conduct a defense by a platoon conduct a defense by a platoon task 071-430-0006 ref. fm 71-1, 7-7,...

Conduct a Defense by a Platoon

Conduct a Defense by a Platoon

Task 071-430-0006Task 071-430-0006Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-88Instructor:Instructor:

Prepare to learn…Prepare to learn…TASK: Conduct a Defense by a platoon

Conditions: Given a specified area to defend, a platoon with TOE equipment, and a requirement to defend that area.

Standards: Engaged the enemy threat IAW the defensive plan, fires controlled, retained terrain, and destroyed or repelled the threat.

TERMS FOR THE CLASS:TERMS FOR THE CLASS:

OP’sOP’s

OBSERVATION POST LP/OP LISTENING POINT OBSERVATION

POST

OPFOROPFOR

OPPOSING FORCES

CPCP

COMMAND POST

ANTI ARMOR WEAPONSANTI ARMOR WEAPONS

SUCH AS MK-19 AT4 50cal M203

DEAD SPACEDEAD SPACE

ANY AREA THAT OFFERS ENEMY COVER OR CONCEALMENT, (most often used in association with range cards)

FPLFPL

FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE THE LINE YOU DON’T WANT THE ENEMY TO

CROSS

INTERLOCKING FIRESINTERLOCKING FIRES

A SYSTEM WHERE FIRE SECTORS LINK TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO YOUR PERIMETER

EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED CORRECTLY

SECTOR OF FIRESECTOR OF FIRE

A POSITION ASSIGNED TO A POSITION THAT GIVES IT A “SLICE” OF THE PERIMETER THAT IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR

ENGAGING OUT OF YOUR SECTOR COULD LEAD TO FRIENDLY FIRE SITUATIONS

INDIRECT FIREINDIRECT FIRE

USUALLY A SHELL OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE DEVICE LAUNCHED ON YOUR POSITION FROM A COMFORTABLE DISTACE AWAY

THESE ATTACKS ARE RARELY IF EVER COUNTER ATTACKED

THE ONLY DEFENSE IS TO MOVE LOCATIONS

AVENUE OF APPROACHAVENUE OF APPROACH

THE PATH OR AREA THAT YOU THINK THE ENEMY WILL USE

OFTEN REFFERED TO AT “THE MOST LIKELY AVENUE OF APPROACH”

NEVER USE THIS AVENUE IF POSSIBLE

RECONNOITERRECONNOITER

LONG VERSION OF RECON, LOOK AT, CHECK OUT

FIELDS OF FIREFIELDS OF FIRE

SERIES OF SECTOR FIRES THAT ARE LINKED TO MAKE UP THE FIELDS OF FIRE

SIT REPSIT REP

SITUATION REPORT ANY UPDATE GIVEN ABOUT YOUR

SITUATION SUCH AS SALUTE REPORT, LACE REPORT,

ETC

DECISIVELY ENGAGEDDECISIVELY ENGAGED

YOUR POSITION IS KNOWN BY THE ENEMY AND IT IS UNDER ATTACK

CLOSE AIR SUPPORTCLOSE AIR SUPPORT

HELICOPTER/JET SUPPORT

DISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIREDISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIRE

WHERE WHEN HOW MUCH

LIFT FINAL PROTECTIVE FIRELIFT FINAL PROTECTIVE FIRE

CAN ALSO BE CALLED A LIFT AND SHIFT YOUR POINT OF KILL IS MOVED MAY HAPPEN WHEN A LARGE INFLUX OF

ENEMY IS CONCENTRATED IN AN AREAL, OR DURING FLANKING MANUVERS

SHELREP/MORTREPSHELREP/MORTREP

SHELL REPORT OR MORTAR REPORT IT IS A SITREP SENT WHEN YOUR AREA IS

SHELLED

LACE REPORTLACE REPORT

USUALLY GIVEN AFTER A MISSION OR DURING A RECONSOLIDATION PERIOD

LIQUID AMMO CASUALTIES EQUIPMENT

REDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATEREDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATE

