CHAPTER 8
COMBAT SUPPORT AND COMBAT
SERVICE SUPPORT
Section I. COMBAT SUPPORT
8-1. GENERAL
The mechanized infantry platoon as part of the company team may be supported by nonorganic elements which provide indirect and direct fire support, military intelligence, and mobility assistance. For fire support, the mechanized infantry platoon is mainly concerned with the supporting fires of mortars, field artillery TOWs, tanks, and to a lesser degree attack helicopters and close air support. Other support is provided by engineer, ground surveillance radar, and air defense elements. The team or higher level commander coordinates most of the combat support.
8-2. INDIRECT FIRE SUPPORT
Normally, the most immediate support available to the mechanized infantry platoon is mortar and artillery fire.
The battalion organic mortar platoon mortars may be fired as a platoon or by section. (H-series TOE units may also employ their company organic mortar platoons.)
Artillery fire is provided by a 155-mm howitzer battalion that is in direct support of the brigade. Normally the brigade allocates a priority of fire to a maneuver battalion. Each maneuver battalion then establishes fire support priorities for its company teams. Priority of fires is necessary because fire support is limited.
8-3. PLANNING INDIRECT FIRE
Each company team has a fire support team attached to it. The FIST helps the company commander plan, call for, and adjust indirect fire. Normally a platoon will have a forward observer party supporting it. This party helps the platoon leader plan and use his supporting fires. The forward observer party moves with the platoon leader, calls for and adjusts fires, and helps in planning and coordinating direct and indirect fires.
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The fire plan should include fire on known, suspected, or likely enemy positions and on prominent terrain features. A planned target can also be a reference point for quickly adjusting fire on targets of opportunity. Except for specific point targets, it is not necessary to plot targets close together. Close plotting complicates the fire plan. Targets are numbered and recorded by the FIST chief. Targets planned for direct fire from such weapons as machine guns, Dragons, tanks, and TOWs are designated as target reference points. They are assigned target numbers by the FIST chief just like other targets.
In the offense, to keep the enemy from reinforcing and to protect the unit from counterattack, the platoon leader and FO plan targets--
on the approaches short of the objective,
on the objective, and
beyond and to the flanks of the objective.
In the defense, withdrawal, or delay the platoon leader and FO plan--
targets on enemy avenues of approach, on obstacles, and on, behind, and to the flanks of friendly position; and
final protective fire where it will break up enemy assaults on friendly positions.
The platoon leader and FO insure that their fire planning is provided to the company FIST chief. Any duplication of fires between platoons and the company is resolved by the FIST chief. All targets are assigned a number.
Mortars can be used to:
Destroy infantry in the open, infantry and key weapons in positions without overhead cover (by using variable time [VT] fuzes), and infantry and key weapons in positions with light overhead cover (using delay fuzes).
Suppress enemy positions and armored vehicles.
Shoot white phosphorus (WP) to destroy enemy positions, to hide (screen) the platoon, or to provide illumination.
Hit enemy on reverse slopes and in gullies, ditches, built-up areas, and defilade.
Provide continuous battlefield illumination.
Provide smoke screens.
Field artillery can provide indirect fires to suppress, neutralize, or destroy enemy targets. In addition to the same capabilities as mortars mentioned above, field artillery because of its greater firepower, can:
Destroy enemy in field fortifications.
Damage or destroy armored vehicles.
Damage tanks.
The communication system used by the FO to call for fires depends on the number of fire direction (FD) nets available and the degree of control desired by the company and battalion commanders. Generally there are three FD nets:
A company FD net on which the FO and FIST chief operate.
A mortar platoon FD net (possibly two if operating as a split section) on which the mortar platoon fire direction center (FDC) operates.
An artillery FD net on which the artillery unit's FDC operates.
FD nets are assigned in cooperation with the battalion fires support officer. Platoon FOs may be linked to the FIST chief on the company FD net. The FIST chief then takes FO calls for fire and directs them to the mortar or artillery net. The FIST may allow the FOs to work on the mortar net or the artillery net or both. The FIST chief monitors their calls for fire, acts as the net control station, and interrupts them only when the company commander has a priority mission.
If an FO party is not available, the platoon leader may call for and adjust fire. He will normally initiate his call-for-fire support over the company command net which the FIST chief monitors. The platoon leader will receive instructions by the company commander or FIST as to which fire direction net to use.
