Defensive operations retain
ground, gain time, deny the enemy access to an area, and damage
or defeat attacking forces. The defense can deny the enemy victory.
It cannot assure victory. The defense is a temporary state that
creates the conditions that allow the force to assume offensive
operations. Defensive operations are conducted to---
- Defeat an enemy attack.
- Gain time.
- Concentrate forces elsewhere.
- Control key or decisive terrain.
- Wear down enemy forces as
a prelude to offensive operations.
- Retain strategic, operational,
or tactical objectives.
Just as during offensive operations,
defending forces must use NBC defensive principles--avoidance,
protection, and decontamination--to preserve combat power under
NBC conditions and smoke to enhance combat power.
The defensive framework consists
of--
- Security force operations
forward and to the flanks of the defending force.
- Defensive operations in the
main battle area (MBA).
- Reserve operations in support
of the main defensive effort.
- Deep operations in the area
forward of the forward line of own troops (FLOT).
- Rear operations to retain
freedom of action in the rear area.
Chemical units are integrated
throughout the defensive framework--
-
Security. Smoke and NBC recon
unit provide the security force commander versatility.
MBA. Smoke and NBC recon units
provide the commander versatility, while decon units increase
the survivability of contaminated units.
Reserve. Smoke, NBC recon,
and decon units increase the survivability of reserve forces.
Smoke and NBC recon units provide the commander versatility.
Deep. Smoke and NBC recon
units provide versatility and increase survivability.
Rear. Smoke, NBC recon, and
decon units assist the commander to retain freedom of maneuver
and increase survivability.
PATTERNS OF DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS
Mobile Defense
Mobile defense employs a combination
of offensive, defensive, and delaying actions to defeat an enemy
attack. The exact design is dependent upon METT-T. In this type
of defense, a small force is deployed forward in the sector and
uses a combination of fire and obstacles to seize the initiative
from the attacker. A force conducting a mobile defense must have
the same or greater mobility as that of the attacker. The force
must have a large reserve to conduct the decisive counterattack.
Because of the need to have a large reserve, mobile defenses are
normal y conducted by division or larger forces.
Area Defense
An area defense is normally
conducted to deny the enemy access to specific terrain for a specific
time. The purpose of the area defense is to retain ground using
a combination of defensive positions and a small reserve. This
type of defense is used when there is little depth to the sector.
The exact design of this defense is also dependent upon METT-T.
THE COVERING FORCE FIGHT
Corps and division may establish
a covering force as the first echelon of a two echelon function
of the covering force is to destroy the leading elements of the
attacking force causing the follow-on forces and forcing the enemy
to disclose his main effort. The size and composition of the defense.
The deployment of covering force is dependent on METT-T. Normally
a covering force is organized around tank-heavy task forces and
armored cavalry regiments.
Normally, the covering force
will defend, delay, and attack with its maneuver units. When elements
of the covering force are unable to retain terrain forward of
the FEBA, they will withdraw through the element conducting the
defense of the main battle area. Generally the covering force
withdraws by unit.
Because of its nature, covering
force elements that become contaminated probably will not undergo
any supported decon operations (operational or thorough) until
they have withdrawn through the MBA. If the unit must undergo
decon, it will most likely be operational.
NBC reconnaissance units will
provide the covering force commander with versatility. Their focus
should be on determining the status (clear or contaminated) of
rearward passage lanes. If they are contaminated, NBC recon units
will locate and mark new clear routes.
Smoke units conceal movement
of friendly forces, defeat enemy intelligence gathering efforts,
and conceal the emplacement of obstacles. Smoke provides the commander
with versatility and agility. Smoke is also used to support deception
operations.
Chemical Brigade
The chemical brigade will
plan and allocate chemical units based on METT-T. The focus should
be three-fold--support the covering force, provide support to
units in the main battle area, and retain a flexible and responsive
chemical force in the rear area. The units in the covering force
will require support in the form of smoke and NBC recon. If an
ACR is used, their chemical company may require reinforcement
with smoke and NBC reconnaissance assets. Most of the mechanized
smoke units should be employed between the covering force area
and the main battle area.
Chemical Battalion
Chemical battalions are allocated
based upon METT-T. Unless there are unusual circumstances, the
covering force will not require a chemical battalion HHD. The
chemical battalions should be allocated to support the divisions
conducting the corps main and supporting efforts. At least one
battalion HHD should be allocated to control chemical assets in
the corps rear. The command and support relationships of the battalions
supporting the divisions are based upon providing the supported
commander with sufficient versatility to prepare his defense.
