APPENDIX E
Signal Site Defense
Site Defense
Signal site defense ensures the division C2 system is not destroyed by a Level I or Level II rear Threat. FM 90-14 clearly identifies the increased role for CS and CSS in rear battle operations. Our fighting forces must be free to engage the Threat or to operationally maneuver IAW AirLand Battle doctrine.
a. Our sites must be able to defend against sabotages, ground forces, and perhaps airborne/air assault forces. We must do the job with little, if any, immediate help. Training and equipment must reflect more concern for the defense.
b. Signal sites are defended according to the site category. The site categories are remote sites, colocated sites, and separate or node sites.
(1) Remote sites are composed of one to four communication teams located on an isolated position. This site provides critical continuity to the communications system. The division commander extends his communications by use of these isolated teams.
(2) Colocated sites are composed of a signal extension node servicing a headquarters colocated with that headquarters unit.
(3) Node sites are composed of a platoon or larger signal unit that does not colocate with a subscribing unit. These nodes are the division signal officer's and are displaced at his discretion to support the division communications network. These are major communications locations and their loss or compromise severely impacts the battle and C2.
c. Table E-1 provides a generic allocation for nodes at remote sites and colocated sites (extensions).
Table E-1. Allocation for nodes.
d. The sites may acquire heavier weapons and coordinate with other units, through the battalion rear battle operations officer, at the battalion logistics operations point.
e. Further measures include using claymores, light antitank weapons (LAWs), and patrols.
Site Defense Planning
a. The types of site you are defending are--
- Remote site (relays retransmission).
- Separate node site.
- Colocated site, an extension site.
b. The remote site defense has the following capabilities:
- It camouflages well.
- It establishes defensive position and rallying points.
- It sets up NBC equipment.
- It does not draw attention to your site.
- It opens fire only if directly threatened.
- It uses night vision devices.
c. Remote sites usually are on high ground and are an advantage in observing terrain. You can--
- Identify Threat equipment.
- Call for fires.
- Expect to be bypassed.
d. During minimum levels of threat to security, requirements are as follows:
- Assign a roving fire/security guard.
- Spot-check the area.
- Inventory sensitive items.
- Report communications consistently to receive any battle status change.
Colocated Site Defense
a. Colocated defense applies to sites colocated with supported units. Units have integrated defense plans. Several sites with colocated responsibilities are as follows:
- Div Main CP.
- Div TAC.
- Div Rear CP.
- Three brigade CPs.
- Three brigade support areas.
- Five separate headquarters.
b. Colocated defense requires clarification and definition of the following points:
- Perimeter, limited production (LP), and observation post responsibilities.
- Additional communications to site commander.
- Ammunition logistics.
c. The following assumptions are made in colocated defense:
- Assigned areas of responsibility have been established.
- The perimeter will hold.
d. Colocated defense usually has the following faults:
- No alternate positions.
- No internal site/roving guards.
Separate or Node Site Defense
a. First establish security with minimum personnel.
- Use dismount guard with backup positions.
- Use roving fire/security guards.
- Inventory sensitive items.
- Position NBC equipment.
- Establish stand-to procedures.
b. Defend your perimeter with the maximum number of personnel available to engage a ground force. Ensure your perimeter prevents grenade penetration of signal vans. Allow enough terrain for alternate positions to be taken.
c. Emplace your machine gun and M-203s with primary and alternate positions in the plan. Ensure that the M-203s have positioned target/range cards for live space. Since machine guns receive intense return fire, provide riflemen to cover the weapon and halt flanking maneuvers.
d. Clear the field of fire low to the ground (about 45.7 centimeters (18.28 inches)). This will not draw attention to the site from air reconnaissance.
e. Establish fields of fire, targets, known ranges, and alternate positions. All are plotted.
f. Inspect fighting positions for the following:
- Cover and concealment.
- Overhead cover and concealment.
- Range cards.
- Aiming stakes.
- The most likely approaches.
g. Consider how fire discipline depends on communications. You can probably talk to different division's units, but how do you talk from one foxhole to another? How do you open and cease fire? Wire-to-key positions must be laid and an FC point must be established.
h. Examine your map for the following:
- Rallying points.
- Preplanned fire targets.
- Medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) landing zones.
- Threat landing zones.
i. Constantly improve your site. Never let a day pass without improving your defensive posture.
j. Consider the faults in site defense. Some of the most common faults are--
- Minimum security is not established.
- Dismount point is inadequately manned and does not alternate route vehicles.
- Black-out line is not provided out from the site.
- Perimeter is too close to signal center.
- Coordination is not made.
- Vans are too close for indirect fire.
- No one can call for fire.
- NBC alarms are not emplaced.
- Listening posts are within earshot of generators.
- Observation post cannot see.
- Fields of fire are not staked.
- M-203 is not forked and range cards are not made.
- There is no site C2.
- Overhead cover is ignored.
- There is no rallying point.
- A landing zone is not identified.
k. Consider the enumerate phases of site defense determined by the site commander.
(1) In low phase, site security means defensive positions are made, and roving guards are out. The dismount guard post is out. A defensive plan is made.
(2) In medium phase, half of the force or security is used. Personnel are briefed and the plan is reviewed. Any last changes are made before engagement.
(3) In high phase, there is minimum C3, if any. Engagement is imminent.
l. Make load inspection.
(1) Ammunition, water, NBC, placement of weapons, special instructions, convoy signs, flags, glow lights, last vehicle largest, and strip maps are checked.
(2) Advance party departs.
(3) Leaders reconnaissance.
(4) Advance party closes on site.
(5) Security is established Upon arrival at site.
(6) Leaders sweep the objective.
(7) The site and paths are established.
(8) The site is walked.
(9) Vehicle drives paths.
(10) Post ground guides for main body are assigned.
(11) Main body is notified that the site is secured for occupation.
(12) Main body arrives. Vans and generators are emplaced and communications are established.
(13) Main body coordinates with adjoining unit.
(14) The perimeter is defined (beyond hand grenade range of vans if possible). The site officer in charge prepares positions, establishes dismount points, and assigns roving guards/fire guards.
(15) Key weapons are positioned as follows:
- M-60 alternate position.
- M-16 backup.
- M-249 (squad automatic weapon).
- M-203 - claymores, LAWs, range cards.
(16) Fighting positions are inspected. The following is checked:
- Sector of fire.
- Overhead cover/concealment.
- The front.
- Defense communications.
- The location of ammunition and food supply points is known to everyone.
- Obstacle emplacement.
- Alternate positions.
- Selected and recorded predesignated artillery targets.
- Emplacement of NBC alarms.
- Generators. Can you hear them at the listening posts?
- Observation point. Is it too close to the site? Can personnel see to observe?
- Field of fire cleared 45.7 centimeters (18.28 inches).
- Lanes of engagement staked.
- Final protective fires established
(17) Alternate headquarters is established.
(18) Rallying points and rendezvous points are established.
(19) Keep improving the following:
- Ground - dimension.
- Air dimension - camouflage and spread out.
- NBC dimension.
- Electronic - low power, low Peak.
(20) Quiz your soldiers.
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