Military

Mission. The support force fixes the enemy to the ground and suppresses his weapons, thereby permitting freedom of action by the maneuver force. The support force normally will not close on the objective unless its fires become masked or it is no longer able to suppress adjoining enemy positions.

Composition. The support force at the brigade level may consist of elements of the battalion task force, or if the situation allows, an entire battalion task force. Mortars, artillery, naval gunfire, antitank weapons, tanks, and Bradleys can all contribute to the base of tire. Helicopters may assist; however, they are better suited to accompany the maneuver force, as a support role does not take advantage of their capabilities.

Employment. The support force should assign specific targets and target areas to be freed during the advance of the maneuver force, during the assault, and during the continuation of the attack or consolidation on the objective. Signals for lifting and shifting of these fires must be prearranged, and should include visual signals if possible. The support force must also be prepared to engage targets of opportunity within the parameters of the commander's intent. Similarly, the support force must be prepared to move to other positions from which it can continue to deliver necessary suppression. Alternate positions must be selected for each element.

Mission. The maneuver force closes with and destroys the enemy.

Composition. The maximum possible strength should be placed in the maneuver force. When possible, it should be a combined arms force of tanks, mechanized infantry, aviation, and a CS/CSS slice.

Employment. The maneuver force closes with the enemy as quickly and directly as possible to exploit the effects of the base of tire. It is usually committed so that it has mass, and when possible, it seeks to attack at an identified weak point in the enemy's defense. Once the maneuver force is committed, it should proceed with all the speed and violence at its command. The advance should be timed so the elements of the maneuver force arrive on the objective simultaneously. Tanks and mechanized infantry can then provide mutual support. As the objective is reached and overrun, support force fires onto the objective will be masked The support force will then shift its fires to the flanks and rear of the objective if possible; in the meantime, the assault force of the maneuver element is intensified.

Actions on the objective. As the assault force secures the objective, the brigade begins to focus on the enemy elements that could counterattack. The brigade commander will reposition battalion task forces on the objective either to defend against an enemy attack or to prepare for future operations. The brigade will continue to synchronize the consolidation of the objective. Based on the end state of each battalion task force, the commander may adjust task organization.

-- Objectives.

-- Direction of movement.

-- LD.

-- Time of attack.

-- Checkpoints.

Occupation of an objective. The envelopment force will occupy a position that blocks the enemy's avenue of retreat, This is the most difficult to control, since the two forces are orienting toward one another with the enemy in between. The enemy is desperately trying to break out from encirclement, and the other enemy elements may be attacking the envelopment force in an attempt to assist the encircled enemy's breakout.

Flank attack. A flank attack is accomplished in the same manner as the occupation of an objective except that the envelopment force moves to the enemy's flank and conducts a supporting attack coordinated with the direct-pressure force. This is more secure but may not destroy the enemy, as he has a route open for retreat

Regardless of which course of action the commander selects, he must be in position to control when and where the two forces meet to achieve the maximum enemy destruction. The timing is critical.

Flank attack. As the enveloping force closes from the flank, it is given a limit of advance parallel to the axis of the direct-pressure force Recognition signals will prevent fratricide. The direct-pressure force will continue to move along its axis, tying in on its flank with the enveloping force. As flank coordination is established. the enveloping force will turn its orientation toward the direction traveled by the direct-pressure force. At the completion of the maneuver, the two forces should be locked in shoulder-to-shoulder and oriented in the same general direction. Figures 3-19 through 3-22 illustrate the stages of the flank attack from initial movement through consolidation.

Occupation of an objective. The enveloping force moves quickly behind the enemy and seizes key terrain that blocks the enemy's routes of withdrawal and reinforcement. The enveloping force must establish 360-degree security, because the enemy could attack from any direction. The direct-pressure force is given a limit of advance to prevent fratricide. This will usually be just outside of direct-fire range. Once contact has been made between the two forces, the direct-pressure force will move slowly toward the enveloping force, who will now only engage confined enemy targets. Despite the risks, the effect of this option is devastating and may encourage surrender. Figures 3-23 through 3-26 illustrate the stages of occupation of the objective from initial position through consolidation.

Urban defense. As in the field defense, the parent battalion may defend in one or two echelons based around company strongpoints. However, the company strongpoint has its frontage drastically reduced to a maximum of 200 meters.

The company will deploy in platoon strongpoints with masonry and reinforced concrete buildings prepared for an all-around defense. Strongpoints will be fortified by knocking holes in walls for handheld weapons, positioning weapons on different floors to cover dead spaces, and positioning snipers on roofs and attics. Mobility is enhanced by cutting holes through floors, using ropes and ladders, and using sewers or other underground passages as covered communication routes. Unnecessary doors and windows are filled with bricks or sandbags, and stairways are destroyed, barricaded, or mined. Basements are used as shelters from nuclear blasts, with 8 to 16 inches of earth placed on ground floors to improve protection. Vehicles are positioned in gaps in walls, fences, and ruins.

Tanks are employed either as a platoon or independently in planned ambushes. They may either be used in a mobile role with two or three alternate positions or stationary to reinforce the AT defense. Due to their minimum range limitations, ATGMs will be used on the approaches to the town or city.

Half of the artillery is positioned for direct fire. It is emplaced singly or in platoons with two or three alternate positions and under the command of the MRC commander.

Gaps between strongpoints, streets, and open areas are mined with obstacles set up to impede the enemy advance. Buildings are blown down to clear sectors of fire and create rubble that can be used as obstacles.

SA-14s or SA-7s are positioned on flat-roofed buildings, in major intersections, and in park areas to provide air defense coverage.

Continuous CB monitoring is conducted with extensive warning systems within the strongpoint. Additional emphasis is placed on fighting fires during combat. All combustible material is removed from the strongpoints.

It is commonly believed that the battle will become one of a series of small-unit (company) engagements. The fighting will be at close range for all weapons. Against a combined arms attack, emphasis will be on the destruction of the infantry, allowing the tanks to become easy targets at close quarters. If the enemy penetrates a company strongpoint, the company defends in place and uses artillery to fix the enemy and prevent advances. A counterattack will be launched by the battalion to destroy the enemy and restore the position.

Defense in mountains. The defender is hampered by the large areas of dead ground and the hidden approaches that hinder observation and at low the enemy to approach the forward edge and attack by surprise. Defenses in mountains will be decentralized and sited with larger gaps between companies than on regular terrain. Company strongpoints are set up to hold key terrain with an all-around defense and mutual support between them. Gaps between the strongpoints will make it easier for the enemy to turn and envelop them. The forward edges of mountain ridges, heights, and spurs are chosen to give good fields of view and fire over the approaches. Ambushes and obstacles are employed in areas that are difficult to reach and hard to cover by observation and fire. Reconnaissance and standing patrols are organized to cover these areas.

Field fortifications in areas where the soil is no deeper than 1 meter will use partially dug-in positions with embankments constructed of stone, sandbags, and dirt. If the soil is deeper than 1.5 meters, then ordinary field fortifications will be constructed.

The fire plan is prepared with provision for overlapping enfilade fire, cross fire, and surprise short-range fire alt around the edge of the position. Weapons are placed in steps on the slopes facing the enemy and on the reverse slopes of heights to eliminate dead zones and hidden approaches to the position. Artillery is located for direct fire at maximum range because indirect fire is restricted by large areas of dead ground. Mortars are preferred for indirect support.

Tanks will be attached to company strongpoints that are defending major axes such as road junctions, exits from valleys, defiles, the edges of forests, and mountain river crossings.

Engineer obstacles will be used to block hairpin turns, defiles, and potential avalanche sites. Detours around obstacles will be heavily mined with both AT and antipersonnel mines. Due to the restricted nature of the terrain, fewer AT mines will be required than in normal conditions. The use of antipersonnel mines will be increased. The restrictive terrain will enable effective use of off-route and MON-series mines.

Increased reliance will be placed on local air defense by shoulder-fired SAMs, and longer range weapons will be held at higher levels of command.

The defense will be similar to that on regular ground. The enemy will be engaged by fire as he reaches the distant approaches. Tanks and other armored vehicles are destroyed as they attempt to maneuver on difficult ground. If the enemy is successful in breaching the defensive position, the company will remain in place and maintain an all-around defense. If conditions are favorable, the battalion will launch a counterattack to destroy the enemy force.

Defense in winter. In deep snow, the frontage of the company will increase up to 2,000 meters with platoons defending on 500-meter frontages. The company strongpoint will be sited in locations that provide shelter to the defenders, such as populated areas and forests. The strongest defenses will be constructed along roads and areas of light snow that are the most likely avenue of approach. The flanks of positions are strengthened to counter enemy ski-borne attacks. It will be hard to construct elaborate defensive positions due to the frozen earth. To remedy this, parapets of packed snow are built around weapons and vehicles. Snow will be packed to conceal the strongpoints, and may be packed on the upper portion of combat vehicles to aid in concealment. Emphasis is on maintaining peak efficiency of company personnel, and two- thirds of the company will stay in warming shelters when not engaged.

Company commander. The tank company commander is usually a captain or a senior lieutenant. He is responsible for the accomplishment of the assigned mission and fire control of his company. He is responsible for maintenance and servicing of the vehicles, the combat readiness of the company, and the standards for crew and tactical training. In combat the responsibilities of the commander include--

• Deployment, camouflage, maintenance, and replacement of ammunition, fuel, lubricants, and food.

• Issuing tactical, political, and preparatory orders.

• Estimating the situation and carrying out reconnaissance with subordinate and attached unit commanders.

• Formulating coordinating instruction, issuing orders, and supervising inspections prior to commitment.

• Leading or directing the company during operations, controlling the fire of company tanks and attached units during execution of the mission, maintaining contact with flank units, and reporting tactical information to the battalion commander.

Company headquarters. The company headquarters consists of--

• A deputy commander who is a senior lieutenant.

• A technical officer who is a senior lieutenant or lieutenant with 3 or 4 years training at a higher tank technical school.

• Praporshchik (a rank roughly equivalent to a US warrant officer) who attends to routine administrative matters.

• A tank crew consisting of a driver-mechanic, a gunner, and a tank commander.

The headquarter officers and praporshchik do not accompany the tanks on their combat missions. There is also a truck driver and a clerk.

Control means. The company commander controls the tank company by radio, visual and audio signals, and pyrotechnics in the employment of well-rehearsed tactical drills. Reference points are used for identification of terrain features. Personal example is regarded as a control technique.

Radio nets. The tank company commander has two radios in his tank. He has a VHF set for communications with the company and an HF set for communications with the battalion. In the tank company, the company and platoon commanders net with each other and the commanders of attached units. Radios in tanks other than command tanks operate only in the receiving mode. Supporting artillery commanders can communicate directly to all company tanks (see Figure 3-39).

Control level. It is important to note that control of the command radio net is retained at battalion level, and when the company operates as part of a battalion there is no company net. All tanks will monitor the battalion net and receive orders from the battalion commander.

Radio security. The tank company is forbidden to make radio transmissions immediately before contact with the enemy. Radio sets are on listening silence until contact is made. During combat, only the company commander is authorized to transmit. Transmissions are short and kept to a minimum. Platoon leaders transmit only in emergencies. In combat, orders and tactical reports are given in the clear, and references to terrain features and other units are encoded.

Visual and audio signals. During the commander's reconnaissance, code words are assigned to prominent terrain features within company boundaries. Pyrotechnics or tracers are used to identify targets, boundaries, and units. Audio signals are used for warnings when the company is in a static position. Landlines are used to communicate between tanks and supported units.

Special-purpose tank equipment. Soviet-made tanks can mount the plow and roller combination and the tank bulldozer blade. The weight of these items reduces the tank's obstacle-crossing ability, maneuverability, and makes it more difficult to handle. The engine life of tanks with special equipment attached is also reduced.

Company truck. One light truck is in the tank company. This vehicle is used by the deputy company commander, the technical officer, and the praporshchik. The vehicle has a radio that is used as a communications link from the company commander's tank to the battalion headquarters when the tank company is out of direct communications range.

NBC equipment. All personnel have protective masks, and tanks are equipped with overpressured and filtration systems. Vehicle decontamination is supervised by chemical defense specialists. Soviet-made tanks have a smoke generating system for a defensive smoke screen.

Tank company tasks. A tank company used in the defense may perform one of the following roles:

• Holding an are.

• A counterpentration or counterattack force.

• Reinforcing the AT defense of an MR unit, normally a battalion.

• A force to cover an area between NBC contaminated areas.