Chemical Companies
If the armored cavalry regiment
is deployed as the covering force, its organic chemical company
also will operate in the covering force area. The ACR chemical
company will deploy its NBC recon platoon based on the enemy threat
of using ground contaminating chemical agents. Its focus should
be on maintaining freedom of maneuver behind the units in close
combat. One section should be designated to ensure the main and
secondary routes to and through the MBA are clear of contamination
for each squadron. The dual purpose platoon's main focus will
be smoke generation. The platoon's decon equipment should be left
with the company headquarters. The dual purpose platoon will provide
smoke support based on METT-T. If smoke support is required beyond
the scale that the dual purpose platoon can provide, the ACR company
should be reinforced with mechanized smoke platoons and fuel support
sections from a corps chemical battalion.
If a unit other than an ACR
is conducting all or part of the covering force, that unit should
be supported by a chemical company team. This chemical company
team should have a NBC reconnaissance platoon, at least one mechanized
smoke platoon, and a headquarters capable of providing C 2
and CSS support.
Chemical Staff Considerations
- Focus NBC defense operations
to provide the commander versatility and synchronization.
- Operate in the lowest possible
MOPP level during the preparation phase, then consider a higher
MOPP for the actual battle.
- Plan smoke to assist in breaking
contact and repositioning.
- Select decon sites throughout
the covering force area.
- Conduct operational decon
operations as necessary for survivability.
- Focus NBC reconnaissance assets
on repositioning and withdrawal routes, also on passage points
and passage lanes.
- Identify alternate routes
if passage routes become contaminated.
- Designate passage points and
lanes for the movement of contaminated elements.
- Plan smoke to disrupt attacking
enemy echelons.
- Balance vulnerability of the
force against the need for mass, agility, and depth.
- The possibility of enemy NBC
attacks increases just prior to the enemy attack.
THE MAIN BATTLE AREA FIGHT
The main battle area fight
begins when the battle handover has occurred. The units in the
MBA begin the close battle, while corps continues deep operations
against the enemy's second echelon. The enemy attack will be defeated
in the MBA.
Smoke is used to defeat enemy
target acquisition, slow the enemy, separate and piecemeal attacking
forces, and disrupt enemy command and control. Smoke is also used
to obscure repositioning forces. Additionally, smoke can be used
as part of deception operations. Mechanized smoke units should
support maneuver forces.
NBC reconnaissance units are
positioned throughout the MBA based upon the IPB. The employment
of NBC recon assets will provide freedom of movement and allow
the commander to reposition forces without the fear of hitting
contamination. Additionally, NBC recon assets can be used to patrol
the MSRs.
Decon assets are also positioned
and allocated based on the IPB. Priority of decon support should
be to reserve forces, fire support units, combat service support,
combat support, and committed forces. Operational decon may be
conducted in support of committed forces to sustain combat operations.
Thorough decon sites should be established away from the major
avenues of approach into the sector and outside the range of the
enemy's indirect fire systems. This could be up to 20 kilometers
or more.
Chemical Brigade
During the MBA fight, the
chemical brigade will monitor the status of the subordinate chemical
units and the NBC situation. The brigade also monitors the reconstitution
efforts of the chemical units involved in the covering force area
(CFA) fight.
The units conducting the MBA
fight will require a mix of chemical support. Reserve forces will
need NBC recon assets to allow them to move rapidly on the battlefield
without undo risk from contamination. Additionally, smoke assets
will allow the reserve to conceal their movement.
Chemical Battalion
Unless there is a significant
change in the NBC situation, there should be little change in
the employment of the chemical battalion from the CFA battle to
the MBA battle. The battalions monitor the status of their subordinate
units and the overall NBC situation. They identify possible situations
and wargame their reactions.
Chemical Companies
The priority for CFA units
is to reconstitute themselves to a fully mission capable posture.
MBA units need to remain flexible. They should position themselves
to best provide support. However they should avoid high-speed
avenues of approach into their sectors. They must maintain communications
with their higher and supporting unit's headquarters. They prepare
to encounter enemy reconnaissance elements moving through the
sector. If possible, these enemy reconnaissance elements are engaged
and destroyed.
Selection of decon sites is
coordinated with the supported unit and higher headquarters to
preclude using a key piece of terrain.
Chemical Staff Considerations
- Focus NBC defense operations
to provide the commander versatility and synchronization.
- Operate in the lowest possible
MOPP level during the preparation phase, then consider a higher
MOPP for the actual battle.
