CHAPTER 4
MOVEMENT
Section I. INTRODUCTION
4-1. GENERAL
The tempo of mobile warfare and contamination created by nuclear and chemical weapons demand that mechanized infantry units spend a lot of time moving. Although this chapter deals only with how platoons and squads move, rarely do they move alone. They may operate as part of a mechanized infantry company or as part of a company team with one or more tank platoons. The mechanized infantry company also will have support from the battalion's improved TOW vehicles (ITV).
In arriving at a decision about movement, the leader must always consider the mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T).
4-2. TERRAIN USE
Whether moving mounted or dismounted, in contact with the enemy or not, platoons and squads should know the following rules:
Use the Terrain for Protection. Terrain offers natural concealment from enemy observation and cover against fire. Using terrain to protect vehicles is difficult, so, terrain driving should become a habit. It must be used when in contact with the enemy and when contact is possible or expected. Follow these terrain-driving rules:
Use available cover and concealment.
Avoid skylining.
Do not move directly forward from a hull-down firing position.
Cross open areas quickly.
Avoid Possible Kill Zones. Platoons and squads must avoid wide open spaces, especially where high ground dominates, or where terrain can cover and conceal the enemy. They must also avoid obvious avenues of approach into enemy territory. It is better to cross difficult terrain than fight the enemy on his terms. Engineers can work the terrain to improve mobility.
Take Active Countermeasures. Platoon leaders should use smoke, direct fire, and indirect fire to suppress known or suspected hostile positions. The enemy should never be allowed an open, unhindered shot at mounted or dismounted friendly elements. This calls for constant alertness and thorough planning and coordination.
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CONTENTS Section II. Movement Formations |
Maximize the APC's Capabilities. The APC has good speed and on the move can quickly change direction or stop. Platoon/team leaders and drivers should use any available depressions and trees when appropriate to avoid enemy antitank guided missile (ATGM) fire.
When necessary to cross an open area, the lead TL/squad leader and the platoon leader check for unfriendly activity, obstacles, and routes across the open space.
For units equipped with them, the smoke-grenade launchers can be used to create an immediate smoke screen around a halted carrier and during disengagement.
The caliber .50 machine gun can be used during movement for suppression.
Make Contact With the Smallest Force Possible. During all movement, it is best to have a small force in the lead and the remainder of the unit ready to react and support. Making contact with the smallest possible force avoids having an entire unit pinned down by enemy fire. Thus, the unit retains flexibility to fire and move.
When not in contact, a lead or bounding force is supported by a trailing or overwatch force. Overwatch means being in position to cover the lead force by firing at an enemy when he appears.
When in contact, one force moves while another force provides fire support or suppression. (This is further explained in section IV.) Suppression is gained by direct and indirect fires or smoke, brought to bear on enemy personnel, weapons, or equipment, thus forestalling effective fire on friendly forces.
Section II. MOVEMENT FORMATIONS
4-3. GENERAL
Movement formations are an aid to command and control; leaders place themselves where they can best command and control movement. Their placement is also governed by the movement technique being used. It must be clearly understood, however, that movement techniques apply to how a formation moves; they are not, in and of themselves, formations.
4-4. SQUAD MOVEMENT FORMATIONS
Entire Squad Mounted. When mounted, the squad operates as one unit. Thus, it does not have the capability to overwatch itself. It moves mounted as part of the platoon--as the lead squad or as a part of the platoon overwatch force.
Dismount Team Deployed. The dismount team moves in two wedges--alone or as part of the platoon dismount element. Its movement is normally overmatched by the platoon's carrier element or by other dismount teams of the platoon dismount element. The squad leader and/or assistant squad leader dismounts to lead the dismount team. The squad may organize the dismount team into two fire teams with each fire team forming a wedge. In this case, the squad leader leads one fire team while the assistant squad leader leads the other fire team. In this way, the squad can provide its own overwatch element.
Positions within the wedge are based on the mission, enemy situation, terrain, weather, light conditions, weapons carried, and the team's location within the dismount element. Within the wedge, each man is assigned a sector of observation to provide all-round security.
Normal interval between men is about 10 meters, but it may be less if visibility is poor. Terrain may also dictate temporary modification of the wedge formation. For example, the sides of the wedge will have to close into single file when moving along a narrow mountain path, through a minefield, or through heavy undergrowth. But, as soon as conditions permit, the wedge is resumed automatically.
