Military

(1) Defense Tasks. The platoon's defensive tasks include--

(2) Company Support. In the defense, the company or company team is usually supported by additional ITVs, artillery, mortars, and engineers. Each supporting element is deployed to increase the company's or company team's combat power, and to reduce its vulnerabilities.

(3) Tanks. Tanks, if present, are placed to exploit their mobility, firepower, and armor protection.

(4) Improved TOW Vehicles (ITVs). ITVs are positioned to exploit their long-range antiarmor fire and pinpoint accuracy.

(5) Engineers. To make terrain more favorable for the defense, engineers emplace obstacles, dig defilade positions, and clear routes.

(6) Movement in the Defense. The defense often involves fast, frequent movement between battle positions and in counterattacks. Platoons and squads must respond to short-notice changes in mission. They must also fight from new battle positions immediately. Therefore, platoons must develop and practice standing operating procedures (SOPs) and, with these, learn to exploit the mobility and firepower of the APC. The order to occupy a position should trigger a series of automatic actions by the entire platoon.

(1) The company or company team commander explains the platoon's mission by issuing an operation order. From the operation order, the platoon leader learns--

(2) The platoon leader begins his troop-leading procedures after receiving a company operation order. His first step is to plan available time. Once this is done, he can issue a warning order to his key personnel, which include a platoon sergeant, squad leaders, and a forward observer. A warning order alerts the platoon personnel to the mission, tells them what preparation they are to complete, and where and when to receive the platoon leader's complete order.

(3) This procedure gives the platoon leader time to reconnoiter and prepare his operation order. He begins this process with an analysis of the mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T). The rest of the platoon gets ready for the mission.

(4) Often, the platoon leader must issue simple fragmentary orders (FRAGOs) because the tactical situation requires immediate response. When this happens, he must rely heavily on the SOP. Regardless of the time available, the platoon leader should perform as many of the troop-leading procedures as possible.

(1) The platoon leader completes his order when he has completed his analysis, made his reconnaissance, and developed his plan.

(2) The operation order should follow the standard five-paragraph operation order format and be issued orally. SOPs should be referred to when possible to help shorten the order. The platoon leader should give his order from a point overlooking (or on) the platoon's defensive position if possible. The order must explain what is to be done, where, how, when, and by whom. The squad leaders then give orders to their squads.

(1) To help the platoon use available time efficiently, the platoon leader should establish task priorities. Normally, these are in SOPs, but they can be modified by the platoon leader or company commander. In most situations, the first five tasks are--

(2) Some of these tasks may be done at the same time. Additional tasks can include preparing range cards, emplacing obstacles, preparing alternate and supplementary positions, or laying wire for communications. The platoon leader should specify the order in which these tasks are to be accomplished. Coordination with adjacent squads and platoons must be continual throughout the planning and execution phases.

(3) Camouflage netting (radar scattering) should be used whenever possible when the APC is placed in position. The nets enhance concealment by breaking up the regular shape of the vehicle and denying ground and aerial observation.

(1) Destroying enemy BMPs, BTRs, and other lightly armored vehicles with the 25-mm gun and with Dragons, AT-4s, and grenade launchers.

(2) Destroying enemy tanks with the BFV-mounted TOW and with Dragons and AT-4s.

(3) Suppressing enemy antitank fires with the 25-mm gun, grenade launchers, 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun, M249s, and rifles.

(4) Repelling dismounted enemy attacks with the BFV and dismounted infantry.

(5) Locating the enemy and providing security by manning observation posts and conducting patrols and ambushes.

(6) Constructing obstacles to slow, stop, or canalize the enemy and providing security for obstacles.

(7) Conducting platoon-size counterattacks, or as part of a larger force, to regain portions of their position that have been overrun.

(1) The information the platoon leader learns from the operation order for the BFV platoon defense is similar to the M113 platoon. However, for the BFV platoon, the platoon leader also learn the--

(2) The defense may involve fast, frequent movement between battle positions and during counterattacks. Platoons and squads must respond to short-notice changes in mission and fight immediately from a new battle position. Thus, platoons must develop and practice SOPs, master applicable drills, and learn to exploit the mobility and firepower of the fighting vehicle.

(1) On receipt of a company operation order, the BFV platoon leader begins his troop-leading procedures. He begins with an analysis of the METT-T.

