by a platoon. |
Condition: |
Given the subcourse material for this lesson. |
Standard: |
The student will demonstrate his comprehension and knowledge by identifying how to conduct an attack by a platoon. |
| References: | The material contained in this lesson was derived from the following publications: |
INTRODUCTION
An attack is used to destroy or capture an enemy force or to secure key terrain. An attack is conducted in a bold and aggressive manner, usually ending in close combat. Attacks are either hasty or deliberate. The basic difference between a hasty attack and a deliberate attack is the time available for planning and preparation.
Part A
IDENTIFY DOCTRINAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR A DAYLIGHT ATTACK
1. Platoon Attack Plan. On receipt of a company attack order, you start your troop-leading procedure, and make an estimate of the situation. Your estimate is a consideration of the mission, enemy, terrain and weather, and troops and time available (METT-T). Based on this, you develop the attack plan. The attack plan includes a scheme of maneuver and a fire support plan.
a. Scheme of Maneuver. This is the positioning and movement of the maneuver element (squad or squads) from the time the platoon crosses the LD through the consolidation on the objective. It includes:
(1) Maneuver element. You decide how many squads are needed in the maneuver element and what each one's mission will be. You also decide how you want each squad to accomplish its mission. Depending on the situation and the support provided by the rest of the company, your platoon's maneuver element may be one, two, or three squads.
(2) Route. You select a route that takes advantage of cover, concealment, and supporting fire. It should direct the attack at the enemy's flank or rear. However, the company commander normally restricts the choice of routes to coincide with his plan for the company.
(3) Formation. You may not be able to select your formation because the platoon may move as part of the company formation.
(a) If it is part of the company formation, the company commander decides on the platoon's formation. He may also decide on its movement technique. If the commander does not tell you what formation and technique to use, you decide based on the platoon's position in the company formation and the likelihood of enemy contact.
(b) If the platoon moves independently, you choose an initial platoon formation and movement technique. You may change these en route. The choice depends on the likelihood of enemy contact, the terrain, visibility, and the speed you want.
(c) If the distance to the objective is great, or if early enemy contact is not expected, the platoon may move in column. Unless enemy action forces it to deploy sooner, the platoon stays in column until it approaches the assault position (Figure 2-1).
Figure 2-1. Platoon Column.
(d) If the distance to the objective is short, or if early enemy contact is expected, the platoon may move in a platoon line, squads in column (Figure 2-2).
Figure 2-2. Platoon line, squads in column.
Figure 2-3. Platoon line, squads on line.
(e) If the platoon is in contact with the enemy and the distance to the objective is short, the platoon may move in a platoon line, squads on line (Figure 2-3).
b. Control. Based on the scheme of maneuver, you select:
(1) A position within the formation from which you can control the entire platoon.
(2) Control measures needed to control the operation.
(3) A means to communicate with the squad leaders (voice commands, arm-and-hand signals, whistles, radios, flares, or smoke grenades or pyrotechnics).
2. Consolidation and Reorganization. Consolidation and reorganization are the actions a platoon takes once the objective is seized.
a. Consolidation. This is the organizing and positioning of men, squads, and weapons on a newly seized objective, so that it can be defended against a counterattack. The company commander assigns a part of the company's objective to each platoon to consolidate. He may use coordinating points to help the platoons tie in with each other.
(1) You must plan the required consolidation of the objective, and include the plan in your order to the squad leaders. The plan may be changed as the situation requires, but it must be complete and as detailed as possible. In the offense you organize and strengthen a newly captured position to secure it against a counterattack. The plan for consolidation include areas of responsibility for the squads and the positions and missions of weapons.
(2) Upon seizing the objective, the platoon assumes a hasty defensive posture to prevent a successful enemy counterattack. Two-man security elements are immediately sent out to observe along the most likely avenues of approach. Their primary purpose is to provide early warning. If possible, they try to determine the direction in which the enemy has withdrawn and his activities.
(3) The objective may be consolidated using either the terrain or clock method:
(a) With the terrain method, you designate a certain section of the objective for each squad to occupy, using specific terrain features (for example, trees, rocks, or ditches). The selection of squad positions may be based upon principal avenues of approach. In the terrain feature method, each squad is given two easily identifiable terrain features as the right and left limits of its sector, and ensures mutual support for adjacent units (Figure 2-4).
