Military

a. During this step, the platoon may be required to provide guides to the passing security force and may be tasked to close the passage lanes. The platoon, as part of a larger force, also may play a role in shaping the battlefield. The battalion or brigade commander may position the company to deny likely enemy attack corridors, thus enhancing flexibility and forcing enemy elements into friendly engagement areas.

b. When not conducting security or preparation tasks, the company, and in turn the platoon, normally will occupy hide positions to avoid possible enemy artillery preparatory fires.

a. Occupation and preparation of the defense site (see Section V of this chapter) is conducted concurrently with the TLP and the development of the engagement area (if required). The platoon occupies defensive positions in accordance with the company commander's plan and the results of the reconnaissance. To ensure an effective and efficient occupation, the reconnaissance element marks the friendly positions, and these tentative positions are entered on the operational graphics. Each ICV and squad moves to their marker, or a guide leads them in. Once in position, each squad leader and VC checks his position location. As the platoon occupies its positions, the platoon leader manages the positioning of each squad and vehicle to ensure they locate IAW the tentative plan. If the platoon leader notes discrepancies between actual positioning of the squads or vehicles and his plan, he makes the corrections. The platoon leader must personally walk the positions to ensure that everyone understands the plan and that the following are in accordance with the plan:

• Weapons orientation.
• Vehicle positions.
• Weapons squads' positions.
• Rifle squads' positions.

Each squad leader ensures he knows the location of the platoon leader and platoon sergeant for command and control purposes.

b. When the occupation is complete, subordinate leaders can begin to develop their sector sketches (Appendix H) based on the basic fire plan developed during the leader's reconnaissance. Positions are improved when the direct fire plan is finalized and proofed. In addition to establishing the platoon's primary positions, the platoon leader and subordinate leaders normally plan for preparation and occupation of alternate, supplementary, and subsequent positions in accordance with the company order. The following are tactical considerations for these positions.

a. If the answer is YES, the platoon continues to fight the defense.

b. If the answer is NO, the platoon leader reports the situation to the company commander and continues to engage the enemy. He repositions the platoon (or squads of the platoon) when directed by the commander to--

• Continue fires into the platoon sector (engagement area).
• Occupy supplementary positions.
• Reinforce other parts of the company.
• Counterattack locally to retake lost fighting positions.
• Withdraw from an untenable position using fire and movement to break contact.

a. Consolidation includes organizing and strengthening a position so that it can continue to be used against the enemy. Some platoon consolidation requirements are--

• Adjust other positions to maintain mutual support.
• Reoccupy and repair positions and prepare for renewed enemy attack.
• Relocate selected weapons to alternate positions if leaders believe that the enemy may have pinpointed them during the attack.
• Repair damaged obstacles and replace mines (Claymore) and booby traps.
• Reestablish security and communications.

b. Reorganization includes shifting internal resources within a degraded unit to increase its level of combat effectiveness. Some platoon consolidation requirements are--

• Man key weapons, as necessary
• Provide first aid and prepare wounded soldiers for CASEVAC.
• Redistribute ammunition and supplies.
• Process and evacuate EPWs

a. Depth and Dispersion. Dispersing positions laterally and in depth helps protect the force from enemy observation and fires. Platoon positions are established in depth, allowing sufficient maneuver space within each position for in-depth placement of vehicle weapon systems and dismounted infantry elements. Vehicle and infantry fighting positions are positioned to allow massing of direct fires at critical points on the battlefield. Although the factors of METT-TC ultimately determine the placement of weapons systems and unit positions, the following also apply:

• ICVs are best employed from flank positions and in positions from which they can engage dismounted infantry, support and resupply vehicles, or fix or severely limit the movement of reserves, usually at a range of 1,100 meters or less.
• Infantry squads should be positioned on reverse slopes or in restricted terrain where they cannot be engaged before they take the enemy under fire.
• Infantry squads can conduct antiarmor fires with Javelin missiles, which have a maximum range of 2,000 meters.
• Infantry squads can retain or deny key terrain if employed in strongpoints or well-covered positions.
• Infantry squads can protect obstacles or flank positions that are tied into severely restricted terrain.