(2) Often, the BFV platoon leader must issue simple FRAGOs because the tactical situation requires immediate action. When this happens, he must rely heavily on SOPs. During occupation of a battle position, the platoon and squads should use the applicable drills to reduce time and possible confusion. Regardless of the time available, the platoon leader should perform as many of the troop-leading procedures as possible.

(3) The BFV platoon uses the same operation order format as the M113 platoon that was discussed in paragraph 2c, of Part A of this subcourse.

(1) The priority of tasks for the BFV platoon are similar to the M113. In most situations, the

(2) As with the M113, some of these tasks should be done at the same time. The platoon leader and squad leaders must closely supervise the activities to ensure that valuable time is not lost on tasks of minor priority.

(3) The first 30 minutes of the occupation of a defensive position are critical because during this period security is established, positions are designated, and work is begun.

(4) The platoon leader must conduct a hasty reconnaissance to ensure that the location of his position is correct and that the squad sectors and key weapons positions will not have to be moved once they are in place.

(5) To ensure personnel are not exhausted when the enemy attacks, rest, sleep, and eating plans are made so that security and work can continue.

(1) Reviewing Target List. A copy of the target list is given to the platoon leader. The platoon leader and forward observer (FO) check the target list, ensuring that fire is planned on all enemy avenues of approach as well as on known or likely enemy positions in the platoons sector of fire. If more targets are needed, the FO requests them through the fire support officer (FSO). Normally, the FO stays with the dismounted element because he has virtually no capability to call and adjust indirect fires when mounted.

(2) Planning at the Platoon Level. At platoon level, fires should be planned to the front, on top, and to the rear of platoon positions. Fires are planned on likely enemy avenues of approach and on prominent terrain features from which fires may be adjusted. In addition, fires are planned on dead space that cannot be adequately covered by other platoon weapons.

(3) Coordinating Planning. Fire planning is a team effort between the platoon leader and FO. Usually, fire planning occurs after the rifle team sector sketches and BFV's range card have been compiled and the platoon leader has determined where the defensive plan requires strengthening. The platoon leader and other key leaders select a few critical targets that can be easily identified during the battle.

(4) Compiling Platoon Fire Plans. The coordinates (eight-digit, if possible) are determined when the platoon leader, with the aid of the FO, decides which targets are to be covered by indirect fire. The information is then passed to the company team FSO who compiles all of the platoon fire plans for the company commander. The confirmed target list is returned to the platoon where the FO quickly confirms the targets by plotting them on the map. The targets are then matched to the terrain and disseminated among key personnel including platoon sergeants (PSGs) and radio/telephone operators (RATELOs).

(5) Determining Number of Targets. The platoon leader's ability to call for targets during the battle serves as a guide for how many he should request. He should try to memorize the target numbers for all of the indirect targets in his platoon sector. Memorizing the target numbers allows the platoon leader to quickly call for those fires during the battle without having to refer to a map or reference card. Also he does not have to rely on light if the battle takes place during limited visibility. Normally, a few targets are sufficient in a platoon sector, especially if they are on prominent terrain features from which they can be adjusted.

(6) Assigning Final Protective Fire (FPF). An FPF is a prearranged barrier of fire. The company commander may assign a mortar or artillery FPF to a platoon. The platoon leader must plan the FPF location with the platoon FO and the company FSO. The FPF should cover the most threatening dismounted approach. It is planned close to the platoon position but not close enough to endanger friendly troops. The FO advises the platoon leader on how close to the rifle teams an FPF can be fired without endangering the troops. This varies with the type of weapon and ammunition fired. When assigned an FPF, the platoon leader has authority to call for it unless the company commander retains authority. The FPF is fired as a last resort to stop an enemy assault. When ordered, the FPF is fired continuously until the order to stop is given. All other platoon weapons fire while the FPF is being fired.

(1) Enhancement of Sector. The platoon has little organic capability to emplace significant obstacles but can enhance its sector and individual positions in many of ways.

(2) Engineer Support. If a platoon leader receives, or is told he will receive, engineer support in his area, he should still put in the obstacles he can emplace with his own assets. He then prioritizes those projects that require outside assistance.

(3) Covering Obstacles. Once emplaced, obstacles must be covered by observation and fire. If not observed and covered by fire, the obstacles can be easily breached or bypassed, especially during limited visibility.

