APPENDIX
C STX
LANES
STX LANES
This appendix is designed to provide a ready-to-use tool (Situational Training Exercise (STX) Lane packets) to better prepare squads and platoons for the search and attack. As previously discussed, success or failure in the search and attack is often determined by the actions or inactions of squads and platoons as they make initial contact with the enemy. The following recommended STXs are not designed to replace the standard battle drills outlined in FM 7-8. Instead, they are designed to augment and enhance your squad's or platoon's ability to execute those standard battle those drills. You can execute these STXs either in garrison or at local training areas with no or minimal resources (MILES, CL V, etc.). Some of the STXs require a small OPFOR, others require no OPFOR.
PRE-COMBAT INSPECTION (PCI) COMPETITION
One of the keys to success when conducting a search and attack is finding the enemy before he finds you. This task is critical to setting the conditions in your favor, and entails moving undetected. Conducting detailed PCIs greatly enhances the squad's and platoon's ability to move undetected. Poor PCIs result in metal-to-metal contact, improperly applied camouflage, and canteens that are not full - - all of which can contribute to being compromised. Soldiers and equipment must be soundproofed. This training is oriented toward every squad member, not just squad leaders. The endstate of the training is that every member of the squad knows the standard and how to identify and correct soundproofing and camouflage deficiencies.
1. TASK: Perform Pre-Combat Inspection prior to movement.
2. CONDITIONS: The squad is preparing to conduct a tactical movement. A soldier with several soundproofing and camouflage deficiencies must be inspected.
3. TASK STANDARD: In five minutes, the inspector must identify all soundproofing and camouflage deficiencies.
4. SUBTASKS AND STANDARDS:
A. The inspector must identify all camouflage deficiencies to include:
(1) Proper application of camouflage paint to all exposed areas (face, hands, neck).
(2) Outline of helmet, weapon, and equipment is broken up using available materials.
(3) All glassy or bright equipment is camouflaged or removed.
B. The inspector must identify all soundproofing deficiencies to include:
(1) Metal-to-metal contact on load-bearing equipment (LBE), weapons, and magazines.
(2) Canteens are full.
5. TRAINING NOTES AND PROCEDURES:
A. This training can be conducted either as a platoon- or squad-level competition.
B. The unit should have a soundproofing and camouflage SOP (as per the Soldier's Manuals) which is understood by all soldiers.
C. The soldier that identifies all the deficiencies wins. A "soundproofing" competition can resolve any ties. In this competition, the soldiers who tie will have an LBE, weapon, magazines, and other equipment (NODs, Binoculars, etc.) laid out along with soundproofing material (550 cord, tape, cardboard). The soldiers will have 10 minutes to soundproof the equipment and don it. The soldiers would then be required to jump up and down, jog in place and execute combat rolls. The soldier whose equipment is best soundproofed wins.
D. The key to this training is that soldiers understand the proper procedures for camouflage and soundproofing. The competition is a reinforcing tool that can be conducted in garrison, requiring few resources.
INTELLIGENCE (INTEL) INDICATOR LANE
Normally, platoons and squads are tasked, as part of the search and attack, to "locate" the enemy to facilitate a hasty or deliberate attack. Typical enemy targets include mortars, logistics or cache sites, and command, control, and communication (C3) sites. Soldiers generally have problems identifying specific enemy intelligence indicators. The "Intel Indicator Lane" will train soldiers to identify characteristics of specific enemy targets. This lane requires minimal resources and preparation and provides a tremendous training opportunity.
1. TASK: Identify Characteristics of Enemy Targets.
2. CONDITIONS: The soldier is provided priority information requirements and characteristics of specific enemy targets. The soldier must negotiate a 300-meter lane, during daylight conditions, which contains indicators and characteristics of enemy targets. The lane is clearly marked.
3. TASK STANDARD: The soldier identifies all characteristics of enemy targets within 30 minutes.
4. SUBTASKS AND STANDARDS:
A. The soldier identifies characteristics of an enemy mortar.
(1) Mortar cache is identified.
(2) A previously occupied mortar position is identified (e.g., a location that has no masking of overhead fires, a baseplate has been emplaced/settled, etc.).
(3) The sound of a mortar firing is identified.
B. The soldier identifies the characteristics of an enemy cache/logistics site.
(1) Grass, dirt, foliage looks out of place. Once identified, the soldier must conduct a search to determine the type of cache by probing with a stick or E-tool.
(2) Fat, knobby, tire tracks.
(3) The sound or sighting of a vehicle (civilian truck, all terrain vehicle, or any mode of transportation that is capable of moving supplies).
(4) If an obvious cache is identified, the soldier must check for booby traps. He must inform the evaluator that the position may be a deception cache/logistic site.
(5) When the evaluator informs the soldier that a enemy resupply helicopter can be identified, the soldier must explain the following:
(a) The helicopter is probably conducting resupply operations.
(b) Determine an azimuth and distance to the suspected LZ, noting key terrain features.
C. The soldier identifies the characteristics of an enemy command and control site.
(1) The soldier identifies a long-range antenna system.
(2) The soldier identifies the sound of a radio-breaking squelch.
