in0759 Lesson 2

LESSON TWO

M2 BRADLEY SQUAD MISSION IN CONJUNCTION WITH DEFENSE AND MOUT

SOLDIER'S MANUAL TASKS

071-326-5505	Prepare and issue an oral squad operation order.
071-326-0543	Organize a squad for the attack on a building.
071-326-0571	Secure a building with an M2 Bradley squad.
071-326-5914	Consolidate and reorganize an M2 Bradley platoon.
071-326-3060	Consolidate and reorganize an M2 Bradley squad.
071-326-5750	Prepare and issue an oral platoon defensive operation order.
071-326-0572	Conduct defensive military operations in urban terrain with an M2 Bradley platoon.
071-326-5905	Direct M2 Bradley platoon fires in the defense.
071-326-0551	Prepare building(s) for a platoon defensive position.
071-326-5907	Insure operational security of an M2 Bradley platoon.

OVERVIEW

TASK DESCRIPTION:

In this lesson, you will learn to identify and understand the M2 Bradley squad mission in conjunction with defense and (MOUT).

LEARNING OBJECTIVE:

TASK:	M2 Bradley squad mission in conjunction with defense and MOUT.
CONDITION:	Given the subcourse material for this lesson and a combat (training) scenario, the student will complete the practice exercise at the end of this lesson.
STANDARD:	The student will demonstrate his comprehension and knowledge by identifying how to prepare and issue an oral squad operation order, organize a squad for the attack on a building, secure a building with an M2 Bradley squad, consolidate and reorganize an M2 Bradley squad, prepare and issue an oral platoon defensive operation order, conduct a defensive military operation on urban terrain with an M2 Bradley platoon, direct M2 Bradley platoon fires in the defense, prepare building(s) for a platoon defensive position, and insure operational security of an M2 Bradley platoon.
REFERENCE:	The material contained in this lesson was derived from the following publication: STP 7-11M30/40.

INTRODUCTION

In lesson one, you studied the M2 Bradley platoon leader, troop leading procedures, and control of the M2 Bradley platoon. In this lesson, you will study troop leading procedures and control of the Bradley squad in defense and MOUT. You will expand your look at the platoon and how it is handled in the defense. When you complete this lesson, you will have a well rounded understanding of the M2 Bradley platoon and its role in both the offense and the defense.

PART A - PREPARE AND ISSUE AN ORAL SQUAD OPERATION ORDER

1. The Operation Order.

	a.	Insure that your operation order contains the information and instructions needed to accomplish a specific mission. The amount of detail included in the order depends on the information received and the time available to prepare the order (and prepare for the operation).

	b.	Give the order in words that the men can understand. For example, it may be preferable to say, "Here's how we are going to get the job done," rather than "execution."

	c.	Following is an example of how to organize the order to insure that the squad members are told everything they need to know to perform the mission. The purpose of this format is to help prepare the order. Use it as a checklist and a guide.

		(1)	SITUATION: Information on enemy and friendly forces, to include the mission and intended actions of at least the next higher headquarters and the units on the left and right.
		(2)	MISSION: What the unit (platoon or squad) is to accomplish.
		(3)	EXECUTION: The tactical plan for accomplishing the mission, and the tasks (missions) of teams and individuals.
		(4)	SERVICE SUPPORT: Administrative information, to include plans for ammunition and ration resupply and casualty evacuation.
		(5)	COMMAND AND SIGNAL: Signals and other control measures to be used during the operation, where the squad leader will be during the operation, and where the next higher leader will be.

2. Receiving an Operation Order.

	a.	The most important part of receiving an order is a clear understanding of what the unit has to accomplish in relation to the ground and to other units. Unless you know exactly what you are supposed to do, what the other units are doing, and where and when those actions are to be done, your chances of success are greatly reduced. Make sure you understand the entire order.

	b.	Upon receiving the order and understanding the leader's plan, think through the order to determine:

		(1)	The MISSION(s) you received.

		(2)	How much is known about the ENEMY.

		(3)	How the TERRAIN and WEATHER will influence the operation.

		(4)	The SUPPLIES or EQUIPMENT needed.

		(5)	SPECIAL TASKS that must be assigned.

3. Details in an Operation Order.

Mission.

		(1)	In analyzing the mission, identify exactly what the unit is to accomplish. You must know how much time you have to prepare. You must be aware of restrictions or special tasks that apply to the platoon or squad.

		(2)	A thorough understanding of the mission will allow you to establish a time schedule for the preparation. You will be told what time the operation is to begin and what time the unit must be ready to go. This allows you to allocate time to prepare for the mission. You must identify the things that must be done to get ready and, working backward from the "ready" time, allow the men time to accomplish each task. This technique is called reverse planning. Here is an example.