b. Flank Positions. Flank positions enable a defending force to bring direct fires to bear on an attacking force. An effective flank position provides the defender a larger, more vulnerable target while leaving the attacker unsure of the location of the defender. Major considerations for successful employment of a flank position are the defender's ability to secure the flank and his ability to achieve surprise by remaining undetected. Effective direct fire control (Appendix F) and fratricide avoidance measures (Appendix D) are critical considerations when employing flank positions.

c. Displacement and Disengagement Planning. Displacement and disengagement are key control measures that allow the platoon to retain its operational flexibility and tactical agility. The ultimate goals of displacement and disengagement are to enable the platoon to maintain standoff range and to avoid being fixed or decisively engaged by the enemy.

a. Mobility. During defensive preparations, mobility focuses initially on the ability to resupply, reposition, and conduct rearward and forward passage of forces, supplies, and equipment. Once defensive preparations are complete, the mobility focus shifts to routes from hide positions and to alternate, supplementary, or subsequent positions. The company commander will establish the priority of mobility effort within the company. Normally, all or most of the engineer assets will be allocated to the survivability and or countermobility effort during the defense. (Refer to Chapter 8 for a discussion of engineer assets that may be available to the company.)

b. Countermobility. To be successful in the defense, the platoon leader must integrate obstacles into both the direct and indirect fire plans. (Refer to FM 90-7 for additional information on obstacle planning, siting, and turnover.) The platoon is responsible for constructing protective obstacles.

c. Survivability. Survivability positions are prepared in defensive positions or strongpoints to protect vehicles, weapon systems, and the rifle squads. Positions can be dug in and reinforced with overhead cover to provide rifle squads and crew-served weapons with protection against shrapnel from air bursts. Vehicle fighting positions are constructed with both hull-defilade firing positions and remote weapons system observation positions. The company may dig in ammunition prestocks at platoon alternate, supplementary, or subsequent defensive positions or in individual vehicle fighting positions. The process of digging in a battalion requires many hours of engineer effort. Engineer assets are limited, so the platoon leader must develop a plan for digging in the platoon. He prepares the platoon area for the arrival of engineer assets by marking positions and designating guides. The platoon leader must prioritize the survivability effort within the platoon. He may have time only to dig in positions that have the least amount of natural cover and concealment. Soil composition also should be a consideration in the selection of defensive positions; sites to be avoided include those where the soil is overly soft, hard, wet, or rocky.

a. To ensure an effective and efficient occupation, each ICV and rifle squad moves to the location marked by the reconnaissance element as a friendly position. These positions also are on the operational graphics. Once in position, each squad leader and VC checks his location on the map to ensure he is complying with the platoon leader's graphics. As the platoon occupies its positions, the platoon leader ensures that each squad and vehicle locate in accordance with his plan. If the platoon leader notes discrepancies between actual positioning of the squads or vehicles and his plan, he corrects it immediately.

b. Once each rifle squad and ICV has occupied its position, the platoon leader must walk the positions to ensure weapons orientation, positioning of the rifle squads and vehicles, and understanding of the plan are in accordance with the pre-established plan. The platoon leader should not rely on updates from his subordinates. He should always walk his defensive perimeter. For command and control purposes, each squad leader and VC must know the location of the PL and the PSG.

c. OTN equipment enhances the occupation process under limited visibility conditions. For instance, the platoon leader can mark his position with an infrared light source and the squad leaders and VCs can move to pre-marked positions with infrared light sources showing them where to locate. Additionally, the squad leaders can use AN/PAQ-4B/Cs or AN/PEQ-2As to point out sectors of fire and TRPs to their soldiers, using infrared light sources to keep the occupation clandestine.

d. The platoon may conduct a hasty occupation in the defense during a counterattack or after disengagement and movement to alternate, supplementary, or subsequent defensive positions.