• A tank ambush.

Frontages. When employed in the defensive role as part of a battalion, the tank company defends a strongpoint 1,000 meters wide and 500 meters in depth. There are 300 meters between platoons. The arc of observation for a tank with a stationary turret is restricted to the gunner's and commander's sights, which gives an arc of 18 degrees. There are normally 150 meters between individual tanks (see Figure 3-40) .

Defensive configuration. A tank company commander considers the following in selecting defensive positions:

• Maintaining tank fire density while retaining all-around defense.

• Reverse slope positions.

• Mutual support within the company and with adjacent units.

• Secondary fire positions for tanks with covered routes from primary positions.

With conflicting requirements, the tank company commander places his platoons with two forward and one back. The rear platoon is to the center, right or left rear as dictated by terrain and threat. MR troops provide local protection to tanks and fill gaps within the position. Linear formations are acceptable in the second echelon. Within the defensive position a wandering tank is designated to move between gaps and flanks to confuse the enemy.

Tank fire from prepared positions. A tank company is expected to open fire at 1,500 meters with a 50 percent kill ratio. This style of defense projects that a tank company will approach at 15 kmph, which allows a 70-percent strength Soviet-style tank company to defeat 30 to 40 attacking tanks.

Engineer prepared defensive positions. When a company is out of contact with the enemy, engineers can work at preparing tank positions The priority of work is usually as follows:

• Preparing positions for tanks and APCs.

• Clearing arcs of fire.

• Constructing AT and antipersonnel obstacles along likely enemy avenues of approach.

• Preparing alternate positions.

• Preparing ammunition storage facilities.

Fire plans are completed for those areas that cannot be covered by artillery and mortar fire. The flanks and the forward edge of likely enemy assault positions are priority artillery targets.

Battalion orders. The tank company commander receives his order from the battalion commander either by radio or in person. He is given both the company mission and details of coordination with adjacent units.

Reconnaissance. If not in contact with the enemy, the tank company, platoon, and attached unit commanders make a reconnaissance of the company sector to site company tanks according to the procedures outlined earlier. The company commander makes a plan that includes the following:

• Company and platoon boundaries.

• Tank primary and alternate firing positions.

• Individual tank and platoon arcs of fire.

• Positions and arcs of fire for attached units.

• Means for securing flanks and gaps by artillery fire or construction of obstacles.

• Priorities for engineer work.

• Use of night-vision devices.

Company orders and coordination. Following his reconnaissance, the company commander estimates the situation and issues oral orders to the tank platoons and to attached and supporting units. If the company is in contact, orders are transmitted by radio on the company net.

Following final organization of the defensive position, the company commander sends a diagram of his position to the battalion commander (see Figure 3-41). This diagram includes the following details:

• Prominent terrain features and a scale.

• Enemy positions.

• Tank platoon and attached subunit locations and alternate positions.

• Primary and alternate directions of fire.

• Obstacles.

• Location of company headquarters.

Conduct of the Defense

Movement to Contact/Actions on Contact

Planning

The battalion task force conducts a movement to contact to make or regain contact with the enemy and to develop the situation. TFs conduct movement to contact independently or as part of a larger force. The battalion task force will normally be given a movement to contact mission as the lead element of a brigade attack, or as a counterattack element of a brigade or division. Movement to contact terminates with the occupation of an assigned objective or when enemy resistance requires the battalion to deploy and conduct an attack to continue forward movement.

Key planning considerations for the movement to contact mission include--

• Movement.

• Task organization.

• Integration of CS/CSS assets.

Each planning consideration must be looked at in detail during the planning phase of the operation to ensure the contingencies inherent in a movement to contact are addressed.

Intelligence

Movement to contact is characterized by a lack of enemy intelligence. The TF terrain analysis provides key decisions made about how to organize for and conduct a movement to contact. Commanders should concentrate on the military aspects of terrain analysis:

• Observation and fields of fire.

• Cover and concealment.

• Obstacles.

• Key terrain.

• Avenues of approach.

Analyze each aspect in conjunction with intelligence updates as part of a commander's IPB during the estimate process. This allows the contingency planning that fosters flexibility during mission execution. A TF movement to contact mission is assigned a zone of action or an axis of advance and an objective Inherent in the movement to contact planning is that enemy contact will be made and actions on contact must be immediate and successful. Correct analysis of the military aspects of terrain influences the commander's decisions about key planning considerations, movement, task organization, and integration of CS and CSS assets. Use the following training techniques to promote more accurate, thorough analysis of the situation.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: Conduct a map exercise in which battalion/TF officers and senior noncommissioned officers are given an area of operations, BPs, and an orientation to the enemy force. Each man uses his own map and materials to conduct detailed LOS analysis. Only by meticulously conducting an LOS analysis do soldiers gain an appreciation for the subtleties the map can reveal. Maneuver commanders develop and then practice this skill to maximize useful map reconnaissance. On the ground, reconnaissance has no better substitute, but offensive operations limit a commander's ability to go forward. Therefore, map reconnaissance and LOS analysis become valuable planning tools. Battalion task force commanders can train officers and soldiers to use terrain analysis in mission planning.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: Conduct a map exercise in which battalion officers and NCOs are given an area of operation, an enemy situation, and a requirement to identify correctly NO-GO, SLOW-GO terrain. By default, this leaves GO terrain, which must further be distinguished between mounted and dismounted trafficability. Each individual must do his own analysis, and have his work critiqued by a resident SME such as the battalion S2. The standards that determine the distinctions between NO-GO and SLOW-GO, as outlined in FM 34-130, must be studied and discussed prior to the exercise. The intent of this exercise is not to create surrogate S2 or engineer topography experts, but the more skill the maneuver commanders and staff officer have in terrain analysis, the better their ability to plan, prepare, and execute combat missions. The exercise should be repeated regularly as part of officer/NCO professional development.

Maneuver

The terrain analysis influences the scheme of maneuver used. Doctrine recommends organization into a security force comprised of the TF scout platoon conducting a zone reconnaissance 3 to 5 kilometers wide, then an advance guard of one company team, the main body, and flank and rear security. Flank security is normally accomplished with platoon-size elements from the companies in the main body. The trail company provides a rear security element to protect the TF.

This formation and task organization assumes that the battalion task force will be part of a brigade formation. This assumption poses problems. Conditions exist in which a battalion task force will independently conduct a movement to contact, and in either case, METT-T may dictate significant deviations from the doctrinal guideline (see figure 3-42).

Open terrain with a wide zone of action, that is, one in excess of 5 kilometers, dictates supplementing the scouts with another element to provide security across the broad front. This causes a ripple effect within the other elements. If a tank or Bradley platoon are used up with the scouts and the battalion task force maintains the same flank security, then the main body becomes depleted. C2 of the security force is made more complicated by the additional maneuver elements (see Figure 3-43).

In another instance, the movement may be through compartmentalized terrain where the battalion task force must advance along mobility corridors. It will be hard to maintain mutual support, let alone flank and rear security (see Figure 3-44).

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: Anticipate conditions in which execution will deviate from doctrinal norms, then train elements how to assume the variety of missions possible in a movement to contact. Thus, tank and Bradley companies must train with respective scout platoons on how to conduct the security mission, both when the battalion task force acts independently and when the battalion task force operates as an element in a brigade attack. Implied in this training requirement is habitual task organization. Theoretically, each tank company should be prepared to be task organized to the sister infantry battalion and should be trained to operate as part of a security force with the infantry battalion scouts. Realistically, chances to train to any degree of proficiency are rare. Thus, the battalion commander must decide early which companies to "chop" to other battalions where they can get the training needed to math proficiency in mission execution.

Those elements that remain with the TF must practice movement to contact as part of the flank security, the advance guard, or the rear security element. Anticipate requirements, rather than reacting to them. Successful execution rests in making decisions early in unit preparation and task organizing based on demonstrated skills.

Land navigation is a key aspect of maneuver that impacts on mission success. Once in the planning stage for combat operations, assumptions are made about the ability of elements to move from point A to point B under a variety of conditions. Such assumptions are unwarranted unless land navigation is routinely practiced. Tactical plans will deteriorate if elements of the battalion task force get lost. Successful maneuver cannot occur without successful land navigation.

Fire Support

Movement to contact missions may present the greatest offensive synchronization challenge to the battalion task force commander because of the relative lack of hard intelligence and, therefore, the many contingencies for which he must plan. Integrating FS into the development of the scheme of maneuver requires a clear statement of intent by the maneuver commander one that is understood by all subordinate and supporting elements.

The central problem in synchronizing FS with the other battlefield operating system lies in the timing of fires. The ability to place direct, indirect, and close air support at the right place at the right time once contact is made presents a challenge in planning and execution.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: If timing is accepted as the central problem in synchronizing FS then practicing how to integrate all the FS elements within a tactical situation represents the best initial step in solving the problem.

The relationships of the battalion task force FSO and the company team FSOs to the battalion task force commander, his staff, and his maneuver commanders become critical in training to synchronize FS.

Sound commander's intent, followed by realistic FS planning, cannot occur unless everyone involved understands the planning considerations and all the implications of decisions about priority of fires, effects of fires, targets, coordination measures, and the use of mortars and CAS. Therefore, commanders and staffs must constantly be challenged to practice fire planning in a variety of training events.

For example, consider the effects of fires. In developing a scheme of maneuver, the maneuver commander must understand the difference between asking for destruction of a target and requesting suppression. Proper training and constant coordination among the FSO, the commander, and the S3, helps ensure the FS plan is properly developed, is clearly understood, and is executed according to the commander's intent.

Combat simulation exercises, map exercises, CPXs, TEWTs, and scaled ranges provide excellent, low-cost opportunities for the commander and staff to practice FS planning and execution.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Maintaining the mobility of the TF in a movement to contact is critical. The TF engineer must plan and allocate mobility resources to the security force, advance guard, and main body. The mobility resources to the security force are just enough to cover its own movement, and to complete the reconnaissance mission. The advance guard needs to be allocated enough resources to conduct breaching operations, possibly opening lanes through obstacles to pass the main body. If the obstacle is dense or covered by a relatively larger force, the main body deploys to conduct a breaching operation. The engineer task organization is based on supporting TF in-stride breaching operations, with minimal engineer assets under TF control to transition to a TF deliberate breach, if needed. Situational obstacles are used to attack an enemy's vulnerability or a specific course of action. Mobile obstacle detachments can be formed to help secure the TF flanks.

Air Defense

Stinger gunners should be put under armor, for example, a gunner with two missiles rides in a Bradley or in the company team XO's Bradley. The other member of the Stinger team would remain in the HMMWV and overwatch the main body from high ground on the same axis. The Vulcan platoon remains with the main body, where the Stinger gunner on each Vulcan provides coverage out to extended ranges. Air defense planning addresses organization for combat, and the organization is tailored to the situation. No easy solution exists for how best to employ ADA assets.

Combat Service Support

Doctrinally, offensive operations generate certain planning assumptions, such as increased fuel consumption and a greater casualty rate. Each planning assumption generates specific activity, such as altering the push package to come forward. Further problems arise if it is uncertain when the TF will halt. Casualty evacuation problems represent the most critical logistics challenge. With trains poised to move and a shortage of dedicated evacuation vehicles, it is difficult to plan casualty evacuation. Planning for casualty evacuation must focus on the maneuver company medical teams making maximum use of casualty transfer points. Instantaneous decisions will be made about what vehicles will supplement the assigned medic tracks. Self-aid and buddy aid with trained combat lifesavers spell the difference between life and death.

Consolidation and reorganization planning center on unit SOP based on CSS actions before securing the objective. For example, a TF element providing flank security may make contact with a small enemy element. While developing that situation, the main body continues to move forward. After the main body is clear, the flank security platoon may be left with casualties needing evacuation, as well as combat vehicles requiring repair or evacuation. This drives decisions about committing medical and maintenance support assets that impact on the TF's ability to support itself.

Command and Control

Anticipating the numerous contingencies could affect the execution of the movement to contact, and the actions of TF elements once in contact will tax the planning process.

The ability to analyze "what if" situations during a war-gaming process allows the commander to anticipate the unexpected. For example, once a task organization is laid out and the formations are designated, war-gaming courses of action should force the commander and staff to deal with contact from unlikely locations. The intent of such war-gaming is not to cause the TF to become overly cautious, but to allow a realistic assessment of what may conceivably occur. Time available dictates the depth of analysis, but a trained staff can rapidly and accurately anticipate most enemy actions. The TF can outline the various company team drills for action on contact, and explain in detail what will happen within the remainder of the TF after contact. What are the actions of the security element, the advance guard, and the elements of the main body? Once contact is made, each element must know what its action will be. The attacker plans for how he will develop the situation.