	1420:	Platoon leader said to be ready.
	1415:	Inspect assembly area.
	1400:	Inspect squad.
	1315:	Issue order to squad.
	1300:	Finalize squad order.
	1200:	Reconnoiter with platoon leader/receive order.
	1100:	Issue warning order to squad.
	1040:	Receive platoon warning order.

Enemy.

		(1)	Develop the best picture of exactly where the enemy is, what his strength is, and what kinds of weapons and equipment he has. Tell the squad members as much as is known about how to destroy or suppress the kind of enemy they are likely to meet.

		(2)	Sometimes, the enemy in a certain area will use the same operational pattern over and over. For example, if it is known that the enemy habitually ambushes in the vicinity of trail junctions, all the men should know about it.

Terrain and Weather.

The platoon leader will make most decisions pertaining to route, objective, sectors of fire, positioning of key weapons, movement techniques. etc. However, both platoon and squad leaders must study every bit of ground if they are to employ their men and equipment and gain an advantage over the enemy. Proper use of terrain will:

		(1)	Provide cover and concealment before, during, and after the battle.

		(2)	Increase the effectiveness of fire.

		(3)	Decrease the effectiveness of the enemy's weapons.

		(4)	You must also understand how weather can influence the men. Cold, heat, rain, or snow can create problems if the squad is not properly prepared.

Supplies, Equipment, and Special Tasks. Look at the unit in light of your mission. If you have been given a task that requires a special skill, such as setting demolitions to blow a building, you must know how to do it. Insure you have the right kind of weapons, equipment, and supplies. If you need help, tell the leader/commander.

4. Issuing an Operation Order.

	a.	After receiving the operation order, thinking it through, and preparing your own order, you must issue that order. Whenever possible, platoon leaders should issue their orders from a position that allows the squad leaders to see the ground on which they are going to operate.

	b.	Try to issue your order from a vantage point that overlooks the terrain. However, many times this will not be possible, and you will have to sketch the terrain on the ground. Terrain models, which are easy to construct allow you to associate your order with terrain features so that each man will have an idea of what to expect once he gets on the actual terrain (Figure 2-1).

Figure 2-1. Issuing the OPORD.

As a minimum, a defensive order must contain the following items:

		(1)	The mission of the platoon.

		(2)	The mission of the squad.

		(3)	The location of the defensive position, to include primary, supplementary, and alternate positions.

		(4)	The scheme of maneuver.

		(5)	The type of emplacements and work priority.

		(6)	The plan for maintaining local security.

		(7)	Critical signal instructions.

		(8)	The location of the squad leader and the platoon command posts.

As a minimum an offensive order must contain the following items:

		(1)	The mission of the platoon.

		(2)	The mission of the squad.

		(3)	The concept of how the battle will be fought to include:

			(a)	Location of the objective.

			(b)	Time of attack.

			(c)	Location of the line of departure (LD) or line of contact (LC).

			(d)	Location of the assault position.

			(e)	Order and the route of march.

			(f)	Consolidation instructions.

		(4)	Critical signal instructions.

		(5)	The location of the platoon leader and squad leaderduring the attack.

		(6)	Movement formation and movement techniques.

PART B - ORGANIZING A SQUAD FOR THE ATTACK ON A BUILDING

1. Organize the squad into two forces.

	a.	The Assault Force. The assault force will consist of two or more men, carrying only the fighting-load components of their load-carrying equipment, with a maximum load of ammunition, extra hand grenades, and LAWs and Dragons. The composition of the assault force will depend on the situation. Once the assault force enters the building, it splits into an assault team and a support team to search and secure the building. This will provide a support/securing team for the assault team inside the building.

	b.	The Support Force. The support force usually will consist of the rest of the squad (with any attached crew-served weapons) placed in position to overwatch the assault force. Figure 2-2 shows the composition of the support and assault forces.

Figure 2-2. The Assault and Support Force.

	c.	Special Additional Weapons. When additional or special equipment is needed, the squad leader will designate what team will have the responsibility of carrying and using it. Such equipment may be grappling hooks, rope, ladders, shaped charges, bangalore torpedoes, or other breaching explosives.

	d.	Entering the Building. The assault force's responsibility will be to move to the building and enter at the top or the highest level possible, secure the breach or entry point, and conduct a systematic search of the building. The support force's responsibility will be to provide fire support and other assistance that will enhance the advance of the assault force. The support force will isolate the building with small arms and automatic weapons fire, provide replacements, and evacuate casualties and prisoners.

2. Issue Attack Order. As you know from Lesson 1, you should give your order from a point where the squad can see the objective. Brief the squad on the mission, plan of attack, location of the building to be attacked, and composition of the enemy force.

