APPENDIX
C
MILITARY
OPERATIONS IN URBAN TERRAIN (MOUT)
- Planning.
Many brigades and battalions do not consider adequate fire control measures
for a two-battalion MOUT fight. In many fights the brigade will develop a course
of action (COA) that has one battalion isolate while another takes the MOUT
site. Aviation units can destroy any counterattack element.
- Always
plan for:
- Fire
control measures and clearance of fires.
- Passage
of lines.
- Routes
for mechanized (mech) and armor elements.
- Direct
fire control measures.
- Positioning
of the reserve.
- Army
airspace command and control (A2C2) of aviation units flying the battalion
zone.
- How
to get the task force (TF) into the fight - route clearance - synchronize TF
on site.
- Rehearse
with the heavy team leaders.
- Casualty
evacuation (CASEVAC) and rehearse -- think en route and identify PZs en route.
- Battalion
rehearsals:
- Remember
security of site (if required).
- Brief
a scout update (if available) on where and in what buildings are the OPFOR,
wire, obstacles, etc.
- Which
buildings one cannot enter, and what are the rules of engagement (ROE).
- Rehearse
critical events, code words, and fire shifting.
- Fragmentary
orders (FRAGO) critical changes from rehearsal to everyone ASAP.
- Should
separate platoon leaders and BOS representatives not be an integral part of
the rehearsal, consider a separate meeting with the S3 following the rehearsal
(time permitting).
- Consider
taping (marking) buildings once cleared.
- Understand
who and what goes with the TOC/TAC.
- Where
are the separate platoon leaders going to be located? Determine prior to rehearsal.
- Develop
a chart showing movement order by bumper number, loads, and key personnel.
- Ensure
everyone knows how to clear fires on the way to the MOUT site. What are the
fire support control measures (FSCMs)?
- Rehearse
movement and fire control with the company commander and platoon leaders; ensure
heavy team leaders are present.
- Platoon
leaders should be fighting in the buildings, while companies and battalions
fight in the streets between buildings (control battlespace). Maintain tactical
patience. Many units underestimate the time required to seize a site. Always
set the conditions in the battlespace (streets) prior to rushing a building;
do not move too quickly. Do not allow platoons to "stack up" in the street;
dispersion will save lives. Remember that one automatic weapon can decimate
a platoon.
- Many
units "charge/crash" into the MOUT site. Conduct a sound reconnaissance and
pinpoint the entry site. Know where and when the breach, assault, and supporting
elements are to be placed.
- A
commander cannot see the battlefield from three kilometers away. If at all
possible, the commander should get into the site.
- Remember
the uses and capabilities of the chemical platoon; i.e., smoke generators and
smoke pots.
- Consider
the security of mechanized/tanks while moving to and in the MOUT site. Obstacles
and minefields will slow and attrit the force. If needed, ensure that the heavy
team is on the infantry radio frequency.
- What
is the convoy frequency? Does everyone know it? What are the alternate frequencies
and routes?
- Ensure
that during convoy halts all dismount vehicles and security is posted. If leaders
do not ensure this, it will not happen.
- Ensure
that all passage points are manned.
- Battle-tracking
is critical and must be followed precisely. Ensure there is a schematic showing
buildings cleared, battle damage, and contacts.
- Should
brigade have a jamming plan, the signal officer (SIGO) should brief how it
can be turned off if required.
- Only
take buildings down once you have suppressed or destroyed the enemy fires covering
routes to the building.
- The
battalion may have to control all fires in a small MOUT site.
- When
one battalion is used as the breach force making the initial breach for a second
battalion seizing the MOUT site, the battalion passing through the breach site
should place battalion representatives at the breach site(s) (TAC or special
team headed up by battalion CSM could be used).
- Insert
scouts early. They can observe enemy preparation and may be able to see where
mines/obstacles are being placed.
- Consider
using HELLFIRE and variable time (VT); they can be big killers.
- Consider
the use of tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles (BFV) to shield the infantry
between buildings.
- Be
prepared to deal with enemy counterattacks during your attack. Isolate the
site. Place assets along likely enemy counterattack routes to provide early
warning.
|
NEWSLETTER
|
|
Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list
|
|
|
