Conduct a Defense by a Platoon

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Conduct a Defense by a Platoon

• Task 071-430-0006Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-8
• Instructor

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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.

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TERMS FOR THE CLASS
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OPs

• OBSERVATION POST
• LP/OP LISTENING POINT OBSERVATION POST

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OPFOR

• OPPOSING FORCES

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CP

• COMMAND POST

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ANTI ARMOR WEAPONS

• SUCH AS MK-19
• AT4
• 50cal
• M203

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DEAD SPACE

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

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FPL

• FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE
• THE LINE YOU DONT WANT THE ENEMY TO CROSS

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INTERLOCKING FIRES

• A SYSTEM WHERE FIRE SECTORS LINK TO CAUSE DAMAGE
  TO ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO YOUR PERIMETER
• EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED CORRECTLY

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SECTOR 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

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INDIRECT 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

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AVENUE 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

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RECONNOITER

• LONG VERSION OF RECON, LOOK AT, CHECK OUT

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FIELDS OF FIRE

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

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SIT REP

• SITUATION REPORT
• ANY UPDATE GIVEN ABOUT YOUR SITUATION
• SUCH AS SALUTE REPORT, LACE REPORT, ETC

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DECISIVELY ENGAGED

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

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CLOSE AIR SUPPORT

• HELICOPTER/JET SUPPORT

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DISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIRE

• WHERE
• WHEN
• HOW MUCH

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LIFT 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

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SHELREP/MORTREP

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

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LACE REPORT

• USUALLY GIVEN AFTER A MISSION OR DURING A
  RECONSOLIDATION PERIOD
• LIQUID
• AMMO
• CASUALTIES
• EQUIPMENT

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REDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATE

• SEE WHAT YOU HAVE
• SPREAD IT AROUND
• SUCH AS AMMO, WEAPONS, WATER, FOOD, ANYTHING YOU
  NEED TO SUCCEED

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STANO DEVICES

• NIGHT VISION DEVICES
• STANO IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES NIGHT VISION
  EQUIP

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Organize 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

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Performance 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.

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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
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
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Receive the Mission
Begins with receipt of initial WARNORD or OPORD
Platoon Leader determines probable mission
Platoon Leader conducts initial time analysis
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
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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
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
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Issue Warning Order

• Usually given orally.
• Follows the 5 paragraph OPORD format
• Includes
• Units probable mission
• PLs initial time planning timeline
• Any additional information available
• Initial instructions

This enables the squads and other subordinate
units to begin the parallel planning process
FM 7-8, pg 2-4
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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
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
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Make a Tentative Plan(Tools of the Platoon
Leader)
Armys decision making process for tactical
situations at Company Level. FM 71-1, FM 7-8
Continuous process
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
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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
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Terrain Analysis(Obstacles)
What is an obstacle? Any natural or manmade
obstruction that canalizes, delays, restricts or
diverts movement How are obstacles classified?
Existing and reinforcing
FM 34-130, pg 2-14
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Obstacles contd(Terrain Classification)
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)
(GREEN)
FM 34-130, pg 2-15
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Terrain Analysis(Avenues of Approach)
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.
FM 34-130, pg 2-18
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Terrain Analysis(Key Terrain)
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
FM 34-130, pg 2-17
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Terrain Analysis(Observation and Fields of Fire)
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.
FM 34-130, pg 2-10
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Terrain Analysis(Cover and Concealment)
Cover is protection from the effects of direct
and indirect fires. Concealment is protection
from observation.
FM 34-130, pg 2-11
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Terrain Analysis
Additional Considerations Vegetation Surface
Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC)
Canopy
FM 34-130, pg 2-16
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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
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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
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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
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Leaders Reconnaissance
Plan and conduct leaders 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 leaders
assumptions. May be conducted at Company, Platoon
or Squad level.
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
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Leaders Reconnaissance
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
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Leaders Reconnaissance
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
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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
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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

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What is IPB ?
Systematic, continuous process of analyzing the
threat and the environment in a specific area.
Determines the threats 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
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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 order of these steps doesnt change Steps
4-7 are interchangeable. Step 8 occurs
throughout the process.
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The Process
Troop Leading Procedures
Military Decision Making Process
Battlefield Visualization

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

1. Receive and Analyze the Mission
See the Terrain
2. Issue a Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
Development of COA
Analysis of COA
See the Enemy
4. Initiate Movement
COA Comparison
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete the Plan
Selection of COA
Refinement of plan, Integration of CS, CSS, and
development of branch plan
7. Issue the Order
See Yourself
8. Supervise Refine
FM 71-1 pg 2-10
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Occupy the position.

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

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Squad/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

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Observation Post

• Provide cover and concealment for the occupant.
• Conceal routes to and from Ops
• Emplace expedient early warning devices
• Establish coms from OPs to CPs (wire
  supplemented by radio/messenger)

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Observation Post

• Demonstrate correct use of current challenge and
  password for personnel
• Reposition OPs at alternate OP sites when
  required by changing visibility conditions

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Occupy the position.

• Establish local security. Locate Ops to make
  maximum use of long-range observations.
• Position key weapons.

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Position 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.

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Position Weapons

• 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.

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Position Weapons

• Improve alternate and supplementary fighting
  positions as time permits

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Prepare 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

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Platoon 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

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Construct 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

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Construct Positions

• 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

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Construct Positions

• Prepare overhead cover for fighting positions
• Camouflage position from ground and aerial
  observation
• Stockpile ammunition, food, and water
• Ensure crew served weapons cant be seen from at
  least 40m to the front

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Construct Positions

• Construct alternate and supplementary fighting
  positions
• Continue to improve fighting positions

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Emplace Early Warning Devices

• Platoon early warning system is used, if
  available (PEWS).
• Trip flares are set out
• Improvised early warning devices can be used.

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Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles

• These should be covered by observation and fire.

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Establish Communications

• Use wire as primary means of Commo if available
• Ensure OPs and subordinate element leaders can
  communicate with PLT CP
• Establish communications between CP and higher HQ
• Plan and provide for alternate Commo

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Stockpile Supplies

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

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Engage 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

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Reorganize

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

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Review

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

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Review

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

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QUESTIONS?PLEASE ASK