SEE WHAT YOU HAVE SPREAD IT AROUND SUCH AS: AMMO, WEAPONS, WATER, FOOD,

ANYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

STANO DEVICESSTANO DEVICES

NIGHT VISION DEVICES STANO IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES

NIGHT VISION EQUIP

Organize For PLT DefenseOrganize For PLT Defense

Search area to ensure it is free of enemy, mines, and booby traps

Establish local security Monitor area for NBC contamination Assign sectors to sub elements using the

minimum personnel necessary to ensure the security of the unit area.

Position M8 alarm to provide NBC Warning

Performance StepsPerformance Steps Analyze the mission. Issue a warning order. Make a tentative plan. Conduct a reconnaissance. Start necessary movement or preparations. Complete the plan. Occupy the position. Emplace early warning devices. Emplace hasty minefields. Establish communication systems. Stockpile ammo, water, food, and other supplies. Engage the enemy at maximum range.

FM 7-8, pg 2-3

Troop Leading Procedures

1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

The receive-the-mission step is intended to get the planning and preparation process underway by enabling him to prepare and issue a Warning Order as quickly as possible.

FM 7-8, pg 2-4

Begins with receipt of initial WARNORD or OPORD Platoon Leader determines probable mission

Platoon Leader conducts initial time analysis

Receive the Mission

FM 7-8, pg 2-3


1. Receive Mission

2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

This enables the squads and other subordinate units to begin the parallel planning process

FM 7-8, pg 2-4

Issue Warning Order

Usually given orally.

Follows the 5 paragraph OPORD format

Includes: Unit’s probable mission PLs initial time planning timeline Any additional information available Initial instructions

FM 7-8, pg 2-3


1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order

3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

Army’s decision making process for tactical situations at Company Level. FM 71-1, FM 7-8 Continuous process

Make a Tentative Plan(Tools of the Platoon Leader)

FM 7-8, pg 2-8

“If the PL (due to time constrains), is unable to develop more than one COA, step 4 does not apply”

FM 7-8, pg 2-8

Make a Tentative Plan

1. Mission Analysis 2. Course of Action Development 3. Analysis of Course of Action 4. Course of Action Comparison

5. Course of Action Selection

MET-T(METT-TC)

M ISSION ANALYSIS

T ERRAIN AND WEATHER

E NEMY SITUATION

T ROOPS AVAILABLE

T IME AVAILABLE

C IVILIANS

Guides the platoon leader through the decision making process

FM 7-8, pg 2-8

Step 1: Mission Analysis(Analysis of the Mission)

Identify Purpose Specified & Implied Tasks Limitations Identify Mission Essential Task Commanders Mission, Concept& Intent 1 & 2 LEVELS UP

Results in the Restated Mission

Mission Analysis(METT-TC)

M ISSION ANALYSIS

T ERRAIN AND WEATHER

E NEMY SITUATION

T ROOPS AVAILABLE

T IME AVAILABLE

C IVILIANS

Guides the platoon leader through the decision making process

Terrain Analysis(Military Aspects of Terrain)

O bstacles C over and Concealment K ey Terrain O bservation and Fields of Fire A venues of Approach

What is an obstacle? Any natural or manmade obstruction that canalizes, delays, restricts or diverts movement

How are obstacles classified? Existing and reinforcing

Terrain Analysis(Obstacles)

FM 34-130, pg 2-14

Unrestricted: Indicates terrain free of constraints to movement. Nothing needs to be done to enhance mobility

Restricted: Hinders movement to some degree Little effort is needed to enhance movement but units cannot move to preferred speeds or combat formations

Severely Restricted: Hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some effort is made to enhance mobility

(GREEN)

Obstacles cont’d(Terrain Classification)

(GREEN)

FM 34-130, pg 2-15

An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path.

