a. Surprise. Platoons achieve surprise by attacking the enemy at a time or place he does not expect, or in a manner for which he is unprepared. Unpredictability and boldness, within the scope of the commander's intent, help the platoon to gain surprise. Total surprise is rarely essential; simply delaying or disrupting the enemy's reaction is usually effective. Surprise delays the enemy's reactions, stresses his command and control, and induces psychological shock in his soldiers and leaders. The platoon's ability to attack during limited visibility, to operate as a small unit, and to infiltrate are often key to achieving surprise. The platoon must exploit the effect of surprise on the enemy before he can recover.

b. Concentration. Platoons achieve concentration by massing overwhelming effects of their weapons systems and rifle squads, without necessarily massing platoon vehicles and squads at a single location, to achieve a single purpose. Because the attacker moves across terrain the enemy has prepared, he may expose himself to the enemy's fires. By concentrating overwhelming combat power, the attacker can reduce the effectiveness of enemy fires and the amount of time he is exposed to those fires. Modern navigation tools (such as GPS) allow the platoon leader to disperse his vehicles while retaining the ability to quickly mass the effects of the platoon's weapons systems whenever necessary.

c. Tempo. Tempo is the rate of speed of military action. Controlling or altering that rate is essential for maintaining the initiative. While a fast tempo is preferred, the platoon leader must remember that synchronization sets the stage for successful accomplishment of the platoon's mission. To support the commander's intent, the platoon leader must ensure that his platoon's movement is synchronized with the company's movement and with that of the other platoons. If the platoon is forced to slow down because of terrain or enemy resistance, the commander can alter the tempo of company movement to maintain synchronization. The tempo may change many times during an offensive operation. The platoon leader must remember that it is more important to move using covered and concealed routes to positions from which the platoon can mass the effects of direct fires on the enemy than it is to maintain precise formations and predetermined speeds.

d. Audacity. Audacity is a simple plan of action, boldly executed. It is the willingness to risk bold action to achieve positive results. Knowledge of the commander's intent two levels up allows the platoon leader to take advantage of battlefield opportunities whenever they present themselves, enhancing the effectiveness of the platoon's support for the entire offensive operation. Audacity, marked by disciplined initiative, inspires soldiers to overcome adversity and danger.

a. Movement to Contact. The movement to contact (MTC) is a type of offensive operation designed to develop the situation and establish or regain contact. The platoon will likely conduct an MTC as part of a company when the enemy situation is vague or not specific enough to conduct an attack. (For a detailed discussion of MTC refer to Section V.)

b. Attack. An attack is an offensive operation that destroys enemy forces or seizes or secures terrain. Movement, supported by fires, characterizes the conduct of an attack. The platoon will likely participate in a synchronized company attack. However a platoon may conduct a special purpose attack as part of, or separate from, a company offensive or defensive operation. Special purpose attacks consist of ambush, spoiling attack, counterattack, raid, feint, and demonstration. (For a detailed discussion of attack and special purpose attacks refer to Section VI.)

c. Exploitation. Exploitations are conducted at the battalion level and higher. The objective of exploitation is to complete the destruction of the enemy following a successful attack. Companies and platoons may conduct movements to contact or attacks as part of a higher unit's exploitation.

d. Pursuit. Pursuits are conducted at the company level and higher. A pursuit typically follows a successful exploitation. The pursuit is designed to prevent a fleeing enemy from escape and to destroy him. Companies and platoons may conduct attacks as part of a higher unit's exploitation.

a. Envelopment. Envelopment (Figure 4-1) is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to avoid the principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives to the enemy rear or flank in order to destroy him in his current positions. "Flank attacks" are a variant of envelopment in which access to the enemy's flank and rear results in enemy movement. A successful envelopment requires discovery or creation of an assailable flank. The envelopment is the preferred form of maneuver because the attacking force tends to suffer fewer casualties while having the most opportunities to destroy the enemy. A platoon may conduct the envelopment by itself or as part of the company's attack. Envelopments focus on:

• Seizing terrain.
• Destroying specific enemy forces.
• Interdicting enemy withdrawal routes.