The dismount team leader may lead the lead fire team wedge. He does so whenever speed is essential. For example, the platoon leader may order a squad leader to quickly move his dismount team forward to secure a terrain feature. By dismounting and personally leading, the squad or assistant squad leader can rapidly choose the exact route, set the pace, and reduce reaction time by simply telling his men, "Follow me."
If speed is not important, the position of the squad or assistant squad leader depends on his judgment as to how he can best control the dismount team, maintain visual contact with the platoon dismount element leader, and navigate (if his dismount team is leading). As a rule, however, the dismount team leader will be the lead man in the trailing wedge. He gives instructions to the team leader of the lead fire team, through visual signals--whereto go and what to do. During movement, other team members guide on the lead man. If he moves right, they move right. If he stops, they stop. When contact is made, the lead man sets the example for other fire team members to follow. The few seconds following initial contact often decide team success or failure. Thus, immediate action following contact is critical, and the team leader must act swiftly.
4-5. PLATOON MOVEMENT FORMATIONS
The specific shape of the platoon formation is set primarily by the mission, enemy situation, and terrain. The traveling formation prescribes its form but in a general way only. The APCs will be staggered. The distance between vehicles will vary according to the terrain being crossed. Each vehicle will be guarding and searching a different sector to provide all-round security while on the move. The platoon leader directs the platoon by using arm-and-hand or flag signals. Radios should be used only as a backup means of communicating.
It is critical during movement that the squad members observe their sectors and keep the TL informed of what they see. When buttoned up, the TL must be aware of the limitations of his and his driver's field of view. He must keep the squad informed of the situation.
There are five basic platoon mounted movement formations: column, line, echelon, vee, and wedge. These formations, modified as necessary permit the platoon to react appropriately in most situations and under most conditions.
The column formation is used most frequently. It is used for road marches, for movement during limited visibility, and when passing through defiles or thick woods. The platoon can deploy rapidly from the column formation into other formations. The column simplifies control, provides good security, and permits maximum firepower to the flanks.
When moving in a column formation, squad members scan their designated areas of observation.
Arm signals are used to change the column's direction of travel.
The line formation is used when assaulting an objective, crossing open areas, leaving a woodline, or emerging from smoke. This formation lets the platoon cross an objective rapidly with maximum fire to the front. This formation lacks the depth of the column or wedge formation. A variation of the line formation is used when the platoon leader desires to protect a flank without changing the entire platoon formation. Two APCs stay on line while two fall back in echelon to guard the desired flank. The distance between elements is terrain dependent.
The echelon formation permits excellent firepower to the front and to either flank. It is normally used when a platoon is to cover an exposed flank.
The vee formation may be used when the enemy situation is vague and the platoon leader requires firepower to the front and flanks. A specific use of the vee formation may be when the ridges of a valley are being traversed ahead of the main body of a larger force.
The wedge formation permits excellent fire to the front and good fire to each flank. The platoon leader can easily control all vehicles and deploy rapidly into other formations. The wedge formation is often used when the enemy situation is vague.
Although the depicted visual signal conforms to current doctrine, it is not usually suitable. The configuration of the gunner's hatch may make it hard for other TLs to see the signal. An alternative is to extend the arms upward at a 45-degree angle from vertical.
The wedge can be weighted to the right or left by dropping back one of the lead APCs. The trailing APC (right or left) would then key on the adjacent APC.
The herringbone formation is a battle drill formation used to disperse the platoon when traveling in column formation. It is used during air attacks or when the platoon must stop during movement. It lets the platoon move to covered and concealed positions off a road or from an open area and establish all-round security without detailed instructions being issued. The vehicles are repositioned as necessary and, as time permits, they take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire. Dismount teams dismount and establish security during limited visibility or when more than a temporary halt is expected.
The coil is a stationary formation providing all-round security and observation. It is useful for tactical refueling, resupply and issuing platoon orders. Because it presents an easy target, it is not designed to be used for long periods during daylight. Security is posted to include airguards and dismount teams. The caliber .50 machine guns are manned. There are two methods to form a coil:
(1) In the first method, when visibility is limited, it is easier for the platoon leader to form the coil by leading his platoon in a circle. When the circle is complete, all vehicles stop, turn 90 degrees outward, and post security.