e. The platoon conducts deliberate occupation of defensive positions when time is available, when enemy contact is not expected, and when friendly elements are positioned forward in the sector to provide security for forces in the MBA. Actually establishing defensive positions is accomplished concurrently with the development of the EA. The platoon leader directs the initial reconnaissance from the EA and then tentatively emplaces vehicle and weapon system positions.

f. Once the defensive positions are established, subordinate leaders can begin to develop their sector sketches and fire plans based on the basic fire plan developed during the leader's reconnaissance. Fighting positions are improved while the direct fire plan is finalized and proofed. Depending on factors of METT-TC, the platoon may occupy hide positions when preparations are completed, then occupy the defensive positions just before initiating the defensive operation. The platoon leader, with guidance from the company commander, designates the level of preparation for each defensive position based on the time available and other tactical considerations for the mission. The three levels of defensive position preparation are listed here in descending order of thoroughness and time required:

g. In addition to establishing the platoon's primary defensive positions, the platoon leader and subordinate leaders normally plan for preparation and occupation of alternate, supplementary, and subsequent defensive positions in accordance with the company order.

a. Observation Posts. An OP gives the platoon its first echelon of security in the defense. The OP provides early warning of impending enemy contact by reporting direction, distance, and size. It detects the enemy early and sends accurate reports to the platoon. The platoon leader establishes OPs along the most likely enemy avenues of approach into the position or into the area of operation. Leaders ensure that OPs (mounted or dismounted) have communication with the platoon.

b. Patrols. Platoons actively patrol in the defense. Patrols enhance the platoon's ability to fill gaps in security between OPs (refer to Chapter 10). The platoon leader forwards his tentative patrol route to the commander to ensure they do not conflict with other elements within the company. The commander forwards the entire company's patrol routes to the battalion. This allows the battalion S3 and S2 to ensure all routes are coordinated for fratricide prevention and to ensure the company and platoons are conforming to the battalion intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) plan. The patrol leader may use a GPS to enhance his basic land navigational skills as he tracks his patrol's location on a map, compass, and pace count or odometer reading.

a. Range Card. A range card is a sketch of a sector that a direct fire weapons system is assigned to cover. A range card aids in planning and controlling fires and aids the crew in acquiring targets during limited visibility. It also is an aid for replacement personnel or platoons or squads to move into the position and to orient on their sector. During good visibility, the gunner should have no problems maintaining orientation in his sector. During poor visibility, he may not be able to detect lateral limits. If the gunner becomes disoriented and cannot find or locate reference points or sector limit markers, he can use the range card to locate the limits. The gunner should make the range card so that he becomes more familiar with the terrain in his sector. He should continually assess the sector and, if necessary, update his range card. (For a detailed discussion on range cards refer to Appendix H.)

b. Vehicle Firing Position. When the ICV is integrated into the defensive position and after a range card has been completed, its position should be marked with ground stakes. This enables the ICV or a replacement ICV to reoccupy the position and be able to use the range card data.

c. Sector Sketches. Detailed sketches aid in the planning, distribution, and control of the platoon fires. Gunners prepare the range cards. Squad leaders prepare squad sector sketches, section leaders prepare section sketches, and the platoon leader prepares the platoon sketch. (For a detailed discussion of sector sketches refer to Appendix H)

a. ICV Employment. The ICV's primary role is to transport the infantry squads and provide limited protection from indirect fire and self-defense fires from their organic weapon systems (M2 and MK19). However, the platoon may integrate the ICV into the defense and capitalize on the increased fire power of the M2 and the antiarmor capabilities of the MK 19. Leaders should consider the following when employing ICVs in the defense:

• Use a hide position when possible and stay in it until the enemy is in the area where the platoon will destroy him. A prone or dug-in observer forward gives a much smaller signature than an ICV.
• Have a backdrop and avoid anything that may catch the enemy's eye.
• Position to the flank of an enemy mounted approach and behind frontal cover. It is easier for the attacker to acquire and destroy a target to his front than one to his flank or rear.
• Use covered routes into and out of firing positions.
• Use a guideline of 75m or more between primary and alternate ICV positions. This decreases the enemy's ability to acquire the ICV following an engagement.
• Do not construct berms. To be effective, a berm needs more than 20 feet of dirt, and this makes it easier for the attacker to spot the position. Dig one- and two-step fighting positions instead.