Preparation

Intelligence

From reports of higher headquarters and from execution of the TF R&S plan, the S2 continually updates the enemy situation. The capability of piecing together shreds of intelligence into useful information is a significant factor in anticipating the enemy's actions. Intelligence gathering activity focuses on confirming enemy locations and activity. As information becomes available, the S2 disseminates the information and his analysis as rapidly as possible.

The S2's role during TF rehearsals is to portray the threat for the TF play. During the rehearsal, the S2 causes the unexpected to occur to show the reaction of TF elements. Rehearsal can reveal flaws in a plan early enough to make changes before execution, thereby raising the odds of successful mission accomplishment.

Maneuver

During the preparation phase of a movement to contact, several rehearsal techniques can be used to help ensure increased likelihood of successful mission accomplishment.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: The TF must have first rehearsed how to rehearse. The time available will dictate the type of rehearsal most appropriate, and TF leaders must know immediate y what rehearsal technique to use given the time available. The correct decision cannot be made without a working knowledge of the time and resources necessary to execute a variety of successful rehearsal techniques.

For example, ideally the TF could conduct a full-up rehearsal of the entire operation, but opportunities seldom exist. Therefore, less thorough techniques must be used. The commander must decide where the biggest payoff exists--should the rehearsal be at TF level, should it be done at company level, or should the two be combined. Also, consider how scouts can be rehearsed when they must immediately begin to execute an R&S plan to gather intelligence.

Fire Support

In the preparation phase, the rehearsal of FS focuses on timing it in conjunction with maneuver. For example, the movement to contact is a phased operation in which the phases are terrain oriented-movement to LD is Phase I, movement from LD to PL Jane is Phase II, and so forth. The FSO addresses shifts in the priority of fires and time required to put steel on target for preplanned targets and targets of opportunity in each phase of the operation. The procedure to prioritize calls for fire are looked at to prevent overloading the mission queue by executing low-priority missions at the expense of the most critical missions.

By rehearsing all contingencies, the FSO, the S3, and company team commanders can see whether or not the FS plan supports the commander's intent. Company team commanders must understand the priorities, ensure all calls for fire are weighed against the overall priority, and make sure guns are available to fire the commander's most critical missions.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Using time available during the preparation for a movement to contact, elements within the TF must rehearse breaching operations. Rehearsals will confirm the location of attached engineers within the TF formation and tell whether the engineers are positioned to respond to the encountered obstacle. The rehearsal will refine techniques and procedures used to conduct the breach and subsequent assault through the gap in the obstacle. Even if an obstacle is not expected, units should still rehearse in-stride breach, because of the enemy's scatterable mine capability. The rehearsal incorporates the FS assets and emphasizes the criticality of timing. Breaching obstacles requires synchronization of all combat assets during a movement to contact.

Air Defense

No matter how the commander decided to task organize his air defense assets, the Vulcan/Stinger personnel should rehearse the procedures they anticipate using to acquire and engage targets. If air defense assets are decentralized and placed under armor, then target engagement will have to be practiced with the vehicle crews now carrying the Stinger gunners. Since the gunners will be separated from their communications system, early warning throughout the TF will be particularly critical. Rehearsal of the warning system will maximize air defense assets during execution.

Combat Service Support

CSS rehearsal cannot occur until all other elements in the TF are logistically prepared for the mission. CSS elements can then rehearse their plans and procedures for subsequent supply, medical and maintenance requirements. The CSS plan must be disseminated as early as possible.

Command and Control

Once the commander decides on a rehearsal technique, the focus centers around C2 at all levels. Every step taken to facilitate C2 will aid in mission execution. The commander can practice synchronization of his assets and make adjustments. Rehearsal is the rule rather than the exception, and refining rehearsal techniques is an integral part of unit preparation. The rehearsals include all commanders, primary staff, and specialty platoon leaders. Good detailed maneuver graphics will aid significantly in controlling all combat, CS, and CSS elements.

Execution

Intelligence

The vertical and horizontal communications systems will be severely tested during the execution of a movement to contact. The information provided by unit spot reports must be translated into intelligence as rapidly as possible. From time to time, the S2 will come up on the task force command net to update the commander and company team commanders as to where the enemy is and what he will do next.

Maneuver

A key to mission execution lies in the detailed planning and preparation that precedes execution. The most difficult aspect of movement to contact execution is potentially in development of the situation once contact is made. Much of what occurs depends on the reaction of the element making initial contact. According to doctrine, the element must return fire, deploy, report, and develop the situation. The value of training units to take actions on contact under a variety of circumstances will pay dividends once contact is made.

Fire Support

The major FS execution problem is maintaining target priorities. For example, once contact is made, spot reports will bring a torrent of calls for fire, some of which will need to be weeded out, given the scheme of maneuver and plan for supporting fire. The discipline to keep FS assets poised for the main effort's crucial moments wilt allow FS to achieve its mission. If the mortars are correctly positioned throughout the movement to contact, their support can be extremely responsive. The FSO must use good judgment in deciding which missions to give to the mortars.

Mobility, Countermobility and Survivability

The speed with which battalion task force elements react to enemy obstacles during a movement to contact is critical. Attached engineer assets in the TF assist the element that hits an enemy obstacle. The element must lay the immediate groundwork to counter the obstacle. Assuming the enemy has the obstacle covered with direct and indirect fires, the lead force must protect themselves and the TF breach force. The battalion task force's ability to synchronize combat power at a critical moment is tested at this time. Successful execution of obstacle breaching is achieved if the TF elements are drilled in all aspects of the operation. Implied in this training is that each element within the TF has been drilled to be either the support, breach, or assault force, since any element could be required to execute any of those missions during a movement to contact.

Air Defense

If the Stingers have been put under armor, their internal communications capability has been degraded. This trade-off is worthwhile if the rest of the TF is vigilant to the air threat. The protection afforded is at the cost of early warning.

Combat Service Support

Increased consumption of fuel, increased maintenance problems, and the potential for casualties are spread throughout a wide, deep sector. Proactive leadership that closely monitors the battle can preclude shortfalls in support. The displacement of critical CSS elements such as combat trains, UMCPs, LRPs, and casualty transfer points should be event-driven by PLs or other control measures to ensure those elements remain responsive to the task force at all times. Because of the distances involved, units should resupply on the move during all pauses.

Command and Control

The TF will use its scouts to assist in C2 by guiding the maneuver units, finding and visually fixing the enemy, and conducting coordination with flank units. TF leaders need to be well forward to react to a hasty attack. Succession of command procedures will prove crucial due to potential leader losses.

Hasty Attack

Planning

The hasty attack is conducted either as the result of a meeting engagement, when bypass has not been authorized, or the enemy force is in a vulnerable position.

Intelligence

Intelligence planning for the hasty attack will occur as part of planning the movement to contact. The scout platoon will be relied on to acquire information about the enemy. R&S elements are tasked both to find the enemy and to determine his vulnerabilities in time for the main body commander to maneuver his force. The S2 ensures the scout platoon leader knows areas that will be occupied by the enemy and has a copy of the IPB situation template. The scout platoon must look for likely flank avenues that might favor enemy use. The R&S plan is the best tool the TF commander has. He must ensure it will confirm or deny enemy courses of action.

Maneuver

In planning for the movement to contact, the TF must be prepared to execute two categories of hasty attack: attack against a moving force and attack against a stationary force.

If the enemy is caught by surprise, an immediate attack is launched to gain the most advantage from the situation. The scouts and/or the leading company team must develop the situation quickly. They must provide enough information to the commander for him to develop a scheme of maneuver. In planning for the hasty attack the commander must decide how far forward of the TF the reconnaissance elements should travel. The actions of the main body are executed drills in response to a FRAGO. To execute, the TF will either take up a hasty defensive position oriented on the enemy's approach or conduct a hasty attack against the vulnerable flank of a moving enemy, If the enemy is stationary, the TF conducts a hasty attack against an identified weakness in his defense.

Fire Support

FS planning for the hasty attack is conducted with the movement to contact planning, and may be modified once the TF begins movement. The enemy may be stationary or moving. Terrain features that support defense, and open areas that support maneuver are targeted. FIST should be placed with the reconnaissance element to augment the effectiveness of initial indirect fires. The mortar platoon may travel in split sections behind the scouts. Keep in mind that if the mortars travel as a unit, the initial response for fire will be slower than if a section is stationary.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Engineer assets are task organized to support a task force in stride breach, but remain responsive enough to transition to a deliberate breach if needed. In a hasty attack against a stationary enemy, the engineers must be prepared to conduct a breach of hasty protective and delaying obstacles. Situational obstacles are planned to protect the task force's flanks and to help isolate the enemy forces.

Air Defense

As the TF moves deeper into enemy territory, the likelihood of enemy air attack increases. Stinger under armor is necessary as the force receives artillery suppression before sighting the enemy. A prior terrain analysis will have determined the best ADA positions throughout the length of the axis.

Combat Service Support

The battalion field trains move under the direction of the FSB commander. It is essential that the FSB is kept out of the fight. Combat trains move in echelon, moving continuously until contact is made or other events warrant the establishment of a fixed post, such as an aid station. The initial movement will need maintenance and Class III support. UMCPs and LRPs should be planned to support the movement all the way to the TF's final objective. Evacuation forward to on-call collection points should be planned for. Once contact is made, the TF expends large amounts of Class V, and vehicle and personnel casualties increase. Reloaded emergency and push packages reduce lag time between requisition and resupply.

Command and Control

In planning the movement to contact and its likely outcome, the hasty attack, the TF commander must determine which formation grants flexibility without sacrificing security. A key to his ability to command the TF is his ability to maneuver with as few changes possible and launch into a rapid hasty attack. He commands the TF by maneuvering with as few changes as possible, and launching a rapid hasty attack. He places the scouts forward to allow him time to make a decision and execute commands. He must strike a balance between formations and terrain driving that will protect the force.

The difficulty in the hasty attack is massing direct fires at the right place and right time. The TF commander must prepare complete and accurate graphic control measures that support direct fire. He must war-game how to position his forces quickly to gain the advantage from terrain in a limited amount of time. He must be in constant communication with scouts, monitoring the enemy's progress and making quick time-distance assessments. Accurate reporting will enable the commander to follow the enemy until the moment of contact.

Preparation

Intelligence

The S2 develops an enemy situation template to support preparation of the command's estimate. This shows the probable disposition of the enemy force, including likely occupied enemy positions in depth. The S2 assists the commander in seeing the enemy as a whole as well as reporting known enemy locations. The commander must plan for its destruction within the parameters of a possible defensive belt. The S2 gives the commander the location of the enemy's exploitable weakness.

Maneuver

The TF prepares for the hasty attack as it conducts its rehearsal of the movement to contact. The commander must ensure that the TF is able to execute any one of five missions beyond the movement to contact. They are--

• Occupying a terminating objective.

• Hasty attack against a moving enemy.

• Hasty attack against a stationary enemy.

• Becoming a support by fire for a brigade attack.

• Hasty defense.

These missions are listed in order of increased enemy resistance; this section addresses only the two types of hasty attack.

Fire Support

The DS battalion and mortar platoon must be prepared to fire HE and/or smoke very quickly. Quick fire nets may be established to shorten response time. Possible enemy positions identified by the S2 should be plotted prior to the execution of the movement to contact. A FIST may be placed with the scout platoon to assist in directing accurate fire against the enemy.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

In the assault of an enemy position, the engineers must be prepared to conduct breaching operations. In preparation for the hasty attack, therefore, the TF must conduct breaching drills with the full combined arms team. The TF engineer must ensure that the current obstacle intelligence is reported to all elements supporting the company teams. He should also ensure that the final coordination, with the TF XO and S4, for Class IV and V push packages matches the commander's intent with allocation of resources.

Air Defense

As the TF conducts rehearsals, the air defense elements must practice how they will maneuver to support the TF. Vulcans will maneuver easily with the TF and provide close-in protection to selected elements. On the other hand, Stingers must be placed under armor to maintain survivability.

Combat Service Support

CSS assets prepare for the hasty attack by reviewing the location of the MSR. Obvious nodes (road intersections) should be avoided as locations for UMCPs. They may be targeted by enemy artillery. Push packages consisting of Classes III and V. are prepared in advance. Each unit should be topped off and brought up to its basic load supply strength before beginning movement. Shortages are noted and any unit less equipped or supplied than the others are considered for first priority resupply.