(2) The second method is done by the platoon leader signaling, quickly moving his vehicle into position, and stopping. The other vehicles move directly to their assigned positions, as stated in the platoon SOP, seek cover and concealment, and post security This technique is used during daylight or whenever speed is essential. When the platoon is operating within a company a company coil will be formed in the same manner. Each platoon is responsible for the security of a designated sector of the company coil.
The dismount element is normally organized with three dismount teams and an element leader who is usually the platoon leader or the platoon sergeant. The dismount element uses five basic formations: column, line, echelon, vee, and wedge. No matter which formation is used or the organization of the dismount element, the carrier element, whenever possible, should be in position to support the dismount element.
The dismount element column is the primary movement formation. There is good dispersion in depth, and control is eased. This formation can deliver a limited volume of fire to the front and a high volume to the flanks. The base team is the lead team. The other teams guide on the base team.
The dismount element line is the basic assault formation. It provides good lateral dispersion. In this formation, the dismount element can deliver the greatest amount of fire to the front. The element leader designates a base team that the other teams base their movement on.
The dismount element echelon gives excellent firepower to the front or to the right or left flank. It is normally used when a platoon is covering an exposed flank.
The dismount element vee is used when the enemy situation is vague and the platoon leader requires firepower to the front and on the flank.
The dismount element wedge is used when the enemy situation is vague. This formation permits a large volume of fire to the front and flanks. It will usually insure that at least one team will be free to maneuver when contact with the enemy is made. The lead team is nor really the base team.
Section III. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES
4-6. GENERAL.
In many cases, a unit moving on the battlefield, when not in contact, encounters the enemy at a time and place of the enemy's choosing. To offset the enemy's advantage, movement techniques must be used that will cause initial contact to be made with the least number of men and vehicles. This means that the smallest force will be leading. The rest of the unit should be in position to provide suppression or fire and movement in support of the force that makes contact. One APC normally leads the platoon when mounted, and one dismount team leads the dismount element when dismounted.
Because the APC can move rapidly while conserving the infantrymen's strength and reducing their exposure to chemical and radiological contamination, as well as small arms fire and artillery shrapnel, platoons and squads move mounted until one of the following apply:
It is necessary to dismount in order to accomplish the mission.
It would be dangerous to continue mounted movement because of the enemy situation.
There is an advantage to be gained by dismounting.
Likelihood of contact is divided into three categories. From the least chance of contact to the greatest, they are: not likely possible, and expected. The platoon should change its formation and adjust its movement technique to fit the likelihood of contact. For ease of reference, the movement technique used for each likelihood of contact is as indicated:
The formations discussed in section II are used with these movement techniques. The formations are not rigid. Distances between dismount teams and carrier teams vary based on terrain and visibility As terrain becomes more rugged, or as vegetation becomes dense, or if visibility is reduced, the distances between teams is shortened. Leaders stay in visual contact with the team to their front. The man in the back of the cargo hatch keeps visual contact with the vehicle to his rear and informs the TL if he loses contact. With each team watching its front and rear, the platoon should be able to move using only arm-and-hand signals for control. The platoon should habitually practice orienting their caliber .50 machine guns so as to have all-round security The lead APC orients to the front, the second to the right, the third to the left, the fourth to the rear. Traveling techniques are used when speed is important and contact with the enemy is not likely
4-7. TRAVELING TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON MOUNTED
The platoon moves in a column formation, staggered laterally with intervals of 50 to 100 meters between vehicles. Caliber .50 machine guns are oriented for all-round security The platoon leader normally leads since contact is not likely and speed is essential. The platoon sergeant's vehicle is where he can see the platoon leader and help control the other two vehicles. The column formation is common to the traveling movement technique.
4-8. TRAVELING TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON DISMOUNT ELEMENT DEPLOYED
This technique is not used often since, when contact is not likely the platoon normally remains mounted. Sometimes the platoon has missions that require the dismount element to operate on foot. Since the platoon with its dismount element deployed is harder to control than a mounted platoon, the platoon leader often will move with the dismount element. The platoon sergeant usually is with the carrier element when the platoon leader is dismounted. If the platoon leader opts to remain mounted, the platoon sergeant dismounts and controls the dismount element.
The element's formation is adjusted to fit the situation. Squad leaders normally move near the head of their dismount teams where they have better control and from where they can see the platoon leader or platoon sergeant. When possible, the carrier element should be in position to support the dismount element.