b. Turning Movement. Turning movement (Figure 4-2) is a form of maneuver in which the attacking force seeks to avoid the enemy's principal defensive positions by seizing objectives to the enemy's rear and causing the enemy to move out of his current positions or to divert major forces to meet the threat. For a turning movement to be successful, the unit trying to turn the enemy must attack something that the enemy will fight to save. This may be a supply route, artillery emplacement, or a headquarters. In addition to attacking a target that the enemy will fight to save, the attacking unit should be strong enough to pose a real threat to the enemy. A platoon likely will conduct a turning movement as part of a company supporting a battalion attack.

c. Infiltration. Infiltration (Figure 4-3) is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force conducts undetected movement through or into an area occupied by enemy forces to occupy a position of advantage in the enemy rear while exposing only small elements to enemy defensive fires. Moving and assembling forces covertly through enemy positions takes a considerable amount of time. A successful infiltration reaches the enemy's rear without fighting through prepared positions. An infiltration normally is used in conjunction with and in support of another form of maneuver. A platoon may conduct an infiltration (dismounted or mounted) as part of a larger unit's attack with the company employing another form of maneuver. The platoon leader also may employ infiltration to maneuver his squads to a location to support the attack of the mounted element. A platoon may conduct an infiltration in order to:

• Attack enemy-held positions from an unexpected direction.
• Occupy a support-by-fire position to support an attack.
• Secure key terrain.
• Conduct ambushes and raids.
• Conduct a covert breach of an obstacle.

d. Penetration. Penetration (Figure 4-4) is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to rupture enemy defenses on a narrow front to create both assailable flanks and access to the enemy's rear. Penetration is used when enemy flanks are not assailable, when enemy defenses are overextended, when weak spots in the enemy defense are identified, and when time does not permit some other form of maneuver. A penetration normally consists of three steps:

• Breach the enemy's main defense positions.
• Widen the gap created to secure flanks by enveloping one or both of the newly exposed flanks.
• Seize the objective.

As part of a larger force penetration, the platoon will normally isolate, suppress, fix, or destroy enemy forces, breach tactical or protective obstacles in the enemy's main defense, secure the shoulders of the penetration, or seize key terrain. A company also may use the penetration to secure a foothold within a built-up area.

e. Frontal Attack. Frontal attack is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to destroy a weaker enemy force or fix a larger enemy force along a broad front. It is the least desirable form of maneuver because it exposes the attacker to the concentrated fire of the defender and limits the effectiveness of the attacker's own fires. However, the frontal attack is often the best form of maneuver for an attack in which speed and simplicity are key; it is useful in overwhelming weak defenses, security outposts, or disorganized enemy forces.

a. Contact situations include (but are not limited to) the following:

• Visual contact (friendly elements may or may not be observed by the enemy).
• Physical contact with a superior, inferior, or unknown enemy.
• Indirect fire contact.
• Contact with obstacles of enemy or unknown origin.
• Contact with enemy or unknown aircraft.
• Situations involving NBC conditions.
• Situations involving electronic warfare tactics such as jamming, interference, and imitative deception.

b. When the platoon makes contact with the enemy, the platoon leader responds according to the circumstances of the situation. The squad or vehicle that makes initial contact must react as appropriate. The platoon leader has several choices in deploying the platoon. In many cases, he will initiate one of the battle drills for the platoon (Appendix E). He also can order his sections or squads to immediately seek the best available covered and concealed position. (If mounted, the platoon leader determines whether or not to dismount the rifle squads.) The position should afford unobstructed observation and fields of fire and allow the platoon to maintain flank security. ICV crews also will seek cover and concealment in the absence of a deployment order from the platoon leader. This step concludes with the platoon leader or platoon sergeant sending a contact report to the company commander followed as soon as possible by a spot report (SPOTREP).

a. Because the platoon usually operates as part of a company, battalion reconnaissance elements or other assets may be available to assist the commander and platoon leader in evaluating and developing the situation.

b. There are no established rules for determining the level of superiority of an enemy in relation to the platoon; the result is dependent on the situation. The general criteria are as follows:

c. The platoon leader evaluates the enemy's capabilities, especially the number of lethal weapon systems that he knows the enemy has. He also considers the enemy's recent activities.