Avoid positions that expose weapons to large numbers of enemy systems. It is best to hide weapons from major portions of the enemy formation. The weapon should be able to engage one or two of the enemy vehicles at the same time. It must be able to shift from its assigned sector of fire to engage other portions of the enemy formation (Figure 5-3). When engagement ranges are reduced, flanking fires, use of obstacles, mutual support with the rifle squads, and covered and concealed positions increase in importance. Because of battlefield obscuration, weapons should be positioned to fight during limited visibility and be able to quickly move to alternate positions.

b. Javelin Employment. The Javelin's primary role is to destroy enemy armored vehicles. When there is no armored vehicle enemy, the Javelin can be employed in a secondary role of providing fire support against point targets such as bunkers and crew-served weapons positions. In addition, the Javelin's CLU can be used alone as an aided vision device for reconnaissance, security operations, and surveillance. Reduced or limited visibility will not degrade the effectiveness of the Javelin. This fact allows the antiarmor specialist to continue to cover his sector without having to reposition closer to the avenue of approach. The platoon leader's assessment of the factors of METT-TC will determine the employment of Javelins. (For a detailed discussion on the employment of the Javelin, refer to Appendix G.) Based on the situation, the platoon leader may employ all or some of the Javelins. He has two options:

• Centralized Control. The platoon leader controls the fires of his Javelin gunners, either physically locating the weapons in his vicinity and personally directing their fires, or by grouping them together under the control of the platoon sergeant or another designated leader.
• Decentralized Control. Javelin gunners operate with, and are controlled by, their squad leaders. The squad leader may need to employ one fire team with a Javelin. The platoon leader normally gives the command to fire.

c. M240B and M249 Employment. These are the platoon's primary dismounted weapons and are positioned first if the enemy is a dismounted force. (For a detailed discussion on the employment of the M240B and the M249, refer to Appendix B.) Once these guns are sited, the leader positions riflemen to protect them. The guns are positioned to place direct fire on locations where the platoon leader wants to concentrate combat power to destroy the enemy.

d. M2 Machine Gun and MK 19 Grenade Launcher Employment. The platoon is equipped with the M2 .50 cal machine gun and the MK 19 grenade launcher. Both systems are organic to the ICV and can be used in the mounted or dismounted role. These weapons provide the platoon leader with additional firepower for use in the defense. The M2 has a maximum effective range of 1800m. The MK19 has a maximum effective range of 1830m for area fire and 1500m for point targets. The MK19 has a high explosive (HE) round and a high explosive dual purpose (HEDP) round, and both are effective against lightly armored vehicles.

e. M203 Employment. The M203 is the squad leader's indirect fire weapon. He positions it to cover dead space in the squad's sector, especially the dead space for the M240B and M249. The grenadier is also assigned a sector of fire overlapping the riflemen's sectors of fire. The HEDP round is effective against lightly armored vehicles such as the BMP-1 and the BTR (an eight-wheeled armored personnel carrier).

f. Employment of Riflemen. The platoon and squad leaders assign positions and sectors of fire to each rifleman in the platoon. Normally, they position the riflemen to support and protect the machine guns, squad automatic weapons, and antiarmor weapons. Riflemen also are positioned to cover obstacles, provide security, cover gaps between platoons and companies, or provide observation.

a. He may specify a series of subsequent defensive positions within the sector from which the platoon will defend to ensure that the fires of two platoons can be massed.

b. He may assign a sector to the platoon. The platoon leader assumes responsibility for most tactical decisions and controlling maneuvers of his subordinate elements by assigning them a series of subsequent defensive positions IAW guidance from the company commander in the form of intent, specified tasks, and the concept of the operation. The company commander normally will assign a sector to a platoon only when it is fighting in isolation

a. Same Battle Position, Same Avenue of Approach. Rifle squads and ICVs are on the same battle position covering the same avenue of approach (Figure 5-5). The platoon can defend against mounted and dismounted attacks and move rapidly to another position.

