Section IV. Techniques of Tactical Control
Chain of Command
The troop commander cannot personally supervise the execution of all combat tasks he assigns. He must depend on a trusted team of subordinate leaders. The chain of command in the troop extends from the commander to the platoon leaders and section leaders. Within the platoons, it extends from platoon leaders and their platoon sergeants to section sergeants to vehicle/crew commanders. The troop XO and the first sergeant serve as the commander's principal assistants. They help coordinate the actions of subordinate units to ensure unity of effort. They also ensure the troop has what it needs to accomplish its assigned tasks.
Orders Group
The troop orders group consists of all subordinate leaders required to receive and execute the troop commander's orders. As a minimum, the orders group should include the XO, the first sergeant, the platoon leaders, the mortar section sergeant, the fire support officer (FSO), and the leaders of any units that are attached or under the troop's operational control (OPCON).
Standing Operating Procedures
A troop SOP is a written collection of standing orders. It establishes procedures for performing routine combat tasks. For example, the SOP tells subordinates what procedures to follow when the troop occupies an assembly area, breaches an obstacle, conducts a passage of lines, or reacts to air attack. It lists reports that are routinely sent to troop and squadron headquarters, and shows their correct formats. It also states procedures for communicating within the troop, obtaining indirect fire, or getting additional fuel or ammunition. The SOP is a valuable time saver for troop leaders. Most important, the SOP keeps everyone in step, reduces confusion, and provides the backbone of combat proficiency. Disciplined execution of the troop SOP is the hallmark of outstanding units.
Terrain Index Reference System
Terrain index reference system (TIRS) is used to maneuver the troop, rapidly report friendly locations without fear of compromise, and pass out control measures. TIRS is not used to report enemy locations.
Description
Each TIRS point is shown by a tick mark located on a grid line intersection. Each point is given a designator of one letter and two numbers, such as X56, placed in the upper right quadrant of the tick mark. TIRS point designation is SOP, and units determine which letters they will use. They may designate specific letters for specific unit sectors or AO. The TIRS point is then recorded as X56, located at PA2450 (four-digit grid).
TIRS point-to-point references designate kilometers. For example, 500 meters is given as "POINT FIVE," 1,000 meters as "ONE," and 3,500 meters as "THREE POINT FIVE."
For shifts from the TIRS point, use cardinal directions instead of left, right, up, or down. Using TIRS, "FROM X-RAY FIVE SIX--EAST ONE POINT SEVEN--NORTH POINT SEVEN" translates to "From the tick mark for TIRS point X56, shift east 1,700 meters and north 700 meters." When each TIRS point is placed on a four-digit grid intersection, the use of shifts makes the TIRS as accurate as the six-digit grid system. For an example of a TIRS point in use, refer to Figure 2-5.
Application
The squadron normally issues the TIRS to be used for the operation as early as possible, perhaps with the warning order. The TIRS list should be issued to elements as an annex to a written OPORD.
The squadron should designate four to six TIRS points in each 10-kilometer square. The squadron TIRS should normally be sufficient for the troop to operate; however, if the troop designates additional TIRS, it should always ensure only squadron TIRS are referenced in its communications with higher headquarters.
TIRS should be used routinely to control combat operations. Use them--
- To identify BPs and to pass out control measures (such as LDs, PLs, and boundaries) quickly.
- To report friendly unit locations.
Figure 2-6 shows BP B22. A troop commander could report "TROOP ESTABLISHED VICINITY ALFA ZERO SEVEN." To be more precise, he could report "TROOP BRAVO ESTABLISHED ALFA ZERO SEVEN WITH RED AT FROM ALFA ZERO SEVEN EAST POINT THREE-- NORTH POINT FIVE--WHITE AT FROM ALFA ZERO SEVEN WEST POINT THREE--NORTH POINT EIGHT-- BLUE AT FROM ALFA ZERO SEVEN EAST ONE POINT NINE--NORTH ONE POINT NINE--TO FROM ALFA ZERO SEVEN WEST POINT NINE--NORTH ONE POINT SEVEN--AND GREEN AT FROM ALFA ZERO SEVEN EAST ONE POINT ZERO--NORTH POINT FIVE." In the second transmission, the troop commander gives the precise location of the center of mass for all his platoons: red, white, blue, and green represent the 1st, 2d, 3d, and 4th platoons.
Figure 2-7 shows how the SCO could quickly establish new phase lines and boundaries between troops.
PL SPUR could be sent as "PL SPUR IS FROM DELTA NINE TWO WEST POINT NINE--TO FROM DELTA NINE TWO EAST FIVE POINT THREE--NORTH POINT SEVEN."
Section V. Command Guidance and Organizational Control
Troop Commander
The troop commander is mounted in an M1A1 tank in the heavy troop or a HMMWV in the light troop. His first priority is the command and control of the troop.