8-4. CALL FOR FIRE
The initial call for fire consists of three basic elements:
Observer Identification and Warning Order. The observer identification tells the FDC who is calling. It also clears the net for the rest of the call. The warning order tells the FDC the type of mission and the method of locating the target. The types of missions are:
Adjust fire. This type of mission is used when the observer is uncertain of the exact target location. The observer says, "ADJUST FIRE."
Fire for effect. The observer should always try for first-round fire for effect. But he should only use a first-round fire for effect if he is sure that his target location is correct. He should also be sure that the rounds of the first volley will have the desired effect on the target so that little or no adjustment will be required. The observer says, "FIRE FOR EFFECT."
Suppression. This is used to quickly bring fire on a target. The observer says, "SUPPRESS" (followed by the target identification).
Immediate suppression. This is used to quickly bring fire on a planned target or target of opportunity that is firing at a friendly unit or aircraft. The observer says, "IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION" (followed by the target identification).
Target Location. This part of the warning order prepares the FDC for receiving and applying the data sent by the observer to locate the target. The three methods for locating targets are grid, polar, and shift from a known point.
If the target is known and has a target number, transmitting the target number is enough to locate the target for the FDC. When using the grid method, the target location is sent in six- or eight-digit grid coordinates. When the polar method is used, the FDC must first know the observer's location (eight-digit grid) and the observer locates the target by transmitting the range in meters and direction in mils. When using the shift method, the target is located by reference to a known point (previously established target) and directing a left or right shift in meters, and an add or drop, that will bring fire on the new target. The above information is sufficient for the FDC to plot the initial round. The other parts of the call for fire are necessary to attack the target with the right ammunition, fuze, and troop safety in mind.
If adjustment is required, the observer must send the FDC his direction to the target in mils.
Description of Target, Method of Engagement, and Method of Fire and Control.
Description of target. In this part of the call for fire, the observer describes the target to the FDC. The FDC then determines the type and amount of ammunition needed. The target description should be brief yet accurate. It should contain the following:
Method of engagement. In this part of the call for fire, the observer tells how he wants to attack the target (type of ammunition, fuze, nearness to friendly troops). Ammunition type and fuze may be altered by the FDC based on ammunition constraints. It is here that the observer would announce "DANGER CLOSE" if proximity of the target to friendly troops is 400 meters or less for mortars and 800 meters or less for 155-mm howitzers. When "DANGER CLOSE" is called, the initial rounds in adjustment should be delay fuze.
Method of fire and control. If the observer wants to control the time of firing, he will say "AT MY COMMAND." The FDC will tell the observer when the unit is ready to fire. At the proper time, the observer will say, "FIRE." If the observer does not say "AT MY COMMAND," the FDC will fire as soon as the platoon/battery is ready.
8-5. ADJUSTING INDIRECT FIRE
Once the call for fire has been made, the observer's next concern is to get fire on the target. If he can accurately locate a target, he will request "FIRE FOR EFFECT" in his call for fire. If for any reason (deceptive terrain, lack of identifiable terrain features, poor visibility or an inaccurate map) the observer cannot accurately locate the target, he must adjust fire onto the target. Usually one artillery piece or mortar is used to adjust fires.
The observer normally uses the bracketing method of adjustment. When using the bracketing method, an initial round is fired, and then the observer attempts to get one round to burst long or short of the target opposite the initial round. By alternating rounds and decreasing distances by half in each adjustment, the target is rapidly bracketed and brought under accurate fire.
The creeping method of adjustment is used in "DANGER CLOSE" situations. Here, the initial round is fired beyond the target. Adjusting rounds are brought in 50 meters at a time until the target is engaged. This method is slow. It also tends to use more ammunition; therefore, it should be used only when soldier safety is a major concern. (For a further discussion of adjusting mortar and artillery fire, see FM 6-30 and FM 7-11B1/2.)
8-6. DIRECT FIRE SUPPORT
Direct fire support can be provided by tanks and ITVs. The mechanized infantry platoon may operate with these assets; therefore, the platoon personnel must know how they are organized, what they are capable of, and how to coordinate and direct their fires.
Tank units. Cross attachment of tank and mechanized infantry companies and platoons is the basic method of organizing a combined arms team. The tank platoon consists of four or five M60 tanks (J or H series TOE). Normally the tank platoon is used as a unit so that tank sections can provide mutual support. Although tank platoons are used as a unit, the requirement remains to tie in fires, coordinate the control measures, avoid target overkill, and make best use of weapon systems. Initial coordination is made between platoon leaders during the issuance of orders. Final coordination is made on the ground between platoon/squad leaders.