Figure 2-4. Terrain Feature Method.
(b) With the clock method, first designate the direction of attack as 12 o'clock. Then, assign each squad a portion of the clock. In the clock method, 12 o'clock is either a compass direction or the direction of attack (Figure 2-5).
Figure 2-5. Clock Method.
(4) You want to keep pressure on the withdrawing enemy with continuous indirect fire on his last known or suspected positions or rally points.
(5) Ensure that positions are prepared as necessary to repel counterattack and increase survivability against indirect fires.
(6) During consolidation--
(a) Send out OPs and security patrols as directed by the company commander.
(b) Gunners quickly move machine-guns and Dragons forward and position them to cover likely routes of enemy counterattack.
(c) Squad and fire team leaders position their men and assign sectors of fire.
(d) Troops start to prepare fighting positions.
b. Reorganization. Reorganization is the restoration of order within the unit and the preparation of the unit for further combat. Reorganization of the platoon should be done IAW the SOP. During reorganization--
(1) Reestablish the chain of command. Fill all key positions from the remaining platoon members, and ensure that all members are made aware of the new chain of command.
(2) Evacuate the dead and seriously wounded. Ensure all positions remain mutually supporting. Check all sectors of fire after the casualties are evacuated to ensure the sectors remain covered. If necessary, shift positions or reassign sectors to cover the gaps.
(3) Redistribute or resupply ammunition and weapons. Ensure the squad leaders pass out additional ammunition, if available, or divide the remainder to suit the situation. Take a quick inventory and request a resupply, if required.
(4) Ensure all EPW, enemy material, and information are collected and reported, and that the EPWs and material are evacuated, if possible.
(5) Ensure all crew served weapons are manned and positioned on likely enemy avenues of approach.
(6) Give the team or company commander a situation report (SITREP) that includes the tactical situation, personnel strength, status of ammunition, and enemy strengths and captured documents.
3. Fire Support Plan. This plan supports and complements the scheme of maneuver and is developed concurrently. It includes the use of all available direct and indirect fire. The purpose of this fire is to kill as many enemies as possible and to suppress the rest to keep them from seeing or shooting while the maneuver element closes on the objective.
a. Indirect fire is mainly planned by the company commander and fire support team (FIST) chief. However, you and your FO may plan for and request additional targets if necessary. A detailed discussion of indirect fire is in Part D of this lesson.
b. You are primarily concerned with planning the direct fire of your fire element. The fire element may consist of the machine guns and Dragons, or it may consist of one or two squads and these weapons. The fire elements composition depends on support provided by other platoons and how much direct fire support you feel is necessary for the mission.
(1) Machine guns. You initially employ the machine guns in one of three ways:
(a) Position both guns on or near the line of departure (LD). This is done when the objective and route to it can be seen and covered by fire from a position on or near the LD.
(b) Position one machine gun on or near the LD and have one go with the maneuver element.
- The objective can be seen and covered by fire from the LD but only part of the route can be seen.
- All of the route can be seen from the LD but the objective cannot be seen or is out of range.
(c) Have both machine guns go with the maneuver element. This is done when neither the objective nor the route can be covered from the LD.
(2) If you select the first or second method, you must decide how, where, and when the machine gun(s) will displace. You should have one machine gun in position to fire while the other is displacing.
(3) If the machine guns are with the fire element during the maneuver element's assault on the objective, they must displace forward as soon as their fire is masked by the maneuver element.
(4) When machine guns go with the maneuver element, you look for places to position them along the route where they can cover the movement to, and the assault on, the objective.
4. Dragons. You have basically the same three options in employing the Dragons as you have in employing the machine guns. However, when possible, you should position them with the fire element. Dragons should not go with the maneuver element in the assault because of the weapon's size and weight, and because of the need for the gunner to be still while tracking.
5. Squads.
a. You may put one or more rifle squads in the fire element to provide more direct fire support and security for the machine guns and Dragons.
b. You must be aware that even when planning for a hasty attack, the plan will include a scheme of maneuver and fire support plan. The shortage of time, however, will cause the attack plan to be in less detail. Remember, the less squads and weapons have to be maneuvered, the easier the coordinating and control.