4-9. TRAVELING OVERWATCH TECHNIQUE
Traveling overwatch is used when enemy contact is possible but not expected. This technique provides more time and distance in which to react if the lead force makes contact with the enemy.
The distance between the lead force and the overwatch force varies with terrain. If control can be maintained and the leading force supported, distances should be increased. If the terrain becomes more rugged, or the vegetation becomes dense, or the visibility decreases, then the distance should be decreased and the formation changed as necessary. Although caution is called for, speed is desirable.
4-10. TRAVELING OVERWATCH TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON MOUNTED
A platoon in traveling overwatch moves in a column, wedge, vee, or echelon formation. With this technique and using the column formation, the platoon leader takes the second position and sends one vehicle 100 to 400 meters in front of the rest of the platoon. (As noted earlier, the platoon leader may move with two sections--one under his control, the other controlled by the platoon sergeant.) Movement of the whole platoon is continuous, and cover and concealment is used. The trailing or overmatching carriers key their action to the lead carrier or section and vary their rate of movement as required to maintain the desired interval. Visual contact between the overwatching vehicles and the lead vehicle or section must be maintained. The lead APC or section may have to reduce its speed if the overmatching vehicles cannot keep up. The squad leader in the lead vehicle should be the one to keep the platoon leader in sight and direct the movement of the APC according to the platoon leader's signals.
4-11. TRAVELING OVERWATCH WITH PLATOON DISMOUNT ELEMENT DEPLOYED
The dismount element normally uses a column or wedge formation. The lead team tries to move at least 50 meters, but preferably 100 meters or more, in front of the rest of the element. The carrier element may be even farther to the rear or to a flank but should be in position to overwatch the dismount element, mainly its lead team.
Dismounted traveling overwatch is rarely used. As stated earlier, when the platoon is not in contact and has to move on the battlefield, it moves mounted unless forced to dismount. In most dismounted situations, more deliberate movement and greater caution are required.
4-12. BOUNDING OVERWATCH
Bounding overwatch is used when contact is expected. This is the most deliberate and cautious of all movement techniques. (There are two ways to execute bounding overwatch--alternate and successive.) The overwatch force covers the progress of the bounding force from a covered and concealed position which offers good observation and fields of fire against likely enemy positions. If the bounding force makes contact, the overwatch time must be able to render immediate support by providing suppression or fire and movement. The bounding force moves forward to a preselected position while covered by the overwatch force. When it reaches the new position, it secures the location so that the overwatch force can move forward. The length of each bound is tied closely to the range of weapons, observation, and fields of fire of the overwatch force. Bounding overwatch will normally lead into maneuver (see section IV).
The vehicles in the overwatch force should follow the platoon or company SOP for weapons-ready posture. For example, one APC might have its Dragon ready for firing with the other two carriers prepared to fire the caliber .50 machine gun. Each gunner should be prepared for immediate engagement. This arrangement insures that the overwatch force can provide immediate and accurate fire support with the proper weapon and ammunition. This can be adjusted to fit the enemy situation, terrain, and availability of ammunition, and missiles.
All overwatch forces have basically the same tasks:
Be able to support the bounding force with direct fire using the prescribed weapons-ready posture.
Be able to maneuver in support of the bounding force.
Have the capability of calling for indirect fire. (It is essential that the platoon leader position his APC so that the forward observer has a good view of the bounding APC or the dismount element.)
Cover the flanks and rear as well as the front of the bounding force.
Have concealed, protected positions.
The overwatch force must be controlled by one man (normally the platoon leader), for ease of control and fire distribution. He must have direct communication with the bounding force (in many cases this will be visual).
When the platoon is bounding or when it is overmatching another unit, the platoon leader assigns each squad a sector to cover by observation and, if necessary to cover by fire. Sector identification may be by specific area, by target reference points, or the platoon may have an SOP (such as the clock system) to denote squad responsibility.
4-13. BOUNDING OVERWATCH TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON MOUNTED
When the platoon uses mounted bounding overwatch, one or two vehicles may bound while the others overwatch from a stationary position in a line or wedge formation. When the new position is reached, the bounding squad(s) may dismount enough men and weapons for local security. If the new position is relatively open, the bounding squad(s) may not need dismounted personnel to secure the position. As soon as the position is secured, the bounding squad(s) covers the rest of the platoon as they move forward. The process is repeated for subsequent moves.