(1) Rifle Team Sector Sketch. The sketch is prepared based on direct observation of the sector and by using each weapon's range card. Two copies of the sketch are made; one copy goes to the platoon leader and the other copy remains at the position. See Figure 1-1 for an illustration of a squad sector sketch. A rifle team sector sketch is a rough drawing, as close to scale as possible, showing--

(2) Team Sector Sketch. The squad leader or assistant squad leader prepares the team sector sketches and submits them to the platoon leader. Bradley commanders prepare range cards for their individual vehicles and submit them to the mounted element leader. The platoon leader combines sketches and range cards to make a platoon sector sketch.

(3) Platoon Defensive Sector Sketch. A platoon defensive sector sketch is a sketch drawn as closely to scale as possible and includes a target list for direct and indirect fires. The sketch should show--

Because the platoon leader is involved in numerous activities in the early part of the defense, he uses the FO to consolidate team sector sketches and BFV range cards into a tentative platoon sector sketch. This not only saves the platoon leader valuable time but allows the FO to immediately begin fire planning and to determine which targets to recommend to the platoon leader. At least two copies of the platoon sector sketch should be prepared; one for the platoon leader and one for the company commander. If time permits, additional copies can be given to each subordinate team or squad. To facilitate company fire planning, the platoon sector sketch must be forwarded to the company commander as soon as possible.

(1) Preparation of a Range Card. Normally, each BFV gunner prepares the range cards for his BFV. He prepares one for each primary, alternate, and supplementary position designated in the defense, and for any static position when enemy contact is possible such as a position in an assembly area.

(2) Contents of a Range Card. Each range card contains at least the following information--

(3) When to Prepare the Range Card. The gunner prepares a range card as soon as possible after moving into a firing position. Depending on the priority of work established, and once the Bradley commander tells the gunner the sector of fire and other required information, the gunner prepares the range card.

(4) Uses for the Range Card. The platoon leader uses the range cards and squad sector sketches to prepare a platoon sector sketch. A standard preprinted sheet of paper is best for drawing the range card. However, anything the gunner can write on, such as a piece of notebook paper or a cardboard box, can be used. Figure 1-3 shows a sample range card.

(5) Development of the Range Card. The gunner first, draws the BFV map symbol in the lower center of the range card. Then he shows the sector of fire by drawing arrows from the vehicle symbol to the left and right limits. To identify the sector, he sketches any easily recognizable terrain features. In the data section, the gunner indicates the magnetic azimuth, deflection (from the azimuth indicator), and range to the far limits of the sectors of fire.

(6) Target Reference Points. The gunner places target reference points (TRPs) at the location designated by the Bradley commander, and at any other location where a target is likely to appear. He then number each TRP and likely target locations in the range card sketch section.

(7) Engagement Line. The gunner draws a maximum engagement line across the sector of fire for the 25-mm automatic gun, TOW, and 7.62-mm coax machine gun. These lines depict the maximum ranges at which a target can be engaged effectively.

(8) Dead Space. The gunner draws diagonal lines across the area and write the words "dead space" to show dead space or areas where targets cannot be engaged.

(9) Heading and Data Section. First, the gunner draws a magnetic north arrow on the range card to orient it with the terrain. Then he reads identification data including the unit designation (no higher than company), time and date of preparation, and type of position (primary, alternate, or supplementary).

(10) Remarks Block. He enters the information for the weapon reference point in the remarks block on the range card.

(11) Marking the Positions. After completing the firing position range card, he marks the position with ground stakes. This enables the same BFV or a BFV from a relief unit to reoccupy the firing position and to use the data from the prepared range card for the position.

(1) Platoon leaders coordinate with adjacent platoons. Squad leaders coordinate with adjacent teams so that all positions and all units are mutually supporting. The platoon leader ensures that this coordination takes place. Normally, coordination is initiated from left to right. As a minimum, gaps between positions are covered by fire. Coordinating points are established to ensure that units meet at some specific point on the ground to tie in their flanks. Information exchanged includes--

(2) Exchanging of Information. A sector sketch that contains most of the above information may be exchanged. However, in some cases BFVs can be positioned not only to support the dismount element but also to support flank platoons. At times, this might even be a compromise position that must be occupied to tie in a vulnerable flank. Platoon leaders must be especially careful of tying in their flanks, since platoons defend as part of a company team.

(1) Remount rehearsal.

(2) Reconnaissance of the route to the remount point by both the vehicle and dismount elements.

(3) Marking of the route to the remount point.

(4) Signals to initiate the remount.