6. Conduct of the Attack. The following portrayal of the conduct of an attack will give you an idea of how an attack plan is implemented.
a. As the platoon leader, you move where you can best influence the fight. This may be with one of the assault squads or at the center rear of the platoon. To communicate, you may use one or more of these means: voice commands, arm-and-hand signals, whistles, radios, flares, or smoke grenades or pyrotechnics.
(1) Movement from Assembly Area to Line of Departure. Your platoon moves forward from the assembly area under company control. When you are already forward with the company commander, your platoon sergeant moves the platoon forward. Machine guns and Dragons may precede the rest of the platoon by moving to overwatch positions on or near the LD. The move from the assembly area is timed beforehand so the lead squad crosses the LD at the time of the attack without halting in the attack position. If the platoon must halt in the attack position, it deploys into the initial attack formation, posts security, and takes care of last minute coordination. Whether or not the platoon halts in the attack position, it must deploy into the attack formation and fix bayonets before crossing the LD.
(2) Movement from Line of Departure to the Assault Position. The platoon's maneuver element moves from the LD to the assault position, making the best use of cover, concealment, smoke, and supporting fire.
(a) The fire element overwatches from positions that best support the advance of the maneuver element. The fire element leader (platoon sergeant or squad leader of a squad with the fire element) controls the method and rate of fire. He gives the command to open fire. This leader and the gunners watch the progress of the maneuver element and shoot targets which threaten it. When machine guns are close together, the leader must anticipate the masking of their fire and displace the guns one at a time. When the guns are separated, each crew may displace under control of its gunner when its fire is masked, or when it can no longer support. The displacement of all weapons in the fire element must be timed so that the platoon has continuous fire support.
(b) If the platoon is hit by indirect fire en route, it moves quickly out of or around the impact area.
(c) If enemy resistance is met short of the objective, fire is returned at once by those squads in position to fire. You have your FO call for and adjust indirect fire on the enemy. Depending on the place and type of the resistance, and the company plan, the platoon may be ordered to bypass enemy troops who cannot affect the accomplishment of the mission. The locations of all bypassed enemy are reported to the company commander.
(d) If enemy resistance cannot be bypassed, the platoon should use aggressive fire and movement against it. When resistance is first met, the lead squad returns fire at once. The leader must take prompt action. Because you are well forward, you can see the action of your lead squad(s). You must quickly consider the mission, enemy, terrain and weather, and troops and time available (METT-T), and make a plan. You give commands or signals to carry out your plan. You should not commit squads piecemeal. Coordinate actions so the platoon will hit the enemy with its full combat power. You should try to maneuver a squad to strike the flank or rear of the enemy position. When the resistance is destroyed, the platoon continues quickly toward its objective.
(e) Obstacles encountered along the route are breached if possible. If not, they are bypassed. You must decide how best to overcome the obstacle without losing the momentum of the attack. The commander is told of obstacles that may affect units following the platoon.
(3) Movement from the Assault Position to the Objective. The assault position is as close to the objective as possible without risking needless exposure to enemy fire.
(a) As the platoon nears the assault position, the FO may increase the volume of indirect fire on the objective. Fire from the fire element also increases. The platoon is deployed on line just prior to reaching the assault position. It should then pass through the assault position and assault the objective. Sometimes, a platoon may halt so that deployment can be completed and all its squads assault at once. The platoon should avoid halting in the assault position, if possible. Halting is dangerous and may cause loss of momentum.
