Squad Live Fire Exercise Planning Live Fire Training Squad Live Fire Exercise Planning

AGENDA ARMY LFX PHILOSOPY / TC 7-9 SQUAD LFX DEVELOPMENT NOTES FROM AR 385-63 RESOURCING AMMUNITION (STRAC) LFX ASSESSMENT

REFERENCES TC 7-9 Infantry Live-Fire Training TC 25-8 - Training Ranges AR 385-63 - Policies and Procedures for Firing Ammunition for Training, Target Practice, and Combat DA Pamphlet 350-38 - Standards in Weapons Training Weapons FMs and TMs, Doctrinal FMs Local 350-1 and other Range Control Regulations Unit Files (AARs, S-3 files, etc.)

Why Do We Do Live Fire Training? Build confidence in our units and weapons Understand true weapons’ effects Build proficiency at critical tasks and weapons’ skills under realistic conditions

What TC 7-9 Says Select area where leaders can select the direction and method of fire and maneuver based on MTETTC Integrate all organic and non-organic weapons systems and personnel (direct/indirect) Exercise all combat-related activities (CASEVAC, CSS, etc.) Use realistic targetry and return fire (MILES and simulators)

What TC 7-9 Says Avoid a “range mentality” Use Crawl/Walk/Run (dry, blank, live) Provide marksmanship feedback Squad training should focus on positions, volume of fire, fire control, fire distribution, fire discipline Plt training should focus on same major items as squad training Do safety briefings and risk assessments

IDEAL CYCLE IAW TC 7-9 Stage 1 - Individual Stage 2 - Crew Stage 3 - Buddy Team Stage 4 - Fire Team Stage 5 -Squad Stage 6 - Platoon Stage 7 - Company and Larger Remember - Available time will dictate the real cycle

STAGE 1- INDIVIDUAL BEGINS IN INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AND SUSTAINED IN UNIT AND INCLUDES: ZERO WEAPON QUALIFY WITH ASSIGNED WEAPON (RIFLE, PISTOL) FAMILIARIZE WITH HAND GRENADE AND M203 ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS (RIFLE, BAYONET, GRENADE, ETC); CONDUCT MOBILE MARKSMANSHIP (ASSAULT FIRE, QUICK FIRE, ETC); CONDUCT INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES (IMT) REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES) MAINTAIN INDIVIDUAL WEAPON

STAGE 2 - CREW COLLECTIVE TRAINING BEGINS IN THIS STAGE AND INCLUDES: ZERO ASSIGNED CREW -SERVED WEAPON. QUALIFY WITH ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON. CONDUCT CREW-DRILL ON ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON. DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS). REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES). MAINTAIN ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON.

STAGE 3 - BUDDY TEAM FIRST COORDINATED MOVEMENT EXERCISE (FIRE AND MOVEMENT) REFINE IMT AND COMMUNICATION (TO INCLUDE HAND AND ARM SIGNALS) TAUGHT TO 11 SERIES MOS’ IN INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AND MUST BE SUSTAINED IN UNITS. INCLUDES: DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS) REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES) CONDUCT LFX (BUDDY TEAM FIRE AND MOVEMENT)

STAGE 4- FIRE TEAM FIRST STEP THAT REQUIRES COMMAND AND CONTROL TRAINED AND SUSTAINED BY UNIT COMMANDERS INCLUDES: DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS. REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES) CONDUCT LFX (BASED ON AMMUNITION AVAILABILITY, THIS LFX CAN BE INTEGRATED INTO THE SQUAD LFX).

STAGE 5 - SQUAD TRAINING MANEUVER AND COMMAND AND CONTROL PROCESS EXERCISED (FIRE TEAM LEADERS AND SQUAD LEADER) FORCE ON FORCE EXERCISES MUST PRECEDE ALL LIVE FIRE EXERCISES AT THIS LEVEL AND HIGHER: CONDUCT DRY FIRE (ENGAGE WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS) REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES) CONDUCT LFX

STAGE 6 - PLATOON TRAINING COMMAND AND CONTROL BY FIRE TEAM, SQUAD, AND PLATOON LEADERS IS MORE DIFFICULT INTEGRATE SUPPORTING FIRES INCLUDES: INFANTRY PLATOON ORGANIC AND NONORGANIC SYSTEMS SUCH AS THE BFV, ANTI-ARMOR SYSTEMS, MORTARS, AND ARTILLERY. AVAILABLE INDIRECT FIRES MUST BE INTEGRATED AT THIS LEVEL. DRY FIRE (ENGAGE WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS) REHEARSE (BLANK/MILES) CONDUCT LFX

STAGE 7 - COMPANY AND BN THIS IS RUN SIMILAR TO STAGE 6 WITH INCREASED EMPHASIS ON NONORGANIC AND/OR COMBINED ARMS SYSTEMS.