d. The enemy's lethality options vary. The enemy might use rapid-fire antitank weaponry, slow-firing wire-guided systems, or dismounted soldiers with automatic weapons. He can entrench forces in prepared fighting positions, or he can conduct a refueling operation with little security.

e. After making contact and evaluating the situation, the platoon leader may discover that he does not have enough information to determine the superiority or inferiority of the enemy force. To make this determination, he can further develop the situation using a combination of techniques including fire and maneuver, indirect fire, reconnaissance by fire, and surveillance. In such a situation, however, the platoon leader must exercise caution, ensuring that his actions support the commander's intent.

f. The platoon leader's most crucial considerations include mission accomplishment and the survivability of the platoon. Once the platoon leader determines what the platoon is up against, he or the platoon sergeant sends an updated SPOTREP to the company commander. Once the platoon leader develops the situation and determines that he has enough information to make a decision, he selects a COA that accomplishes the mission, meets the requirements of the commander's intent, and is within the platoon's capabilities. He has several options in determining the COA:

• Direct the platoon to execute the original plan. The platoon leader selects the COA specified by the commander in the OPORD.
• Based on the situation, issue FRAGOs to refine the plan, ensuring it supports the company commander's intent.
• Report the situation and recommend to the company commander an alternative course of action based on known information in response to an unforeseen enemy or battlefield situation.
• Direct the platoon to execute tactical movement (employing bounding overwatch and support by fire within the platoon) and reconnaissance by fire to further develop the situation and gain the information he needs to clarify a vague battlefield picture.

a. In most cases, the commander will have identified the criteria for anticipated actions on contact in terms of the enemy's capabilities (that is, whether the enemy is a superior or inferior force). He will have specified criteria for destroying, fixing, and bypassing the enemy as well as the applicable disengagement criteria. He evaluates various reactions to possible enemy actions during planning, in the company rehearsal, during his informal war-gaming, and during platoon rehearsals. He also should plan for the employment of indirect fires to support his COA.

b. Refinements to the original plan or development of a new COA may change the scheme of maneuver. In most situations, the intent of maneuver is to gain positions of advantage over the enemy, forcing him to fight in an unintended direction. One element moves to the position of advantage while another element overwatches and supports. Control of indirect fires is shifted to the observer who can best call for and adjust fire on the enemy. If necessary, the platoon leader issues a revised set of graphic control measures as part of the FRAGO.

a. If, however, the situation dictates a change from the original plan, the platoon leader must recommend a new COA to the commander. He then directs the platoon to execute the COA selected by the commander. The platoon leader communicates with other platoon leaders as necessary to obtain support in accordance with (IAW) the commander's intent.

b. More information will become available as the platoon executes its COA. The platoon leader or platoon sergeant keeps the company commander abreast of the situation with SPOTREPs and SITREPs. Accuracy of these reports is critical because the battalion commander and S2 eventually use them to confirm or deny the enemy situational template.

c. Key information the commander needs includes the size, activity, location, unit, time observed, equipment (SALUTE) of any enemy elements that the platoon has observed, engaged, destroyed, or bypassed. The platoon leader also informs the commander of the platoon's current location or destination and of any changes in the platoon's combat power or logistical status.

d. Based on details of the enemy situation, the platoon leader may have to alter his plan during execution. For example, as the platoon maneuvers to destroy what appears to be a lone enemy vehicle, it might discover six more in prepared fighting positions (a superior force). In this case, the platoon leader informs the commander and recommends an alternate COA, such as the platoon occupying a support-by-fire position while the remainder of the company destroys the enemy vehicles. The platoon continues to execute the selected or refined COA until it accomplishes the original mission, receives a FRAGO from the company commander changing the mission or COA, or receives a new order to consolidate and reorganize on the objective.

a. Reconnaissance. Before a deliberate attack, the platoon and company should gain enemy and friendly information from the reconnaissance conducted by the RSTA squadron or the battalion reconnaissance platoon. However, this may not always occur. The platoon and company should be prepared to conduct a reconnaissance of the objective to confirm, modify, or deny their tentative plan.