- Select decon sites throughout
the rear area to support the defensive scheme.
- Identify areas that the enemy
could contaminate to hinder friendly operations.
- Focus NBC reconnaissance on
repositioning and counterattack routes.
- Plan smoke to conceal obstacle
emplacement.
- Use smoke to conceal movement
of forces during mobile defense operations.
- Balance vulnerability of the
force against the need for mass and depth.
- The possibility of enemy NBC
attacks increases just prior to the enemy attack.
- Conduct operational decon
as necessary to sustain the tempo of the defense.
- Execute thorough decon operations
as necessary after the battle.
- Plan the use of flame field
expedients along dismounted infantry avenues of approach.
- Consider the impact of enemy
flame weapons on your defensive positions.
This section provides an example
of how chemical units could be synchronized to support a
defense. The corps mission is to defeat an attacking enemy combined
arms army (CAA). The example will use the defensive framework
and is only one example of a concept and should be treated as
such. The corps portrayed in this example consists of one armored
division, one mechanized division, a separate mechanized brigade,
an armored cavalry regiment, an aviation brigade, and the associated
combat support and combat service support units. A chemical brigade
with all the subordinate chemical units for this size force are
present and available for employment (Figure 8-1). The attacking
enemy CAA consists of three motorized rifle divisions in the first
echelon and two tank divisions in a staggered second echelon.
The first echelon division will attack with two regiments in their
first echelon and two regiments in their second echelon. The enemy
has an extensive chemical weapons capability and a limited nuclear
capability. He has used chemical weapons extensively during both
defensive and offensive operations. No nuclear weapons have been
used.
THE MISSION
The mission of the corps is
to defeat the attack of the first echelon of the CAA. Following
the defeat of the CAA, the corps will either reestablish the defense
to defeat the second echelon of the CAA or attack as part of a
counteroffensive. Both of these sequels could be conducted. The
corps commander's intent is to defeat the CAA with a mobile defense
throughout the depth of the MBA.
The MBA units will defeat
the first echelon divisions and shape a penetration of the CAA's
tank division. The corps reserve will attack into the salient
created by the penetration to destroy the tank division. The corps
commander envisions that the CAA will be defeated if the three
lead motorized rifle divisions and one of the second echelon tank
divisions are destroyed.
THE GENERAL SCHEME OF MANEUVER
The corps covering force,
the 201st Armored Cavalry Regiment augmented with two balanced
task forces, will fight to destroy at least 50 percent of the
lead regiments in the first echelon division. Following battle
handover, the MBA units will defeat the attrited first echelon
divisions in the MBA. The 313th Infantry Brigade (Separate) on
the right will defeat the enemy division forward of PL Gold, while
the 52d Infantry Division (Mech) on the left voluntarily shapes
a salient back to PL Gold to draw in the lead second echelon tank
division. The corps reserve, the 23d Armored Division, will then
counterattack into the salient to destroy the enemy tank division.
The corps defense will then be reestablished with both divisions
and the separate mechanized brigade along a newly defined FEBA
(Figure 8-2).
THE SCHEME OF CHEMICAL
SUPPORT
The corps commander's guidance
on chemical support is to--
- Provide the covering force
with smoke support to ensure their success.
- Allocate and position NBC
recon systems to facilitate maneuver with priority to the covering
force, then the MBA forces.
- Accept risk in the covering
force area against chemical strikes. I don't want to conduct any
decon operations in the covering force unless I have no choice.
- I want the corps reserve to
have sufficient smoke support to conduct their counterattack.
- The priority of chemical support
is to the main effort.
Table 8-1 shows the available
and committed chemical units supporting the corps for this operation.
The committed chemical units are those already performing support
missions or those assigned to the corps subordinate units. The
available forces are those that have not been assigned missions
for the upcoming operation.
The chemical brigade commander
assisted by the corps chemical staff officer and the chemical
brigade S3 develop a scheme of support. This scheme of support
is approved by the corps commander and is executed by the chemical
brigade. The approved concept is to--
- Support the 201d ACR (corps
covering force) with a mechanized smoke company (attached).
- Support the 52d ID (corps
main effort) with a chemical battalion (OPCON) consisting of a
mech smoke company and a motorized smoke company.
- Support the 23d AD (corps
reserve) with a chemical battalion (OPCON) consisting of a motorized
smoke company and a mechanized smoke company (this smoke company
is initially with the covering force).
- The remaining chemical assets
support the corps rear area. The remaining chemical battalion
will have an area support mission.