The commander must provide the troop with clear intent and guidance for the mission. Intent and guidance facilitate positive command and control over subordinate platoons yet provide flexibility in execution for subordinate leaders.
The commander positions himself where he can best command and control the troop. He may maneuver along with one of the tank/AT platoons or between the tank/AT platoons and scout platoons. It is imperative that the troop commander not become decisively engaged with fighting his vehicle. He must retain the ability to control the actions of his troop. The troop commander operates on both troop and squadron command radio nets. He must have the capability to communicate to subordinates as well as to the squadron commander.
Troop TOC
The purpose of the troop tactical operations center (TOC) is to report information to the higher headquarters. The troop TOC is the critical link between squadron and troop. One of the primary purposes of the cavalry troop is to report, and the troop TOC is central to that function. The troop TOC operates under the direction of the troop XO who is responsible for assisting the commander in the command and control of the troop. The troop TOC takes reports from subordinate units in the troop, processes the information, and reports the information to the higher headquarters. The TOC tracks the battle at the troop and squadron level and relays information to the commander and subordinate platoons pertaining to the friendly/enemy situation. The TOC is the net control station for the troop command net and operates on the squadron command and OI net. The troop TOC also monitors and operates as necessary on the squadron A/L and the troop fire direction net.
In the heavy troop the TOC vehicle is an M577. An M3 CFV moves with the heavy troop TOC to provide local security for the M577 and to serve as a command and control vehicle for the XO if the commander is out of action. The XO should not conduct TOC operations out of the CFV because his experience is needed in the TOC vehicle to handle the information flow between troop and squadron over the OI and command nets. If the commander is out of action, the XO should avoid, if possible, rushing forward to assume command of the troop because of the importance of the activities in the TOC. The XO should assume command of the troop from the TOC until the battle is over. However, if the XO does need to move forward to command and control the troop, a qualified replacement must be placed in the TOC to assume his duties. This individual may be the FIST chief, one of the platoon leaders, or the first sergeant. The correct replacement for the XO in the TOC should be based on the depth available at any one of the above mentioned positions.
The light troop TOC is a cargo HMMWV with a shelter.
The primary concern when positioning the troop TOC is based on the TOC's ability to communicate with the squadron and the subordinate elements of the troop. The TOC position should also be an area that provides good cover and concealment from enemy and limited access to civilian population. During reconnaissance or offensive operations, maneuver the TOC at least one terrain feature behind troop combat elements. During security or defensive operations, the TOC should be positioned in sufficient depth to avoid contact with the enemy yet maintain communications with the forward scout platoons. The TOC and the troop trains may collocate for increased local security.
FIST
The FIST is the critical link with the supporting artillery and responsible for coordinating indirect fires (both mortar and FA) for the troop. The team processes calls for fire from the platoons and allocates the appropriate indirect-fire system based on the commander's guidance for fire support. The FIST can also assist the squadron ALO with the employment of close air support.
The FIST operates on three radio nets: troop command, troop fire direction, and squadron FSE digital/voice. The FIST monitors at least one of the following nets: squadron command, squadron OI, and howitzer battery (supporting artillery headquarters in the heavy and light division).
The FIST vehicle also may serve as the alternate troop TOC. The FSO has ready access to the higher level situation and the radio systems to replicate the troop TOC if it becomes damaged or destroyed.
Command guidance to the FIST should include the following:
- Note. See Chapter 8 for a more in-depth discussion of troop fire support command and control techniques.
Troop Mortars
The troop mortars provide responsive indirect-fire support to the troop. In the light troop they are equipped with three cargo HMMWVs and two 120-mm towed mortars. The heavy troop is equipped with two M106 mortar carriers with 107-mm mortars. The mortars operate on the troop command and fire direction nets.
Command guidance for the mortars should include the following:
Purpose of mortar fires. How does the commander intend to use mortar fires to support his maneuver?
Positioning. How far forward of the scouts will the mortars be able to range?
Scout Platoons
The scout platoons, HMMWV or Bradley equipped, perform reconnaissance and security missions for the troop. They may also perform missions within an offensive or defensive role in certain METT-T situations. To enhance command and control and to provide scout platoons the freedom of action required in cavalry operations, the troop commander should give the following guidance to scouts, regardless of what missions they are performing.
Engagement, disengagement, destruction, and bypass criteria.
The scout platoon leader and platoon sergeant operate on both the troop command and platoon command nets. As required, they will operate on the troop fire direction net. For platoon organization for combat, see FM 17-98, Chapter 2, Section VI.
Tank/AT Platoons
The tank/AT platoons are the principal killers in the troop. They assist the troop commander in the rapid development of the situation during operations by fire and maneuver. The troop commander should give the platoons the following guidance to facilitate their command and control during battle.