b. Movement to the Objective. The attacking force advances to within assault distance of the enemy position under supporting fires using a combination of traveling, traveling overwatch, and or bounding overwatch. Platoons advance to successive positions using available cover and concealment. The company commander may designate support-by-fire positions to protect friendly forces with suppressive direct fires. As the company maneuvers in zone, it employs fires to suppress, neutralize, and obscure the enemy positions. The platoon conducts mounted movement to covered and concealed positions and then dismounts. If the platoon is dismounted and moving separately from the ICVs, the platoon concentrates direct and indirect fires, establishes a base of fire, and maneuvers to regain the initiative.

c. Isolate the Objective. The goals of isolation are to prevent the enemy from reinforcing the objective and to prevent enemy forces on the objective from leaving. Infantry platoons will likely be an isolating force within a company. The platoon leader may use the mounted element to accomplish isolation if the platoon must isolate its own objective. The mounted element by its nature is agile, has significant firepower, has protection from small arms fire, and is led by the platoon sergeant. Using the mounted element for this purpose allows the dismounted element (three infantry squads and a weapons squad) to conduct actions on the objective.

d. Seize a Foothold and Exploit the Penetration (Actions on the Objective). The platoon leader often designates assault, support, and breach elements within his platoon to conduct a deliberate attack. One technique is to designate the ICVs as one support element, the seven-man weapons squad as another support element, a nine-man infantry squad as the breach element, and the platoon (-) as the assault element.

e. Consolidation and Reorganization. Once enemy resistance on the objective has ceased, the platoon quickly consolidates to defend against a possible counterattack and prepares for follow-on missions.

a. Task Organization. The hasty attack is conducted using the principles of fire and movement. The controlling headquarters normally designates a base of fire force and a maneuver force.

b. Conduct of the Hasty Attack. The platoon must first conduct actions on contact, allowing the commander to gather the information he needs to make an informed decision. The term "hasty" refers to limits on planning and preparation time, not to any acceleration in the conduct of actions on contact. Because the intelligence picture is vague, the commander normally needs more time, rather than less, during this process to gain adequate information about the enemy force.

a. Techniques. Infantry platoons will participate in two techniques for conducting a movement to contact: approach march or search and attack. The approach march technique is used when the enemy is expected to deploy using relatively fixed offensive or defensive formations but the situation remains vague. The search and attack technique is used when the enemy is dispersed, when he is expected to avoid contact or quickly disengage and withdraw, or when the higher unit needs to deny him movement in an AO.

b. Command and Control. The company commander will dictate a number of command and control techniques for the unit to employ. The platoon leader, within the scope of the commander's intent and guidance and the factors of METT-TC, may modify these techniques in order to control better his sections and squads. Some examples of command and control techniques are discussed below:

c. Developing the situation. Once the platoon makes contact with the enemy, it maintains contact until the commander orders otherwise. The platoon leader develops the situation based on the effectiveness of enemy fire, friendly casualties, size of enemy force, and freedom to maneuver. He gathers and reports critical information about the enemy and recommends a course of action. The platoon can bypass the enemy with permission from the commander, conduct an attack, fix the enemy so another platoon can conduct the assault, conduct a defense, establish an ambush, or break contact. The following guidelines apply for the platoon to develop the situation after making contact.

d. Defensive Considerations. In some situations, a platoon conducting a MTC makes contact with a much larger and more powerful enemy force. If the platoon encounters a larger enemy force where the terrain gives the platoon an advantage, it should attempt to fix the enemy force. This allows the rest of the company to maneuver against the force. If the platoon cannot fix the enemy, it may have to assume a defensive posture (refer to Chapter 5) or break contact. Because the defense may surrender the initiative to the enemy and means the enemy has fixed the platoon in place, the platoon should use it only if it is in danger of being overwhelmed. Exposed rifle squads are vulnerable to enemy indirect fires. If the platoon receives indirect fire during movement, it should use the protection of the ICVs and attempt to move out of the area or find a covered position for the rifle squads to dismount. Once the indirect fires cease, the platoon prepares for an enemy assault. In the defense, the platoon leader--

