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TECHNIQUES FOR THE CSM WHILE IN THE DEFENSE

by SGM Daniel D. Oltesvig, TF2 Operations Group, JRTC

These techniques for the battalion CSM while the battalion is preparing for the defense were compiled from 30 rotations worth of JRTC experience. They have been proven to be very effective time after time.

Battalions experience problems with asset and time management in the defense. The staff is frequently unable to quickly recommend to the commander where to kill the enemy. An early decision means that the staff has ample time to integrate and synchronize engineer, CSS, and force protection assets. The battalion CSM's early participation in key staff processes makes it happen.

The CSM must attend staff mission analysis briefs to gain insight into the commander's guidance and attain sufficient situational awareness to influence actions before the warning order is issued. CSM attendance at the defense COA decision brief to the Commander is likewise mandatory. This enables the Senior NCO in the battalion to get the message to the troops while the staff prepares the battalion order. Armed with the firm knowledge of the staff's progress/products, the CSM is able to combine his experience with the following techniques and ideas to expedite defense preparations. They illustrate the CSM's role in shoring up shortcomings in the defense.

The CSM's role requires him to move around the battlefield as much as possible; as the commander's right hand, he must know how the plan comes together before he leaves the TOC. Thus, he can effectively operate as a scout while conducting battlefield circulation. The CSM should:

  • Facilitate feedback to the commander from within the battalion's defensive sector.
  • Check the companies to ensure compliance with battalion SOPs.
  • Correct existing problems.
  • Refer difficult situations to the battalion commander.

The following techniques and tips, listed by BOS for battalion and company, should help prepare the battalion's defense.

BATTALION

OBSTACLES

1. Check for an engineer matrix. Does it include a timeline?

  • Is it posted inside the TOC
  • Is it updated?

2. SGM as CINC Dozer:

  • Advantages:

    • Ensures the equipment is used efficiently.
    • Adjusts the blade timeline to prevent wasted blade hours.
    • Ensures the positions meet standards
    • Provides the Battalion Commander "eyes-on" feedback regarding survivability status and defensive preparations.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Responsible for the heavy equipment such as bulldozers, bucket loaders
    • Responsible for emplacing obstacles and vehicle survivability.
    • Often pulls the CSM forward of the defensive positions and away from troops.
    • CSM is "placed on a leash."
    • Unable to respond to high priority missions
    • Leaves the equipment unsupervised.

SOLUTION. Assign an equipment supervisor from the engineer equipment platoon as CINC Dozer.

  • Allows the CSM freedom of movement
  • CSM oversees the efforts of CINC Dozer
  • CSM available to assist CINC Dozer as required to accomplish the mission.

FIRE SUPPORT

1. Get a solid understanding of the engineer's and the FSO's plan.

  • Check the locations of the targets
  • Remember, if the target is directly on the obstacle, when you call in the fire, you blow the obstacle up.

2. Check with the battalion scouts and Delta Company.

  • Find out what the fire support plan is
  • Confirm it with the FSO.
  • Is it covered in rehearsals?

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT (CSS)

1. Check the S-4's plan

  • Key to the development of the defense.
  • Plan must be solid.
  • Make sure it identifies who gets what, when, where, and how.

2. Make sure the battalion does not try to deliver class IV/V before line companies show up. The enemy will destroy it, set up ambushes, or follow the companies to their defense.

3. Ask the scouts if they know how, when, where, and who will resupply them.

COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2)

1. Make sure the battalion staff finalizes the plan quickly. It avoids putting a time crunch on the engineers and line companies.

2. The CSM should read the S-3, S-2s and FSO logs as often as possible.

  • Make sure that clear reports are being sent to the TOC.
  • A double check to ensure acceptable standards of information management.

3. Look at a contact report or a sighting of the enemy and follow it.

  • Is it clear and understandable?
  • Read the S-2's log. Check to see if the FSO has a copy.

4. Check with slice elements. Ask unit members if they know the plan and who's going where and when.

COMPANY

CSMs took a very hard look at the following ideas and techniques. They used them to fix them problems on the spot whenever possible.

FORCE PROTECTION

1. Send out experienced personnel to LP/OPs, not two privates.

2. Conduct counter-reconnaissance at night.

  • Don't get caught sleeping.
  • Ensure constant communication with QRF (Positive Control from the TOC).

3. Ensure everyone on security uses ALL NODs. Make sure all weapons have proper reticles in the PVS-4s.

4. Develop a sound rest plan.

  • Do not stop working.
  • Do all the pounding during the day
  • Spread wire at night if needed.

5. Indicate early warning devices on a sector sketch to show everyone where they are located.

6. Indicate the latrine location and enforce its use. This action prevents personnel from leaving the perimeter and getting shot coming back in.