PART C - SECURE A BUILDING WITH AN M2 BRADLEY SQUAD

1. Before seizing a building, decide on the makeup of the fighting vehicle element and the dismount element.

	a.	Choose a security team to remain with the fighting vehicle element. You must give special consideration to security because of the vehicle's vulnerability in urban terrain.

	b.	Arrange the dismount element into dismount teams with each team organized into two or three man assault teams. Designate a part of the dismount element as a demolitions team.

2. The attack is conducted in three steps.

Isolate the Building. The fighting vehicle element, supported by indirect and direct fire, isolates the building. Place the fighting vehicle element in an overwatch position. Then direct the fires of the M2's and adjust indirect fires to suppress enemy troops in the building and those in nearby buildings who can fire at the dismount element as suggested by Figures 2-3 and 2-4.

Figure 2-3. Isolating the Building.

Figure 2-4. Shifting of Fires.

NOTE:

To use Dragons and TOWs in urban areas, targets must be beyond minimum arming distance, or 65 meters.

Seize a Foothold. Have the dismount element enter the building and seize a foothold. The element leader directs the movement to the building along covered and concealed routes. He then directs a dismount team to enter the building at the highest point possible. This is because:

(1)

Usually, the ground floor and basement are the enemy's strongest points.

		(2)	The roof of a building is normally weaker than the walls.

		(3)	It is easier to fight down the stairs than up the stairs.
		Figure 2-5 shows the best method for seizing a foothold in a building.

Figure 2-5. Seizing a Foothold.

Clear the Building. The dismount element leader directs an assault team (covered by fire) to the point of entry. One man throws a grenade into the room. After the explosion, the assault team enters, one man at a time, overwatched by the rest. The first man rushes in, firing his weapon in two- or three-round bursts, and takes a position that allows him to cover the whole room. The other men enter the room and make a quick, thorough search. One man remains inside the room to secure it. This technique is shown in Figure 2-6.

Figure 2-6. Entering a Room.

		(1)	The same procedure is repeated from room to room and floor to floor (including the basement, if there is one) until the building is clear of all enemy. Only then is it considered secure.

		(2)	If there is no covered route to the roof, have the dismount element enter at a lower story or at ground level. In this case, the fighting element seizes a foothold, quickly fights to the highest story, and then clears the building room by room from the top down. Figure 2-7 shows this technique.

Figure 2-7. Entering a Building at Ground Level.

PART D - CONSOLIDATE AND REORGANIZE AN M2 BRADLEY PLATOON

Consolidation and Reorganization of an M2 Bradley Platoon on the Defense. When an enemy assault is repelled, you must immediately prepare your platoon to meet a renewed assault. To accomplish this task, you must follow many of the same procedures used for the reorganization after an offensive action.

	a.	Reestablish the chain of command.

	b.	Reestablish local security. If the OPs withdrew to the defensive position, send them back out. If they did not get back, check their status and take appropriate action to get another OP(s) established as soon as possible. Implement your sleep/alert plan again as soon as feasible.

	c.	Redistribute/resupply ammunition.

	d.	Repair or evacuate damaged/disabled M2 vehicles. If necessary, crossload men, equipment, and ammunition to the platoon's remaining vehicles.

	e.	Reposition fighting positions and weapons positions. If you have just repelled an attack, the enemy may have found some of your positions. Reposition those that have been compromised.

	f.	Reestablish communication. Check your wire to ensure it was not cut during the attack. Change your pyrotechnic signals if you think the enemy may have learned what they mean.

	g.	Evacuate and replace casualties.

	h.	Restore camouflage and improve positions. Take caution not to overcamouflage a position. If it was not found during the first assault, chances are it will not be found during the next try.

	i.	Replace obstacles. If the enemy withdraws far enough and if time permits, replace obstacles, mines, and early warning devices. This is a risky task, especially if the enemy has snipers. Your troops must be careful. Request smoke to cover their movement or wait until darkness.

	j.	Resupply. After inventories are taken, submit requests for all needed supplies.

	k.	Use snipers. If you have snipers, this is a good time for them to be active. They may be employed with the OPs or from a vantage point on or behind the defensive positions.

	l.	When directed, dismount team-size or squad-size patrols may be sent out.