• Keeps the company commander informed and continues to report on enemy strength, dispositions, and activities.
• Dismounts the squads to cover dismounted avenues of approach in preparation for the enemy's attack.
• Places ICVs in hull-down positions (if available) or positions that provide the best cover and concealment.
• Orients Javelins along mounted avenues of approach.
• Establishes direct fire control and distribution measures.
• Calls for and adjusts indirect fires.

a. Advance Guard. The advance guard operates forward of the main body to ensure its uninterrupted advance. It protects the main body from surprise attack and fixes the enemy to protect the deployment of the main body. As the advance guard, the platoon finds the enemy and locates gaps, flanks, and weaknesses in his defense. The advance guard attempts to make contact on ground of its own choosing, to gain the advantage of surprise, and to develop the situation (either fight through or support the assault of all or part of the main body). The advance guard operates within the range of indirect fire support weapons. The platoon uses appropriate formations and movement techniques based on the factors of METT-TC.

b. Flank or Rear Guard. The platoon will have the responsibilities of flank or rear guard when moving within the company main body; however, the platoon may act as the flank or rear guard for a battalion conducting a movement to contact using approach march technique. In either situation, the platoon:

• Moves using the appropriate formation and movement technique. (It must maintain the same momentum as the main body.)
• Provides early warning.
• Destroys enemy reconnaissance units.
• Prevents direct fires or observation of the main body.

c. Main Body. When moving as part of the main body, platoons may be tasked to assault, bypass, or fix an enemy force or to seize, secure, or clear an assigned area. The platoon also may be detailed to provide sections as flank or rear guards, stay-behind ambushes, or additional security to the front. Platoons, squads and sections use appropriate formations and movement, assault, and ambush techniques.

a. Organization of Forces. The higher commander will task organize the subordinate units into reconnaissance, fixing, and finishing forces. He will assign specific tasks and purposes to his search and attack forces. Planning considerations for organizing include:

• The factors of METT-TC.
• The requirement for decentralized execution.
• The requirement for mutual support. (The platoon leader must be able to respond to contact with his rifle squads or his mounted sections not in contact, or to mutually support another platoon within the company.)
• Mounted or dismounted.
• The soldier's load.
• Resupply and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC).
• The employment of key weapons.
• The requirement for patrol bases.

b. Control Measures. The higher commander will establish control measures that allow for decentralized execution and platoon leader initiative to the greatest extent possible. The minimum control measures for a search and attack are:

• Areas of operation.
• Target reference points.
• Objectives.
• Checkpoints.
• Contact points.

An AO defines the location in which the subordinate units will conduct their searches. A target reference point (TRP) facilitates the responsiveness of the fixing and finishing forces once the reconnaissance force detects the enemy. A TRP also assists in avoiding fratricide in what may be a confusing, noncontiguous environment. Objectives and checkpoints guide the movement of subordinates and help leaders control their organizations. Contact points aid coordination among the units operating within the same AO. The advance guard operates forward of the main body to ensure its uninterrupted advance. It protects the main body from surprise attack and fixes the enemy to protect the deployment of the main body. As the advance guard, the platoon finds the enemy and locates gaps, flanks, and weaknesses in his defense. The advance guard attempts to make contact on ground of its own choosing, to gain the advantage of surprise, and to develop the situation (either fight through or support the assault of all or part of the main body). The advance guard operates within the range of indirect fire support weapons. The platoon uses appropriate formations and movement techniques based on the factors of METT-TC.

a. Leaders have an increased ability to control fires during limited visibility. The platoon has three types of enhancements for use in fire control--target designators consisting of the GCP-1 and AIM-1; aiming lights consisting of the AIM-1 and AN/PAQ-4B/C; and target illuminators consisting of infrared parachute flares, infrared trip flares, infrared 40-mm rounds, infrared mortar rounds, infrared bike lights, and remote black lights. These assets greatly aid in target acquisition and fire control.

