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Terrain Analysis
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22 22 “Terrain for the military man is the same as the chess board for the player …”
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Terrain Analysis Recognized important tactically since Sun Tzu described it in “The Art of War” circa 500 B.C. and has been used by every successful tactical leader since then Just as important in urban environments as it is in rural environments Large malls, buildings, skyscrapers, custodial facilities and the like, can also be analyzed for effects on tactical movements Terrain analysis is one of the best investments of time for planning
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Conducting the Analysis
K O C A Conducting the Analysis Significance of the terrain will vary with the echelon of command and the particular mission of the unit Five factors have proven tactical significance. These are: Key Terrain (Sometimes called Critical Terrain) Observation and Fields of Fire Cover and Concealment Obstacles Avenues of approach and escape
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K O C A Key Terrain Features
Any locality or area, the control of which, offers a marked advantage Control is critical, not occupation Oft times it is the “high ground” but may also be a choke point, obstacle, blind spot or avenue of approach or escape If the control of dominate terrain offers a decisive advantage it is called, “Decisive Terrain” or “Commanding Terrain” “Texas Tower” or the tower at the Branch Davidian compound are two good examples
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Key terrain can be any feature that offers a marked advantage!
Key Terrain Features Key Terrain is often the “high ground” Key terrain can be any feature that offers a marked advantage! Key Terrain can also be a “choke point”
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Observation and Fields of Fire
K O C A Observation and Fields of Fire So closely related that they are considered together Observation—those features that provide surveillance opportunities Includes the ability to employ any optic enhancing device, such as binoculars and/or NVGs Fields of Fire—the area of fire that can be effectively covered depending on the type of weapon and how it is placed Not to be confused with a “sector of fire”
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Characteristics of the weapon is the first factor
Fields of Fire Characteristics of the weapon is the first factor
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How the weapon is employed is the second factor
Fields of Fire How the weapon is employed is the second factor
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A sector of fire is an assignment!
Sectors of Fire Intended to: Prevent friendly casualties Increase effectiveness of fires Ensure no gaps in fires A sector of fire is an assignment!
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K O C A Cover and Concealment
So closely related that they are considered together Cover—provides protection from fires and the effects of fires Dependent upon both the weapon employed and the intermediate substance (i.e. tree, concrete, etc.) Concealment—prevents observation May be part of terrain, but also smoke, fog, darkness, snow, dust or heavy rain
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Cover and Concealment (Effects of Fires)
K O C A Cover and Concealment (Effects of Fires) Bullets are not the only things that will kill. The “effects” from the fires can be even more deadly and, are easier to hit!
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K O C A Obstacles Any object that stops, impedes or diverts movement
Depends on mode of movement Obstacles to vehicles may not impede foot movement Obstacles may be natural or manmade Some obstacles are so formidable as to constitute a “barrier”
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Obstacles for vehicles may not stop pedestrians.
K O C A Some obstacles can be considered “barriers.” Obstacles Obstacles for vehicles may not stop pedestrians.
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Avenues of Approach and Escape
K O C A Avenues of Approach and Escape A route by which a force can reach an objective or escape from a predicament Avenues should be broad enough to permit necessary maneuver and bypassing of obstacles Avoid canalizing friendly forces because it makes them vulnerable (choke point) Avenues of approach can be vertical, as with a vertical envelopment Helicopter borne, rappelling, climbing, etc.
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Avenues of Approach and Escape
K O C A Avenues of Approach and Escape By foot or vehicle, an avenue needs to be wide enough to permit maneuver and bypass obstacles.
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Gaining Terrain Appreciation
Map Reconnaissance Visual reconnaissance, especially with photographic drive-bys and fly-bys Visual reconnaissance is necessary to identify: Steering Features—sometimes called “steering marks,” facilitate navigation Prominent Terrain—any feature that can be readily identified on both the physical terrain and a map, terrain sketch or diagram Micro-Terrain —terrain that has tactical significance but is too small to be displayed on a map Enfilade and Defilade Features —provide “terrain shielding.” Enfilade means exposed to observation or fires and defilade terrain protects against direct observation or fires.
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Fly Bys “L-Shaped” Pass
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Prominent Terrain Micro-Terrain?
Prominent terrain allows precise navigation without a compass, in reduced visibility and/or using only sketches, diagrams or “dead reckoning.” Micro-Terrain?
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Enfilade and Defilade Features
Terrain Shielding is the most effective method of preventing observation while providing cover. Terrain Feature (Hill, Valley, Ravine, Building, etc.) Enfilade Defilade Observer
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Navigation Cardinal Directions (most well known)
Awkward in city, compasses affected by magnetic fields and steel objects Shift from a known point (common) Uses prominent terrain features as steering marks Requires prior knowledge or detailed directions Grid System (MGRS, Thomas Guide and others) Effective over distance but requires map and ineffective for micro-terrain Numbering System (Common tactical “work around”) Highly effective for micro-terrain, inappropriate for longer distances
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Left to Right Bottom to Top Immediate Deployments
Number System Front side is “1 Side” Single Story Multi-Story E 1 2 3 D 1 2 3 3 “Rear Five” 1 2 3 C “Front Five” 2 4 B 1 2 3 A 1 2 3 4 1 Left to Right Bottom to Top 1 Immediate Deployments
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