PART E - CONSOLIDATE AND REORGANIZE AN M2 BRADLEY SQUAD

Consolidation and Reorganization in the Defense. When an enemy assault is repelled, you must immediately prepare your squad to meet a renewed assault. To accomplish this task, you must follow many of the same procedures used for the reorganization after an offensive action.

	a.	Reestablish the chain of command.

	b.	Reestablish local security. If the OPs withdrew to the defensive position, send them back out. If they did not get back, check their status and take appropriate action to get another OP(s) established as soon as possible.

	c.	Redistribute/resupply ammunition and upload M2 ready boxes.

	d.	Reposition fighting positions and weapons positions. If you have just repelled an attack, the enemy may have found some of your positions. Reposition those that have been compromised.

	e.	Reestablish communication. Check your wire to insure it was not cut during the attack.

	f.	Evacuate and replace casualties.

	g.	Restore camouflage and improve positions. Take caution not to overcamouflage a position. If it was not found during the first assault, chances are it will not be found during the next try.

	h.	Replace obstacles. If the enemy withdraws far enough and if time permits, replace obstacles, mines, and early warning devices. This is a risky task, especially if the enemy has snipers. Your troops must be careful. Request smoke to cover their movement or wait until darkness.

	i.	Resupply. After inventories are taken, submit requests for all needed supplies.

	j.	Use snipers. If you have snipers, this is a good time for them to be active. They may be employed with the OPs or from a vantage point on or behind the defensive positions.

	k.	When directed, fire team patrols may be sent out.

PART F - PREPARE AND ISSUE AN ORAL PLATOON DEFENSIVE OPERATION ORDER

1. The Oral Platoon Order. After receiving the company operation order, you must develop a clear concise oral platoon order and issue it to the squad leaders. In issuing the order, you must make sure the squad leaders understand their mission and the specific coordinating instructions that apply to them. At a minimum, the order must contain the following items, properly placed in the five-paragraph format.

	a.	The mission of the company.

	b.	The mission of the platoon.

	c.	The mission of each squad, to include specific areas of responsibility and provisions for security.

	d.	Locations for machine guns and antitank weapons.

	e.	The order and route of march to the defensive area.

	f.	Critical signal instructions.

	g.	Locations of platoon and company command posts.

2. The platoon sergeant/acting platoon leader is responsible for keeping the men informed through the squad leaders. A primary way of doing so is through the platoon order. Generally, the platoon order will be based on the operation order given by the company commander. The platoon order must be altered to delete information that does not concern the platoon and to add sufficient detail to allow proper planning by the squad leaders. The oral platoon order should follow the same basic fiveparagraph format used in the company order and the format is as follows:

SITUATION: This paragraph contains all available information, such as strength, weaknesses, probable courses of action, weather, and terrain.

(a)

Enemy forces: Any available information, such as strength, weaknesses, probable courses of action, weather, and terrain.

			(b)	Friendly forces: All available information concerning the missions of the next higher and adjacent forces.

			(c)	Attachments and detachments: Information concerning all units that have been attached to or detached from the platoon

	2.	MISSION: A clear, concise statement of the task that must be accomplished by the platoon. It must answer the questions of who, what, when, where, and why.

	3.	EXECUTION: Platoon scheme of maneuver contains the mission for each rifle squad and attached element (if any). This paragraph also contains special instructions that apply to a specific squad or to the platoon as a whole, and the plan for fire support.

	4.	SERVICE SUPPORT: Administrative details, to include ammunition and ration resupply, and casualty evacuation.

	5.	COMMAND AND SIGNAL: Communications instructions, to include visual signals, radio frequencies and callsigns, and the platoon leader's and company commander's location during the operation.

3. The platoon leader must look for items in the company order that must be altered to fit the platoon's mission. For example, assume that paragraphs 2 and 3 of the company order are given as:

	"2.	MISSION. Company A defends by 251400 Jun from FL140810 to FL160810."

	"3.	EXECUTION. The company will defend employing 1st Platoon on the left, 2d Platoon on the right, and 3d Platoon in reserve ..."

The 2d Platoon leader (acting) might alter those paragraphs as follows:

	"2.	MISSION. 2d Platoon defends by 251400 Jun from FL159810 to FL160810."

	"3.	EXECUTION. 2d Platoon will defend in sector, with 1st Squad on the left, 2d Squad in the center, and 3d Squad on the right. 1st Squad will occupy from ..."

4. Paragraph 1 of the platoon order should contain the mission of the company that was stated in paragraph 2 of the company order. Paragraphs 4 and 5 will be similar to paragraphs 4 and 5 of the company order, but narrowed down to apply only to the platoon. For example, if paragraph 4 of the company order gives the location of the battalion field trains, the platoon order will probably not contain that information because it does not directly affect the squads. The responsibility of the platoon sergeant/acting platoon leader is to give the men the information that pertains to them. The five-paragraph order format should be used as a checklist to prevent omitting important information. It is not all-inclusive, however, and may be modified as necessary.

5. Whenever possible, the platoon leader should give the order to the squad leaders from a vantage point on or near the ground to be defended. From such a point, it is possible to orient the squad leaders by pointing out important terrain features. However, many times this will not be possible, and the platoon leader will have to sketch the terrain on the ground. Terrain models are easy to construct, and they allow the leader to relate his order to terrain features.