THE CORPS MAIN EFFORT
The 52d ID is the corps main
effort. The division has the mission to defend from PL Blue to
PL Gold. The division will defeat the attrited first echelon division
and voluntarily shape a salient back to PL Gold to draw in the
lead second echelon tank division. The division will hold the
enemy tank divisions penetration forward of PL Gold, while the
armored division attacks into the left flank of the enemy tank
division.
The division will defend with
three brigades abreast; 2d Brigade on the left, 1st Brigade in
the center, and 3d Brigade on the right. The 1st Brigade is the
main effort and will conduct a mobile defense from PL Blue to
PL Gold to draw the enemy second echelon tank division into Objective
Red. The 2d and 3d Brigades will hold the shoulders of the penetration.
3d Brigade will assist the passage of the corps reserve through
their sector for the counterattack. The division reserve will
be the aviation brigade augmented by a mechanized task force
(Figure 8-4).
The division commander provides
the following guidance on the employment of chemical assets--
- Give the supporting efforts
(2d and 3d Brigades) smoke. I want to obscure the preparation
of the defense in those sectors and let the enemy see the defensive
work in the center. I want to show strength on the right and left
flanks so he'll go in the center.
- Priority of NBC recon is to
the 1st Brigade so he can maneuver freely to shape the penetration.
- My priority of decon is to
the FA. I want them to keep up throughout this operation.
- I will accept risk during
the MBA fight.
The division chemical officer
and supporting chemical battalion commander developed the recommended
scheme of support (Figure 8-5). The division commander approves
the recommended plan. The division chemical company will be OPCON
to the chemical battalion. The chemical support plan for the division
is--
- Support 1st Brigade (main
effort) with two NBC recon squads (four vehicles), their habitual
decon platoon, and the divisional smoke platoon in DS.
- Support 2d Brigade with a
mechanized smoke company and a decon platoon in DS.
- Support the 3d Brigade with
a motorized smoke company, a decon platoon, and an NBC recon squad
(two vehicles) in DS. The NBC recon squad will ensure the freedom
of maneuver of the corps counterattack force through the brigade
sector.
- The heavy division chemical
company (-) with its fourth decon platoon is in GS with the mission
of providing decon support to half the division rear.
- The chemical battalion TOC
will position itself near the division main CP.
AT THE DIVISION SUPPORTING
EFFORT
The 2d Brigade has the mission
of defending in sector from PL Blue to PL Gold. The brigade will
hold the left shoulder of the planned penetration into the 1st
Brigade's area. The brigade is task- organized with two mechanized
infantry battalions, a tank battalion, a combat engineer battalion
in DS, a field artillery in DS, along with the typical slice of
division troops. The division has given the brigade a mechanized
smoke company and a decon platoon in DS (Figure 8-6).
The brigade commander's scheme
of maneuver is to defend with the mechanized heavy TFs forward
in battle positions. The balanced TF is the brigade reserve with
a counterattack mission. The brigade commander provides the following
guidance on the employment of the chemical assets--
- I want to obscure the emplacement
of the obstacles with smoke, but the engineers have to be able
to see what they're doing.
- After supporting the obstacle
preparation effort. I want the smoke company to be prepared to
support the counterattack.
The brigade chemical officer
works with the smoke company commander to develop a recommended
chemical support plan (Figure 8-7). They work closely with the
brigade S-3. The chemical support plan is approved by the brigade
commander. The chemical support plan for the brigade follows--
- The smoke platoons will operate
on an area basis to create a series of smoke hazes across the
brigade's sector. As the covering force withdraws, the smoke company
will cease smoke operations on order from the brigade commander
in close coordination with the covering force commander. The smoke
company then withdraws to the BSA to refit. After refitting, the
smoke company will link up with the brigade reserve. The smoke
company is prepared to support the reserve when it counterattacks
with hasty smoke Support.
- The decon platoon will be
positioned in the brigade support area (BSA) with a be-prepared
mission of conducting thorough decon. This platoon and/or a corps
decon platoon may be called on to decon portions of the covering
force as it withdraws through the brigade area.
- The decon platoon will receive
class I and III support from the forward support battalion in
the BSA. The smoke company will draw all its support from the
designated corps support group. The smoke company and the decon
platoon will monitor the brigade's operations and intelligence
(O&I) net.
- The smoke company commander
will provide situation reports to the chemical battalion commander
via MSE every four hours. The smoke company commander will tune
in to the smoke platoon internal nets to monitor, request information,
or pass instructions.
- Once the smoke company links
up with the reserve, the company will monitor the TF's command
net.
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