(3) When the evaluator asks for the other characteristics of a C2site, the soldier explains:
(a) Any enemy soldier with the rank of platoon sergeant or above.
(b) An enemy soldier carrying a pistol or some other similar type side arm.
(c) An enemy soldier carrying a radio.
D. When the evaluator informs the soldier that he has just observed or heard a suspected surface-to-air missile, the soldier must explain that it is possibly an enemy ADA launch. The soldier then determines the azimuth and distance to the sighting and informs his team leader.
E. The soldier obtains all information from an enemy prisoner of war (EPW) and conducts a thorough search of the EPW and his equipment.
5. TRAINING NOTES AND PROCEDURES:
A. This training lane can be potentially time and resource intensive, especially if local training areas are not available. Good preparation is key to success. The sites, particularly the caches and mortar positions, must be prepared to realistically portray the intended site.
B. To expedite time, soldiers can be sent through at intervals which requires several evaluators, or an entire squad can move through the lane (moving tactically) with the platoon leader or company commander as the evaluator.
C. If conducted at squad level, additional tasks may include searching an enemy battalion supply point (BSP). The contents of a BSP are usually buried and well-camouflaged, which requires the unit to probe and cover an extensive distance.
D. For further information, refer to the article "Intelligence Indicators" in the Jan-Feb 96 issue of CALL's publication, News from the Front!
SOLDIER STEALTH AND UNOBSERVED MOVEMENT LANE
Most soldiers do not understand the discipline and patience required to move with stealth. As any sniper school graduate will tell you - - it is difficult work that requires training. This is a very simple lane which requires minimum resources and is structured after the Army Sniper School. Soldiers who have graduated from the Sniper school are a great source of information and can assist in establishing this lane.
1. TASK: Perform Stealthful and Unobserved Individual Movement.
2. CONDITIONS: All combat equipment, less rucksack, is carried. The soldier is provided 10 minutes to ensure he is soundproofed and camouflaged. He is given a clearly marked lane in which to move (approximately 100m wide by 200m long). Two to three "listening posts (LPs)" are positioned throughout or to the flanks of the first 100 meters of the lane. The soldiers who serve as the enemy LPs should have their backs to the lane (to prevent them from seeing the lane).
A marker will be emplaced to designate the last 100 meters at which time the soldier must move unobserved by an observation post to the endpoint which is clearly visible to the evaluated soldier. The final 100 meters will not be significantly restricted nor will they be marked, and will have one or two enemy observation posts positioned throughout the area. These OPFOR soldiers are to aggressively scan the area to locate the soldier negotiating the lane. The observation post is not occupied until the evaluated soldier identifies a route and begins movement. Once the soldier identifies his route, the evaluator notifies the OPFOR via FM to occupy the observation post and begin observation of the lane. The soldier may or may not be able to see the observation post. This exercise can be conducted during daylight or nighttime conditions.
3. TASK STANDARD: The soldier completes the first 100 meters of the lane without being compromised by the LPs and the final 100 meters without being observed by the observation post.
4. TRAINING NOTES AND PROCEDURES:
A. This training puts a lot of pressure on the evaluator because he has to be as stealthful as the evaluated soldier. A technique is to provide the LPs with PRC 126/7s. When the LPs hear the evaluated soldier, they report the compromise to the lane OIC. The OIC could be located at the endpoint of the first 100 meters. The LP can describe over the radio exactly what he heard. The evaluated soldier links up with the lane OIC at the endpoint of the first 100 meters and begins the second phase of the lane. The observation post can call the lane OIC when he observes the evaluated soldier.
B. The same type of lane can be used for squads and even platoons.
SQUAD/PLATOON MOVEMENT COMPETITION (I)
This training requires varying terrain and at least a one-kilometer by 500-meter lane. The competition trains squads and platoons on several tasks to include:
- Employment
of movement techniques and formations
- Use
of hand-and-arm signals
- Movement
as a member of a fire team
- Individual movement techniques
1. TASK: Move Tactically.
2. CONDITIONS: The squad or platoon is tasked to initiate movement using the traveling movement technique. As the unit continues movement, the leader receives information via FM from the lane OIC/evaluator which generates a required change in movement techniques and formations. For example, the squad leader will be told that the enemy situation has changed and that "contact is possible," resulting in the movement technique changing from traveling to traveling overwatch. The cue to change movement formations would be derived from FM 7-8, p. 2-31 for a squad, and p. 2-37 for a platoon. To cue a change in a platoon formation, the OIC/evaluator would inform the platoon leader, "The enemy situation is vague, but contact is expected from the front." The proper response (as per FM 7-8) by the platoon would be to employ a platoon "Vee" formation. The squad or platoon leader is not allowed to issue verbal commands, requiring all information to be disseminated using hand-and-arm signals.
3. TASK STANDARD: The squad or platoon negotiates the entire lane employing the correct movement technique and formation as directed by the lane OIC/evaluator.