Example of how a platoon might conduct mounted bounding overwatch with one or two squads.
One squad bounds, as platoon overwatches.
The bounding squad secures the next position and covers the platoon as it moves forward. The platoon leader then issues orders for the next bound.
Two squads bound, as platoon overmatches.
The bounding squads secure the next position and cover the advance of the remaining carriers. Orders are then issued for the next bound.
4-14. BOUNDING OVERWATCH TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON DISMOUNT ELEMENT DEPLOYED
When contact is expected and the terrain will not permit mounted movement or when the dismount element is separated from the carrier element, the platoon bounds with the dismount element deployed. This is done like mounted bounding overwatch except that the length of the bound is reduced because the dismounted weapons have shorter ranges than the APC's mounted weapons and because of the reduced speed of reaction of dismounted troops. The bounding team uses two wedges while the overwatch teams normally use variations of the line or wedge formation.
The carrier element should be placed where it can overwatch the dismount element. To do this, the carrier element may have to use some form of bounding overwatch. It normally uses a variation of the line formation to overwatch the bounding APCs.
4-15. ORDERS FOR MOVEMENT
Regardless of the movement technique to be used, the platoon leader should give the platoon an order which explains what each squad is to do. This becomes more critical as the chance for enemy contact increases.
Before using bounding overwatch (mounted or dismounted), the platoon leader must be sure that the bounding force and the overwatch force know exactly what to do. The platoon leader must give clear and complete orders. When possible, this is done from the position that he intends to use for the overwatch. He should tell them and show them:
The enemy situation as he knows or suspects it to be.
The next overwatch position (objective for the bounding force).
The route of the bounding force to that position.
The positions and sectors of responsibility of the overwatch force.
What the platoon leader intends to do after the bounding force gets to the next position.
Sectors of fire and target reference points.
Here is an example of a platoon leader's oral order:
"I EXPECT CONTACT IN THIS AREA, SO WE WILL MOVE MOUNTED AND USE BOUNDING OVERWATCH. THE ENEMY PROBABLY HAS ARMORED VEHICLES ON ONE OF THE HILLS TO OUR FRONT. 1ST SQUAD, MOVE MOUNTED THROUGH THE TREELINE TO OUR RIGHT FRONT AND GUIDE ALONG THE LEFT OF THE CREEK. CHECK OUT THE HILL TO OUR FRONT--THE ONE WITH THE FARMHOUSE. IF YOU DO NOT MAKE CONTACT, DEPLOY YOUR DISMOUNT TEAM AND TAKE UP A POSITION ON THAT HILL FROM WHICH YOU CAN COVER THE HILL FARTHER TO OUR FRONT. PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THE AREA AROUND THE FARMHOUSE. WE WILL COVER YOU FROM HERE USING A LINE FORMATION UNTIL YOU SECURE YOUR POSITION. AFTER YOU ARE SET UP WE WILL FOLLOW THE SAME ROUTE YOU TOOK AND JOIN YOU. PLATOON SERGEANT WITH THE 2D SQUAD, YOU WILL BE TO MY LEFT. YOU WILL COVER FROM THE FARMHOUSE LEFT TO THE TREELINE. PREPARE TO FIRE THE DRAGON AND WATCH FOR ARMORED VEHICLES ON THE FAR HILL. 3D SQUAD, YOU WILL BE ON MY RIGHT. I WILL BE IN THE CENTER, ABOUT HERE. I WILL COVER THE TREELINE AND CREEK AREA. WHEN WE MOVE FORWARD, I WILL LEAD WITH 2D AND 3D SQUADS FOLLOWING IN THAT ORDER. ARE THERE ANY QUESTIONS? MOVE OUT."
With well-trained platoons and squads, leaders should be able to give almost all orders for movement techniques by pointing and using arm-and-hand signals.
4-16. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AS A PART OF THE COMPANY OR COMPANY TEAM
When the platoon is moving as a part of the company or company team, the entire platoon may be the bounding force. The platoon may also serve as all or part of the company or company team overwatch force.