b. Same Battle Position, Different Avenues of Approach. Rifle squads and ICVs are on the same battle position covering different avenues of approach (Figure 5-6).

c. Different Battle Positions, Same Avenue of Approach. Rifle squads and ICVs are on different battle positions covering the same avenue of approach (Figure 5-7). If positioned on separate battle positions, ICVs and rifle squads must fight in relation to each other when covering the same avenues of approach. ICVs can provide the rifle squads supporting fires from their primary, alternate, or supplementary positions. Both elements are positioned to engage enemy forces on the same avenue of approach, but at different ranges.

d. Different Battle Positions, Different Avenue of Approach. ICVs and infantry may be employed on different battle positions, different avenues of approach.

a. Characteristics of the Strongpoint Defense. The prime characteristic of an effective strongpoint is that it cannot be easily overrun or bypassed. It must be positioned and constructed so that the enemy knows he can reduce it only at the risk of heavy casualties and significant loss of materiel. He must be forced to employ massive artillery concentrations and dismounted infantry assaults in his attack, so the strongpoint must be tied in with existing obstacles and positioned to afford 360-degree security in observation and fighting positions.

b. Techniques and Considerations. A variety of techniques and considerations are involved in establishing and executing the strongpoint defense, including considerations for displacement and withdrawal from the strongpoint.

c. Engineers support strongpoint defense by reinforcing the existing obstacles. Priorities of work will vary depending on the factors of METT-TC, especially the enemy situation and time available. For example, the first 12 hours of the strongpoint construction effort may be critical for emplacing countermobility and survivability positions as well as command and control bunkers. On the other hand, if the focus of engineer support is to make the terrain approaching the strongpoint impassable, the battalion engineer effort must be adjusted accordingly.

a. The perimeter defense is a relatively uncommon mission for an SBCT infantry platoon because it allows only limited maneuver and limited depth. Nonetheless, the platoon may be called on to execute a perimeter defense under a variety of conditions to include--

• Holding critical terrain in areas where the defense is not tied in with adjacent units.
• Defending in place when it has been bypassed and isolated by the enemy.
• Conducting occupation of an independent assembly area or reserve position.
• Preparing a strongpoint.
• Concentrating fires in two or more adjacent avenues of approach.
• Defending CS or CSS assets.
• Occupying a patrol base when dismounted.

b. The major advantage of the perimeter defense (Figure 5-9) is the platoon's ability to defend against an enemy avenue of approach. A perimeter defense differs from other defenses in that--

• The trace of the platoon is circular or triangular rather than linear.
• Unoccupied areas between squads are smaller.
• Flanks of squads are bent back to conform to the plan.
• The bulk of combat power is on the perimeter.
• The reserve is centrally located.

a. The majority of a rifle squad's weapons are not effective beyond 600 meters. To reduce or preclude destruction from enemy direct and indirect fires beyond that range, a reverse-slope defense should be considered. Using this defense conflicts to some extent with the need for maximum observation forward to adjust fire on the enemy and the need for long-range fields of fire for M2s, MK19, Javelins, and MGS. In some cases it may be necessary for these weapons systems to be deployed forward while the rifle squads remain on the reverse slope. The weapons systems and crews withdraw from their forward positions as the battle closes. Their new positions should be selected to take advantage of the long-range fires of the M2, MK19, Javelin, and MGS to get enfilade shots from the depth and the flanks of the reverse slope.

b. The nature of the enemy may change at night, and the rifle squads may occupy the forward slope or crest to deny it to the enemy. In those circumstances, it is feasible for a rifle squad to have an alternate night position forward. The area forward of the topographical crest must be controlled by friendly forces through aggressive patrolling and both active and passive reconnaissance measures. The platoon should use all of its night vision devices to deny the enemy undetected entry into the platoon's defensive area. The Javelin and ICV are key parts of the platoon's surveillance plan and should be positioned to take advantage of their thermal sights. The enemy must not be allowed to take advantage of reduced visibility to advance to a position of advantage without being taken under fire.