ITV units. ITV sections from the antiarmor platoon may be working with or near the company team. When working with the company team, one or more ITV sections may be attached to, or under operational control (OPCON) of, the company. Attachment and OPCON are command relationships.
When a unit or element is attached, the commander of the unit to which either is attached assigns its missions, and controls its movement, deployment, and fires. The commander is also responsible for logistical support and security.
When a unit or element is under OPCON, the gaining commander's responsibilities are the same as in attachment except that the headquarters of the unit under OPCON provides the unit its logistical support.
When an antiarmor section is attached to, or under OPCON of, the company team, the antiarmor section leader becomes part of the company team and should be present for the issuance of operation orders.
Antiarmor sections supporting the battalion and controlled by the antiarmor platoon leader may be deployed near mechanized infantry elements. In this situation, initial coordination is done by the company commander and platoon leader. Detailed coordination is made with elements on the ground between squad and platoon leaders to tie in fires, coordinate fire control and distribution measures, avoid target overkill, and make the best use of the TOW, Dragon, and other infantry weapon systems.
Since mechanized infantry will habitually be working with tanks and ITVs, leaders must be trained to direct the fire of these weapons. There will also be times when tank and ITV crews will need to direct infantry fire. The procedures described below work in both cases. The objective is to quickly identify the target so that weapon crews can rapidly acquire and engage it.
Fires can be directed by radio, wire, or face to face. Face-to-face communication is the preferred way to direct fires. Fires directed by radio can be transmitted over the company command net or the platoon internal net. The method used will be determined by the company commander's guidance and unit SOP. Wire can be used when the unit is static. When infantry is dismounted and moving with tanks or is stationary the M60 tank has an external telephone which may be used to direct fire.
Prearranged fire control/coordination measures established at the beginning of an operation provide the platoon its sector of fire, engagement areas, and priority of targets. These measures are the parameters within which platoons can fire.
The use of target reference points and other visible terrain features are excellent ways to direct fire. If the infantryman is close to the vehicle, he can direct fire right or left, up or down, from a reference point. If there is any doubt about right or left, a cardinal direction should be used.
If reference points are not used, the gun barrel or launch tube (if visible) can be used as a baseline from which a direction can be given--for example, "FROM THE TUBE, HALF LEFT, 1,300 METERS."
Leaders can direct fire to the target by giving the general target area and then fire tracers at the target. To do this, they will describe the general target area in relation to where the weapon system is located--for example, "TO THE FRONT, WATCH MY TRACERS."
To focus on a target, the leader can narrow the area which the gunner must search by describing the target--for example, "BMP 600 METERS NORTHEAST OF BRIDGE."
If the gunner fails to identify the target or calls the wrong one, corrections are given based on the impact of the first round or another description is given--for example, "FROM THAT ROUND, RIGHT 200, ADD 100; or TANK, FROM THE POND 600 METERS EAST."
8-7. AIR SUPPORT
Attack Helicopters. The attack helicopter is mainly an antiarmor weapon. Attack helicopter units are maneuver units and are normally not attached to, or operationally controlled by units below brigade or battalion level. They do, however, support the company team in both offensive and defensive operations. Aeroscouts usually arrive ahead of attack aircraft. They establish communication with ground forces and get the situation and mission from the commander on the ground. The aeroscouts identify targets, choose attack positions, and control attack helicopter fire. When aeroscouts are not available or cannot see the enemy attack helicopter assets will need to obtain some targeting information from the ground commander. The commander may also be required to direct attack helicopter fires.
Close Air Support. The United States Air Force (USAF) provides close air support (CAS). Close air support strikes can be either preplanned (by battalion) or requested on an immediate need basis. Close air support assets are best used as antiarmor weapons against large enemy formations. When close air support is received, forward air controllers (FAC), whether on the ground or in the air, act as a link between the unit and the attacking aircraft. Although the company team commander can provide input into the planning process, CAS planning normally begins at battalion level.
Marking Friendly Positions. Friendly positions should always be marked during close air strikes. Be careful that there is no danger of compromising friendly positions to enemy observers. A marker is usually necessary when friendly troops are closer than 300 meters to the target.
The smoke grenade is the most commonly used marker, but it has limitations. Some colors can blend with the background. (Red or white is good with most backgrounds.) Wind may cause smoke to drift above trees.
Flares (rocket or 40-mm) are good attention getters at night and sometimes are usable during the day.
Signal mirrors are probably the best ground-to-air attention devices, if there is sunshine and if the operator is proficient. A pilot can see a mirror flash many miles away. Signal panels (VS-17) are good visual references.