OBSTACLES

One of the most difficult problems to overcome is the tendency of line companies to wait for the Small Emplacement Excavator (SEE) instead of digging in. If the company isn't sure exactly where it will defend, leaders can take the following precautions.

1. Send out reconnaissance to look for crossing sites.

2. Check on how the Class IV/V will get to your location.

  • Make sure it goes to the location you specify.
  • If it is not broken down into platoon packages, start doing it when it shows up.
  • If it is in platoon packages, deliver it to each platoon's location.

3. Find out the location of nearest engineer dump. Pick up unused wire and mines to supplement your company's assets (see CSS below).

4. Use all the mines you can.

  • Place them to your entire front not just near and around obstacles.
  • If there is no good killing zone for AT weapons, surface-lay mines to set up trigger points.

5. Support engineers with infantry when emplacing obstacles. Include this in the operations order.

6. Have the engineers train your men on the use and employment of the MOPMS.

7. Surround your defensive positions (360) degrees with tangle-foot wire.

  • Prevents the enemy from outflanking the wire.
  • Sustains defensive advantage by blocking an assault from the rear.

DIRECT FIRE

1. Know how the FSO's fire plan covers each company you visit. Check with the company FO to make sure he knows it.

2. Walk the line with the First Sergeant. Check the following:

  • See if the obstacles can be bypassed.
  • Make sure mines are emplaced in such a manner that if enemy bypasses the obstacles, the mines will hinder his progress.
  • Make sure mines are placed in front of the wire so you can cover them with direct fire.

3. Are the obstacles covered by direct and indirect fire?

  • Do not place M60s out on the flank by themselves covering obstacles.
  • Reposition the M60 and put a SAW next to it to create interlocking and mutually supporting fires.

NOTE: If obstacles are not covered, the enemy can easily breach them without firing a shot.

4. Check all positions for location, overhead cover and proper emplacement of crew-served weapons.

  • Get down behind one or two of the M60s and sight in the weapon.
  • Ask questions about the weapon to ensure the gunner's proficiency.

5. Check the final protective wire.

  • Is it too close?
  • Is beyond hand grenade throwing range?

6. Look at the range cards for dead space and who will cover it.

7. Look at sector sketches to further the outlook on gaps between squads, platoons, and companies. Can they be closed in time, and how will they be covered?

8. Take a good hard look at the CASEVAC plans.

  • Confirm how, when and where it will be done.
  • Consider locating advance trauma life support (ATLS) in the company area.

9. While moving around the battlefield, always be looking for unused pickets, concertina wire, overhead cover, field expedient means for overhead cover and mines.

10. Encourage cross-talk between companies. What your company doesn't need, another might need in the worst way.

FIRE SUPPORT

1. Meet with the line company FOs.

  • Find out if there is a dry rehearsal set up for each platoons TRPs.
  • Task the platoons to time it for a trigger point.
  • Rehearse with 81s and company mortars.

2. At some time in the defense, you may have to call indirect fire in on your own position. Plan for it and establish the determining point.

3. Make sure that all squad leaders understand if the platoon leader goes down, get his radio.

  • Keep in contact with the company commander.
  • Make sure all squad leaders know the platoon's and company's TRPs in case they have to call for indirect fires.

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT (CSS)

Most of the CSS TTPs covered for battalion also apply at company level, except stockpile extra mines and concertina wire so you can reseed. See paragraph 3, Obstacles, above.

COMMAND AND CONTROL (C2)

1. Make sure each company commander has a timeline chart.

  • Check the battalion commander's timeline with each company commander's timeline.
  • Make sure they track.

2. Are priorities of work/troop-leading procedures being properly conducted?

3. Ask soldiers what their commander's plan is.

  • Does it agree with the battalion overall plan?
  • What does the company have as contingency plans?
  • Have they been rehearsed?

4. Check for alternate and supplementary positions inside your final protective wire.

5. Try to fight the battle with your squad leaders.

  • Get them together; go over the fight as you see it.
  • Rehearse, or, at a minimum, discuss your plan.

6. Encourage commanders to listen to their NCOs. Too many don't, especially regarding crew-served weapons.

7. Situational awareness:

  • The Battle Captain should keep track of the battle. Update the line companies.
  • Cross-talk with your sister battalion.
  • Do they have intel you don't have yet on the battle?

BATTLEFIELD CIRCULATION AND THE CSM

How the CSM can move around the battlefield--courses of action:

  • Have his own vehicle.

  • Hitchhike.

    • Request to use the S-2's or S-3's vehicle.
    • Call DCO and try to get a ride.

  • Least preferred/often-used technique: Walk to the companies within 500 meters of the TOC.
Table of Contents
Finding the Enemy Before He Finds You
The Targeting Process



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