Command and Control

The commander prepares for the hasty attack by rehearsing hasty attack against a moving enemy and hasty attack against a stationary enemy as described earlier in this section. He ensures each company is able to execute its part of the mission. Each company commander must know the mission of the other commanders and how their responsibilities interrelate.

Execution

Intelligence

As the TF scouts make contact with the enemy, the S2 marks the position on his situational map. Organization of observed forces may indicate the type of organization encountered and this information will assist the S2 in his situation template. Due to the lack of time and the TF commander being physically separated from the TF main CP, the S2 must quickly assess the size, disposition, overall enemy situation, and recommended point of attack directed against the enemy's suspected weakness. He must relay this information to the TF commander as soon as he is able to make a credible judgment. This information will drive the plan of attack.

Maneuver

Regardless of the disposition of the enemy, there are several key points that the commander must remember. First he is directing his scheme of maneuver against a known enemy. He must maintain security throughout the operation. This may be achieved by the scout platoon establishing a screen line or company teams emplacing OPs. Second, this maneuver is not being made in isolation. What are the other brigade TFs doing? How does the TF scheme of maneuver relate to theirs? Third, the enemy in contact with the TF is part of a larger force. What is the enemy trying to achieve?

Fire Support

The execution of the FS plan will depend on the ability of the FO to make accurate and timely calls for fire. Once contact has been made, calls for fire are generally shifted from TRPs. Indirect fire must suppress the enemy while the TF approaches the objective, and the objective must be isolated from observation by enemy positioned on adjacent positions. Once the assault force reaches the objective, fires should be shifted to block enemy retreat and reinforcement and to suppress possible enemy positions in depth.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

In the advance to the objective and the assault, engineers may be called on to conduct breaching operations. The lead assault element will become the breach force, and if conditions warrant, also the assault force. Follow-on forces must be prepared to become the assault force for the breach and possibly the objective.

Air Defense

Once enemy air attack is imminent, a warning should be issued over the command net. Particularly in the case of helicopter attack, tanks designated by SOP should prepare to engage while the remainder of the TF completes destruction of the enemy's ground forces.

Combat Service Support

CSS operations will closely monitor the operations of the maneuver force. As the TF moves to attack or prepares a hasty attack from battle positions, critical supplies and services will be pushed forward as much as possible.

Command and Control

The commander must avoid two pitfalls: initiating an attack without developing the situation first, and committing the TF piecemeal. In each case, the TF commander must allow his subordinate elements time to perform their missions properly. Anticipation, warning orders, and FRAGOs will prevent last minute decisions and sloppy execution.

Deliberate Attack

The conduct of the deliberate attack will generally follow the sequence below:

• Rehearsal.

• Reconnaissance.

• Movement to the LD.

• Maneuver.

• Deployment.

• Attack.

The break-in phase. TM is the most critical aspect of the attack the attack will fail if the unit is unable to penetrate enemy defenses. During this phase, the commander must conserve his dismounted infantry assets because they are a limited resource in a BFV company. The break in is further divided into the following three steps.

The fight-through phase. Once the infantry enters the trench line, the battle on the objective literally becomes divided. The trench line battle is fought belowground by the infantry in the trenches and enemy bunkers. The BFVs engage enemy IFVs with 25-mm cannon fire and suppress with coax, carry needed ammunition, and evacuate wounded. Tanks will fight the aboveground battle by destroying hard targets and AT systems. Tanks will also assist in sealing off the objective, suppressing adjacent enemy positions, and preparing to defeat counterattacks. FOs will continue to keep the objective isolated by shifting suppressive fires and adjusting smoke missions on other enemy positions. The commander will position himself where he can best control the operation, probably aboveground. Synchronization will be especially difficult, as he must monitor both actions simultaneously. He must be prepared to commit reserves to both the infantry and armor, while also protecting the objective from the influence of other enemy positions.

Destroy. As defined in ARTEP 71-1-MTP, destroy means killing 75 percent of the enemy force. If a commander wants a subordinate element to destroy an enemy force, he allocates sufficient combat power and ammunition to accomplish this intent.

Fix. As defined in FM 101-5-1, fix means preventing the enemy from moving any part of its forces and preventing their withdrawal by surrounding or holding them. If a commander wants a subordinate element to fix the enemy and prevent it from maneuvering, he understands that the friendly forces must surround the enemy.

Suppression. As defined in FM 101-5-1, suppression means to prevent the enemy from bringing effective fire on friendly forces. The component tasks of destroying an enemy and suppressing an enemy are very similar.

Support by fire by overwatching. This consists of observing known or suspected enemy locations, and engaging the enemy if he is visible or tries to fire on the friendly maneuver element. Overmatching frequently transitions into suppression of known or suspected enemy locations.

Support by fire by establishing a base of fire. This actively suppresses an objective with direct and indirect fire, even though the enemy has not shown himself and is not firing on the friendly maneuver element. The base of fire always fires at the objective to support a moving unit's assault. When establishing a base of fire, the commander must always consider Class V expenditure.

Task organization. A balanced TF is organized into three major elements: support, breach, and assault elements. Each element has several missions to perform within the overall scheme of maneuver. The elements are organized for their missions and given assets necessary to complete their tasks (see Figure 3-56).

Breaching a tactical and protective obstacle system and assaulting a fortified objective requires a force that includes the following elements: support, breach, and assault, each with subelements. For example, the breach team might require a support group for close-in security, as well as an assault group to negotiate enemy security positions forward of the objective. A subelement's organization will vary with the situation. If the situation is not clear, subelement detachments can be assigned contingency missions.

The TF, in this particular example, is a balanced mechanized infantry battalion. Consisting of two mechanized infantry companies, two armor companies, and an engineer company. The tank companies are each organized with three mineplows and one mineroller in one platoon.

The composition of the support team should be heavy in armor/antiarmor weapons to overwatch and support the breaching and assault teams. ITVs and tanks are given fire control measures and priority of target engagements. ITVs may use their fires to destroy armored vehicles and to engage hard-to-hit point targets such as bunkers.

Support team. The support team is organized with a tank company, the ITV company, an ADA section, and a heavy mortar platoon (see Figure 3-57). It is commanded by one of the company commanders and can be monitored to overall synchronization by the TF S3. The support team is the first in march order in the move toward the objective, so armor-heavy forces are able to lead the TF and position themselves first to provide the base of fire in support of the breach and assault teams.

The mission of the support team is to provide covering fires for the breaching and assault elements by destroying enemy armor and AT weapons. The support team also has the task of sealing the flanks of the objective to deny enemy reinforcement of the position or counterattack. Once the support team has completed its overwatch/support mission, it will join the assault team and assist in exploiting the breach in the forward echelons of the enemy's defense, under the control of the TF commander.

The support group of the support team consists of the ADA section and the heavy mortar platoon. 'he support group is responsible for providing indirect fires to assist in suppressing the enemy or sealing off the flanks of the objective against enemy reinforcements or counterattack. Responsive obscuration fires are available for short periods of time. ADAs will be sited to protect the approaches to the intended breach site. Air defense weapons should have overlapping EAs in the vicinity of the breach site.

Breach team. As a technique, the breach team will not begin its breach until the support team has established suppressive fire. The breach team will create a lane or lanes in the enemy's protective minefield, penetrate the fortification itself, then fight the aboveground battle.

The breach team is composed of a close-in support group and a breach group. The breach group consists of six plow tanks, two roller tanks, CLAMMS marking device, a CEV, and two ACEs with MICLICs. The close-support group is composed of the remaining tank platoons.

It is unlikely that the AVLB will be used in the close breach due to its vulnerability. However, it may be used to span gaps such as an AT ditch when it can be properly protected. A tank equipped with a mineroller can cross an AVLB, but it is a risk crossing because it exceeds the weight classification. For a mineroller to cross an AVLB, the AVLB's side skirts must be removed.

The CEV can be used to backfill the AT ditch while assault vehicles cross the AVLB, but its use is not limited to earthmoving operations. The demolition gun provides an excellent means of reducing hardened AT barriers made of metal, concrete, or logs. Log cribs are easily destroyed by several rounds from the 165-mm gun. Use of the CEV on the objective must be weighed against possible damage or loss.

TF recovery assets maybe task organized with breaching elements; however, to prevent congestion during the assault, each vehicle must be prepared to conduct recovery of a like or smaller vehicle. Tow cables should be premounted to the rear of the vehicle, and grappling hooks should be handy in case of extensive wire on the objective.

The assault team. The assault team consists of a mechanized infantry company and may be followed by the reserve (a second mechanized company). The assault team is third in the order of march and follows the breach team. Once the breach team has penetrated the enemy position, the assault will attack the enemy trench line and conduct the belowground battle, eventually clearing the enemy strongpoint (see Figure 3-58).

Figure 3-59 is the commander's plan of attack. He has identified objectives, support positions, a screen line, the axis of advance, and artillery targets for suppression and smoke. This is by no means a complete operational graphic, but it is sufficient to illustrate the attack. Subsequent paragraphs will walk through the attack from approach to fighting through.

Tank and infantry teamwork during the approach. The commander welds the capabilities of infantry and tank units into one effort. His reconnaissance and rehearsal point to an effective course of action. Throughout the operation, he will consider the following relationships between tanks and infantry in the approach:

• When possible, tanks lead the attacking formation to take maximum advantage of their capability for mounted combat.

• It is desirable that the infantry remain mounted as long as possible so that--

• Infantry normally dismount when it is necessary for them to--

• Tank and mounted infantry elements are coordinated by task organizing. The brigade commander selects the task organization of his battalion task forces based on the missions each is to accomplish. Mounted infantry prepares to fight their vehicle as a member of the combat formation. IFVs are positioned according to the tactical situation. The commander considers the primary requirement of having the mechanized infantry readily available. He must also consider the vulnerability of the IFV to enemy fire.

• The rate of advance of mounted infantry is based on the actions of the leading tank units.

• When mechanized infantry is required to dismount, tanks, IFVs, and infantry operate close enough together to provide mutual support. The infantry may move between vehicles, or immediately to the rear of them. As the advance progresses, the relative position of tanks and infantry are adjusted according to the enemy resistance and the terrain. This permits close coordination and maximum mutual support but sacrifices speed, making the tanks more vulnerable to AT fire.

• When terrain, obstacles, or enemy AT weapons restrict or stop the movement of the tanks but permit infantry to move forward, tanks may support by fire while the infantry advances. As conditions permit, the tanks should move forward, pass through the infantry, and lead the assault on the objective.

• The IFVs should follow close enough behind infantry to be available when needed to continue the attack mounted or to assist in consolidation of the objective. They may move forward by bounds, or closely follow the attacking force and augment the fires of the tanks and infantry with their weapons.

The assault. The desired goal in the assault is to bring the maximum combat power of tanks, mechanized infantry, and suppressive fire to bear on the enemy simultaneously and to destroy him as rapidly as possible with minimum casualties to friendly forces. The assault on a defended position by tanks and mechanized infantry in coordination with the support team may take one of three forms:

• Tanks and dismounted infantry assault in coordination (TF organization).

• Tanks and dismounted infantry assault mounted. In some situations, because of the nature of the terrain or of limited enemy resistance, it may be unnecessary to dismount the mechanized infantry. The decision to keep the infantry mounted is up to the local commander at the time. The mounted assault differs from the dismounted assault in the employment of supporting fires. In the mounted assault, integrated forces may assault the objective under cover of overhead artillery and mortar fire. Tanks and mounted mechanized infantry overrun the objective. If necessary, supporting fires may be shifted to isolate the objective, and mechanized infantry dismount, as required, to mop up.

• Tanks support by fire. Terrain or obstacles may make it impossible for tracked vehicles to join in the assault. In this situation, dismounted infantry will conduct the assault, and tanks and IFVs will support by fire with full consideration given to the long-range and rapid rate of fire of the tank weapons and the precision and control with which these fires can be delivered. As soon as the situation permits, tanks and IFVs will rejoin the mechanized infantry, and if appropriate, again lead the attack.