Strobe lights are pocket-size, battery-powered signal lights that produce brilliant white flashes at about one-and-a-half second intervals. The flash is visible at night for 1 to 3 miles.
Vehicle lights, such as an unshielded red taillight, are visible to a pilot at night for several miles.
Chemical glow lights may be used to mark friendly positions.
Target Location. When the forward air controller knows where all friendly units are and where the target is, he will tell the USAF fighter which attack heading he should use. But if the FAC cannot see these elements, the unit will have to make the attack decision. It must be remembered that FIGHTERS SHOULD NOT ATTACK OVER FRIENDLY POSITIONS. If a FAC is not available, the company fire support officer or the platoon forward observer can direct attacking aircraft to the target. The platoon leader may be required to locate targets, identify them, and direct the fire to targets by use of a reference point.
Smoke rounds from mortars, artillery and grenade launchers are the principal target marks. White phosphorus is usually best because the smoke cloud blossoms quickly and is highly visible.
Geographical landmarks or terrain features, clearly visible from the air, can help in target identification. Reference to streams, roads, bridges, tree lines, cultivated areas, prominent hills, etc., help narrow the area the pilot has to search.
Friendly positions, when clearly recognizable from the air, may be used as day or night reference points for locating close-in targets.
Ordnance already impacting on the ground may be, or may create, an adequate reference point.
Illumination rounds make good reference points. They can guide strike aircraft to the general target vicinity at night.
Tracer fire can be used to mark a target night. The target can be marked as being at the intersection of two streams of tracers, or at the impact point of a single stream.
Grass fires or other fires near a target may sometimes be used as night reference points.
8-8. AIR DEFENSE ARTILLERY
The mechanized infantry battalion may be supported a division air defense (DIVAD) gun platoon or man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) team from the divisional air defense battalion. The battalion commander decides whether to keep the air defense elements in general support of the battalion or to place them in support of specific company teams. These assets require security but it is not normally an assigned mission or task fix an infantry unit. Air defense assets achieve some security by their very presence in friendly troop areas.
Air defense artillery (ADA) fires are controlled using orders and procedures that have been established by higher headquarters. Individual fire unit commanders are responsible for deciding whether an aircraft is hostile. Engagement is governed by the following weapons control status titles:
"Weapons Free." Weapons may fire at aircraft not positively identified as friendly.
"Weapons Tight." Weapons may be fired only at aircraft positively identified as hostile according to announced hostile criteria.
"Weapons Hold." Do not fire except in self-defense.
Because of the signatures of the weapon systems, coordination between leaders should insure that the firing of ADA weapons does not disclose friendly ground positions.
8-9. MILITARY INTELLIGENCE
Information-gathering elements from the military intelligence (MI) battalion may be attached down to battalion level or operating in the area. These elements normally consist of ground surveillance radar (GSR) teams, ground-based jamming systems, remote sensor teams. Because GSR teams require a line of sight to their observed area, they will most frequently be located forward and close to friendly troops. As with ADA elements, GSR elements gain security by working in areas occupied by friendly troops. Leaders should coordinate their security activities and they should also coordinate their efforts to gain information of immediate importance to the platoon or company team.
8-10. COMBAT ENGINEERS
A combat engineer company normally supports brigade operations, and a combat engineer platoon is allocated to a battalion. Other engineer elements and equipment may be attached or assigned in a support role when additional engineer assistance is required. Brigade and battalion commanders decide how best to employ their engineer assets. Normally engineers are not used in elements smaller than squad or section. Typically engineer units are attached or placed under operational control in the offense; in the defense, they are normally placed in direct support. While in direct support, an engineer unit is kept intact to construct major obstacles.
Combat engineers assist the mechanized infantry in mobility, countermobility, and survivability.
Mobility tasks for engineers include:
Filling craters and ditches.
Removing roadblocks, trees, and rubble.
Preparing entrances and exits for fording sites and river crossings.
Preparing and maintaining combat routes.
Bridging ditches or water obstacles.
Marking entrances and exits to minefield breach lanes.
Conducting or assisting in breaching minefields.
Countermobility tasks for engineers include:
Constructing antiarmor obstacles.
Demolishing fords and bridge bypasses.
Digging tank ditches.
Hauling and emplacing materials to be used for obstacles.
Emplacing minefields.
Survivability tasks for engineers include:
Digging hull-down positions for ITVs, APCs, and tanks.