SQUAD LIVE FIRE EXERCISES FIRST LEVEL OF TRAINING THAT INVOLVES THE UNIT CULMINATION OF ALL PREVIOUS TRAINING ANTICIPATION AND MORALE ARE HIGH UNIT LEADERSHIP MUST ENSURE THAT THIS IS A REALISTIC, WELL-PLANNED EXER ARTEP MTP TASKS ARE TIED TOGETHER AND STXs ARE CONDUCTED

SQUAD LFX OBJECTIVES REINFORCES PRINCIPLES OF C2 THRU THE FOLLOWING EMPHASIS: CONCEPTS OF SUPPORTING FIRE, BASE OF FIRE, AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF FIRES, CONCEPTS OF STARTING, STOPPING, LIFTING, AND SHIFTING FIRES (FIRE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL) CONCENTRATION ON MANEUVER (INCLUDING SECURITY AND FRATRICIDE PREVENTION), FIRE CONTROL MEASURES, AND FIRE DISCIPLINE COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATION IS THE LINCHPIN OF SYNCHRONIZATION) USE OF TERRAIN AND ITS IMPACTS ON MANEUVER AND C2.

SQUAD LFX OBJECTIVES WEAPON SYSTEM INTEGRATION USING ORGANIC AND NONORGANIC WEAPONS NORMALLY FOUND AT SQUAD LEVEL (M16, M203, M249, HAND GRENADES, CLAYMORES ETC). INTEGRATION OF A FIRE SUPPORT PLAN (INCLUDES CALLING FOR AND ADJUSTING INDIRECT FIRES). TARGET IDENTIFICATION, ACQUISITION, AND ENGAGMENT (EMPHASIS ON FRATRICIDE PREVENTION).

LFX Scenario Development Build so that range safety/limitations are part of the tactical plan - should be nearly invisible to training unit. Target emplacement and OPORD/graphics, etc. get unit to go where they need to go and fire where they need to fire to meet range restrictions (the fewer “barber poles and range markers the better) Complexity based on unit capabilities

Concept Sketch Consolidate and Reorganize Control Fires N AAR TENT Knockout Bunker Contact 4 man patrol Contact 2 man OP Patrol Base Move Tactically React to Contact React to Far Ambush ASLT PSN PLT AA Conduct TLP’s Conduct a Rehearsal Prepare for Combat

Targetry and Scheme of Mnvr ASSAULT LEFT = 36° Target Operator/Medic SBF LEFT = 110° N Ammo 15-40° AAR TENT SET 1 Lone soldier SET 5 SET 3 SBF SET 2 Patrol Base SET 6 SET 4 152 ° ASLT PSN SET 1: SINGLE CONTACT SET 2: LEAD TEAM ENGAGES 3 MAN PATROL SET 3: SHIFT TGTs FOR BASE OF FIRE SET 4: ASSLT ELEMENT SET 5: COUNTER ATTK 1 SET 6: COUNTER ATTK 2 DOA 65° SBF & Assault Right limit

Target Placement Considerations Must fit in SDZs Wargame to avoid fratricide Always consider the richochet hazard – Area A Clearly ID friend from foe Do a good line of sight analysis from a shooter’s point of view Angle so can be fired at from different angles if at all possible Protect the target mechanism Tactically/doctrinally sound

SQUAD LFX PLANNING SAMPLE TRAINING PLAN FOUND IN TC 7-9 ..PG 5-4 THRU 5-6. SURFACE DANGER ZONE (SDZ) DEVELOPMENT IN APPENDIX G, TC 7-9, AND IN AR 385-63... COMPOSITE SDZs MUST BE DEVELOPED FOR EACH SYSTEM TO BE FIRED ANALYZED FROM EACH FIRING POINT (FP) AGAINST EACH TARGET ARRAY THIS ENSURES APPROPRIATE MANEUVER CONTROL MEASURES ARE IMPLEMENTED AND THE TACTICAL INTEGRITY OF THE SCENARIO IS MAINTAINED.

Some Key Points According to Doctrine Safety is paramount during all live fire and laser operations - TC 25-8 Waivers of AR 385-63 requirements granted at major Army command (MACOM) level Red flags (day) and red lights (night) required on the range when firing Personnel training must be separated from ammunition storage areas If any round or explosive malfunctions,firing of that ammo lot will cease immediately and use of weapons involved will be discontinued Material involved in malfunctions will be preserved

Notes from AR 385-63 15 degrees is the minimum angle between supporting small arms fire and a manuever element Don’t modify ammunition (include de-linking tracers from 4X1 ammo) Carefully research the rules on any laser device you may be using Overhead Firing – NEXT SLIDE

OVERHEAD FIRE-Unprotected troops Don’t do it with discarding sabot-type rounds (BFV AP rounds, tank rounds, etc.) Don’t do it in training with mortar rounds Can do with artillery as long as ammo lot approved and artillery registered Only the installation commander or designated representative can authorize Only ammo authorized is: artillery in indirect mode and machineguns (5.56mm to .50 caliber) on tripods firing from a stationary position

OVERHEAD FIRE-Unprotected troops See page 16-2 of AR 385-63 before using machineguns in overhead fire role Use tracers (4X1) if firing overhead Vehicle ring mounts are not authorized for overhead fire.