Fire Support

First, the TF commander verifies that the DS artillery and mortars will be able to accomplish their mission with both target effect and duration. (Ammunition on hand may prevent portions of the TF plan from occurring if CSS operations were not given advance warning.) Second, the commander ensures the FS plan adequately suppresses, isolates, and blinds the enemy forces in and about the objective area. This should be checked during the rehearsal, as line-of-sight or duration may need to be modified.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

The breach team prepares for the deliberate attack by rehearsing breaching operations. For example, if the TF is having difficulty penetrating the close-in obstacles, how should the engineer augmentation best be used to succeed? Contingency planning is a part of rehearsals so that leaders under fire can issue timely FRAGOs. Signals and quick execution code words assist in speeding the response time of the subordinate elements.

Air Defense

There are essentially three phases of the attack in which the air defense assets may have to modify their disposition: passage of lines, movement to the position, and actions on the objective. The commander ensures that his task organization adequately protects the TF main effort throughout the operation.

Combat Service Support

A CSS rehearsal prevents confusion. The S4's support plan must be executed with minimal instruction. Event-driven actions are the best. For example, once the TF reaches PL Blue, the combat trains jump, and UMCP/LRP locations are moved by the phase of the operation. CSS elements must anticipate possible emergency resupply or evacuation requirements. Push packages must be prepared and ready to respond, especially during critical phases of the operation.

Command and Control

The TF commander's greatest challenge in preparing for the deliberate attack is ensuring that everyone knows what to do and when to do it. The TF key players need to walk through the mission slowly, explaining their actions every step of the way. After it is clear that each member of the TF understands his mission, the rehearsal should be conducted faster with minimal guidance, and then at actual speed with no guidance. Contingency plans are discussed and rehearsed if possible; but this must be done carefully so as not to confuse the TF players. The TF commander must have contingency instructions prepared in advance. Any aid that will save time in deciding on a course of action will give more time to make an assessment, and will give company teams more time to execute a new mission.

Execution

Intelligence

The S2 will orient his efforts toward the enemy's reactions. The repositioning of enemy forces and commitment of a reserve or counterattack must concern the S2. He ensures the scouts arc positioned to provide early warning to the TF and observe NAIs. Current information concerning enemy actions must be transmitted to the TF commander so that he will not create vulnerabilities and so that it can be used to exploit advantages.

Maneuver

The following example will examine the execution of the deliberate attack from approach to consolidation.

Consolidation. Consolidation is conducted as the fight through is still in progress. If the aboveground or belowground battle is over, the infantry or tanks begin preparations to meet enemy counterattacks. When the threat from within the position is eliminated, a hasty defense is achieved and the attacking force is ready to receive a new task when consolidation is complete. The best task to give an attacking force is to assist in the forward passage of follow-on elements. The infantry will either stay in the captured enemy trenches or mount up to move to the next defendable terrain. They must be protected from the enemy artillery fire that would follow the attack. Digging new positions forward of the old enemy position is not a viable option given the threat of indirect fire.

Stability. Stability in defensive operations is the ability to withstand enemy strikes using all types of weapons, repulse attacks by superior enemy forces, prevent the landing and operations of airborne/air assault forces, hold important areas, and eliminate enemy elements upon penetration.

Defending units are not authorized to abandon their positions and withdraw without orders from the senior commander. They must be prepared to operate when isolated, encircled, or cut off.

Aggressiveness. Aggressiveness is the ability to deliver continuous strikes with all resources against the attacker, imposing one's will on the enemy, creating conditions unfavorable to him, conducting maneuver, and counterattacking. This means that the defense is organized in enough depth to provide maximum firepower and freedom of internal movement and maneuver.

Siting factors.

Frontages. Guidelines for defensive frontages are just that--guidelines. The following measurements should be used as just planning guidance. In siting a defense, key factors which will increase or reduce these measurements include, in priority--

• Nature of the terrain.

• Time available to defenders to prepare positions.

• Estimated size, strength, and intentions of enemy forces.

Battalion Defense

A battalion defends in an area that is 3 to 5 kilometers wide and up to 3 kilometers deep. It is in two echelons. The interval between the two first-echelon companies and the depth company is approximately 500 meters. In Soviet-style doctrine a two-echelon battalion defense is preferable, but circumstances can dictate a single-echelon deployment.

Trench Works

Key to an undemanding of a Soviet-style defense is an appreciation of trench system designs. With the advent of IFVs, continuous trench lines are now only at platoon and company level.

Guidelines for positioning section/platoon defenses are addressed in the following paragraphs

The section occupies a frontage of 100 meters, and mans a 30-meter-wide section of trench. The BMP/BTR firing positions are set up inside, behind, or on the flank of the section trench. Alternate IFV fighting positions are set up. IFV positions are chosen on slopes, behind elevations, or behind cover so the enemy is continuously observed and engaged at maximum ranges. The section locates trenches for its IFV and weapons using existing terrain features, such as rivers, streams, ditches, buildings, and so forth. The section must be able to engage the enemy at maximum ranges without dead ground/concealed areas within 400 meters to 500 meters of the position.

The platoon strongpoint should be on advantageous terrain, built up using engineer assets and adapted for all-around defense. It must meet the following requirements:

• Personnel must be able to engage enemy forces frontally and on the flanks to the full effective range of the platoons weapons.

• Sections are sited to provide mutual support, flanking fires, and cross fires.

• The terrain must be exploited to the maximum extent to conduct AT, antiarmor, and antihelicopter fires.

• The position must be developed to the extent that personnel are protected against nuclear or incendiary (Napalm/FAE) attack.

Construction Sequence

Orders of work from shell scrape to full overhead cover have been established. The sequence for preparing the defense follows:

Platoon Positions

NOTE: For a BTR-60P, a revetment is not constricted in the firing sector.

Obstacle Plans

Conduct of a Motorized Rifle Platoon Defense

After receiving the order to go into the defense under direct enemy pressure, the platoon commander gives his sections the mission of taking up positions. He organizes OPs and develops a fire plan with targets in front of the position, to the flanks, and in the rear. He also establishes priorities for engineer work. In the combat order, the platoon commander indicates--

• Section missions, their primary and secondary sectors of fire, firing positions for combat vehicles, and their primary and secondary sectors of fire.

• Areas where platoon fire is to be concentrated, which weapons will cover gaps between adjacent units and the flanks, and the sequence of occupying positions.

• The time for completing engineer work and camouflaging.

In addition, the platoon commander determines the sequence for destroying enemy infantry and tanks in front of the forward edge in the event the enemy breaks through, and on the flanks and rear. He establishes signals for target designation, coordinates actions with adjacent units employed in the area, and indicates the sequence for servicing vehicles.

The fire plan is based on the close mutual support of all weapon types combined with engineer barriers and natural obstacles. All obstacles and their approaches must be for flanking and crossing fires and all-around defense. The fire plan is ready when all weapons have occupied their positions, the ammunition is broken out, and data is prepared.

The platoon commander's COP is equipped as a strongpoint close to the commander's combat vehicle. He must be able to see the terrain in front of the forward edge of the defense, on the flanks, and across the whole platoon defensive position.

Attacks by combat helicopters and low-flying airplanes are repelled by concentrated platoon fire. When the enemy closes, he is hit by all platoon weapons at maximum rate of fire. The first destroyed are tanks and combat vehicles. The infantry is cut off from the tanks and destroyed by infantry weapons.

Tanks and combat vehicles that break into the platoon strongpoint are destroyed by AT weapons. Infantry are hit with grenades and destroyed by hand-to-hand combat. If the enemy bypasses the strongpoint, the platoon maintains an all-around defense and continues to hold the strongpoint. If the enemy attack is repulsed, the platoon commander concentrates fire on the enemy attacking adjacent units. For night battles the platoon commander organizes the preparation of weapons and devices for night firing, and stakes the primary direction of fire for AT weapons without nightsights.

Conduct of a Tank Platoon Defense

Organization

The tank platoon consists of three tanks.

The Tank Crew

The tank crew of a Soviet-style medium tank is normally three. The duties of the tank crew areas follows:

• The commander commands the tank. Company commanders and platoon leaders command their own tanks. TC responsibilities include maintenance, target acquisition, fire control, firing position selection, and resupply. The commander is the only crewman authorized to use the tank radio, except in emergencies when other crew members may operate it.

• The gunner is second in command. He is responsible for firing, servicing, and repairing the tank's main gun, and maintaining the tank's optical and gunnery instruments. He assists the driver-mechanic in technical inspection of the vehicle, and replaces the ammunition. The gunner assists in target acquisition, and selects the correct ammunition for each target. He fires the main gun and the coaxial machine gun.

• The driver-mechanic's duties include maintenance, repair, spare parts resupply, and inspection of the vehicle. In combat, the driver-mechanic is responsible for selecting a route which presents the gunner with good firing positions.

• The loader is responsible for the condition and storage of ammunition, and for maintenance of the machine guns. He helps the gunner prepare the main gun for combat, and aids the driver-mechanic in routine maintenance. He mans the antiaircraft machine gun if there is one mounted on the tank. In understrength units, there may be no loader in tanks other than those of the company and platoon commanders.

NOTE: Generally, any Soviet-made tank equipped with a 125-mm main gun will have a mechanical autoloader. These tanks include models T-64, T-72, and T-80.

Platoon Leaders

Platoon leaders are normally lieutenants, but may be praporshchiki or, rarely sergeants, The platoon leader has limited authority in company operations. His task is to lead his platoon in the company mission, not to translate his superior's orders. When attached to an MRB, platoon leaders may be allowed more flexibility in executing their mission.

Basic Load

Soviet-made tank models T-64, T-72, and T-80 carry a basic load of 40 rounds. Twenty-four of these are carried in the autoloader carousel. The basic load is about half AT (HVAP-T) and half HE and fragmentation rounds (FRAG-HE). The carousel will carry 6 SABOT, 12 FRAG-HE, and 6 HEAT. If the carousel is depleted during combat, the tank will have to withdraw from battle to reload. Tanks will also carry an emergency reserve, consisting of between 20 and 30 percent of the basic load of POL, rations, ammunition, and spare parts.

Maintenance and Recovery

Basic maintenance of tanks is carried out by tank crews supervised by the company technical officer and TCs. Identified faults are rectified on the spot. The low standard of training of the driver-mechanic and the lack of equipment preclude extensive repairs.

Damaged tanks are repaired on the spot or under cover by the battalion REG. The REG is formed by the battalion maintenance section with augmentation from regiment.

Tanks damaged beyond the capabilities of the REG are recovered and evacuated by regimental or division maintenance units. Crews remain with these tanks to help make repairs, and are lost to the company commander. Entire units are replaced rather than make individual or crew replacements.

Medical

First aid is administered by other members of the crew using the first aid pack in the tank. The battalion medical team that accompanies the REG removes serious casualties from tanks once they have been towed to cover. Serious casualties are collected and evacuated by regimental transport; there is no medical officer at battalion level.

The Defensive Battle

If the tank platoon is given a mission to support an MRC, it will be broken up, and individual tanks will each support a rifle platoon. The tank is positioned behind the squad trench lines, and its main gun fires are integrated into the platoon fire plan. The tank is used to kill tanks, then other armored vehicles. The TC is given an engagement line, identifiable by natural or man-made features. Only on order will he be permitted to reposition the tank to alternate or supplementary firing positions. If dug in, the tank will be linked to the platoon trench system, so resupply and evacuation may occur under cover.

If the tank platoon fights as an entity, it will likely be augmented with an infantry element to provide close-in support. The platoon leader begins by conducting a reconnaissance of the proposed BP then positioning his tanks to take advantage of both day and night fire, as well as camouflage. Once in position, each tank is assigned an orientation based on identifiable terrain. Alternate and supplementary positions are also selected by the TCs. Individual range cards are drawn by the TCs, then sent to the platoon commander for consolidation. OPs are established as appropriate. The platoon leader will ensure he achieves massed or overlapping fires along the most threatening enemy avenue of approach. He will designate a trigger line to optimize the target hit probability and achieve massed firepower. Movement to alternate positions during combat will be on order. Generally, movement to reserve positions are planned to draw the attacker deeper into the kill zone, present more obstacles in depth, and trick the enemy into attacking dummy positions.

Movement to Contact/Actions on Contact

Planning

Intelligence

Since the mission of a movement to contact is to gain and maintain contact with the enemy, the company team commander should take certain considerations into account during his estimate.

• Location of the best available routes.

• Location of key terrain that the enemy is likely to defend.

• Cross compartments that will form likely engagement areas.

• Natural obstacles that the enemy is likely to reinforce.

• Key terrain.

• Constricting terrain.

• Control measures to provide adequate C2 during fast-changing situations.

• Possible intermediate objectives.

• The TF commander's intent.