(b) Supporting fire continues to hit the enemy. The assaulting troops and the fire element keep up a high rate of fire to keep the enemy suppressed. Indirect fire is normally shifted by the company commander when it endangers the advancing troops. The commander coordinates this with the assault of his platoons. He is helped in this control by reports or signals from his platoon leaders and by his own observation of the attack. As the fire of the platoon's fire element is masked, you must shift it or displace the weapons.
b. In closing with the enemy, the men move by fire and movement. They move singly, by pairs, by fire team, by squad, or by a combination of these methods. They use all the cover they can. As they close, men must fire aimed or well-directed shots to suppress the enemy. This is continued until they can close with and kill or capture him. Automatic rifles are fired in short bursts, across the squad front. Rifles, grenade launchers, hand grenades, bayonets, and machine guns are used to overcome pockets of resistance.
c. All leaders strive to get a heavy volume of accurate fire on the objective. They must make their men move forward aggressively. As the noise and confusion of battle make control by voice difficult, leaders may move to critical points of action to make sure their commands are understood and carried out. They see that men do not waste ammunition in the assault by indiscriminate firing.
d. Assaulting troops, having closed with the enemy, clear the enemy positions and move over the objective far enough to shoot at any withdrawing troops. They are then moved quickly to their positions for consolidation so as to be ready if a counterattack comes.
(1) Platoons must be prepared to repel a counterattack or to resume the attack after the objective is seized.
(2) To help coordinate and control the assault of two or more platoons, the company commander may designate a base platoon. The platoon in turn designates a base squad. Platoons guide on the company's base platoon. Squads guide on the platoon's base squad. The base squad leader designates a base fire team in his squad.
7. Summary. This concludes the discussions on planning a dismounted daylight attack for an infantry platoon. This part of the subcourse covered preparation of the platoon attack plan, including the scheme of maneuver and the fire support plan; consolidation and reorganization once the objective is seized; and conduct of the attack by an infantry platoon. We will now discuss the offensive control measures which are used to regulate a unit's movement, positions and fire.
Part B
OFFENSIVE CONTROL MEASURES
1. General. Control measures are methods or devices that you use to regulate or direct your unit's movement, positions, and fire. Control measures can be drawn on a map, overlay, or sketch, or shown on a terrain model. Control measures must be related to terrain features which are easy to recognize. You should use only those control measures needed to control the operation. Offensive control measures are--
a. Assembly Area. An area occupied by a unit when it is preparing for future operations. It should be on easily defensible terrain. An all-round defense is prepared within the time available. Desirable characteristics are concealment, room for dispersion, good routes forward, and security from ground or air attack. While your unit is in this area, these activities may take place--
(1) Orders are issued.
(2) The unit is organized for its mission.
(3) Maintenance is done.
(4) Inspections are done.
(5) The unit is resupplied.
(6) The unit rehearses.
(7) The unit rests.
b. Attack Position. The last position occupied or passed through by the assault echelon before crossing the line of departure (LD).
c. Line of Departure. A line designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units or scouting elements at a specified time. A start time.
d. Direction of Attack. A specific direction or route that the main attack or the main body of the force will follow. If used, it is normally a battalion and lower level. Direction of attack is a more restrictive control measure than axis of advance, and units are not free to maneuver off the assigned route. It usually is associated with infantry units conducting night attacks, or units involved in limited visibility operations, and in counterattacks.
e. Boundaries. A control measure normally drawn along identifiable terrain features and used to delineate areas of tactical responsibility for subordinate units. Within their boundaries, units may maneuver within the overall plan without close coordination with neighboring units unless otherwise restricted. Direct fire may be placed across boundaries on clearly identified enemy targets without prior coordination, provided friendly forces are not endangered. Indirect fire also may used after prior coordination.
f. Route. The prescribed course to be traveled from a specific point of origin to a specific destination.
g. Axis of Advance. A general route of advance, assigned for purposes of control, which extends towards the enemy. An axis of advance symbol graphically portrays a commander's intentions, such as avoidance of built-up areas or envelopment of an enemy force. It allows terrain suitable for the size of the force assigned the axis and often a road, a group of roads, or a designated series of locations. A commander may maneuver his force and supporting fires to either side of an axis of advance provided the unit remains oriented on the axis and the objective. Deviations from an assigned axis of advance must not interfere with the maneuver of adjacent units without prior approval of the higher commander. Enemy forces that do not threaten security or jeopardize mission accomplishment may be bypassed. An axis of advance is not used to direct the control of terrain or the clearance of enemy forces from a specific location. Intermediate objectives normally are assigned for these purposes.
h. Phase Line. A phase line is used for control and coordination of military operations. It is usually a recognizable terrain feature extending across the zone of action. Units normally report crossing PLs, but do not halt unless specifically directed. PLs often are used to prescribe the timing of delay operations.