When the platoon is the company bounding force, it may bound mounted or dismounted. If mounted, the platoon normally uses a combination of traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch techniques within the platoon. If deployed, the dismount element normally uses bounding overwatch. The platoon has more freedom to maneuver than when operating independently because the remainder of the company or company team is in overwatch. When the dismount element is bounding, the company or company team commander may direct the carrier element to remain with the company overwatch force. But, if he does not specify, the platoon leader will position the carrier element to best support the bounding dismount element.
4-17. MOVEMENT WITH TANKS
In a company team, mechanized infantry platoons often operate with tank platoons. Each has weaknesses that the other can compensate for. So, they move together always prepared to support each other.
When terrain and visibility permit mounted movement, tanks normally lead followed or overwatched by infantry. The dismount element will lead, overmatched by the carrier element and the tanks, when:
Obstacles prevent mounted movement and they cannot be bypassed.
Close terrain (such as an urban area, a forested area, or a defile) cannot be bypassed.
Visibility is limited. (This will often be the case even with the limited visibility devices on both the APC and the tank.)
The infantry usually leads mounted to cross a body of water that the tanks cannot ford. Infantry may also lead mounted when the company team is nearing a heavily wooded area that must be cleared by dismounted infantry before tanks move through it. This is done to facilitate the frequent dismounting necessary to clear the wooded area.
4-18. HOW THE PLATOON MOVES WHEN TANKS LEAD
When the company team is using traveling or traveling overwatch techniques, its commander will tell the platoon where it should move and how far to be behind the tanks. Normally the platoon will use the traveling technique which calls for following the tanks close enough to shoot between them and to their flanks with the caliber .50 machine gun and other squad weapons. The platoon normally moves 200 to 400 meters behind the tanks to avoid fire directed at the tanks. In close terrain, the platoon may have to move closer to the tanks to protect them from enemy infantry and antiarmor weapons.
When the company team is using bounding overwatch a tank platoon is usually the bounding force overmatched by Dragons, APCs, ITVs, and in some cases, by other tanks. When overwatching tank the platoon must observe to the tanks, flanks, and front. Tankers have difficulty seeing behind them, so one of the platoon's primary jobs is to protect the tank's rear and flanks from enemy infantry attack. The platoon must be alert for enemy ATGMs and rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). If a squad sees an ATGM fired, it should immediately fire its caliber .50 machine gun and SAWs at the base of the smoke trail left by the enemy missile. Also, it should send a warning over the radio.
4-19. HOW THE PLATOON MOVES WHEN IT LEADS TANKS
The mounted platoon will seldom lead tanks. Usually the platoon will deploy its dismount element and lead dismounted to overcome obstacles, to move through close terrain, or when visibility is limited.
When an obstacle hinders mounted movement, the dismount element dismounts to clear, breach, or find a way around. To get to the obstacle, it usually moves using bounding overwatch, while the carrier element is positioned to support the dismount element.
When visibility interferes with the company team movement mounted, the dismount element leads, overmatched by the carrier element and tanks. During poor visibility the dismount element may have to use traveling overwatch even though contact is expected. The lead dismount team moves as far forward as it can without breaking visual contact with the dismount element leader.
Fire control is difficult while moving during limited visibility. It can be done but only if the platoon has developed well-understood SOPs. Indirect fire illumination should not be relied on. It is slow and not very effective in smoke, fog, snow, dust, or heavy rain. Also, heavy rain reduces thermal sight range capability.
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WHEN THE DISMOUNT ELEMENT IS LEADING OVERWATCHED BY TANKS AND APCs, THE PLATOON LEADER MUST BE SURE THAT THE OVERWATCH FORCE KNOWS EXACTLY WHERE THE DISMOUNT ELEMENT IS, SO THAT THE OVERWATCH FORCE DOES NOT FIRE ITS WEAPONS INTO OR DIRECTLY OVER IT. PIECES OF METAL OR PLASTIC FALL OFF ROUNDS FIRED FROM THE TANK. IF THE ROUNDS ARE FIRED OVER THE DISMOUNT ELEMENT, DISMOUNTED INFANTRYMEN COULD BE ENDANGERED. |
When the infantry dismounts to lead through close terrain or urban areas, it must clear the way so that APCs and tanks can move through safely. The technique is modified to fit the situation. Because vehicle movement through a village or town is generally limited to streets, infantrymen must clear buildings along the way. The infantrymen move down a street in a modified column formation with dismount teams staggered along the street sides. The infantrymen move alongside or through the buildings, clearing each building as they advance. As it moves, each team makes sure that there are no enemy positions left in the buildings on its side of the street. Each team looks for enemy in the upper floors of the buildings on the other side of the street.