(5) Contingencies for limited visibility, loss of communication, loss of leaders.

(1) Deployment of squads.

(2) Deployment of machine guns and antitank weapons.

(3) Use of indirect fire.

(4) Use of mines and obstacles.

(5) Security measures.

(6) Selection and operation of a command post (CP) and observation post (OP).

(1) Machine Guns. Machine guns are the platoon's primary weapons for stopping infantry attacks. Positions and sectors of fire should cover infantry avenues of approach and provide grazing fire across the platoon's front. Each gun is given a primary and secondary sector of fire. The sectors should overlap each other and those of adjacent platoons. A gunner fires in his secondary sector only if no targets are in his primary sector, or if ordered to fire. Each gun's primary sector includes a final protective line (FPL) or a principal direction of fire (PDF).

(2) Antitank Weapons. The platoon leader positions antitank weapons to cover armor avenues of approach. He selects a primary position and a sector of fire for each weapon. He may also select alternate and supplementary positions. Each position should allow flank fire and provide cover and concealment. Figure 1-8, provides an example of antitank weapons positions.

(3) Range Cards. When preparing an infantry defensive position, range card is prepared for each tripod-mounted machine gun and antitank weapon. Procedures for preparing range cards were discussed in Part A of this lesson.

(1) Target Reference Points (TRPs). Targets that are planned to control and direct the antitank weapons and any other direct-fire weapons are called TRPs.

(2) Final Protective Fire (FPF). The FPF is a prearranged barrier of fire.

(3) Firing of the FPF. The FPF should only be fired to stop an enemy assault. On signal, the FPF is fired continuously until the order is given to stop. All platoon weapons fire while the FPF is being fired.

(1) Active Security Measures. A company commander may require a platoon to have a set number of observation posts (Ops) and a set number of men on security. If he does not, the platoon leader decides what is needed. Each platoon should have at least one OP and, in close terrain, each squad may have one.

(2) Passive Security Measures. Passive security measures include camouflaging positions, controlling movement, light and noise discipline, and limited radio traffic.

(1) Platoon CP-OP. The platoon CP-OP ties into the company wire net with a TA-312 field phone and into the company radio net with a PRC-77 radio. The platoon has its own platoon radio and wire nets.

(2) Platoon to Squads. Wire is the primary means of communication between the platoon leader and his squad leaders. When another means of communication other than phones and radio is more appropriate, or when phones and radios do not work, the platoon leader uses messengers, visual signals, personal contact, or whistles. Additional phones may be issued to the platoon for use in OPs.

(3) Squads to Fire Teams. The squad leader communicates with his fire team leaders and his men by personal contact, and oral orders, or by sound and visual signals.

(1) As the enemy advances, friendly tanks begin to engage enemy tanks. Friendly obstacles, covered by direct and indirect fire, break up enemy formations denying enemy elements mutual support. Enemy vehicles are engaged on the flanks and rear by BFVs, as they move into primary engagement areas.

(2) Designated infantry, preferably located on reverse slopes for protection or on hindering terrain, engages enemy elements at relatively close ranges using Dragons, AT-4s, M249s, and small arms. To complete the destruction of the enemy, BFVs and dismounted infantry move by covered and concealed routes to remount points and then to subsequent positions, if the defensive plan calls for movement to subsequent positions. Once the enemy has been destroyed, units reorganize, resupply, and prepare for subsequent missions.

(1) Equipment Used in the BFV-equipped Platoon. Infantry can now defeat mounted attacks at longer ranges and win the close-in fight with the BFV and its 25-mm gun, TOW, and 7.62-mm coaxial machine gun.

(2) Movement to Alternate Firing Positions. The BFV leader moves to an alternate firing position to avoid effective enemy fire or to gain a better firing position in the desired sector of fire or engagement area.

(3) Continuation the Fight. The fighting vehicle element continues the fight while the rifle teams remount the vehicles if the platoon is ordered to move to another battle position. Both the fighting vehicle and the dismount elements are located together.

(1) Defending Against Dismounted Attack. During an attack the enemy infantry advances as far as possible mounted in BTRs and BMPs. When forced to dismount, usually 300 to 400 meters from your position, the infantry continues the attack on foot supported by indirect fire, tanks, BTRs, and BMPs. Indirect fires are placed as quickly as possible on the enemy's dismounted forces.