PART G - CONDUCT DEFENSIVE MILITARY OPERATIONS IN URBAN TERRAIN WITH AN M2 BRADLEY PLATOON

1. It is harder to build the platoon's defense around the M2 in urban areas than in other types of terrain, but the fighting vehicle element's role is still important. A platoon normally defends from positions in one to three buildings. To maximize the capabilities of the dismount and fighting vehicle teams, you should assign missions for which they are suited. Typical missions for the dismount element in defensive military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) include the following:

	a.	Preparing defensive positions.

	b.	Emplacing demolitions and obstacles (supported by combat engineers).

	c.	Observing to provide security and prevent enemy infiltration.

	d.	Engaging and defeating assaulting enemy forces.

	e.	Acquiring targets for engagement by tanks and M2 weapons.

	f.	Protecting tanks and M2's from close-in anti-armor weapons.

2. Typical missions for the fighting vehicle element in defensive military operations in urban terrain (MOUT) include the following:

	a.	Providing fire support for the dismount teams and mutual support to other M2's.

	b.	Destroying enemy armored vehicles and direct-fire artillery pieces.

	c.	Neutralizing or suppressing enemy positions with 25-mm automatic gun and 7.62-mm coax machine gun fire in support of local counterattacks.

	d.	Destroying or making untenable enemy footholds by fire of the vehicle weapons systems.

	e.	Providing rapid, protected transport to the dismount teams, as required.

	f.	Reinforcing threatened areas by movement through covered and concealed routes to new firing positions.

	g.	Providing mutual support to other anti-armor fires.

	h.	Covering obstacles by fire.

	i.	Providing smoke screens with the M2 smoke screen generator.

	j.	Resupplying ammunition and other supplies to the dismount teams.

	k.	Evacuating casualties.

NOTE: You should evaluate the overall value of the M2 to the defense against your needs to resupply or evacuate casualties.

3. When you have made your decision on where and how you are going to defend, consider the following factors and how they may impact your decisions.

	a.	Protection. Reinforced concrete and brick buildings provide the best protection. A reinforced cellar is especially good. Avoid wooden buildings.

	b.	Dispersion. It is better to have positions in two mutually supporting buildings than in one building that can be bypassed.

	c.	Concealment. Buildings provide excellent concealment. Avoid obvious positions, especially at the edge of an urban area, because they are the most likely to receive the heaviest enemy fire.

	d.	Fields of Fire. Positions should have good fields of fire in all directions. Wide streets and open areas, such as parks, may offer excellent fields of fire.

	e.	Observation. The buildings selected should permit observation into the adjacent sector. The higher stories may offer the best observation, but they may also attract enemy fire.

	f.	Covered Routes. Routes that go through or behind buildings are best.

	g.	Fire Hazard. Avoid buildings that will burn easily such as any wood structure.

	h.	Time. Buildings that need extensive preparation are undesirable for defense when time is short.

	i.	Strength. Buildings in which M2's or tanks are to be placed must be able to withstand the weight of the vehicles and the effect of firing their weapons.

4. Position fighting vehicle teams and dismount teams once you pick the building(s) you will defend. Position dismounted machine guns to have grazing fire, when possible. Position Dragons and light anti-tank weapons (LAW) on upper stories for long range and to permit firing at the tops of tanks as shown in Figure 2-8. Designate primary and, if feasible, supplementary and alternate positions for dismount teams and fighting vehicle teams. These positions should permit continuous coverage of the primary sector and all-round defense.

Figure 2-8. Support BFV.

5. Integrate the M2 into the platoon sector sketch. The 25-mm automatic gun and 7.62-mm coax machine gun fields of fire should cover streets and open areas. Once placed in positions, M2's should not be moved for logistical or administrative functions. Other vehicles should accomplish these functions, when possible.

6. Use the 25-mm automatic gun and 7.62-mm coax machine gun more than the TOW, due to the close engagement ranges on urban terrain. The anti-tank capability of the M2 is degraded by the short ranges characteristic of urban terrain. Therefore, Dragons and LAWs will be used more frequently. Place Dragons and LAWs where they can support the M2 but not attract enemy attention to the location of the M2.Use the TOW only when absolutely necessary.

7. Designate where obstacles are placed to reduce enemy mobility and allow longer engagement time for tanks and M2's. Plan mines and demolitions on the outside and inside of buildings to neutralize an enemy force attempting to gain a foothold. Buildings can be selectively destroyed to improve fields of fire and create obstacles.

8. Consider backblast when firing the LAW, Dragon, or TOW. In urban combat, the backblast is more hazardous due to rubble and channeling caused by buildings, narrow streets, and alleys. Anti-tank weapons should not be fired from any enclosed spaces. Figure 2-9 gives minimum dimensions required to fire the LAW and Dragon.