Mobility Corridor - Areas where a force will be canalized due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to capitalize on the principles of mass and speed.

Terrain Analysis(Avenues of Approach)

FM 34-130, pg 2-18

Any locality or area the seizure, retention, or control of affords a marked advantage to either combatant.

Examples: Terrain with good observation over AAs Terrain providing cover of an obstacle Road junctions or communication centers used for sustainment

Terrain Analysis(Key Terrain)

FM 34-130, pg 2-17

Observation is the ability to see the threat either visually or through use of surveillance devices.

Fields of Fire are areas that a weapon or group of weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given position.

Terrain Analysis(Observation and Fields of Fire)

FM 34-130, pg 2-10

Cover is protection from the effects of direct and indirect fires.

Concealment is protection from observation.

Terrain Analysis(Cover and Concealment)

FM 34-130, pg 2-11

Terrain Analysis

Additional Considerations: Vegetation Surface Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC) Canopy

FM 34-130, pg 2-16


1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan

4. Initiate Movement5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

Initiate Movement

May occur at any point in the Troop Leading Process Examples:

Move main body to Area of Operations Send out recon teams Begin gathering necessary equipment Begin rehearsing drills you anticipate using

FM 71-1, pg 2-30


1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement

5. Conduct Recon6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

Leader’s Reconnaissance

Plan and conduct leader’s recon for every mission. If recon reveals a change in the situation, the plan must be adjusted accordingly.Recon must avoid detection while trying to confirm or deny the leader’s assumptions.May be conducted at Company, Platoon or Squad level.

FM 7-8, pg 2-9


The smaller the element, the better the chances are of avoiding detection At a minimum, take a leader from each squad or key element LDR must specify what information is needed to confirm the plan Two types

Long Range-Outside small arms fire Short Range-Inside small arms fire

FM 7-8, pg 2-9


Leader must determine: His information requirements Priorities of requirements Assets available Security requirements Time available Most critical information needed

Leader provides specific guidance on:

Tasking of troops and equip. Time schedule Special equipment required Likely contingency plans Fire support Withdrawal from the OBJ Linkup plan

FM 71-1, pg 2-32


1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon

6. Complete Plan7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise

Complete the Plan

The Tools of the Platoon Leader and COA become the OPORD

IPB results = Para. 1a. Mission analysis = Para. 2, 1b., Para. 3b., c., & d., and Para 5 COA with analysis = Para 3, 4, 5

Complete a second, more detailed, wargame resulting in the subparagraphs of Para 3, as well as 4 and 5

What is IPB ?

Systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat and the environment in a specific area.

Determines the threat’s likely COA

Describes the environment your unit is operating in.

Helps the Platoon Leader selectively apply and maximize his combat power at critical points in time and space.

FM 101-5, pg 5-6

1. Receive Mission 2. Issue Warning Order 3. Make a Tentative Plan 4. Initiate Movement 5. Conduct Recon 6. Complete Plan 7. Issue OPORD

8. Supervise


The order of these steps doesn’t change

Steps 4-7 are interchangeable.

Step 8 occurs throughout the process.

The Process


1. Receive and Analyze the Mission

2. Issue a Warning Order

3. Make a Tentative Plan

4. Initiate Movement

5. Conduct Recon

6. Complete the Plan

7. Issue the Order

8. Supervise & Refine

Military Decision Making Process

Mission Analysis (METT-T)• Mission • Enemy • Terrain (and Weather) • Troops • Time Available

Development of COA

Analysis of COA

COA Comparison

Selection of COA

Refinement of plan, Integration of CS, CSS, and development of branch plan

Battlefield Visualization

“See the Terrain”

“See the Enemy”

“See Yourself”

FM 71-1 pg 2-10

Occupy the position.Occupy the position.

Establish local security. Locate Ops to make maximum use of long-range observations.