b. Soldiers with OTN enhancements have greater accuracy of fires during limited visibility. Each soldier in the SBCT platoon is equipped with an AN/PAQ-4B/C aiming light for his individual weapon. The AN/PAQ-4B/C enables the rifleman to put infrared light on the target at the point of aim.

c. The platoon leader, squad leaders, and VCs must develop SOPs and sound courses of action to synchronize the employment of infrared illumination devices, target designators, and aiming lights during their assault on the objective.

d. Mortar, artillery, and antiarmor fires are planned as in a daylight attack. However, they are not fired unless the platoon is detected or is ready to assault. Some weapons may fire before the attack and maintain a pattern to deceive the enemy or to help cover noise made by the platoon's movement. This is not done if it will disclose the attack.

e. Smoke is planned to further reduce the enemy's visibility, particularly if he has NVDs. The smoke is laid close to or on enemy positions so it does not restrict friendly movement or hinder the breaching of obstacles. Employing smoke on the objective during the assault may make it hard for assaulting soldiers to find enemy fighting positions. If enough thermal sights are available, smoke on the objective may provide a decisive advantage for a well-trained platoon.

f. Illumination is always planned for limited visibility attacks, giving the leader the option of calling for it. Battalion commanders normally control the use of conventional illumination but may authorize the company commander to do so. If the commander decides to use conventional illumination, he should not call for it until the assault is initiated or the attack is detected. It should be placed on several locations over a wide area to confuse the enemy as to the exact place of the attack. Also, it should be placed beyond the objective to help assaulting soldiers see and fire at withdrawing or counterattacking enemy soldiers

a. Operational Considerations. The execution of an ambush is offensive in nature; however, the platoon may be directed to conduct an ambush during offensive or defensive operations. The platoon leader considers both mounted and dismounted options for conducting the ambush. The platoon must take all necessary precautions to ensure that it is not detected during movement to or preparation of the ambush site. The platoon also must have a secure route of withdrawal following the ambush. An ambush normally consists of the following actions:

• Mounted (or dismounted) tactical movement to the objective rally point (ORP).
• Reconnaissance of the ambush site.
• Establishment of the ambush security site.
• Preparation of the ambush site.
• Execution of the ambush.
• Withdrawal.

b. Task Organization. The platoon is normally task-organized into assault, support, and security forces for execution of the ambush.

c. Planning. The platoon leader's key planning considerations for any ambush include:

• Cover the entire kill zone (engagement area) by fire.
• Use existing terrain features (rocks or fallen trees, for example) or reinforcing obstacles (Claymores or other mines) orienting into the kill zone to keep the enemy in the kill zone.
• Determine how to emplace reinforcing obstacles on the far side of the kill zone.
• Protect the assault and support forces with mines, Claymores, or explosives.
• Use the security force to isolate the kill zone.
• Establish rear security behind the assault force.
• Assault into the kill zone to search dead and wounded, assemble prisoners, and collect equipment. (The assault force must be able to move quickly on its own through protective obstacles.)
• Time the actions of all elements of the platoon to preclude the loss of surprise.
• Determine the role of the ICVs as dictated by the factors of METT-TC.

d. Category. The leader determines the category of ambush through an analysis of the factors of METT-TC. Typically, the two most important factors are time and enemy.

e. Formations. The platoon leader considers the factors of METT-TC to determine the required formation.

f. Type. The company commander, following an analysis of the factors of METT-TC, will determine the type of ambush that the platoon will employ.

a. Operational Considerations. The platoon may conduct a raid to accomplish a number of missions, including the following:

• Capture prisoners.
• Capture or destroy specific command and control locations.
• Destroy logistical areas.
• Obtain information concerning enemy locations, dispositions, strengths, intentions, or methods of operation.
• Confuse the enemy or disrupt his plans.

b. Task Organization. The task organization of the raiding force is determined by the purpose of the operation. However, the raiding force normally consists of the following elements:

• Support force (with the task of support by fire).
• Assault force (with the task of destroy).
• Breach force (if required).

c. Conduct of the Raid. The main differences between a raid and other special purpose attacks are the limited objectives of the raid and the associated withdrawal following completion. However, the sequence of platoon actions for a raid is very similar to those for an ambush. Additionally, the assault element of the platoon may have to conduct a breach of a protective obstacle (if a breach force has not been designated). Raids may be conducted in daylight or darkness, within or beyond the supporting distances of the parent unit. When the location to be raided is beyond supporting distances of friendly lines, the raiding party operates as a separate force. An objective, usually very specific in nature, is assigned to orient the raiding unit (Figure 4-9). During the withdrawal, the attacking force should use a route different from that used to conduct the raid itself.

