TOPIC: Direct Fire during MOUT Operations.
DISCUSSION: Direct fire support, even from just a block away, is very difficult to control. During Operation JUST CAUSE, mechanized forces, tasked to provide fire support, were told by a brigade that the light infantry force had cleared a tall hotel building only to the second floor. In fact, the infantry force had cleared to the tenth floor and was fighting a counter-sniper engagement. Seeing this fire and apparently some weapons protruding, the mechanized forces began to suppress. This drew return fire from the friendly light force.
LESSON(s):
- All units must have routine techniques for conspicuously marking cleared rooms, floors, and buildings as they progress through an urban area.
- Marking procedures must be automatic, practiced, and discernable at night. Soldiers must be able to understand these procedures with limited preparation time.
- During MOUT operations, units should develop a numbering and marking system for all buildings and landmarks to simplify coordination of maneuver and supporting fires.
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