(2) Dismounted Infantry Defending Against a Mounted Attack. Riflemen and M249 gunners direct their fires at exposed crew members, forcing them to close their hatches. Fire is also directed toward the dismounted infantry moving along with the tanks. If the enemy infantry can be separated from the tanks, once the tanks have closed up, they become vulnerable to infantry antiarmor weapons.

(1) Reestablish Security. If OPs withdrew to the battle position, they are sent back out to reestablish security. If any of the OP personnel did not return or are wounded, they must be accounted for or replaced.

(2) Replace Key Personnel. If there are casualties among leaders or critical weapon operators, they are replaced.

(3) Redistribute/Resupply Ammunition. Squad leaders take inventory and redistribute any remaining ammunition including ammunition from casualties. The rifle team gets additional ammunition from the squad vehicle if it is nearby.

(4) Evacuate the Dead, Seriously Wounded, and Enemy Prisoner of Wars (EPWS.). The wounded are treated and returned to duty, when possible. The seriously wounded are evacuated to the rear. All sectors of fire must be checked to ensure they are still covered, after casualties are evacuated. As needed, leaders must ensure positions are readjusted to cover any gaps left by casualties or disabled BFVs. After a quick interrogation and search for information that might be of immediate value to the platoon, enemy prisoners are evacuated to the rear.

(5) Replace Camouflage. Wilted material is removed and replaced with fresh camouflage, when the situation allows. A position should not have too much camouflage.

(6) Replace Obstacles. Obstacles, mines, and early warning devices should be replaced if enemy forces have withdrawn. Troops must be careful since this is a risky task, especially if there are enemy snipers around. Smoke can be used to cover movement, although obstacles may have to be replaced after dark.

(1) Regaining the Platoon Position. Normally, platoons counterattack to regain all or a portion of the platoon position. Often these counterattacks are done by massing direct fires and calling for indirect fires to eject the enemy from the position before he can establish himself. Counterattack by maneuver is often done with only a few men, especially if other portions of the platoon position are still defending. The BFVs can be used to fire or maneuver to aid in restoring the platoon position if they are nearby.

(2) Counterattacking as Part of a Larger Force. The platoon sometimes counterattacks as part of a company/team or a battalion task force. Some counterattacks are planned in great detail. Others are not planned but are executed rapidly when the right conditions exist, like hasty attacks. Before overwatching or following enemy echelons can interfere, counterattacking forces must complete their tasks and regain covered positions.

(3) Resembling a Hasty Attack. Counterattacks may resemble a hasty attack at the platoon level. To catch the enemy at a weak point, platoon leaders make an estimate of the situation and react immediately.

(4) Deciding to Counterattack. The platoon leader's decision to counterattack must not be reckless. The decision must involve an understanding of the higher (company) commander's intent and the use of good judgement before taking a calculated risk. Where feasible, the platoon leader should take action based on the commander's direction. However, the platoon leader should have the latitude to take the initiative in the absence of specific orders.

(1) BFVs firepower and mobility.

(2) Dragon's thermal vision equipment.

(3) Dismounted infantryman's fighting capability.

(1) Aiming Stakes. Aiming stakes assist the soldier in firing his weapon on dangerous avenues of approach.

(2) Sector Stakes. Sector stakes define the sector of fire on the right and left. Sector stakes also prevent accidental firing into adjacent positions. Figure 1-10 illustrates the locations of aiming and sector stakes.

(3) Range Cards and Squad and Platoon Sector Sketches. The use of range cards and squad and platoon sector sketches for control is essential. A coordinated defense is possible through the integration of such control measures.

(1) Careful map study.

(2) Pacing.

(3) Driving the distance.

(4) If tanks are available, using their laser range finders to mark or verify TRPs.

(1) Tracers. Tracers identify point or area targets.

(2) Pyrotechnics. Pyrotechnics indicate the lifting, shifting, or concentration of fires.

(1) Night firing of crew-served and vehicular weapon systems.

(2) Repositioning of forces during limited visibility.

(3) Security measures necessary to secure the front and flanks.

(1) Ensures no enemy forces occupy the proposed battle position.

(2) Identifies enemy avenues of approach (mounted and dismounted) and potential enemy overwatch positions.

(3) Chooses engagement areas if they are not assigned by the company commander.

(4) Chooses primary, alternate, and supplementary positions for the rifle teams and fighting vehicles.

(5) Identifies dead space in front of positions and formulates a plan on how to cover it.