Squad/Team Operates an OPSquad/Team Operates an OP

(Position Ops to provide early warning of OPFOR attack or activity)

*Position within range of supporting small arms fire*Provide early warning out to a range that denies

OPFOR observation or direct fire

Observation PostObservation Post

Provide cover and concealment for the occupant.

Conceal routes to and from Ops Emplace expedient early warning devices Establish coms from OP’s to CP’s (wire

supplemented by radio/messenger)

Observation PostObservation Post

Demonstrate correct use of current challenge and password for personnel

Reposition OP’s at alternate OP sites when required by changing visibility conditions

Occupy the position.Occupy the position.

Establish local security. Locate Ops to make maximum use of long-range observations.

Position key weapons.

Position WeaponsPosition Weapons

Designate Primary, Alternate and supplementary fighting positions for key weapons.

Position machineguns to allow grazing fire along the most likely dismounted avenues of approach

Position anti-armor weapons to cover likely armor avenues of approach.


Ensure positions are mutually supporting along armor and dismounted infantry avenues of approach

Position M203 grenade launcher to cover dead space in terrain outside hand grenade range

Prepare range cards for all machinegun and anti-armor weapons positions.


Improve alternate and supplementary fighting positions as time permits

Prepare Platoon Fire PlanPrepare Platoon Fire Plan

Indicate all machinegun and/or anti-armor weapons plan

Indicate primary direction of fire or final protective for each machinegun

M249 positions have interlocking fires across the platoon front/adjacent units/and cover man made and natural obstacles

Platoon Fire PlanPlatoon Fire Plan

Show sectors of fire for all weapons, and overlap at not less than 40 Meters (within terrain limitations

Indicate prominent terrain features Indicate OP and CP Integrate indirect fire targets if available Complete data section of fire plan

Construct PositionsConstruct Positions

Place fighting positions to engage in designated sector of fire

Cover the most dangerous avenue of approach first.

The range and type of weapon determine the sector of fire


Assign all personnel to a fighting position Physically reconnoiter to the front of each

position to become familiar with terrain and to locate dead space

Emplace Claymore mines Clear fields of fire Prepare range cards Prepare fighting positions


Prepare overhead cover for fighting positions Camouflage position from ground and aerial

observation Stockpile ammunition, food, and water Ensure crew served weapons can’t be seen from

at least 40m to the front


Construct alternate and supplementary fighting positions

Continue to improve fighting positions

Emplace Early Warning DevicesEmplace Early Warning Devices

Platoon early warning system is used, if available (PEWS).

Trip flares are set out Improvised early warning devices can be used.

Emplace hasty minefields and other obstaclesEmplace hasty minefields and other obstacles

These should be covered by observation and fire.

Establish CommunicationsEstablish Communications

Use wire as primary means of Commo if available

Ensure OP’s and subordinate element leaders can communicate with PLT CP

Establish communications between CP and higher HQ

Plan and provide for alternate Commo

Stockpile SuppliesStockpile Supplies

Ammo, water, food, and other supplies. Ensure that materiel is protected from direct fire Ensure overhead protection is provided.

Engage EnemyEngage Enemy

Engage at maximum range Use direct and indirect fires Hit the enemy while at minefields and obstacles Break up enemy formations If enemy assaults, call for FPF of small arms,

machine guns, mortars and artillery

ReorganizeReorganize

Reestablish the Chain of Command Send SITREP to higher Redistribute ammunition Man OP’s, Key weapons, and positions Treat and evacuate injured as nec. Submit casualty reports Update personnel roster and CM

ReviewReview

Analyze the mission Issue a WARNO Make a tentative plan Conduct a recon Start movement Complete the plan Occupy the position

ReviewReview

Emplace early warning devices Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles Establish commo Stockpile supplies Engage the enemy at maximum range

QUESTIONS?PLEASE ASKQUESTIONS?PLEASE ASK

conduct a defense by a platoon conduct a defense by a platoon task 071-430-0006 ref. fm 71-1, 7-7,...

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