Preparing defensive positions for command and control.
Constructing earth berms for protection.
Assisting in preparation of individual and crew-served weapons positions.
When combat engineers are attached to the company team, the element attached may be an engineer squad or larger unit. The engineer squad normally works for the company team commander. The engineer squad is equipped with an APC and trailer which carries the squad's mechanized basic load of equipment and demolitions. Although the squad's capabilities are limited, these capabilities can be enhanced through the receipt of additional equipment from the engineer platoon/company headquarters elements. When planning obstacles, the company team commander can rely on the engineer squad leader to advise him on construction time and material needed. The commander, however, has to order much of the material through battalion supply channels. During actual construction, and to speed up the process, the engineer squad may need the help of infantrymen.
Section II. COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
8-11. GENERAL
The mechanized infantry company executive officer (XO) supervises combat service support (CSS) operations with supply and maintenance support normally coordinated by the first sergeant.
Combat service support for mechanized infantry platoons consists mainly of maintenance, supply personnel, and medical services required to sustain their fighting capability. Most of this support comes from the company and battalion. The platoon leader is responsible for supervising the platoon's combat service support effort with the platoon sergeant coordinating the effort with the XO/first sergeant. The platoon sergeant and squad leaders supervise the performance of most of the combat service support tasks in the platoon.
At platoon level, combat service support tasks include:
Insuring that all equipment assigned in accordance with TOE is on hand, accounted for, and safeguarded.
Maintaining prescribed levels of ammunition, POL, and rations.
Requesting resupply of spent, lost, damaged, or destroyed items.
Maintaining all equipment, weapons, and vehicles and evacuating items needing repair.
Talking care of the personal needs of soldiers in the platoon.
Normally procedures for combat service support are specified by unit SOP. The SOP should spell out who the platoon leader contacts to get a service, an item, or technical help. In the company this will usually be the company executive officer, first sergeant, supply sergeant, motor sergeant, or tactical communications chief. If these personnel cannot handle the request, they normally coordinate with the battalion S4 for the support.
8-12. MAINTENANCE
Proper maintenance is the key to keeping equipment and materiel in serviceable condition. It includes inspecting, testing, servicing, repairing, requisitioning, recovering, and evacuating. Repair and recovery are done as far forward as possible. When equipment cannot be repaired on site, it is moved to the rear, but only as far as necessary for repair.
A platoon leader is responsible for the maintenance of his vehicles. He must be able to perform preventive maintenance himself; know what to do when a maintenance problem arises; know how to inspect and know how to train his operators. Cross-training is critical; the loss of one individual must not adversely affect the combat readiness of the squad or platoon.
The platoon leader has certain maintenance functions that combine to give him three major tasks: executing daily maintenance, executing scheduled maintenance, and executing maintenance training. These functions include:
Training of operators/crews and squad leaders.
Inspecting.
Assigning tasks within the unit.
Providing adequate time to perform required maintenance.
Supervising all maintenance periods.
Coordinating support that may be required from higher echelons.
Keeping the chain of command informed of major problem areas.
Following through on maintenance being performed outside the unit.
8-13. UNIT MAINTENANCE
Unit maintenance is the responsibility of the unit that is assigned the equipment. It is performed by operators/crews and battalion mechanics.
Operator maintenance includes proper care, use, and operation by the driver and other squad members who perform daily services on the carrier and on all other assigned equipment such as weapons, night vision devices, and nuclear, biological, and chemical gear. These services include inspecting, servicing, tightening, minor lubricating, cleaning, preserving, and adjusting tools and equipment as prescribed by relevant technical manuals. The driver is required to record, on the Equipment Inspection and Maintenance Worksheet, DA Form 2404, all equipment faults he cannot correct. The driver and TL reports are the main way to convey information about equipment faults to the platoon leader and to unit maintenance personnel.
Daily services prescribed for the automotive and weapon systems are divided into three services or checks:
(1) Before operation.
(2) During operation.
(3) After operation, to include detailed daily service.
These services should be conducted as prescribed in the operator's manual.
The driver is not the only person who has maintenance responsibilities. Every member of the squad should be assigned tasks to aid in the maintenance of the vehicle. The gunner, for example, should be responsible for the weapon systems. The driver is responsible for operation of the vehicle and filling out DA Form 2404.