(6) Chooses locations for observation posts and the command post.

(7) Confirms locations of adjacent platoons and companies.

(8) Chooses target reference points, sectors of fire, and other control measures.

(9) Chooses routes in and out of positions.

(1) Because of the limited range of observation, the platoon leader's task must be accomplished with great care. He must ensure that his reconnaissance is done with a STANO device of similar capabilities as that of his weapon systems. If time permits, the platoon leader should--

(2) The platoon leader should also assign--

(3) The squad leaders should then return to the platoon position and issue orders for the occupation and preparation of forward positions. The platoon then moves forward.

(1) To compensate for the limited visibility condition, techniques may change such as having to use night vision devices to establish sectors of fire, and actually walking the FPL and PDF.

(2) Noise and light discipline must be strictly enforced. Also, face-to-face coordination with adjacent platoons must be conducted and sectors of fire coordinated. This coordination should effectively tie in overlapping sectors of fire and observation with weapon systems and night vision devices. Defensive positions are adjusted as necessary when good visibility returns.

(1) Mass Fire. Before beginning the movement away from the enemy, the company or company team commander may move his platoon and mass fire to stop or slow the enemy advance.

(2) Antiarmor Weapons. When facing a mounted enemy attack platoons employ antiarmor weapons since they are the most effective weapons for the base of fire. For that reason, movement of those antiarmor weapons must be closely controlled. Normally, ITVs move back first, followed by BFVs, then tanks.

(3) Restrictive Terrain. When facing a dismounted enemy attack in restrictive terrain, or with limited visibility, the ITVs and tanks may have to move first, covered by the infantry and their BFVs.

(4) Tactics Used to Disengage. The tactics used to disengage from the enemy differ according to how the platoon is deployed, the company or company team plan for disengagement, and other factors. However, some actions apply in all cases. The following list provides examples of the tactics used.

(1) Platoon remount points and routes to the remount points must be chosen when the platoon employs the fighting vehicle and dismount elements on separate positions. In addition, the platoon must rehearse the use of routes. The platoon remount point can be

(2) Within the remount point, platoons should choose covered positions for vehicles and dismounted infantry that allow for easy remounting even during limited visibility. Figure 1-13 illustrates the platoon remount points.

(3) Squad leaders must be sure their men know the location of the remount point, where the squad 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. The following list discusses considerations for planning, specifically--

(4) As a minimum, routes should be marked and reconnoitered by the vehicle drivers and Bradley commanders, and by the squad leaders/assistant squad leaders.

(1) Simultaneous Disengagement. When the rifle teams simultaneously disengage, using movement techniques, they assemble and move as one element to the remount points as fast as possible. Simultaneous disengagement is favored when--

(2) Disengagement by Rifle Teams. One or two teams stay in position as a base of fire when the dismount element must cover its own movement. The rest of the dismount element moves to the rear. To cover the movement of the rifle teams, teams left in position must fire into the entire element's sector. Sectors of fire are adjusted for better coverage of the element's sector.

(3) Disengagement by Thinning the Lines. When disengaging by thinning the lines, the platoon leader selects men from each rifle team, often one man from each fighting position, will disengage and move to the rear. The men still in position then become the base of fire to cover the movement.

(4) Disengagement of Rifle Teams When Employed with BFVs. When BFVs and rifle teams are employed on the same position, rifle teams normally move to the rear while BFVs provide a base of fire. BFVs then quickly move to the rear, link up with the infantry, load them, and move out. Rifle teams can use any of the disengaging techniques discussed earlier. Usually, the method selected will be dictated by the--

(1) Two Ways Vehicles Elements Can Disengage. Whichever method is used, there are two basic ways the vehicle element can disengage. If the BFVs are covered by another force, simultaneous disengagement may be used. If the BFVs must cover their own movement, they disengage by section. These methods are similar in concept to those used by the dismount element.

(2) Simultaneous Disengagement. When the BFVs disengage simultaneously, they move as one unit as quickly as possible. Normally, this method is used when the BFVs are covered by another force and speed is the most critical factor. See Figure 1-16, for an example of the simultaneous disengagement.

(3) Disengagement by Vehicle or Section. When the BFVs must cover their own disengagement, one, two, or three vehicles can be left in position as a base of fire while the remainder moves to the rear. The BFVs left in position must cover the entire sector until the moving vehicles reach positions they can use to provide a base of fire. See Figure 1-17.