i. Checkpoint. A predetermined point on the ground used as a means of coordinating friendly movement. Checkpoints are not used to report as reference points in reporting enemy locations.
j. Assault Position. That position between the line of departure (LD) and the objective in an attack from which forces assault the objective. Ideally, it is the last covered and concealed position before reaching the objective (primarily used by dismounted infantry).
k. Objective. The physical object of the action taken (for example, a definite terrain feature the seizure and/or holding of which is essential to the commander's plan, or, the destruction of an enemy force without regard to terrain features). The principle of war which states that every military operation should be directed towards clearly defined, decisive, and attainable objectives.
l. Contact point. A designated, easily identifiable point on the terrain where two or more units are required to physically meet.
m. Rally point. An easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can reassemble/reorganize if they become disbursed.
2. Limited Visibility Control Measures. Your platoon may attack at night and during other periods of limited visibility. Darkness is just one condition that reduces a soldier's ability to see. Smoke, fog, dust, and heavy rain or snow also limit visibility. When visibility is poor, the following control measures may be used in addition to, or instead of, some of those above. The degree of visibility will determine which of these measures are necessary.
a. Point of departure. In night attacks, a specific place on the line of departure (LD) where units will cross.
b. Probable Line of Deployment. A line previously selected on the ground where attacking units deploy prior to beginning an assault. Platoons may use guides to provide better control during limited visibility.
c. Limit of Advance. An easily recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will not advance.
d. Infiltration Lane. A lane through which a unit moves by stealth in order to pass through lines without being detected. An infiltrating unit must stay within the limits of the lane.
3. Summary. This concludes the discussions of offensive tactical control measures. The methods and devices leaders use to regulate and direct this unit's movement were covered. Control measures which are used during limited visibility were also covered. It must be remembered that a leader should only use those control measures needed to control the operation.
Part C
PLANNING AN OFFENSIVE SCHEME OF MANEUVER
1. General. When your platoon or a squad makes contact with the enemy, the movement technique stops, and fire and movement begins. However, it should be recognized that fire and movement are an extension of bounding overwatch.
a. Your platoon will conduct fire and movement to close with and destroy the enemy, to learn more of his strength and disposition, or to move away from him.
b. When your platoon is conducting fire and maneuver, both actions will be taking place at the same time. For example, one of your fire elements will direct fire at the enemy to cover the move of a maneuver element. At the same time, a maneuver element will move either to close with the enemy, or to a better position from which to shoot at him. Depending on the distance to the enemy positions and the availability of cover, the fire element and the maneuver element switch roles as needed to keep moving. Before the maneuver element moves beyond supporting range of the fire element, it takes a position from which it can shoot at the enemy. When this happens, the fire element becomes the maneuver element for the next move.
c. An element may be one of your soldiers, a fire team, a squad, or a entire platoon. Fire and movement means an element supporting by fire, while an element moves/maneuvers. The element also uses its fire to accomplish its move. The size of the elements is not the determining factor in whether it is fire and movement.
d. When contact is made, leaders must designate both fire elements and maneuver elements.
e. The best position for your fire element is on high ground that is to the flank of the maneuver element. By choosing this type location, the fire of the fire element will not be masked by the maneuver element until the last moment. You should make every attempt to move your fire element into a firing position undetected.
f. Once the fire element is in position, it should place suppressive fire on the enemy. You will know if the suppressive fire is effective if the enemy is pinned down and cannot return fire. Once this happens, you can reduce the rate of fire, but suppression must be continued. When your maneuver element nears its objective, you will want to increase the rate of fire. You continue to fire and move until enemy resistance ceases.