4. TRAINING NOTES AND PROCEDURES:
A. This training requires extensive trainup, especially by the squad and platoon leaders who have to become intimately familiar with the standards for the movement techniques and formations outlined in FM 7-8 and ARTEP 7-8 MTP. Soldiers must know and practice hand-and-arm signals and must know distances to keep the proper intervals when movement techniques change (e.g., 20 meters to 50 meters when changing from traveling to traveling overwatch).
B. The training requires at least two evaluators (the platoon leader and platoon sergeant or company commander and first sergeant). A scoring sheet is required. Scoring should be based on the number of "GOs" for each formation and technique. Additional points can be awarded if the leader, through terrain analysis, changes a movement formation correctly without being prompted by the OIC/evaluator.
SQUAD/PLATOON MOVEMENT COMPETITION (II)
This training pits squads or platoons against one another in a battle of patience, discipline, tactical knowledge, and some cunning. It requires about a square kilometer of varying terrain which is constrained by clearly identifiable control measures. Ideally, the terrain is enclosed by roads or trails which are out of bounds. The concept is simple: The squad or platoon which identifies the opposing unit first, without being compromised or violating any of the rules of engagement - - wins.
1. TASK: Locate Squad/Platoon-sized Element.
2. CONDITIONS: The units are given the area of operation, objectives on the far end of the lane and respective start points. The leader is provided 30 minutes to develop a plan to identify the other unit, and, at the same time, move to a designated objective on the far end of the lane. Notification that the opposing unit is identified must be made via FM communication to the OIC. Each unit has one observer/controller. All combat equipment, less rucksacks and NODs, is required. The training is conducted during daylight or nighttime conditions.
3. TASK STANDARD: Within two hours, the squad/platoon must reach their assigned objective and identify the opposing unit without compromise or violation of good tactical judgement or the rules of engagement.
4. TRAINING NOTES AND PROCEDURES:
A. This exercise has the potential to be a "free for all" or just bad training, unless precise rules of engagement are established and sound tactical judgement is enforced. Otherwise, it is an opportunity for squad or platoon leaders to analyze terrain and command and control their units while engaging in honest competition.
B. The time limit established in the task standards was a "best guess." It may be too much or not enough depending on the size of the training area. However, the important aspect is to get the units moving (tactically) while giving the leader the latitude to position observation/LPs or any other technique which is tactically feasible (the litmus test is: Would you do this in combat? The correct answer to the question would preclude leaders from sending all their soldiers out individually to find the opposing force). Given this, it should be a requirement for a leader (either team, squad, or platoon leader and or platoon sergeant) to observe and call in identification of the opposing force.
BANG DRILL
Sometimes the enemy is going to find you first. Although not the ideal situation, good drills can make the chance contact work in your favor. This is particularly true when the intent of the operation (as in a search and attack) is to ultimately kill the enemy. As defined in FM 7-8, a drill is "a collective action rapidly executed without applying a deliberate planning process." Drills are a trained response to enemy actions or leaders orders. The "response" must be continually reinforced and trained. It is unreasonable to believe that rapidly executed responses can be inculcated in our soldiers with training every two or three months. The following "low cost" drills can be trained at anytime with or without resources, weapons, or equipment. These drills can be initiated anytime with either individual soldiers or as a squad or platoon. The standards for react to contact are clearly outlined in ARTEP 7-8 Drill. However, the purpose of the BANG DRILL is to execute the individual and collective intricacies of the drill in a nontactical environment. The associated standards that the leader expects must be clear to the soldier and unit and outlined in an SOP. The SUBTASKS AND STANDARDS will focus on those intricacies.
1. TASK: React to Contact.
2. CONDITIONS: The individual soldier, squad or platoon is in a garrison or field environment. The team, squad or platoon leader initiates the drill by announcing "BANG." The soldiers may or may not have individual equipment and weapon.
3. TASK STANDARD: The soldier executes his role in the battle drill and or the unit collectively executes the drill.
4. SUBTASKS AND STANDARDS:
A. Immediately upon hearing "BANG," soldiers assume the prone position and simulate returning fire in the cardinal direction provided by the leader.
B. The leader announces the desired rate of fire for the suppression, and the soldier does the following:
(1) For a sustained rate of fire, M249 and M60 gunners count four seconds between six to nine round bursts. For example, the soldier will announce the following: "BURST, one thousand one, one thousand two, one thousand three, one thousand four, BURST." The M16 rifleman counts four seconds between each round fired.
(2) For a rapid rate of fire, M249 and M60 gunners count two seconds between burst and the M16 rifleman counts one second between rounds fired.
(3) The M203 gunner announces, "One round 40-mm center sector."
C. The leader instructs an individual soldier, "Your magazine is empty." The soldier announces "Changing magazines," and the soldier's buddy announces "Picking up the rate of fire."
D. The leader announces to the unit, "The M60 is down." The M249 gunners announce, "Picking up the rate of fire."
E. The leader announces to the unit, "The M60 gunner is dead." The assistant gunner announces, "Taking the gun." The leader announces to the unit, "The AG is down." The nearest rifleman announces, "Taking the gun." Every time the leader announces that "the M60 is down or the gunner dead," the other soldiers automatically pick up the rate of fire. The same actions should take place for the M249 and M203.
Appendix
B: Example Battle Rhythm
Appendix
D: References
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