When a defile is such that it forces a unit to move single file, the dismount element should always deploy and clear it out beforehand. Common defiles for mechanized units are roads or trails across streams or through swamps and heavy forests. When clearing a defile, each side is cleared far enough from the chokepoint to make sure that there are no ambushes. The surface is checked for mines. This task usually requires the dismount element to move in a modified wedge formation with one dismount team forward and one on each flank. Since contact should be expected at defiles, the leading dismount teams use bounding overwatch.
In each situation where dismounted infantry leads APCs and tanks, the company team commander decides whether tanks or APCs move directly behind the dismount element. Tanks normally are preferred because they can deliver immediate, devastating fire and they have better armor protection than the APCs.
Section IV. MANEUVER
4-20. GENERAL
The method for moving when in contact is maneuver. Maneuver is defined as the employment of forces through movement. It is supported by fire to achieve a position of advantage from which to destroy or threaten destruction of the enemy. Maneuver is an immediate change from, and an extension of, the movement techniques described earlier.
4-21. HOW MANEUVER WORKS
Maneuver consists of two actions that take place at the same time. A base-of-fire element covers a moving force by firing at the enemy position, and the moving force moves forward to close with the enemy or to reach a better position from which to fire at the enemy. Depending on the distance to the enemy position and the amount of cover and concealment available, the base-of-fire element and the moving force switch roles as needed to continue maneuvering. Before advancing beyond the supporting range of the base-of-fire element, the moving force takes a position from which it can fire on the enemy and the base-of-fire element becomes the moving force. With the APC, the platoon can conduct mounted or dismounted maneuver.
The platoon leader may, when speed is essential, choose mounted maneuver. Tanks add their firepower, mobility and shock effect to the effectiveness of mounted maneuver.
Mechanized infantry platoons and squads will normally employ, or take part in, fire and movement under one of the following conditions:
When in a company team with tanks leading and the tanks make enemy contact.
When in a company team with the platoon leading (mounted or dismounted) and the infantry makes enemy contact.
When fighting as part of a company with no tanks attached. (Platoon may be leading or overwatching, mounted or dismounted, when contact is made.)
In each condition described above, the platoon will be in the company or company team base-of-fire element, or it will be the moving force. When it is the moving force, the platoon may use its squads to carry out fire and movement to advance. If the dismount element is deployed, the platoon leader will normally use the carrier element as the base-of-fire element in support of the moving dismount element. Each dismount team uses fire and movement within the wedges. If the platoon is mounted, it may move by squad or by section (two vehicles). The rest of the platoon serves as the base-of-fire element while the movement force moves.
4-22. TECHNIQUES OF FIRE
The base-of-fire element uses its fire to cover and protect the advance of the moving force. Whenever possible, the base-of-fire element should move undetected into a firing position. A high volume of surprise fire has a greater effect than fire delivered from a known position.
When the base-of-fire element is in position, the following usually takes place:
A heavy volume of fire is placed on the enemy position to destroy or suppress it.
When the enemy position is sup pressed, the rate of fire is reduced. However, suppression continues.
When the moving force nears its objective, the rate of fire is increased to keep the enemy down. This lets the moving force assault the position before the enemy can react.
Either on signal or when the assault begins, the base-of-fire element will cease fire, shift its fire to another target area, or, more desirably "walk" its fire across the objective in front of the moving force and then shift or cease its fire.
Positions for the base-of-fire element should be selected so that the moving force does not mask the supporting fires. For this reason, selected base-of-fire-element positions are often elevated and to the flank of the moving force. The moving force should neither mask the fire of the base of fire nor move outside its protection.
Effective fire on the enemy is the key to forward movement. Suppressive fire is placed on the enemy to keep him from firing at the moving force.
The platoon or squad can concentrate or distribute its fire. In either case, the fire must be controlled. The fire must be directed at the enemy and not endanger the moving force.
The base-of-fire element can deliver two types of fire in support of the moving force.
Point fire. Point fire is directed against a specific identified target, such as a machine gun or ATGM position. All weapons are fired at the target. Spreading out the fires of the base-of-fire element aids in point fire because the fire is directed from multiple directions. Point fire is not often used, since the platoon seldom encounters a single, clearly identified enemy weapon.