c. The company commander normally makes the decision to position platoons on a reverse slope. He positions platoons on a reverse slope when--

• He wishes to surprise or deceive the enemy about the location of his defensive position.
• A forward slope might be made untenable by direct enemy fire.
• Occupation of the forward slope is not essential to achieve depth and mutual support.
• Fields of fire on the reverse slope are better or at least sufficient to accomplish the mission.
• Forward slope positions are likely to be the target of concentrated enemy artillery fires.

d. The following are advantages of a reverse-slope defense:

• Enemy observation of the position, including the use of surveillance devices and radar, is masked.
• Enemy cannot engage the position with direct fire without coming within range of the defender's weapons.
• Enemy indirect fire will be less effective because of the lack of observation.
• Enemy may be deceived about the strength and location of positions.
• Defenders have more freedom of movement out of sight of the enemy.

e. Disadvantages of a reverse-slope defense include the following:

• Observation to the front is limited.
• Fields of fire to the front are reduced.
• Enemy can begin his attack from a closer range.

f. ICVs offer the platoon additional opportunities with regard to positioning. They can begin positioned forward to take advantage of their protection from artillery and their ability to engage the enemy at longer ranges. After an initial engagement, ICVs may move over or around the crest line and through the rifle squads on the reverse slope to a position either on the flanks or farther in depth to the rear.

g. Obstacles are necessary in a reverse-slope defense. Since the enemy will be engaged at close range, obstacles should prevent the enemy from closing too quickly and overrunning the positions, and they should facilitate the platoon's disengagement.

a. Site Positions to Best Engage the Enemy. The most important aspect of a fighting position is that it must be tactically well positioned. Leaders must be able to look at the terrain and quickly identify the best location for fighting positions.

• Soldiers must be able to engage the intended enemy element within their assigned sectors of fire.
• Soldiers should be able to fire out to the maximum effective range of their weapons with maximum grazing fire and minimal dead space.
• Grenadiers should be placed in positions to cover dead space.

Leaders must ensure fighting positions provide mutually supporting, interlocking fires. This allows them to cover the platoon's sector from multiple positions. When possible, they site positions behind natural cover and in easily camouflaged locations. The enemy must not be able to identify the position until it is too late and he has been effectively engaged.

b. Prepare Positions by Stages. Leaders must ensure their soldiers understand when and how to prepare fighting positions based on the situation. Soldiers prepare hasty fighting positions every time the platoon makes an extended halt. Half of the platoon digs in while the other half maintains security. Soldiers prepare positions in stages and a leader inspects the position at each stage before the soldiers move to the next stage. (See the following example.)

STAGE 1: The platoon leader checks fields of fire from the prone position. For a stage 1 position (Figure 5-11), the soldiers--

• Emplace sector stakes.
• Stake the primary sector.
• Position grazing fire log or sandbag between the sector stakes.
• Place the aiming stake(s), if required, to allow limited visibility engagement of a specific target.
• Scoop out elbow holes.
• Trace the outline of the position on the ground.
• Clear the fields of fire for both the primary and secondary sectors of fire.

The leader inspects the position before the soldiers move to Stage 2.

STAGE 2: Soldiers prepare retaining walls (Figure 5-12) for the parapets. They ensure that--

• There is a minimum distance (equal to the width of one helmet) from the edge of the hole to the beginning of the front, flank, and rear cover.
• The cover to the front consists of sandbags (or logs), two to three high and, for a two-soldier position, about the length of two M302 rifles (about 7 feet).
• The cover to the flanks is the same height, but only one M203 rifle length (about 3.5 feet).
• The cover to the rear is one sandbag high and one M203 long (about 3.5 feet).
• If logs are used, they must be held firmly in place with strong stakes.

The leader inspects the retaining wall before the soldiers begin Stage 3.