The commander receives information concerning enemy location and recent activities, but the situation will be vague. He will have to think like the enemy and determine where and how to defend. These areas are marked on his map and used as he develops his scheme of maneuver and fire plan.

Maneuver

A company team will conduct a movement to contact as part of a larger formation's movement to contact or by itself. When operating as part of a larger formation, the company will operate either as a security element or as part of the main body.

Fire Support

Fire planning is still necessary at the company level, and the commander must go through the same estimate process to identify likely enemy positions and so forth. These targets will be bounced off the battalion fire plan. It's important to note that a battalion fire plan will include the minimum number of targets to cover the area, which is about 15 targets. This will not completely serve the company commander's interests, so he will plot and identify by grid the location of each target he deems important, in addition to the battalion FS plan. This will speed calls for fire and assist in spot reports.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

When available, engineers will be placed with the advance guard to reconnoiter obstacles, search for a bypass route, and conduct hasty breaches. If they are unable to negotiate an obstacle themselves, they will radio back to the main body so that engineers can -be moved forward-in the formation.

Air Defense

Acting on the advice of the air defense representative, the battalion commander will make a determination to use Stingers under armor. Wherever the Stinger gunners are situated, they must have the ability to respond rapidly to an air attack and be able to transport the spare missiles. With a Vulcan platoon, the early warning is received by the Vulcan track. However, there is a possibility that, because of competing net requirements, the Vulcan vehicles may not be able to operate on the company team radio net. In this case a vehicle should monitor the Vulcan net and relay early warning as needed.

Combat Service Support

Vehicles should carry spare track blocks and additional oils and lubricants. Those crewmen of vehicles unable to make the move will be divided between maintenance and filling out other tank crews which may be shorthanded. The XO and the 1SG must also plan ahead for the movement. Vehicle recovery must be accomplished without losing contact with the maneuver force. As an example, preplanned MCPs will allow recovery assets to drag vehicles forward; however, a gap still may develop between the trains and the company. This is caused by the company CSS elements reacting to its support needs during the movement to contact. Guard against company combat trains becoming strung out along the route, because then when actions on contact occur, trains cannot provide the needed support. To partially solve this problem, place the burden of vehicle maintenance and evacuation on battalion assets, which allows the company to preserve its assets for contact. The 1SG checks vehicle crews, then reports the location to battalion maintenance for pickup.

Command and Control

The commander must plan to locate himself where he can control the movement and will not be decisively engaged. If he allows himself to be drawn directly into the fight, decision-making may become extremely difficult. Next, he must remember that the movement to contact often ends in a hasty attack, so he should review his IPB and war-game how he would conduct a hasty attack at each potential danger area. This will be the basis for rehearsals.

Preparation

Intelligence

The commander prepares for the movement to contact by conducting and participating in rehearsals being war-gamed by the battalion IPB. The company rehearses the tactical execution with enemy counteractions. As the company rehearses the negotiation of obstacles, the commander places them under fire. He next presents them with small pockets of enemy resistance, flank attacks and finally, a situation in which they are forced to revert to a hasty defense. As the rehearsal is conducted, the commander notes possible problems. Subordinates make suggestions, and the execution is tine tuned until each leader understands the plan. The commander then takes the results of the company rehearsal to the battalion rehearsal.

Maneuver

At the company team level, maneuver and intelligence interweave with rehearsal. The commander ensures that the unit understands the maneuver, which is execution of the required tactical formations, and when and how to change those formations as the terrain and enemy situation change. He will review reporting procedures and SOP-type aspects of maneuver, such as tactical plays. Succession of command will be checked by having subordinate commanders (PSGs) conduct the maneuver under the control of the XO. At the end of rehearsal, each man should know his job and his higher's job, and should be familiar with the responsibilities of the other members of the company team.

Fire Support

The company FSO will rehearse the company FS plan at the same time as the maneuver rehearsal. He practices calls for fire as they conduct their movement. This is a good time to practice shifting from a known target to engaging targets of opportunity, and spot checking to ensure each leader understands the FS plan.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: One of the worst barriers to achieving responsive reports is simply difficulty in determining the grid of the target. In addition to plotting the FS plan on the map, leaders should write down the target number and grid location on the edge of the map. This should improve the accuracy and timeliness of spot reports.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Hasty breaching is rehearsed as part of the maneuver and FS rehearsal. Platoons are predesignated as the support force, breach force, and assault force. Calls for fire, adjusting smoke, and spot reports are also addressed in artillery and maneuver preparation. The commander rehearses obstacle reconnaissance and identification of bypass routes, in addition to the actual hasty breach. Infantry are trained to conduct hasty unassisted breaches of obstacles.

TRAINING TECHNIQUE: If the unit is not equipped with a mechanical lane marking system, the commander must ensure that appropriate marking material is on hand and the unit practices emplacing it before execution. Examples of lane marking material include--

• Engineer tape, staked to the ground.

• Flags.

• Chemical lights affixed to the above (allows the lane to be visible at night).

All of these are temporary measures, to be used until such time as the engineers in the follow-and-support force can clear the obstacle completely.

Air Defense

TCs must rehearse engagement of aircraft with small arms. The company commander will check the warning system for responding to air attack, and Stinger gunners under armor practice how to engage the aircraft.

Combat Service Support

The armored ambulance offers a limited ability to handle casualties. Buddy-aid and a company SOP are vital to safe evacuation of wounded. During an operation in which seconds count, the soldiers must react automatically, from drills and training. Rehearse the unit's plan to evacuate wounded.

The 1SG will drill members of the company combat trains on the route to the MSR, and the location of the MCP, the ambulance exchange point, or battalion aid station. Each must have a map with maneuver and support overlays, as well as the frequencies and call signs for the next day (minimum). The location and future locations of LRPs are confined and reviewed, so LOGPACs can be picked up and brought forward as needed.

Command and Control

The commander reviews signals for changing formations, ensures the limit of advance is understood by all elements, and supervises the occupation of the terminating objective should contact with the enemy not occur.

Execution

Intelligence

Company commanders note changes and post locations as necessary on their maps and pass the information to their subordinates. If the enemy situation causes the company commander to change his scheme of maneuver, he will issue the appropriate FRAGO.

Maneuver

The commander maneuvers his element to avoid suspected enemy kill zones, large open areas, and obvious avenues of approach, particularly when they are dominated by high ground or key terrain that also provides cover and concealment to the enemy. When maneuvering through such areas, he conceals the movement with smoke and suppressive fire.

The movement technique limits the company's exposure to enemy forces. Teamwork is maintained by talking to one another on the company command net. When in a company wedge, the flank platoons guide on the base platoon (center platoon). The base platoon travels astride the axis of advance with the company commander following behind. Slice elements such as mortars or engineers travel inside or behind the wedge.

Each platoon has a sector of formation to cover. Vehicles position behind available cover during short halts. They watch the same sectors they watched while moving. Once the formation stops, movement is kept to a minimum. If the unit is under enemy observation, this is a good time for snipers to identify leaders. Possible enemy locations are scanned carefully.

During long halts, the company team sets up perimeter defense on the most defendable terrain. Security is posted, and fields of fire are selected and cleared.

When the lead platoon makes contact, it returns fire, deploys, reports to the company team commander, and begins developing the situation using direct/indirect fires and movements. Initial contact with the enemy may decide the battle within a few minutes. The team commander must position himself near his lead element to develop the situation for the TF commander. The platoon leader should immediately establish a base of fire (under cover of the overwatching platoon) and continue to maneuver to improve firing positions. The platoon leader's actions develop the situation as the team commander evaluates the following:

• What size is the enemy force?

• Are they in position or moving?

• Are their vehicles shooting and disengaging or are they remaining in position for a fight?

• Are tanks supporting the enemy force?

• What type of AT weapons are in use?

• Does there appear to be other enemy forces moving to the flanks (dust columns, noise)?

• Is there key terrain that I could control that allows maneuver without separating the force and isolating the maneuver elements from the support by fire element?

• Is the enemy's intent to fix us in position or to draw us into a disadvantageous position?

• Where are my forces in relation to his?

• Who has the initiative? (Can I move? What can I move? Can I get there first?)

When the team commander can answer these questions, he has developed the situation enough for further action and reports. In developing the situation, the commander gains more information about the enemy's size, weapons, capabilities, and dispositions, and maneuvers to a more advantageous position.

Fire Support

Targets will be fired as needed once enemy contact has been established. Response time of an indirect target of opportunity may take longer due to the movement of the artillery. If the mortar platoon is traveling with the unit in contact, it will be the most responsive and accurate indirect-fire support.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

The execution of the hasty breach is discussed in Chapter 7.

Air Defense

If attacked by high-performance aircraft while moving, the company must disperse and move diagonally away from the aircraft's axis of attack. If a company team is engaged by helicopters, it returns fire, uses smoke, and moves from its current location.

Combat Service Support

As vehicles require mobility maintenance, their location will be marked and relayed to the battalion maintenance team. The responsibility for its security will be handed from the lead element to subsequent follow-on elements. The 1SG supervises evacuation of wounded and combat recovery of vehicles. He sends status reports to the combat trains CP and brings LOGPACs forward. He will also handle emergency resupply and assist in supervising cross-leveling.

Command and Control

The commander has four basic options: conduct a hasty attack, bypass the enemy, conduct a hasty defense until the TF can be brought to bear on the enemy, or continue to develop the situation. The necessary orders to platoons must be clear, concise, and issued quickly. Action drills are an outstanding means of executing orders quickly. The team attacks violently and avoids piecemealing of forces. When bypassing, the platoon in contact fixes the enemy while the rest of the team bypasses. The commander ensures that he does not expose himself to mutually supporting enemy fires. The company XO reports to the battalion while the company team FSO uses indirect fires to suppress the enemy and screen the company's movement.

If the commander decides he cannot attack the enemy because he lacks sufficient strength, he informs the TF commander. The TF commander decides whether or not to conduct a TF hasty attack. In the meantime, the company team forms a hasty defense until the TF commander issues his orders.

Hasty Attack

The hasty attack exploits an opportunity and gains or maintains the initiative. It is characterized by quick advance planning and coordination relying heavily on checkpoints, TRPs, SOPs, and battle drills.

Planning

Intelligence

The element in contact will attempt to acquire as much information about the enemy as possible. This means he will have to fight for the information. The company team commander will be knowledgeable about the general enemy situation prior to contact. Once contact is made with a specific element, he finds out as much as possible about that particular enemy. Information from spot reports and his own knowledge of threat operations combine to make a mental template of the enemy position. The company team commander positions himself to observe the contact, which helps assess the enemy so he can choose a proper course of action. This assists in making an enemy assessment to choose a proper course of action.

Maneuver

In a hasty attack, there is little time to conduct planning. The key is to seize the initiative. The commander makes an assessment of the situation and applies the appropriate battle drill. The commander should have drills that are flexible and easily modified to suit the conditions of the battlefield. Examples of movement to contact formation, mass attack, attack right, occupy and orient to a TRP follow.

The movement to contact formation is the preliminary formation from which the hasty attack is usually executed. It is the start point for the examples (see Figure 3-86).

If the enemy position is poorly prepared or the force is weak, the mass attack formation will take advantage of speed and shock effect (see Figure 3-87). It is less secure than other actions in that there is no reserve, the total force is oriented directly toward the enemy, and traveling as a single formation. Suppression of the enemy by a company from a flank position will help protect the assault force and increase the destructive effect of the maneuver.

In the attack right, the platoon on the right knows it is the base of fire for the assault by the remaining platoons because it is closest to the enemy and in the best position to suppress before the enemy can react (see Figure 3-88). The action is mirrored for an enemy to the left.

The action depicted in Figure 3-89 is oriented against a moving enemy. In this case, the company team has instructions to move from the movement to contact formation to occupy a hasty defensive position. The company will initially orient toward a single location, the enemy center of mass, until instructions for the construction of an EA may be issued.

Fire Support

FS planning for the hasty attack will have occurred in preparation for the movement to contact. Once the enemy is identified, the company FSO targets locations for suppression and identifies possible adjoining enemy positions that are part of the defense. If the enemy is moving, the FSO prepares to select a target the enemy will be approaching, calculates the time of flight, and determines when the on-order call for fire must be made. Figure 3-90 illustrates the point.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Engineers will be useful in assaulting a stationary enemy force. In this case, they would be used to assist in the conduct of the hasty breach. Engineer assets such as a CEV towing a MICLIC can open, improve, or extend a lane created by other engineer assets. They are a limited resource, and must be protected until needed by the maneuver force to which they are attached.