Figure 2-9. Minimum Dimensions.

9. Position M2's, if possible, so they can engage the enemy at the longest possible ranges. M2's can be initially placed forward on the edge of the urban area to gain long-range shots, and then displace to the rear before becoming decisively engaged. If this technique is used, provide security for the vehicles. Concealed routes to supplementary and alternate positions should be selected and reconnoitered by the fighting vehicle teams. The speed of the M2 can assist in the rapid movement from one position to another.

PART H - DIRECT M2 BRADLEY PLATOON FIRES IN THE DEFENSE

1. The control of the opening of initial fire in stages, is based in part upon the effective range of the weapons available. The sequence below shows the weapons used going from long to short range and demonstrates the staged effect.

WEAPON	RANGE (METERS)

TOW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		3,750
Indirect Fire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		3,000+
25-mm Cannon .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		3,000
7.62-mm M240C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		1,100
M60 Machine gun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		1,100
Dragon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		1,000
M16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		300
M203 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		300
LAW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .		200

2. The following provides a comparison of weapons available and the type of targets that each weapon would engage.

	WEAPON	PRIMARY TARGETS

	TOW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Tanks

	25-mm Cannon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	BMPs/BTRs

	7.62-mm M240C Machine gun . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Anti-tank Guided Missiles(ATGM)/Infantry

	M60 Machine gun. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Infantry

	Dragon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Tanks/BMPs/BTRs

	Rifles/Automatic Rifles. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Infantry

	LAWS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Tanks/BMPs/BTRs

	M203. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .	Infantry/BMPs/BTRs

3. Call for mortar and artillery fire at extended ranges to force the enemy to button up. When the enemy closes to within 3,000 meters, the M2's engage BMPs and BTRs with the 25-mm automatic gun, and tanks with the TOW. When the enemy closes to within 1,000 meters, Dragons are employed against enemy tanks and personnel carriers. At close ranges, the fires of the dismount teams, the M2 7.62-mm M240C machine gun, and indirect fires are added to the battle to engage dismounted infantry.

4. As the enemy begins the assault, hold small arms fire until the enemy comes within effective rifle/automatic rifle range (300 meters). This will enable the platoon to deliver effective surprise fire. Also, call for all final protective fires (FPF). Machine guns fire on their final protective lines (FPL) or principal directions of fire (PDF), and the forward observers (FO) call for mortar and artillery FPFs. Continue a heavy volume of fire until the enemy assault is stopped.Then, reduce the rate of fire to conserve ammunition.

5. Primary targets for the TOW are enemy tanks. The M2's TOW should engage enemy tanks as soon as they are in range and adequate exposure time is available for a hit. TOW rounds must be conserved for targets with high hit probability in the platoon's sector. Keep abreast of the remaining missile status. Request resupply during any lull in the battle, even if only one TOW missile is required.

6. Employ the 25-mm automatic gun, firing armor-piercing discarding sabot (APDS) ammunition, to engage BMPs and BTRs out to 3,000 meters. Once the enemy has dismounted, continue to have the M2's engage BMPs or BTRs, or switch to high explosive incendiary tracer (HEI-T) to destroy or suppress other weapons. APDS should be reserved for targets that cannot be killed with HEI-T. Likewise, HEI-T should be reserved for targets that cannot be killed or suppressed with the 7.62-mm coax machine gun. Both should be reloaded at every opportunity.

7. Employ the 7.62-mm coax machine gun to suppress ATGMs and machine gun positions, defeat thin-skinned vehicles, force armored vehicles to button up, and engage troops either riding on the outside of tanks or dismounted. Employ the 7.62-mm coax machine gun whenever possible to conserve the larger caliber ammunition.

8. The dismount element engages the enemy as soon as he comes within the element's sector of fire. Targets in the primary sector of fire take priority, but when no targets appear in the primary sector, the dismount element leader designates which weapons will be shifted to targets in the secondary sector. However, he must keep constant surveillance on the primary sector.

9. The fighting vehicle team leader moves the M2 to alternate firing positions to avoid effective enemy fire or to obtain a better shot in the primary sector. You, as the platoon leader (fighting vehicle element leader), must coordinate this movement to avoid having all vehicles out of firing positions at the same time.

10. Direct movement to supplementary positions when a threat exists in the platoon's secondary sector. This movement normally involves simultaneous movement of the entire fighting vehicle element, but may be done by a single M2 or by pairs (sections). The dismount element usually remains in position due to its inability to react with great speed in the midst of battle and the effectiveness of indirect fires when element leaders leave their positions. However, you may direct that the dismount teams remount and accompany the vehicles if the threat includes dismounted infantry.