STAGE 3: Soldiers dig the position and throw dirt forward of the parapet retaining walls and pack it down hard (Figure 5-13). They--

• Dig the position armpit deep (tallest soldier).
• Fill the parapets in order of front, flanks, and rear.
• Camouflage the parapets and the entire position.
• Dig grenade sumps and slope the floor toward them.
• Dig storage areas for two rucksacks into the rear wall if needed.
• Ensure the leader inspects the work.

STAGE 4: Soldiers prepare the overhead cover (Figure 5-14). They--

• Always provide solid support for overhead cover. Build the support using 4- to 6-inch logs on top of each other running the full length of the front and rear cover.
• Place five or six logs 4 to 6 inches in diameter and two M203s long (about 7 feet) over the center of the position, resting them on the overhead cover support, not the sandbags.
• Place waterproofing (plastic bags, ponchos) on top of these logs.
• Put a minimum of 18 inches of packed dirt or sandbags on top of the logs.
• Camouflage the overhead cover and the bottom of the position.
• Ensure the leader inspects the position.

c. Inspect All Positions. Leaders must ensure their soldiers build fighting positions that are both effective and safe. An improperly sited position cannot be used and an improperly constructed position is a danger to its occupants. Leaders should inspect the progress of the fighting position at each stage in its preparation.

a. Sometimes soldiers must construct fighting positions using only the basic tools and materials they can carry or find in the local area, such as entrenching tools, sandbags, and locally cut timber. At other times, significant amounts of Class IV construction materials and heavier digging tools may be available.

b. At times, the terrain will accommodate the construction of a position with overhead cover that protects soldiers from indirect fire fragmentation while allowing them to return fire. Sometimes, especially on open terrain, this is not possible, and the entire position must be built below ground level. Although this type position offers excellent protection and concealment to soldiers, it limits their ability to return fire from within a protected area.

c. Infantry fighting positions normally are constructed to hold one, two, or three soldiers. There are special designs adapted for use by machine gun (M240B) and antiarmor (Javelin) teams. Fighting vehicles in hull- and turret-defilade positions should be integrated into the platoon's defense, although not necessarily adjacent to infantry positions

d. When constructing fighting positions, soldiers should:

• Dig the positions no deeper than armpit deep.
• Fill sandbags no more than 75 percent full.
• Use revetments to support excavations in sandy soil.
• Check stabilization of wall bases.
• Inspect and test the position daily, after heavy rain, and after receiving fire.
• Maintain, repair, and improve positions constantly.
• Keep all vehicles at least five meters away from the position.

a. Hasty Fighting Position. Soldiers prepare hasty fighting positions when there is little or no time before contact with the enemy is expected (Figure 5-15). They locate them behind whatever cover is available and where they can engage the enemy. The position should give frontal protection from direct fire while allowing fire to the front and oblique. Occupying a hasty position does not mean there is no digging. Soldiers can dig hasty positions in only a few minutes. A hasty fighting position just 18 inches deep will provide a significant amount of protection from direct fire and even fragmentation. Hasty positions may be the first step in the construction of more elaborate positions.

b. One-Soldier Fighting Position. Positions that contain only a single soldier are the least desirable, but they are useful in some situations. One-soldier positions may be required to cover exceptionally wide frontages. They should never be positioned out of sight of adjacent positions. The one-soldier fighting position (Figure 5-16) should allow the soldier to fire to the front or to the oblique from behind frontal cover. Advantages and disadvantages to consider when choosing a one-soldier fighting position include:

• The one-solder position allows choices in the use of cover.
• The hole only needs to be large enough for one soldier and his gear.
• It does not have the security of a two-soldier position.

c. Two-Soldier Fighting Position. A two-soldier fighting position (Figure 5-17) is normally more effective than a one-soldier fighting position. It can be used to provide mutual support to adjacent positions on both flanks as well as cover dead space immediately in front of the position. One or both ends of the hole may extend around the sides of the frontal cover. Modifying a position in this way allows both soldiers to have better observation and to have greater fields of fire to the front. Also, during rest or eating periods, one soldier can watch the entire sector while the other sleeps or eats. If they receive fire from their front, they can move back to gain the protection of the frontal cover. By moving about one meter, the soldiers can continue to find and hit targets to the front during lulls in enemy fire. This type of position:

• Requires more digging.
• Is more difficult to camouflage.
• Provides a better target for enemy hand grenades.

d. Three-Soldier Fighting Position. A three-soldier position has several advantages. A leader can be in each position, making command and control easier. It supports continuous security operations better than other positions. One soldier can provide security; one can do priority work; and one can rest, eat, or perform maintenance. This allows the priority of work to be completed more quickly than in a one- or two-soldier position. This position allows the platoon to maintain combat power and security without shifting personnel or leaving positions unmanned. It provides 360-degree observation and fire, and it is more difficult for the enemy to destroy because he must kill or suppress three soldiers.

e. Machine Gun Position. The primary sector of fire is usually to the oblique so a machine gun can fire across the platoon's front. The tripod is used on the side covering the primary sector of fire. The bipod legs are used on the side covering the secondary sector of fire. When changing from primary to secondary sectors, the gunner moves only the machine gun. Occasionally a sector of fire that allows firing directly to the front is assigned, but this can reduce the frontal cover for the crew when firing to the oblique (Figure 5-19). (For a detailed discussion on the employment of the M240B, refer to Appendix B.)

f. Javelin Position. The Javelin can be employed from hasty or completed positions (Figure 5-20). However, some changes are required. (For a detailed discussion on the employment of the Javelin refer to Appendix G.)

g. AT4. The AT4 can be fired from infantry fighting positions. If the AT4 is to be fired from a two-soldier position, the gunner must ensure the other soldier is not in the backblast area. Assume the basic standing position, but instead of stepping forward, lean against the back wall of the fighting position. Ensure that the venturi or rear of the weapon extends beyond the rear of the fighting position.

a. Parapets positioned at the front of or around major weapon systems provide improved protection from direct fire and from blast and fragments of indirect fire, artillery, mortar, and rocket shells. At its base, the parapet should be at least 8 feet thick. The parapet functions as a standoff barrier for impact-detonating direct-fire high explosive anti-tank (HEAT) and ATGM projectiles. The parapet should cause the fuzes to activate, thereby increasing survivability for the protected vehicles. If the enemy uses kinetic energy, direct fire armor-piercing, or hypervelocity projectiles, it is impractical to construct parapets thick enough for protection. To protect against these projectiles, deep-cut, hull defilade, or turret defilade positions are prepared. Fighting and protective positions for essential vehicles should be constructed no larger than needed.

b. Battlefield success requires maneuver among fighting positions between main gun firings. Maximum use of terrain is required to conceal fighting vehicles maneuvering among fighting positions. After a major weapon system fires its main gun, the vehicle should move concealed to another position before firing again. If the major weapon system immediately reappears in the old position, the enemy knows where to fire his next round.

c. Positions formed by natural terrain are best because they are easy to modify. If preparation is necessary, extensive engineer support is required. Each position is camouflaged with either natural vegetation or a camouflage net, and the spoil is flattened out or hauled away. All fighting positions for fighting vehicles (MGS, ICV) are planned as deliberate positions. Since the lack of time usually does not allow full construction of a deliberate position, only some parts of the position are prepared. For example, the complete fighting position for an ICV requires the construction of a hull defilade, turret defilade, concealed access ramp or route, and hide location all within the same position. The maneuver commander uses organic and engineer earthmoving assets and usually constructs part of the fighting position.

d. Digging hide locations and concealed routes between fighting positions normally is not practical due to the lack of engineer assets and time. Engineer assets are used to dig the hull and turret defilade positions. The ramps and concealed routes require only partial clearing and leveling with engineer equipment because natural concealed routes and hide locations are used. If time permits, the commander expands the fighting position to all four parts, including a hide and turret defilade location. The access ramp from the hide location to the hull defilade position usually provides turret defilade for a vehicle at some point on the ramp. This location can be marked with engineer tape and a chemical light so the driver knows when to stop.