· Location in the troop formation and distance behind the scout platoon.
· Tempo of the operation. (Same as for the scout platoons above.)
The platoon leader and platoon sergeant operate on troop command and platoon command nets. As required, they will operate on the troop fire direction net.
Troop Trains
The troop trains provide logistical support and casualty evacuation to the troop. The trains are under the direction of the first sergeant and consist of the troop combat and field trains. The first sergeant monitors the troop command and squadron A/L nets. He directs resupply, treatment and casualty evacuation, and maintenance/recovery operations for the troop.
The troop trains may be consolidated or echeloned. Either way, the trains should move one terrain feature behind the trail combat elements of the troop. If echeloned, the field trains move with the squadron field trains under the direction of the squadron HHT commander. The troop combat trains consist of the first sergeant in his vehicle, a maintenance contact team with recovery vehicle, and a medical evacuation vehicle. The field trains are made up of the supply sergeant and the remaining members of the maintenance team.
Command guidance to the troop trains should include the following:
· Trains organization. Should they move consolidated or echeloned?
- Note. See Chapter 9 for a more in-depth discussion of the TTP for combat service support.
During tactical operations, the troop normally moves in one of four movement formations: troop column, troop line, troop vee, or troop split-vee.
Troop Column
Use the troop column when moving on a designated route, when speed is essential, and when contact with the enemy is not expected. This formation moves the troop quickly and efficiently from one place to another. Control of the troop while moving in column is eased, but the troop is vulnerable to enemy air or ground attack.
The troop usually moves at a designated speed and with a set distance between vehicles when moving in column formation. The march speed and distance between vehicles are designated by the troop SOP, based on the situation.
- Note. See Chapter 7 for a discussion of column formation.
Troop Line
Troop Vee
The troop vee formation is used to conduct reconnaissance or security missions (see Figure 2-9). The purpose of the vee formation is to keep maximum reconnaissance forward; the two tank or AT platoons are positioned in depth, ready to attack or defend any where in the troop zone/sector. This formation allows the troop to mass combat power at the decisive point (see Figure 2-10).
Position the mortars in or near the center of the troop zone/sector to provide indirect-fire support across the troop front. Keep them positioned to fire about one third to two-thirds of their range (about 3 kilometers to 3.5 kilometers, terrain dependent) beyond the scouts, so the scouts can engage enemy forces at long range with indirect fires. (Line of sight is the determining factor in range forward of the scouts. In densely wooded terrain, the scout's visibility may be only 100 to 200 meters forward of their front line trace, so mortar range need not always be 3,000 meters forward of the scouts.)
Troop Split-Vee
The troop split-vee is a variation of the troop vee, and can be used in reconnaissance and security missions (see Figure 2-11). In the split-vee formation, the scout platoons work abreast and forward of the troop. The two tank/AT platoons work in depth of the scout platoons, but each tank/AT platoon initially follows a single scout platoon in its zone/sector. The scout platoons conduct their reconnaissance or screening mission within their zone/sector, and the tank/AT platoons key their movement on the progress of the scout platoons. Give the tank/AT platoon leaders command guidance on where they should move in relation to the scout platoons. Tank/AT platoon leaders eavesdrop on the troop command net to monitor the progress of the scouts and to move their platoons to maintain their orientation with the scouts based on the troop commander's guidance.
All four platoons still work for the troop commander in this formation. The purposes of having a tank/AT platoon work with a scout platoon are to have combat power spread across the entire troop front, to keep the tanks/TOWs in a position to respond rapidly in support of a scout platoon, and to have scouts available to reconnoiter routes and positions for use by the tanks/TOWs. The troop split-vee is often used in close or restrictive terrain that reduces the tank/AT platoon's mobility so that it cannot quickly maneuver across the troop zone/sector. Generally the troop commander is the only one who commits the tank/AT platoons to conduct a hasty attack, to counterattack, or to move into overwatch positions. If he must mass the combat power of both tank/AT platoons, the troop commander can still shift the tank/AT platoons across the troop zone/sector during the mission (see Figure 2-12).
Light Troop Scramble
The light troop scramble is a task organization that allows the troop commander to use a mix of weapon systems to enhance acquisition and destruction of the enemy under reduced visibility conditions and in restrictive terrain, where massed TOW fires are not possible. This task organization can also be used to respond to multiple but separate taskings of a troop usually associated with operations other than war, for example, manning checkpoints and area security missions. The troop commander may maneuver his troop in a vee, split-vee, column, or line formation when task organized into a scramble.
The troop is task organized into four like platoons of seven vehicles each. Five scouts and two AT vehicles are in each platoon (see Figure 2-13). The platoon may task organize and operate two ways:
- TOWs integrated with the scout sections (see Figure 2-14).
- TOWs maneuvering as a section to overwatch the movement of the scouts (see Figure 2-15).
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