11. Direct the FO to engage the enemy with artillery at the earliest opportunity. This forces the enemy to button up, thereby reducing his observation of the battlefield and suppressing his ability to use the ATGMs mounted on the BMPs and BRDMs. You should place the FPF along a dismounted avenue of approach. You must also insure that the volume of indirect fire does not obscure the long-range fires of the anti-armor weapons.

12. Establish a simple and effective means of controlling the fires of the platoon to insure that the frontage is properly covered.

	a.	Standing Operating Procedures. SOPs are actions squad leaders and platoon members perform automatically without command. This eliminates many commands and simplifies control, but SOPs must be well understood by all members and thoroughly rehearsed during training.

	b.	Wire. Use wire whenever possible to communicate instructions to subordinate leaders. Wire is easily broken by artillery, small arms, grenades, etc., however, so a backup communications plan must be established.

	c.	Radio. There are several radios in the M2 platoon to assist in controlling the platoon during battle. An alternate communications plan must be established, however, in case of jamming or radio failure.

	d.	Oral. This is an effective method of control unless the leaders are too far away or the noise of battle makes it impossible to hear.

	e.	Prearranged Signals. These are either visual or sound signals, such as pyrotechnics or blasts on a whistle. These signals should be included in the company or platoon SOP and must be clearly understood by all platoon members.

	f.	Arm-and-Hand Signals. This is an effective method of control when the leaders can see each other.

	g.	Personal Contact. In many situations, you will have to move from leader to leader to issue instructions.

	h.	Passing Orders from Man to Man. This is an effective method when the order is simple and time is not critical.

PART I - PREPARE BUILDING(S) FOR A PLATOON DEFENSIVE POSITION

1. Selection of Building(s) to Defend.

Upon being given the area to defend, determine where the defense will be set up. A rifle platoon will normally defend using one to three buildings. How many buildings used depends on the size, strength, and layout of the buildings. Consider the following points when selecting buildings for defense.

		(1)	Protection. Reinforced concrete or brick buildings protect best. A reinforced cellar is good. Avoid wooden buildings when possible.

		(2)	Dispersion. It is better to have a position in two or three mutually supporting buildings than in one building.

		(3)	Concealment. Avoid obvious positions, especially at the edge of an urban area.

		(4)	Fields of Fire. Positions should have good fields of fire in all directions.

		(5)	Observation. The building(s) should permit observation into the adjoining defensive positions.

		(6)	Covered Routes. These are used for movement and resupply. The best covered routes are through or behind a building(s).

		(7)	Fire Hazard. Avoid buildings that will burn easily.

	(8)	Time. Buildings which will need a lot of preparation are undesirable when time is short.

b.	Once you have picked the building(s) to defend, select positions for the key weapons within the platoon.

2. Select and Prepare Positions.

M60 Machine Gun. In the defense, machine guns are best used to cover streets and alleys with grazing fire. Plan final protective lines or a principal direction of fire to exploit the longest unobstructed fields of fire (Figure 2-10). Whenever possible, emplace machine guns at the lowest level of the building to attain grazing fire (Figure 2-11). Consider emplacing machine guns in basement windows or loopholes in walls. If fields of fire are blocked by rubble, plunging fires may be attained at higher levels.

Figure 2-10. M60 Fields of Fire.

Figure 2-11. Machine Gun Emplacement.

TOW, Dragon, or LAWs. Position the anti-tank weapons whether within the platoon or attached, on upper stories for longer-range coverage and to permit firing at the deck of tanks (Figure 2-12).

Figure 2-12. Dragon Positioning.

		(1)	Consider backblast in employing these anti-tank weapons.

		(2)	None of the anti-tank weapons described here can be fired from an unvented or completely enclosed room. For them to be fired from inside a building, the following conditions must be met.

			(a)	The building must be of sturdy construction.
			(b)	The ceiling must be at least 7 feet high.
			(c)	The floor size of the room must be at least 17 by 24 feet for TOW, 15 by 12 feet for Dragon, and 4 feet for a LAW backblast.
			(d)	There must be at least 20 square feet of ventilation (room openings) to the rear of the weapon. An open 7 by 3 foot door would provide adequate ventilation.
			(e)	All glass must be removed from windows, and all loose objects from the room.
			(f)	All soldiers within the room must be forward of the rear of the weapon.
			(g)	All soldiers in the room must protect their ears when the weapon is fired.
			(h)	The clearance between the muzzle of the weapon and the opening it is fired from should be 9 inches for a TOW and 6 inches for a Dragon (Figure 2-13).

Figure 2-13. Dragon Backblast.

		(3)	As stated earlier, the TOW and Dragon are best employed from the upper stories to attain the longest fields of fire. When deciding whether to dismount the TOWs, consider the advantages of long-range versus the disadvantages of loss of mobility.
		(4)	When emplacing the TOW/Dragon, consider the 65-meter minimum firing distance (arming distance).