When the operator identifies a problem that is beyond his level of maintenance, the company maintenance team must be notified so the problem can be isolated and corrected. Company maintenance teams have trained mechanics who are authorized to do unit maintenance tasks as prescribed in the APC technical manuals. When the repairs are beyond the capabilities of the company maintenance, battalion maintenance is notified. Battalion maintenance personnel have test equipment that allows them to rapidly diagnose faults in the system. If battalion maintenance is not authorized to make the repair, they will arrange to have it checked by intermediate forward maintenance.
8-14. INTERMEDIATE FORWARD MAINTENANCE
Intermediate forward maintenance is performed by the direct support maintenance company which normally supports a brigade. It has repair and/or replacement parts, assemblies, and components. Maintenance support teams from direct support units may be sent forward to make onsite repairs when possible.
8-15. RECOVERY
Recovery is necessary to repair vehicles, or other items essential to mission accomplishment, that cannot be repaired on site, or to prevent capture or destruction by the enemy. Except for the APC, most damaged equipment can be carried by the platoon until the platoon sergeant coordinates its recovery.
When a vehicle has to be recovered, the platoon leader reports its location and the type and extent of damage or, if known, the repair needed. As a minimum, the driver and gunner should remain with the vehicle to secure it and to aid the recovery. Normally, a recovery vehicle from the company maintenance team will recover the damaged vehicle. (See appendix L for further details on recovery.)
8-16. SUPPLY
Generally, when the mechanized infantry platoon needs supplies, they are delivered by company or battalion combat service support elements. The platoon leader and the platoon sergeant must plan to keep the platoon supplied. If the platoon leader lets ammunition and other critical supplies get too low before requesting resupply the platoon may run out at a critical point in an operation. Resupply and refueling should be accomplished at every opportunity.
Ammunition and Missiles. Mechanized infantry units require many different types and quantities of ammunition and missiles. These can be rapidly expended. Squad leaders must control ammunition use and keep the platoon leader or platoon sergeant informed on the approximate amounts of ammunition and missiles remaining. This is necessary so accurate and timely requests for resupply can be made. Redistribution of ammunition after contact is critical to maintaining the fighting capability of the platoon.
Resupply of ammunition and missiles is based on a report of expenditures submitted to the company executive officer or first sergeant. Ammunition is sent forward from the battalion trains to release points. There, company personnel take charge and move the supply vehicles to platoon areas.
Wheeled vehicles, armored vehicles, or helicopters can be used for ammunition resupply. The platoon leader should know which type of transportation is to be used. This will affect his selection of location, security requirements, and time required to complete resupply. For example, if resupply is by helicopter, an adequate landing zone must be selected to the rear of the position. It must be secured before the helicopter arrives. Resupply also can require added time because the ammunition might have to be hand-carried off the LZ to avoid exposing the APCs for prolonged periods.
When wheeled vehicles are to be used, the platoon leader must select a location that has routes leading to it suitable for wheeled vehicles.
If armored vehicles are to be used, it may be possible to resupply the platoon in position.
There are several steps that should be taken by an APC crew before being resupplied with ammunition. These include:
Repositioning the remaining stowed ammunition to leave the easy-to-stow areas open.
Filling all empty magazines for M16 rifles.
Insuring that adequate tools, such as wire cutters and crowbars, are readily available to open the ammunition boxes.
Having a plan as to who provides security, how the ammunition is to be divided, and how the ammunition is to be unloaded and stowed. These actions may be prescribed in the SOP.
Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricants.
Vehicle fuel tanks should be topped off anytime the tactical situation allows. Normally the platoon sergeant requests POL through the company executive officer or first sergeant. The request should tell how much fuel is needed and where and when to refuel (six-digit grid coordinates).
Generally, refueling is accomplished in one of two ways:
Fuel is brought to the APCs. This method is used when routes are available and refueling can be done not under direct observation and fire of the enemy. The fuel tanker will move to each vehicle position. The fuel tanker will park as close to the rear of the position as the terrain permits. Any APC that cannot be reached by the fuel tanker's hose may have to be moved to be refueled. If this vehicle's dismount team is deployed, it should stay in position to provide security.
The vehicles move to a centrally located refueling point. This method would be used if the platoon is in contact and enemy fire makes it too dangerous for the fuel tanker to close on the position, or if the terrain is too rough for the tanker to traverse. One or two APCs at a time are moved to the refueling point. Because the refueling point may be as far as the next terrain feature to the rear, selected members of the dismount teams, if deployed and not in contact, may remount and stay with their vehicles to provide security during refueling. If in contact, dismount teams remain deployed. If the platoon is required to move, the dismount teams crossload.