Area fire. Area fire is distributed over an area when enemy positions are more numerous or less obvious. Each weapon in the base-of-fire element is given a specific sector of the target area to fire into. This is done to insure that the entire target area is covered by fire and observation.
When the carrier element is in the base-of-fire element, the element leader will mark or identify the target area by oral order or by tracer fire. Each of the other three carrier teams covers one-third of the target area corresponding to its position in the base-of-fire element--left, middle, or right. The element leader will not cover a specific part of the target area. He will observe and control the fire of the other three vehicles and fire only at targets of opportunity if he can observe the entire objective. However, the terrain may force the carrier element leader to cover a specific part.
Fire is distributed in width and depth to keep all parts of the target under fire. Fire is placed on likely enemy positions rather than into a general area. Each carrier gunner and dismounted infantryman fires his first shot on that part of the target that corresponds to his relative position in the base-of-fire element. For example, if he is left of his leader, he fires left of his leader's tracers. He then distributes his remaining shots over that sector of the target assigned several meters to the right and left and front and rear of the first shot.
When a dismount team or dismount element is a part of the base-of-fire element, each machine gunner should cover his entire team's target. When placing machine gun suppressive fire on the enemy the tendency is to shoot high, so initial bursts should be placed low and then worked up to the target.
When a Dragon is in the base-of-fire element, the antiarmor specialist stays under the dismount team's direct control. He fires the Dragon at important targets only such as enemy armored vehicles and key weapons. The platoon leader or platoon sergeant may keep one of the squad Dragons under his direct control. In the absence of appropriate Dragon targets, the antiarmor specialists will fire their rifles.
Area fire permits the base-of-fire element to rapidly cover an entire target area, even if the enemy cannot be seen. Area fire is the quickest and best way to bring all parts of a target under fire.
4-23. METHODS OF FIRE AND MOVEMENT (MANEUVER)
The moving force (mounted or dismounted) advances covered by the base-of-fire element. The method of moving depends chiefly on enemy reactions. When under enemy fire, the moving force moves using fire and movement internally. For example, one man advances while his buddy covers. If it is not receiving direct fire, the moving force can move using bounding overwatch or, to be safe, it can maneuver internally.
How members of a dismount team move depends on the intensity of enemy fire. Crawling may be called for when a moving dismount element faces intense enemy fire and there is little cover. Soldiers use the low or high crawl depending on the situation, the requirement for speed, and the example of their dismount team leader. Progress is slow here, but exposure to enemy observation and fire is reduced. When not moving forward, the individual infantryman delivers suppressive fire to the enemy. If necessary infantrymen may advance all the way into and through enemy positions by crawling.
Short rushes from covered position to covered position may be used when enemy fire allows brief exposure. Dismount teams, fire teams, or individuals may advance by short rushes to avoid accurate enemy fire. Soldiers should not stay up longer than 3 to 5 seconds. Thus, the enemy does not have enough time to "track" with automatic weapon fire. The rule is: Rush from cover to cover, keeping a low silhouette.
The platoon's APCs maneuver using techniques similar to those of the dismount teams. A carrier team may move while the remainder of the carrier element serves as a base-of-fire element. The movement may also be accomplished by section (with two carrier teams in the base-of-fire element), by three carrier teams (with one APC in the base-of-fire element), or by the entire carrier element moving as a whole. In this last case, the base-of-fire element would normally be another platoon or an ITV section or platoon.
4-24. FIRE AND MOVEMENT (MANEUVER) WITH TANKS
When the mechanized infantry platoon is operating in a company team with one or more tank platoons, the company team commander can make the most of the capabilities of both types of platoons. As in the movement techniques of moving when not in contact, it is better for tanks to lead because of their greater armor protection and firepower.
Tanks can destroy other tanks with their high-velocity main gun and provide suppression with their caliber .50 machine guns and 7.62-mm coaxial machine guns.
Since the APC and tank have agility and speed, the two types of platoons can alternately perform as the base-of-fire element and the moving force. Additionally the tank platoon can deliver suppressive fire while moving.
The combination of tank and mechanized infantry platoons provides the company team commander with several options:
Mounted maneuver with tanks.
Mounted maneuver with APCs.
Mounted maneuver with tanks and APCs.
Dismounted maneuver alone.
Dismounted maneuver combined with any of the mounted maneuver options.
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