3. Prepare Positions in Building(s).

	a.	When defending from more than one building, pick a point within one of the buildings to be the control center. Run phone lines from the control center to the other building(s), burying them when possible at least concealing them. Hide radio antennas by placing them out windows and next to the sides of the building.

	b.	The platoon's food, water, and ammunition may be stockpiled at each defensive position or at the control centers in each building.

	c.	When easily obtained, the floors of the rooms being defended should be covered with a light layer of dirt. Do not place dirt on the floor of rooms from which anti-tank weapons will be fired.

	d.	Reinforce and camouflage all firing positions. Dusty areas can be wet down with water to keep dust from rising when weapons are fired (Figures 2-14 and 2-15).

Figure 2-14. Reinforce and Camouflage.

Figure 2-15. Dust Control.

4. Prepare Outside of Building(s).

	a.	When preparing the outside of the building(s), consider using mines and/or obstacles to cover dead space and to keep the enemy from using streets, alleys, or rooftops.

	b.	When possible, cover mines and obstacles by fire.

PART J - INSURING OPERATIONAL SECURITY OF AN M2 BRADLEY PLATOON

1. Actions taken to keep the enemy from learning about friendly dispositions, plans, intentions, and operations are called operational security (OPSEC) measures. In the M2 platoon and squad, OPSEC measures include camouflage and concealment, physical security, noise and light discipline, and signal security.

2. Insure that each squad has taken appropriate OPSEC measures, to include proper camouflage and concealment, and insure that each squad is maintaining proper noise and light discipline.

3. Insure squads perform steps to maintain physical security so that the enemy does not close on or infiltrate friendly positions without being detected. These steps include manning observation posts, conducting patrols, conducting stand-to, and providing local security.

	a.	Assign at least one squad the mission to man an OP. When establishing an OP, explain in detail what the OP is to do, what its actions should be when it detects the enemy, and when and how it is to return to the platoon's position.

	b.	You may also send out patrols to cover unoccupied gaps between squads or adjacent platoons.

	c.	Conduct stand-to according to unit SOP. Stand-to is a state of maximum preparedness. As a minimum, stand-to is conducted 30 minutes before and after beginning of morning nautical twilight and end of evening nautical twilight.

	d.	Provide for local security by assigning squad sectors. To further increase local security, have dismount teams observe sectors in their dismount role.

4. Do not permit the power to be drained from the M2's batteries. Direct the track commanders to take actions to extend battery life. During periods of limited visibility, use silent watch. That defensive posture minimizes sounds that might be heard by the enemy, including the sound of M2 engines running to recharge batteries. Silent watch works as follows:

	a.	First, establish a silent watch plan. The plan must designate which vehicles are to watch and for how long. If the entire platoon sector can be observed by all vehicles, then by alternating vehicles one at a time, the platoon's observation time can be maximized before restarting the engines. If two vehicles are required to cover the sector, then the observation can be rotated between pairs.

	b.	When all M2's have completed their period of silent watch and must recharge their batteries, direct all vehicles to start their engines simultaneously and run at a fast idle. Once all batteries are recharged, the silent watch rotation can start again. This method allows for an extended period of observation before breaking silence with engine noise.

NOTE: The thermal imagery sight of the integrated sight unit requires approximately 10 minutes to cool enough to be completely effective. If enemy attack is imminent during limited visibility, all sights should be on so they are ready. Since this drains power from the M2's batteries, it will reduce the time the platoon can remain in silent watch. When silent watch is rotated within the platoon, watches should overlap 10 minutes to allow for the new team's sight to cool.

5. At platoon and squad level, signal security primarily involves proper use of the radio.

	a.	Insure that the radio is used only when necessary. Arm-and-hand signals, flag-set signals, whistles, telephones, flashlight signals, and messengers are used as alternatives.
	b.	When transmitting sensitive information to the company commander or other platoon leaders, encode the message using the communications-electronics operation instructions. Sensitive information within the platoon is given orally in face-to-face meetings or by messenger.
	c.	When transmitting on the radio, these rules should be followed:

		(1)	Transmit only when necessary.

		(2)	Think the message through before keying the transmitter, and know exactly what needs to be said. If time permits, write out messages beforehand.

		(3)	Keep transmissions short, using callsigns only as necessary.

		(4)	Do not confuse the radio with the vehicle intercom system.

		(5)	Use proper radiotelephone procedure.

This completes Lesson 2 on the M2 Bradley squad mission in conjunction with defense and MOUT. After reviewing all of the material presented in this lesson, you should complete the practice exercise for Lesson 2. Answers and feedback for the questions in the practice exercise will be provided to show you where further study is required.

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Lesson 2 Practice Exercise:
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