2. Fire. When your platoon is engaged in fire and movement, some of your fire support may come from artillery, mortars, and TOWs. However, you must realize that most of a platoon's fire support is from its rifles, machineguns, grenade launchers, and Dragons. When your rifle platoon moves toward its objective with its rifle squads alternately firing and moving by switching roles as fire element and maneuver element your machine guns and Dragons will be part of the fire element. These weapons may be moved from position to position, joining each element as it becomes the fire element.
a. You have the option of advancing your rifle platoon by fire and maneuver using the same element to maneuver all the way to the objective. Depending on the situation you may decide to use the platoon's machine guns and Dragons as the fire element, or you may use one or two squads and these weapons. As mentioned earlier it is the actions taken (fire or maneuver), not the size of the element, which determines its mission. You may give control of the fire element to your platoon sergeant or a rifle squad leader in the fire element. You should go with the maneuver element.
b. As the maneuver element gets in and among enemy positions, there is a danger that it may mask the fire from the fire element. Your gunners should then slowly "walk" (move) their fire across the objective just in front of the maneuver element, or shift to another target. Once they cease fire, you can have them move forward to join in the reorganization and consolidation, or in a continuation of the attack.
3. Maneuver. During maneuver your squad and team leaders control and lead their men by example, by voice command, by arm-and-hand signals, or by other visual or sound (whistle) signals. Their men move by the best method for the situation. How members of a rifle team move depend on the intensity of enemy fire. This may be by crawling or by short rushes from cover to cover. When an assault is conducted it must be aggressive so the platoon does not slow down as the men close with the enemy. As it fights its way through the objective, the platoon must avoid exposure to enemy fire from behind or to the flanks of the objective.
a. The crawl is slow but it helps avoid exposure to fire. If necessary, a squad will crawl all the way through its objective.
b. Short rushes from cover to cover may be used when enemy fire allows brief exposure. Men rush singly, in pairs, or by fire teams in 3- to 5-second rushes. A rush is kept short to keep the enemy machine gunners from tracking rushing men. Men should not hit the ground in the open just because they have been up for 5 seconds. They must look for cover before starting the rush and then head straight to the new position.
c. Single rush. At times, a whole platoon may have to assault an enemy position in a single, quick rush.
(1) This is done only when--
(a) A platoon is under heavy indirect fire.
(b) There is no cover.
(c) A platoon is being hit by hand grenades.
(d) The enemy who could shoot at it is suppressed.
(2) This type rush must be fast, accompanied by suppressive fire. A rush must be for a distance so short that the enemy can be quickly overrun.
4. Summary. This concludes the fire and movement discussions. We covered the fire element and the maneuver element, the platoon advancing by fire, and methods of the maneuver element can use to move. We will now move to fire support planning for an offensive operation.
Part D
PLANNING FIRE SUPPORT FOR AN OFFENSIVE OPERATION
1. General. Your infantry platoon may be supported by many weapons not organic to it. Usually, a platoon can expect support from the company's TOWs and mortars, from the battalion's TOWs and mortars, and from a field artillery unit. An infantry battalion normally has 105-mm howitzers or other field artillery in direct support. There may be tanks attached to the company that can support the platoon. Air Force aircraft may at times add more fire support. Leaders must be able to get the fire of these weapons "on target."
2. Planning Indirect Fire. Each rifle company has a fire support team (FIST) working with it. The FIST helps the company commander plan, call for, and adjust indirect fire. Normally, a platoon will have a FO team (an FO and a RATELO) supporting it. This team helps you plan and use your supporting fire. The team calls for and adjusts indirect fire. It moves with you.
a. When you develop a scheme of maneuver, you must plan fire to support it. Some targets are planned by company and battalion commanders, but you must determine what, if any, additional targets you want planned to support your platoon.
b. The plan should include fire on known, suspected, or likely enemy positions and on prominent terrain features. A planned target can be used as a reference point for quickly getting fire on targets of opportunity. Except for specific point targets, there is no need to plot targets closer together than 400 meters. Closer plotting than that would complicate the fire plan and would not necessarily make fire more responsive. Targets are numbered and recorded. Targets planned for direct fire weapons such as machine guns, Dragons, tanks, and TOWs are called TRPs. They are assigned target numbers by the FO just like other targets.
c. In the offense, to keep the enemy from reinforcing and to protect the unit from counterattack, you and the FO plan--
(1) Targets on the approaches short of the objective.
(2) Targets on the objective.
(3) Targets beyond and to the flanks of the objective.