The APC has a 95-gallon fuel capacity. This gives it about a 300-mile cruising range. The platoon leader should keep this in mind when planning to refuel, because the amount of fuel required will directly affect vehicle refueling time. He also must be aware that the cruising range is an approximation, and that terrain and weather influence fuel consumption. It is important to top off fuel tanks whenever the tactical situation permits.
When refueling time is limited, the platoon leader must choose between topping off the vehicles that need the most fuel, or putting a limited amount in each vehicle. If the fuel tanker can move to the vehicle, it is best to put a limited amount in each vehicle. When the APCs have to move to a centrally located refueling point, the APCs requiring the most fuel are moved first and topped off. The other APCs are then topped off at the first opportunity.
At times, the vehicles may have to be topped off using 5-gallon cans. This is slow, so extra time should be allowed. The fastest way to refuel from cans is for each squad to set up a bucket brigade, passing the cans from the fuel-carrying vehicle to the APC.
Rations and Water. Each squad carries combat rations and water on its APC. Other than the water carried by each soldier in his canteen, each APC has space for a 5-gallon water container in the rear of the APC. When the situation allows, hot meals prepared by the headquarters company mess teams may be served to the platoon. Rations and water supplied to the platoon are normally based on its personnel strength. The platoon leader or platoon sergeant may submit special requests per unit SOP.
Repair Parts.
Repair parts are issued in response to specific requests or by direct exchange. The company maintenance team keeps the company's prescribed load list (PLL). Requests for repair parts for the vehicle, once verified by a mechanic, are issued from the company's PLL. The parts that are not available are requested through class IX supply channels.
A limited number of armament spare parts are stowed on the vehicle. Included are spare barrels and other parts for the caliber .50 and 7.62-mm machine guns.
There are two track blocks and a drift pin attached to the outside deck of the vehicle. A vehicle tool bag, with tools adequate to perform operator maintenance, is in the driver's compartment. A list of tools in the tool bag is in the vehicle operator's manual.
Other Supplies.
Each mechanized infantry platoon has a large amount of equipment, but it requires frequent resupply to accomplish its mission. Periodic checks must be made to insure that all the platoon's equipment is accounted for and ready for use. Low-use items, such as drain plugs, NBC equipment, and certain tools, can get lost or damaged easily. These low-use items should be checked often to insure they are on hand and usable.
Medical supplies are provided by the battalion medical platoon. The medic supporting the platoon assists the platoon sergeant and squad leaders in preparing a consolidated list of required medical supplies. These include not only the medical supplies needed by the medic, but also those used by each soldier, such as first-aid dressings, water purification tablets, and foot powder. The platoon sergeant or the medic passes the list to the company evacuation team. This team takes the list to the battalion medical platoon where the medical supplies are provided.
Tools, TA-50 equipment, batteries, and other expendable are obtained through the company supply sergeant.
Normally maps are supplied through the company.
8-17. PERSONNEL SUPPORT AND ADMINISTRATION
Personnel Strength. It is crucial that the platoon leader/platoon sergeant submit accurate strength reports to insure that critical personnel shortages, such as gunners, squad leaders, and team leaders, are replaced quickly and with qualified persons. Submission of strength reports to the company should be covered in the SOP.
To simplify status reporting, the "stubby pencil" battlefield reporting system is used. Each squad leader keeps a casualty coupon book to report the personnel status of his squad. Each age in the book has a three-line stub, which stays attached, and a five-line form used to record changes in personnel.
When a change in status occurs, the squad leader fills out one of the pages in pencil and gives it to the platoon sergeant. The stub remains in the book as a record of the submission. The platoon sergeant consolidates the pages and gives them to the first sergeant. Instructions for use of the "stubby pencil" system are in the casualty coupon book.
Services. Services include awards and decorations, leaves and passes, command information, mail, religious activities, financial matters, legal assistance, welfare, rest and relaxation, and any other service related to the welfare and morale of the soldier. Many services are standard procedure, but the platoon leader has responsibility for insuring that these services are available to his platoon, as required. Normally, they are requested through the first sergeant.
8-18. MEDICAL SUPPORT
Medical Services. The platoon normally has a medical aidman from the supporting battalion medical platoon. His job is to furnish emergency medical treatment, determine which casualties need to be evacuated, and prepare them for evacuation. He also advises the platoon leader on measures to help prevent sickness and injuries that could reduce the platoon's fighting ability. These include measures to prevent exposure to heat and cold, food poisoning, bad water, field sanitation, etc. Normally the medical aidman rides in the platoon leader's vehicle. During exercises, the medical aidman normally attached to the platoon should be present whenever possible to train with the unit.