Air Defense

There are several options that will protect the Stinger team and provide support to the company team. They include--

• Stinger crew with the company combat trains.

• Stinger crew with the company FIST.

• Stinger crew with the mechanized infantry platoon leader's vehicle.

When Stinger teams are taken from their HMMWV, they lose the air defense warning net; therefore, impending threats of air attack must either be issued over the battalion command net to inform the Stinger gunners, or one of the radios must be placed on the ADA warning net frequency instead of serving its usual function.

Combat Service Support

The combat vehicles will seek a covered and concealed position from which to evacuate wounded or receive mechanical support. Combat status reports will be forwarded to the combat trains CP as the status of the company team changes.

Command and Control

The company commander gives clear, terse instructions to the company team. Synchronization of direct and indirect fires will allow him to inflict casualties. He must report his action to the battalion commander and know when to ask for assistance. When conducting a hasty attack against a stationary force, his maneuver instructions and control measures must be understood. TRPs and checkpoints must have been planned in advance and distributed to each vehicle commander. If attacking a moving force, the commander concentrates on giving explicit direct-fire instructions and integrates them with timely and accurate indirect fire. Coordination between the commander and his FSO are essential.

Preparation

Intelligence

The commander is looking for gaps in the enemy's defense, an unprotected flank, areas which seem more lightly defended than others, or dominant terrain that will allow him to project direct fires against an unprotected flank. The company team commander will issue instructions based on such information and oriented toward taking advantage of these exploitable opportunities.

Maneuver

The preparation of the hasty attack is made when the company team rehearses for the movement to contact (see Figure 3-91). Those drills that the company team will most likely use are rehearsed to ensure that each member of the team understands his responsibilities. The best type of rehearsal is a mounted run-through of the operation with after-action review. The unit must understand that on-order modifications to the drill will be made so the operation conforms to the situational METT-T conditions.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Breaching operations will be rehearsed as part of the preparation for the movement to contact. The predesignation of support, breach, and assault forces will eliminate the need to issue some directions.

Air Defense

The company commander will want to verify several aspects of the air defense plan. First, is the early warning system able to alert the company and the Stinger teams? Second, are the Stinger teams able to accomplish their air defense mission without affecting the maneuver plan? Third, is there a workable resupply plan for replacement missiles?

Combat Service Support

SOP activities are reviewed to ensure each vehicle commander has his basic load, knows how to request supplies, and knows how to conduct emergency evacuation and resupply. Support assets are checked to see that they know where the LRPs, UMCPs, and combat trains are located. Also, they should know which MSR to use and when.

Command and Control

Before the hasty attack, the commander ensures that his graphic control measures are sufficient for the mission. He should scrutinize the rehearsal, and conduct careful precombat checks. Every system must be at its peak level of operation before crossing the LD.

Execution

Intelligence

Knowing the enemy disposition, the commander will select his point of attack. He gives instructions to the support force to also be on the lookout for enemy reinforcements or counterattack forces. Early warning will be needed to respond to the additional threat.

Maneuver

The commander begins by issuing the appropriate drill instructions. The supporting platoon provides suppressive direct fires. The supporting platoon is accompanied by the company FSO who adjusts indirect fire. The FS multiplies the suppressive effects on the enemy. Smoke and HE are called to suppress adjoining enemy positions and seal the objective.

Once the objective is under fire, the assault force maneuvers toward the objective. Tanks lead, followed by IFVs. It is important that the IFVs are protected from the enemy's direct fire. As the assault force nears the position, it requests changes in suppression in light of a more accurate view of the enemy disposition.

The platoon that is supporting by fire monitors the movement and shifts direct fires as the force closes on the objective. It takes about two minutes to lift and shift indirect fires, so this command must anticipate the assault forces's arrival on the objective.

Coordination prevents friendly units from firing on one another. The base of fire unit must know where and when the moving force will appear and how to identify those vehicles. The vehicle panel marking system, smoke grenades, panels, lights, and other devices are used to mark vehicles so they can be identified under conditions of limited visibility.

After the assault secures its penetration of the position, it widens the gap. Tanks equipped with thermal sights fire through the smoke and fog at bunkers and enemy vehicles. IFVs protect the tanks from dismounted enemy soldiers carrying AT weapons. The infantry will dismount as close to enemy positions as possible. IFVs will support them by destroying all other targets.

The commander monitors the progress of the action, moving the assault force into a new part of the objective after supporting fires are shifted. One method of controlling the shift is with flares or colored smoke. The assault force emplaces a flare or smoke grenade beyond the objective. The burning flare/smoke is the limit of advance for the assault force and a restrictive fire measure for the overwatching tank platoon.

As soon as the objective has been cleared, the company team consolidates its position and prepares to meet the enemy counterattack or continue the friendly attack. Sectors of responsibility for each platoon and consolidation and reorganization procedures must be SOP and specified in the order before the start of the operation.

Fire Support

At the direction of the company team commander, the FSO calls for, lifts, and shifts fires to support the company team maneuver. The FSO positions himself to observe and assist in directing indirect fires. Infantry platoon FOs help the FSO ascertain when and where to lift or shift fires. Battalion heavy mortars are used for smoke, immediate suppression, and high volume of fire missions, while the artillery hits the known enemy on the objective.

Mobility, Countermobility and Survivability

Engineer assets move with the assault force to conduct hasty breaches. The engineer platoon leader will also support the infantry in reducing bunkers or other fortified positions.

Air Defense

Air defense assets will be with the support force where they can easily monitor the progress of the assault, and operate from a position of relative safety at the same time.

Combat Service Support

The company combat trains will seek cover and concealment. The trains attempt to stay out of sight, but remain close to respond to the needs of the company. Once the objective is taken, the trains will move forward to conduct resupply and evacuate vehicles or personnel. If the company chooses to occupy the position for a hasty defense, the 1SG will reconnoiter an appropriate trains location; one that allows for routes to and from the position.

Command and Control

The company commander will control the battle from the assault force. The XO will usually control the support force. The primary concern of the company team commander will be the massing of fires and maneuver forces at the enemy's weakest point. To accomplish this, the commander will have to ensure that the support force repositions as needed to provide effective fires on the enemy position. Designation of sectors of fire for tanks and IFVs will assist in the penetration of the position. Lifting indirect fires at the last moment will enable the assault force to achieve the shock effect needed before the enemy has an opportunity to recover or reposition. Teamwork must occur between all the maneuver elements and their support. Leaders must anticipate enemy maneuvers and make suggestions to seize the initiative.

Overwatch/Support by Fire

The overwatch or support-by-fire mission is given to a company team as part of the larger TF maneuver. The support force's responsibility is to fix the enemy so that he can be struck by the maneuver force.

Planning

Intelligence

The company team commander will need to know the location of the enemy weapon systems. Next, he will conduct a terrain analysis of the AO. The TF will be attacking along a known axis. The overwatch/support-by-fire force will fix and suppress the enemy so it cannot engage or respond to the maneuver of the assault force. The siting of the support force is critical; it must be able to bring effective fires to bear on the enemy position. A line-of-sight analysis from the proposed support positions to the enemy position will reveal whether or not direct fires may be directed effectively against the enemy. If the enemy has adopted a reverse slope defense, the ability to suppress with direct fire may be nearly impossible until a foothold has been established on a terrain feature within the enemy defensive area. Figures 3-92 and 3-93 describe the two line-of-sight analyses.

Maneuver

Once the commander has performed a line-of-sight analysis of the area of operations, he decides where to place his platoons. Depending on the scheme of maneuver and the enemy disposition, the overwatch force may have to occupy several positions throughout the operation. Even the use of one position will require some repositioning, because the enemy will respond to the effects of the suppression.

After selecting the location for each of the platoons, the commander will construct direct-fire control measures to orient massed fires. Each platoon is given TRPs on which to orient. The platoon leaders determine individual weapon system orientations. On-order TRPs are planned so that, as the direct fires of the support force are masked, the support force can shift fires. On seizure of the objective, the support force is prepared to shift fires to another enemy position or move to join the assault force.

When the company commander knows the position he will occupy and how he will control his fires, he plans the support force's maneuver into the position. Again, knowledge of the enemy disposition is essential. The support force avoids combat to get into the position intact and achieve surprise. When an attack must be executed in order to occupy the support position, the commander must conservatively plan for the time needed to accomplish the attack and then occupy the position.

Once the objective is secure and the support force joins the assault force, the route to the objective is along the assault force's axis of advance. Traveling directly from the support position to the objective is hazardous because of minefields or other enemy obstacles. Figure 3-94 depicts an example overwatch/support-by-fire plan.

Fire Support

The FS plan is as important as the direct-fire plan in the overwatch/support by fire mission. The task of the company FSO is to plan suppressive fires on the enemy position to isolate the objective. His planning will include targets on the known enemy locations, adjoining enemy positions, smoke missions planned to isolate the objective, and shifted fires to cut off enemy retreat or reinforcement. As the TF begins movement, the support force will have priority of fires due to their observation of the enemy positions.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

The engineers will help the support force reach its position. This may include conducting breaching operations during an attack, or possibly a prebreach of unguarded enemy obstacles.

Air Defense

Air defense planning is oriented to security of the support position. Enemy air avenues of approach will be identified prior to the operation, and Stinger team locations will be plotted and checked against the Stinger under armor plan. From this location, the field of tire of the supporting ADA assets can best cover the assaulting force's movement.

Combat Service Support

The company trains plan to support the operation by selecting a location that will allow resupply of ammunition during the support by fire. Direct-fire suppression of the enemy position will involve large amounts of ammunition.

Command and Control

The commander plans for the mission by war-gaming the support mission within the context of the TF attack. The commander must be able to anticipate enemy actions, and must have incorporated adequate control measures into the support force plan. The support force commander must know when and how to reposition his forces to provide continuous fires. He must also be able to control and direct the fires while the assault force conducts its attack of the enemy position.

Preparation

Intelligence

The commander of the overwatch force prepares by developing PIR for his platoon leaders. For example, the commander would want to report an enemy counterattack and provide warning to the maneuver force, so he would require his platoon leaders to report enemy movement or give them areas to observe in addition to their direct-fire orientation. The commander will require his platoon leaders to report enemy who appear to have repositioned. This allows him to adjust the company's fires.

The commander will conduct a leader's reconnaissance of the support position or assign a patrol to reconnoiter the route to the position, the position itself, and any other adjoining areas or obstacles of concern. If engineers accompany the patrol route, classification or prebreaches may be conducted.

Maneuver

The company team commander rehearses the movement to the position, any breaches, attack missions, the occupation of the position, and the support by fire. He ensures that each platoon leader understand his mission and responsibilities within the context of the company plan.

The commander rehearses the direct-fire plan. He will have the company orient as they would on the objective, and maneuver as the enemy from position to position to verify that the movement is reported by the platoon leaders and that the direct fire is adjusted. Next, he will give instructions to shift fires, adjust positions, and cease fire. At this point, signals are verified for controlling each of these actions, as is the succession of command.

Fire Support

During the rehearsal, the FS plan is exercised as part of the maneuver plan. The FSO will practice calling and adjusting fires based on the enemy scenario presented by the commander. He will verify the signal and conditions under which he will lift and shift suppressive fires from the objective to other enemy positions as the assault force seizes the objective.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

The engineers will rehearse breaching operations with the maneuver force, and execution of any preset demolitions prepared during reconnaissance of the support position.

Air Defense

On occupation of the support position, the Stinger team will establish its location where it can observe the air avenues of approach. A mock air attack should be rehearsed to ensure the ADA early warning net is properly linked to the command net.

Combat Service Support

Evacuation of casualties and vehicles and the resupply of ammunition are practiced during the rehearsal. The positioning of support vehicles and their consequent adjustment to assist each platoon with resupply operations is important. The capability of ambulances to move from the support-by-fire position to the MSR will also be checked to ensure they do not come under fire.

Command and Control

The commander will check that each of the subordinate elements is able to accomplish its mission and adjust to changes in the situation. It is important that every step is taken to limit enemy possibilities. Contingency planning on the part of the commander and the reports will allow the support force to anticipate the moves of the enemy.

Execution

Intelligence

Once the company team begins to execute the overwatch/support-by-fire mission, the commander will initially concentrate on getting into a position which will allow him to suppress the enemy. If possible, battalion TF scouts or dismounted infantry elements may assist in guiding the support force into position. This circumstance will only be possible if the position is unoccupied by the enemy. Regardless of how the force occupies the position, the support force will most likely have to adjust to suit the local terrain conditions. The commander will want to verify that the enemy position has not changed since the reconnaissance, or that it is as templated by the S2. Changes to the enemy disposition will effect the positioning of the support force and may also affect the attack; therefore, the battalion commander must be made aware of changes in the enemy situation.

