FOREWORD
Conducting a movement to contact using the search-and-attack technique is one of the most complex and difficult missions a brigade or battalion task force conducts. At the JRTC, units typically fight a very small, decentralized, and elusive enemy that knows the terrain better than they do. Units must first conduct very decentralized operations in an effort to locate the enemy, then rapidly mass overwhelming combat power to destroy him. To be successful, units mass combat power in a very short amount of time, integrating and synchronizing vast numbers and types of resources available to destroy the enemy before he breaks contact. The search-and-attack technique is complicated by the fact that little detailed doctrinal guidance, tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) exist to help units successfully accomplish this mission.
When conducting a movement to contact using the search-and-attack technique, success often depends on the unit's ability to rapidly develop a simple and flexible plan. The plan should allow the unit to rapidly mass combat power at the decisive point and time in an effort to maintain the initiative. Additionally, this plan must minimize the effects of friction on the battlefield to facilitate the massing of combat power.
Numerous
articles have been written addressing some of the common problems units experience
while conducting search and attacks. This newsletter focuses primarily at brigade,
battalion, and company levels consolidating and presenting applicable TTPs
to help alleviate these problems.
EDWARD
J. FITZGERALD III
COL,
IN
Director,
Center for Army Lessons Learned
Chapter
I: Doctrinal Review
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