The counterattack is a form of attack by part or all of a defending force against an enemy attacking force, with the general objective of denying the enemy his goal of attacking. This attack by defensive forces regains the initiative or denies the enemy success with his attack. The platoon may conduct a counterattack as a lightly committed force within a company or as the battalion reserve. The platoon counterattacks after the enemy begins his attack, reveals his main effort, or creates an assailable flank. As part of a higher headquarters, the platoon conducts the counterattack much like other attacks. However, the platoon leader must synchronize the execution of his counterattack within the overall defensive effort. Counterattacks afford the defender the opportunity to create favorable conditions for the commitment of combat power. The platoon should rehearse the counterattack and prepare the ground to be traversed. Counterattacks are more useful to the higher headquarters when the platoon anticipates employment, plans and prepares for employment, and executes with the other defending, delaying, or attacking forces in conjunction with the higher commander's plan.

a. A platoon may seize prepared or unprepared enemy positions from either an offensive or defensive posture. Examples include:

• A platoon seizes the far side of an obstacle as part of a company breach.
• A platoon seizes a portion of an enemy defense as part of a company deliberate attack.
• A platoon seizes key terrain to prevent its use by the enemy.

b. There are many inherent dangers in seizing an objective: deadly enemy fires; a rapidly changing operational environment; the requirement to execute a dismounted assault; and the possibility of fratricide when friendly forces converge. Taken together, these factors dictate that the platoon leader and subordinate leaders understand the following planning considerations.

c. The platoon leader must plan for and implement indirect fire support in his plan.

d. While serving as the assault force in a company deliberate attack, the platoon may have to conduct an assault breach of the enemy's protective obstacles to gain access to the objective area. Protective obstacles normally are integrated with existing obstacles and restricted terrain.

e. In most circumstances, the company sets the conditions for the platoon to seize the objective. The purpose of this effort is to achieve an acceptable superior force ratio for the assaulting platoon. If the platoon is seizing an objective as part of a company attack, other platoons in the company normally will be responsible for suppressing the enemy on the objective area from designated support-by-fire positions. These platoons may be the same support forces that protected the breach force. Terrain factors may require them to reposition to provide effective support for the assault force. If the platoon is seizing an objective that is not part of a company deliberate attack it may have to establish its own support-by-fire positions to suppress the enemy and protect its assault force. Regardless of who provides support by fire (another platoon or internal elements), the platoon must always integrate the principles of fire and movement (maneuver) when executing the assault.

f. The platoon normally uses an ASLT PSN, the last covered and concealed position short of the objective, when the platoon is the assault force in a company deliberate attack. It can use an ASLT PSN along with a PLD, or it may use a PLD in lieu of an assault position. Actions at the assault position or the PLD could include these critical functions:

• Verify current friendly and enemy situations using tactical reports from platoon or company support-by-fire forces.
• Issue FRAGOs and disseminate information to the lowest level.
• Confirm TRPs and direct-fire responsibilities.
• Position field artillery observers.
• Conduct final prepare-to-fire checks.
• Reorganize to compensate for combat losses.

a. General Terrain Considerations. The platoon leader must consider several important terrain factors in planning and executing the clearance task.

b. Restricted Terrain Considerations. Conducting clearance in restricted terrain is both time consuming and resource intensive. During the planning process, the platoon leader evaluates the tactical requirements, resources, and other considerations for each operation.

c. Enemy Analysis. Careful analysis of the enemy situation is necessary to ensure the success of clearing. The enemy evaluation should include the following:

• Enemy vehicle location, key weapons, and infantry elements in the area of operations.
• Type and locations of enemy reserve forces.
• Type and locations of enemy OPs
• The impact of the enemy's NBC and or artillery capabilities.

