Military

For a large base, the QRF is usually a platoon or squad. The size of the QRF depends on the threat. Obviously, the greater the threat, the bigger the QRF. The tenant unit does not have a cohesive platoon (or even a squad) that can remain on standby for an entire day. And it cannot afford to rotate out with another platoon the following day. Therefore, the QRF habitually comes from a company that is spending a few days at the base camp. Once a company is dedicated to the QRF mission, there is no time for it to do much else, except perhaps vehicle maintenance and recovery. But the real challenge becomes training the QRF and adequately resourcing it for the "tour of duty."

The real challenge: Training the QRF and adequately resourcing it for the tour of duty.

Training: Training is the responsibility of the base camp commander. This does not mean he must personally train the QRF tasks. But he must validate their skills. He can best do this through a standard detailed training program. The trainer becomes the leader of the outgoing QRF. Training tasks should include:

Validation. Validation occurs when the incoming QRF has successfully executed several emergency drills under varying conditions. The process can be time consuming since all QRF shifts must validate to the same standards.

The bottom line is there are no A teams or B teams for the QRF; each must be as capable as the other.

Resourcing: Each unit assuming the QRF role has a different organization. A tank company does not have the density of squad assault weapons (SAWs) that a mech infantry company has. Because the mission rotates, every unit type can reasonably be expected to assume the role.

Technique: The base camp should maintain a standard stock of equipment to issue to each QRF.

• This makes the handover quick and efficient.

• Base camp commander will not have to reorganize his base defense plan for each unit.

• Equipment should include, but not be limited to:
  a. PRC 127 - One for every team. This provides flexibility when attempting to control a crisis.

  b. Crew-Served Machine Gun - One per squad. The type depends on what is available.

  c. M-16 rifles - If a tank company takes the mission, they will come with M9 pistols. A QRF equipped with pistols does not have as much flexibility as one equipped with rifles.

  d. NVGs - One per man. The type depends on what is available.

The tasks assigned to the quick reaction force are not difficult. A well-trained platoon can assume the role and execute it quickly with minimal effort. The only variables are the time it takes to train a unit, the equipment the unit comes with, and having only one task for the unit, the QRF. Proper training and resourcing of the QRF ensures quick and seamless transition.and provides the security and responsiveness required when conducting stability and support operations.

Peace Support Operations and NCO Leadership in the Light Platoon

Base Camp C2 and the Firing Battery