Medical Evacuation.
The medical aidman should inform the platoon leader when there are casualties that need to be evacuated. The platoon leader decides when to evacuate casualties.
Generally, when the platoon is in contact, casualties awaiting evacuation should be given protection from enemy fire until the fight is over.
The decision to evacuate casualties with serious wounds must be based on the effect of such action on mission accomplishment, and the possibility additional casualties might result.
Casualties should never be deserted.
Weapons of casualties to be evacuated are handled according to unit SOP. PERSONAL EFFECTS FOUND ON THE BODY OF A DEAD SOLDIER ARE NEVER REMOVED. Any equipment or personal effects found after a soldier is evacuated should be inventoried and sent to the company supply sergeant.
Casualties are either evacuated by the platoon or by the medical team supporting the company. This team is normally equipped with an armored ambulance for protection against enemy fire.
Platoon evacuation. The APC is the quickest and safest way to evacuate casualties. The casualties are transported to the company aid post. If a company aid post has not been set up or the situation does not permit use of an APC, the platoon leader requests help from the company commander. The platoon aidman goes with the casualties if they require immediate care. The aidman fills out a DD Form 1380, US Field Medical Card, and attaches it to the casualty. This card stays with the casualty until evacuation is complete. The information on the card includes initial diagnosis and medication given.
Company evacuation. When the company is to evacuate casualties, the casualties should be moved to a covered and concealed location to the rear of the platoon's position. This location must be reported to the company when the evacuation request is submitted. If enemy indirect fire presents a threat, the casualties are kept in an APC and transferred to the ambulance when it arrives. When this is to be done, the platoon leader may send a couple of men or a dismount team to secure the location and make contact with the ambulance.
8-19. PRISONERS OF WAR AND CAPTURED DOCUMENTS AND EQUIPMENT
Prisoners of War.
PWs are a good source of combat information. Troops must handle them without violating international law.
PWs must be treated humanely. They must not be physically or mentally abused. The senior officer or noncommissioned officer (NCO) present is responsible for their care. If a platoon cannot evacuate a PW in a reasonable time, he must be given food, water, and first aid. He should not be given comfort items, such as cigarettes and candy. Those PWs who receive favors and those who become mistreated are poor interrogation subjects. In handling PWs, use the five "S's":
(1) Search PWs as soon as you capture them. Take their weapons and papers, except identification papers. Give a written receipt for any personal property and documents taken. Tag documents and personal property so that you know which PW had them. Have one man guard while another searches. When searching, do not get between a PW and the guard. To search a PW, have him spread-eagle against a tree or wall, or on the ground in a pushup position with the knees on the ground. Search the PW and all his gear and clothing.
(2) Segregate PWs into groups: officers, NCOs, enlisted men, civilians, females, and political figures. This keeps the leaders from promoting escape efforts. Keep groups segregated as they move to the rear.
(3) Silence PWs. Do not let them talk to each other. This keeps them from planning escape and from cautioning each other on security. Report anything a PW says to you or tries to say to another PW.
(4) Speed PWs to the rear. Platoons turn PWs over to the company where they are assembled and moved to the rear for questioning by the S2.
(5) Safeguard PWs when you take them to the rear. Make sure they arrive safely. Watch out for escape attempts. Do not let them bunch up, spread too far out, or start diversions (fist fights, etc.) which create a chance for escape. At the same time, do not let anyone abuse them.
If a PW is wounded and cannot be evacuated through normal channels, he should be treated by an aidman and evacuated through medical channels.
Before evacuating a PW, he should be tagged. The STANAG 2044 (Standardization Agreement) captive and equipment/document tag is illustrated below. These tags may be duplicated locally.
The tag should be perforated into three parts and made of durable material.
The tag should measure approximately 10 x 15 cm for each part. (See note 3.)
The tag should be pierced at top and bottom, reinforced, to facilitate attachment.
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1. Main text to be printed in the national language. 2. On the back of the lower part should be written in red letters "ATTACH TO CAPTURED WEAPONS AND/OR DOCUMENTS." |
Captured Documents and Equipment. Enemy documents and equipment are good sources of information. Documents may be official (maps, orders, records, photos) or personal (letters, diaries, pay records). If such items are not handled properly the information in them may become lost or outdated. They should be given to the company commander quickly. Each item should be tagged (using the tag discussed above). If an item was found on a PW, his name should be on the tag, and the item should be separated from him.
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