d. Belowground Operations. Belowground operations entail clearing enemy trenches, tunnels, basements, and bunker complexes. The platoon's base-of-fire element and the maneuvering squads must maintain close coordination. The weapons squad focuses on protecting the squads as they clear the trench line or maneuver to destroy individual or vehicle positions. The base-of-fire element normally concentrates on destroying key surface structures (especially command posts and crew-served weapons bunkers) and the suppression and destruction of enemy vehicles. As noted previously, the direct-fire plan (refer to Appendix F) must be thoroughly developed and rehearsed to ensure it will facilitate effective mutual support while preventing fratricide.

a. To accomplish this task, the platoon must maintain orientation both on the enemy force and on the friendly maneuver force it is supporting. The platoon leader should plan and prepare by:

• Conducting line-of-sight analysis to identify the most advantageous support-by-fire positions.
• Conducting planning and integration for direct and indirect fires.
• Determining triggers for lifting, shifting, or ceasing direct and indirect fires.
• Planning and rehearsing actions on contact.
• Planning for large Class V expenditures, especially for the weapons squad and support elements since they must calculate rounds per minute. (The platoon leader and weapons squad leader must consider a number of factors in assessing Class V requirements, to include the desired effects of platoon fires; the time required for suppressing the enemy; and the composition, disposition, and strength of the enemy force.)

b. A comprehensive understanding of the battlefield and enemy and friendly disposition is a crucial factor in all support-by-fire operations. The platoon leader uses all available intelligence and information resources to stay abreast of events on the battlefield. Additional considerations may apply. The platoon may have to execute an attack to secure the terrain from which it will conduct the support by fire. The initial support-by-fire position may not afford adequate security or may not allow the platoon to achieve its intended purpose. This could force the platoon to reposition to maintain the desired weapons effects on the enemy. The platoon leader must ensure the platoon adheres to these guidelines:

• Maintain communications with the moving force.
• Be prepared to support the moving force with both direct and indirect fires.
• Be ready to lift, shift, or cease fires when masked by the moving force.
• Scan the area of operations and prepare to acquire and destroy any enemy element that threatens the moving force.
• Maintain 360-degree security.
• Use ICVs and Javelins to destroy any exposed enemy vehicles.
• Employ squads to lay a base of sustained fire to keep the enemy fixed or suppressed in his fighting positions.
• Prevent the enemy from employing accurate direct fires against the protected force.

a. When the platoon is assigned an ABF position, the platoon leader obtains the most current intelligence update on the enemy and applies his analysis to the information. During planning and preparation, the platoon leader should consider the following:

• Conduct a line-of-sight analysis during terrain analysis to identify the most favorable locations to destroy or fix the enemy.
• Conduct direct and indirect fire planning and integration.
• Determine control measures (triggers) for lifting, shifting, or ceasing direct fires.
• Determine control measures for shifting or ceasing indirect fires.
• Plan and rehearse actions on contact.

b. Several other considerations may affect the successful execution of an attack by fire. The platoon may be required to conduct an attack against enemy security forces to seize the ground from which it will establish the ABF position. The initial ABF position may afford inadequate security or may not allow the platoon to achieve its task or purpose. This could force the platoon to reposition to maintain the desired weapons effects on the enemy force. In addition, because an attack by fire may be conducted well beyond the direct fire range of other platoons, it may not allow the platoon to destroy the targeted enemy force from its initial positions. The platoon may begin to fix the enemy at extended ranges. Additional maneuver then would be required to close with the enemy force and complete its destruction. Throughout an attack by fire, the platoon should reposition or maneuver to maintain flexibility, increase survivability, and maintain desired weapons effects on the enemy. It should also employ rifle squads whenever possible to assist mounted sections. Rifle squad support functions may include the following:

• Seize ABF position before occupation by mounted sections.
• Provide local security for the ABF position.
• Execute timely, decisive actions on contact.
• Use maneuver to move to and occupy ABF positions.
• Destroy enemy security elements protecting the targeted force.
• Employ effective direct and indirect fires to disrupt, fix, or destroy the enemy force.