Maneuver

The overwatch begins its suppression of the enemy position on order or as the result of an event, for example, the assault force crossing a phase line, or artillery suppression of the position. Surprise is best achieved if the direct and indirect fires arrive on the position simultaneously. The support-by-fire force must maintain steady and accurate suppressive fires on the position. Tanks will attempt to destroy point targets such as enemy vehicles or bunkers. TOW missiles will also be effective against bunkers. The 25-mm chain gun, and to a lesser extent, coax machine guns will suppress the remaining positions unless they are heavily reinforced. Elements must avoid "mad minute" or they will run out of ammunition before the arrival of the assault force.

As the enemy attempts to respond to the suppression by adjusting artillery or returning fire, the commander of the support-by-fire force must continue to adjust his elements to bring effective fires against the enemy. The support force's primary objective is to prevent the enemy from bringing effective fires to bear on the attack. The secondary objective is to destroy the enemy as it tries to reposition.

Once the assault force closes on the enemy position, the direct and indirect fires of the support force shift forward of the lead element to avoid fratricide and to keep the enemy suppressed. The shifting of the fires may either be event driven or on order. As the assault force nears the far side of the enemy position, the direct and indirect fires are shifted to other likely enemy positions. If the enemy appears to be destroyed, the commander will issue the order to cease fire. This only means that the platoons are to stop firing; they are still responsible for scanning their assigned sectors to search for remaining enemy.

Fire Support

The commencement of all fires will be event driven or on order. If the fires are on order, the commander must call for the artillery first, wait for the projectile's time of flight, then give the command to begin direct fire. If commencement of fires is event driven, a similar technique is used. Knowing direct fires will begin once the friendly unit crosses a specific terrain feature, smoke missions must be executed in anticipation of maneuver, so when the assault force arrives at a dangerous location, the smoke screen is complete. As the assault force nears the objective, the suppressive artillery fires must be lifted and shifted to another target. This usually takes two minutes, so execution must also be in advance of the maneuver force's arrival on the objective.

Mobility, Countermobility, and Survivability

Engineer activities during the execution of the support-by-fire mission will begin by assisting the support force maneuver to its position. Obstacles preset for demolition by reconnaissance elements are executed as the force approaches. Hasty breaches of obstacles along the route will be conducted as required. Once on the position, the engineers will quickly emplace hasty protective minefields or create other countermobility obstacles as required. Depending on support force composition, the engineers may provide local security; this is the case with a tank-pure support force.

Air Defense

Enemy artillery suppression is likely, so enemy artillery suppression and air defense assets will accompany the support force under armor. Once in position, they are ready to engage enemy aircraft along likely air avenues of approach. If the support position is close to the assault force's axis of advance, the Stinger teams also protect the assault force.

Combat Service Support

CSS elements follow the support force approximately one terrain feature behind and move to a position from which they can support the force once it occupies the overwatch position. During execution of a support-by-fire mission, CSS elements move forward as required to evacuate wounded and resupply weapon systems with ammunition. The company 1SG will report the combat status to the battalion combat trains CP and request additional supplies as needed.

Command and Control

The company commander will remain forward throughout the operation. His first concern will be to get the company team into position. Depending on the enemy situation, this may require fighting, which requires the same leadership and command skills as any offensive operation. Next, he must ensure that his force is able to bring fires to bear on the enemy. This will be the result of the enemy situation combined with the effects of the terrain on weapon system line of sight. If need be, forces will be adjusted. Finally, once all is ready, he must exercise complete control over the rate and distribution of fire onto the enemy position. He must constantly check between the ammunition expended and the distance of the assault force from the enemy position. The assault force commander is counting on the support force to fix the enemy so that they can be reached and destroyed. The ability to maintain effective, but not excessive, fires on the enemy is critical. The directing, lifting, and shifting of fires must be responsive. Platoon leaders and slice commander must pay strict attention to the commands of the commander to avoid fratricide.

Attack to Seize an Objective

Planning

The larger force, the TF, of which the company team is a part will regularly encounter a well-prepared, strongly-held enemy defensive position that cannot be overcome by a hasty attack. When this happens, the entire force prepares and conducts a deliberate attack. The company team participates in such an attack as part of the larger force.

Intelligence

A deliberate attack is distinguished from a hasty attack by a more detailed knowledge of the enemy; the amount of time devoted to planning, coordination, and preparation; and the collection and use of intelligence. The company team commander will get as much information about the enemy as possible before planning the attack. The battalion S2 will portray an accurate picture of the enemy's disposition and probable course of action; however, he will be concerned with the enemy down to the platoon level. Figure 3-95 illustrates the detail sought in determining the nature of the enemy defensive position.

Maneuver

The company commander receives the mission, issues a warning order, and plans his time. He does so by using the reverse planning cycle (see Figure 3-96). His estimated completion times are adjusted when necessary. He must determine what time he will issue the completed order. In the following example, the company team commander receives his initial warning order before 1100 hours, and then he issues his initial warning order.

Troop-leading and precombat procedures begin while the commander and FSO move to meet with the TF commander for the initial reconnaissance. At 1500 hours, the company team commander and his FSO meet at the TOC for the TF OPORD.

The commander develops a scheme of maneuver and FS plan based on METT-T considerations. In planning his scheme of maneuver, the commander should ensure that it--

• Allows rapid closing with the enemy.

• Uses terrain to avoid enemy fire and strengths.

• Maintains attack momentum.

• Anticipates, and plans to bypass or breach obstacles.

• Strikes flanks and rear, and identified weak points.

• Provides for mutual support with other company teams within the TF scheme of maneuver.

The company team commander's direct-fire plan directs all weapon systems. As a priority, tank main guns engage tanks, and IFVs engage crew-served weapon systems, lightly armored vehicles (such as BMPs and BTRs), and bunkers. Individual machine gun and small arms fire is used against unarmored AT weapons and exposed enemy soldiers. AT weapons fire at tanks, IFVs, ATGMs, and fortified positions.

The orientation of direct-fire assets is based on enemy positions. For example, a company team which conducts the initial penetration orients on enemy weapon systems in the path of the attack. Other friendly assets in support positions attempt to suppress the same enemy positions as well as adjoining positions. Fires are massed at the right place to assist in the penetration of the position. The key point is that an attacking force's fires must be active, and the defender's fires should be reactive.

The scheme of maneuver itself exploits an enemy weakness. The attack penetrates the defensive position and continues over the position as the objective is cleared of remaining enemy. Inherent in this responsibility should be the consideration of the following chronology:

• Rehearsal.

• Reconnaissance.

• Maneuver to the LD.

• Maneuver.

• Deployment.

• Attack.

Organization of the assault teams. The assault of a strongpoint fortification requires centralized planning and decentralized execution. The assault force is organized around assault teams to more easily meet the requirement. Platoons that are to conduct the assault should form their own support elements containing AT specialists and snipers under the command of the squad leader. There should be one support element per squad. Each Bradley fighting vehicle can field an assault team, yielding four per platoon. For ease of control, within each team members are called No. 1 man, No. 2 man, and No. 3 man. The teams must be drilled to the point that the assault may be executed with minimal guidance. Each man should be armed with hand grenades and his assigned weapon. There should be at least one M203 per squad.

Positioning within the three-man team is rotational, so the men in the team must be well versed and drilled in each position. The responsibility of the No. 1 man is to assault down the trench, using continuous bursts of two to three rounds and throwing grenades around the pivot points in the trench line or into weapons emplacements. The No. 2 man follows the No. 1 man closely enough to support him, but not so closely that both would be pinned down if the enemy gained local initiative. Each time the No. 1 man stops to prepare a hand grenade, the No. 2 man steps forward to maintain a volume of fire and the momentum of the attack. The No. 3 man follows the No. 2, and prepares to move forward when positions rotate or if a casualty is sustained. A Bradley may be tasked to support the assault team as it clears the trench. Specifically, the chain gun can be used against bunkers or prepared positions.

While the initial three-man assault team rotates by event, the squad leader directs the rotation of three-man assault teams within the squad as ammunition becomes low in the leading team, as casualties occur, or as the situation dictates. Since the battle drill is standardized, three-man teams may be reconstituted as needed from remaining company personnel. The platoon leader will control the rotation between squads using the same considerations as the squad leaders (see Figure 3-100).

All assault team members prepare for the assault by adjusting the slings of their weapons to allow placement of the sling around the neck in such a way that the weapon remains waist high when released with both hands. This configuration allows the soldier to perform manual tasks while keeping his weapon at the ready. Tasks such as preparing hand grenades and carrying assault ladders are greatly simplified by this arrangement.

Clearing bunkers. Bunkers are the most difficult, time-consuming areas to clear in a trench system. If they cannot be marked and destroyed by either tank or Bradley direct fire, they must be secured and bypassed even if heavy suppressive fires are needed to allow the teams to get out of the trench, move over to the bunker, and reenter the trench in a bypassing action. The bunkers are later reduced by engineers during the mop-up phase. If bunkers cannot be bypassed or if engineers are not available, the bunker must be reduced by the assault elements (see Figure 3-101).

The assault elements attacking a bunker must perform the following tasks:

• TASK l--Fire into and around the bunker to suppress the defenders and to prevent its reinforcements.

• TASK 2--Destroy or neutralize obstacles and the bunker using grenades, explosives, or flame weapons.

• TASK 3--Assault to kill or capture the enemy in the bunker.

For these tasks, the platoon is organized into three elements, or one element may perform more than one task. For example, SAWs may first perform TASK 1 and then take part in TASK 3. Riflemen may have the primary duty of TASK 3, but may first have to help other troops in with TASK 1. They may have to take over special equipment from men who become casualties to perform TASK 2.

Whenever possible, tanks or other heavy direct-fire weapon systems should be positioned to assist in the accomplishment of TASK 1. Tanks should fire HEAT rounds due to their explosive charges.

The assault element should never attempt to enter the bunker complex until the position has been heavily suppressed. Historical examples prove that even after extensive preparation, an effective fighting force may remain inside the position.

During TASK 2, the designated squad approaches the bunker from the blind side, blows any wire entanglements with bangalore torpedoes, and kills the enemy either with fragmentation grenades, WP grenades, satchel/pole charges thrown into the aperture of the bunker complex, or M202 flash weapons.

As the assault squad moves in to kill or capture the enemy in the bunker (TASK 3), it should be remembered that the first man to enter the bunker complex will be momentarily blinded by the reduced light level and he will be silhouetted in the entrance, thereby providing an excellent target for any remaining enemy inside the complex. For this reason, a battle drill is used similar to the one used to attack and clear a building (MOUT).

The No. 1 man halts to the side of the entrance to the bunker complex and prepares a grenade while being overmatched by the No. 2 man. He throws the grenade into the entrance after quickly checking for any obstruction. Immediately after detonation, the No. 1 man enters firing two-round bursts, either right to left or left to right, within the complex. Normally, he will fire in a pattern right to left if entering the left side of the doorway and left to right if entering from the right. While entering, the No. 1 man should strike the opposite base of the entrance way with his bounding foot and spring to the side, inside the complex to prevent the enemy within from recovering and acquiring the silhouette. The No. 2 man enters immediately after the No. 1 man and springs to the opposite side of the position and fires. The No. 3 man secures the entrance. Should there be another room in the bunker complex, the procedure is repeated. A systematic search is then conducted.

If the bunker position is small, it may require only one man to clear. The No. 1 man employs his hand grenade and enters firing two-round bursts and alerts the No. 2 man during the systematic search for the enemy.

An M203 may be required to ensure the grenade reaches the position if the bunker is constructed using a long covered trench as an entrance for a small position. A violent entry is still necessary to prevent the enemy from recovering and engaging the assault team. This requires continuous fire and movement.

Once on the objective, the tanks will fight to the other side at a commensurate pace with the infantry clearing the trench line. This will ensure that our tanks do not become separated from the infantry, and subsequently become vulnerable to enemy dismounted attack. The tanks will then orient on the enemy armor avenue of approach; likewise, the infantry will orient on the dismounted avenues of approach in preparation for the enemy counterattack. All subunit leaders quickly turn their efforts toward reestablishing control and flank coordination as the company team consolidates and reorganizes.