3. Company Fire Planning. In all operations, the company commander must plan the employment of his direct fire units and weapons, and how he will support them by indirect fire. When planning the commander is assisted by his fire support team (FIST) chief, and rifle platoon leaders. The commander initiates fire planning by giving them his concept of the operation (which includes his scheme of maneuver or the positioning of units) and his guidance as to fire needs. This includes the support he has been allocated by the battalion commander.
4. Fire Planning for the Offense. In the offense, the commander considers METT-T and then decides on a scheme of maneuver. In doing so, he decides how he will maneuver his platoons and weapons to the objective. He also selects positions along the route to the objective from which overwatch elements can cover the movement of the company. If a fire element is to be used during the assault, he selects a position from which it will support the maneuver element.
a. Once the scheme of maneuver has been determined, the commander, along with the FIST chief and platoon leaders, plans indirect fire to support it. Based on the commander's guidance, the FIST chief develops a target list with input from the platoon leaders and their FOs. Targets are personnel, materiel (including vehicles), fortifications, or terrain features that warrant engagement.
b. The FIST chief plans targets on known, suspected, and likely enemy locations along the route to the objective. He also plans targets on the objective and to its flanks and rear. Likely enemy locations are determined from a map and terrain study and knowledge of the enemy.
c. When there are few, if any, known or likely locations, fire is planned on prominent terrain features (known points) so that targets of opportunity that do appear can be engaged by a shift from a known point. Prominent terrain features must be readily identifiable on the map and on the ground. The number of these targets should be kept small.
d. There are four types of targets for which the FIST chief may plan. They are scheduled targets, on-call targets, priority targets, and targets of opportunity.
(1) A scheduled target is planned to be hit at a set time. The time is stated as so many minutes before or after a specified time or event.
(2) An on-call target is planned to be hit on request rather than at a set time.
(3) A priority target is an oncall target which a maneuver unit commander feels is critical to his unit and must be fired upon as rapidly as possible (once called for).
(4) A target of opportunity is an unplanned target which appears unexpectedly. Since such targets may be fleeting, they should be hit quickly.
e. In addition to the normal engagement of targets, the FIST chief may plan for special types of supporting fire. This may include preparation fire and screening fire.
(1) A preparation is an intense volume of indirect fire scheduled to support an attack. It usually starts at a specified time in relation to the attack time, and may continue beyond that time. It may start at a set time or be on-call when needed. Mortars seldom fire a preparation, as it expends a large amount of ammunition.
(2) A smokescreen is used to hide friendly units from the enemy. Typical offensive uses of smokescreens are to screen a river crossing, to screen a unit's consolidation of an objective, and to screen any other type movements. High explosive (HE) rounds may be fired in a smoke area (not used by friendly troops) so that the enemy cannot use the smoke to hide his movements.
f. Once the target list is complete and approved by the company commander it is forwarded by the most secure means available to the battalion fire support officer (FSO), platoon leaders and FOs, and the company mortar fire direction center (FDC).
NOTE
To assist the company commander in visualizing the indirect fire coverage of the area, the FIST chief may prepare an overlay for him.
g. The battalion (FSO) reviews and consolidates the target lists from the companies, resolves duplications of targets, and assigns a target number to each target. A target number is an alphanumeric designator consisting of two letters and four numbers.
h. After consolidating the target lists, the FSO sends copies of the battalion consolidated target list to the mortar FDC, direct support artillery battalion FDC, and the company commanders and FIST chiefs. Each FIST chief then disseminates the target numbers (and any changes to his company's original target list) to the platoon leaders and FOs, and to the company mortar FDC.
i. After receiving the company fire plan, you check it to insure that targets are planned on all known or suspected enemy positions in front of, on, behind, and to the flanks of the objective. If additional targets are required, your FO coordinates them with FIST chief.
j. Other fire may come from Air Force aircraft and air defense weapons. This support is planned and controlled by the company or battalion commander. You may request it if needed.
5. Summary. This completes lesson two. You should know how to identify the doctrinal considerations for a daylight attack; identify control measures; plan an offensive scheme of maneuver, and how to plan fire support for an offense operation. After reviewing all the material in this lesson, you should complete the practice exercise for lesson two. Answers and feedback for the questions in the practice exercise will be provided to show you where further study is required.