Overhead Fire-Protected Troops Overhead fire with any weapon may be authorized over protected troops, provided the troops have positive protection from the munitions being fired (page 16-2, AR 385-63) CHECK WITH YOUR COMMANDER BEFORE DOING IT IAW AR 385-63 TABLE 6-2 – SOME EXAMPLES NATURE OF COVER 5.56mm 7.62mm CONCRETE 14” 20” DRY SAND 16” 24” LOGS WIRED TOGETHER 28” 48”

KEY NOTES ON SOME DUD PRODUCING AMMO 40mm HE, 66mm LAW, AT-4, Handgrenades, and artillery ICM may be authorized for use in live fire areas only when fired into designated impact areas through which troops are not permitted to manuever (Page 16-3, AR 385-63) NOTE: Lots of units have waivers for this. In many cases, same rules may apply to mortar ammo. Know the rules! An RSO must supervise the throwing of HG

Training Resources Commanders Assessment of METL Proficiency Determines Resource Priorities for Training Requirements A METL-Based Events Approach To Resource Planning Is Used to Allocate: Time Facilities / Terrain Funds Fuel Products Repair Parts Ammunition Training Aids Other Resources

RESOURCE OF A SQUAD LFX THE LOGISTICAL PLAN MUST COVER THE AMOUNT AND TYPE OF EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION NEEDED FOR EACH PHASE OF THE TRAINING: PRE-EXECUTION TNG AND REHEARSALS DRY FIRE AND WALK-THROUGH (DAY AND NIGHT) BLANK FIRE WITH MILES (DAY AND NIGHT) LIVE FIRE AFTER ACTION REVIEW ADDITIONAL CL V FOR TEST FIRES, ZERO, AND RE-TRAINING

RESOURCE OF A SQUAD LFX CLASS V RESOURCE DOCUMENTS (STRAC MANUAL), EXAMPLES ARE IN TC 7-9, PG 5-12 THRU PG 5-14, AND APPENDIX F. TARGETRY AND TRAINING ENHANCERS SPECIFIC TO LIVE FIRE EXERCISES ARE FOUND IN TC 7-9, APPENDIX C. THOUGHTS: COMPETENT O/Cs -TRANSPORTATION OPFOR W/ UNI -TARGET OPERATORS MEDICAL SPT -EXTRA COMMO OBJECTIVE PROPS -TGT FEEDBACK

WHERE YOUR AMMO COMES FROM Standards in Weapons Training DA PAM 350-38 3 JULY 97

Training Readiness Conditions Levels and Categories Active Duty Units TRC A & S* Reserve Components TRC C USAR Training Division TRC D Note: S TRC Level Is for Special MP Unit (Civilian Equiv. Swat or Body Guard Type Mission) Category I (Rifle / Infantry Scout) Applies Only to Soldiers With Either an 11B or 11M MOS Assigned to Rifle Or Infantry Scout Squads Category II (Combat Arms / Combat Support / Combat Service Support) Applies to All Other Soldiers That Are Not Assigned To Rifle or Infantry Scout Squads

Chapter 5, STRAC Infantry Weapon Systems Each Program Contains a Standard and Strategy Which Outlines the Training Sequence and Includes Suggested Frequencies of Live Fire, Subcaliber Fire, And Device Usage. DRIVES YOUR UNIT AMMO ALLOCATION AND PLANNING!!

Table 5-5. Cross reference table. Weapon Systems TRC A TRC B TRC C TRC D Machine Gun M60/M240B (CAT I) Para 5-8 a. Table 5-29 o 90% of assigned MG/AG will qualify: o MG last 6 mo o AG last 1 YR o LFX last past 3 months. o PLT EXEVAL last 6 mo. o 80% of assigned MG/AG will qualify: o MG last 1 yr o AG last 2 YR o LFX last YEAR o PLT EXEVAL last 2 YR o AG EVERY OTHER TNG YR No TRC D units Machine Gun M60 /M240B M249LMG(CAT II) Para 5-8 b. Table 5-30 oo MG last YR AG last 2 YR o 80% of MG will qualify within past training year and will have completed all record fire requirements within the past 2 training years. o 80% of assigned machine gunners will qualify within past training year.   o 80% INSTR qual on the record (10 meter) and transition courses within the past 12 months.

Frequency By TRC Event Rounds Per Event A B C Pre-Marksmanship TNG EST 4 4 2 10 Meter Zero/Prac 117 Ball 2 1 1 10 Meter Record 119 Ball 2 1 1 Transition Zero/Practice 182 Mix 2 1 0 Transition Record 154 Mix 2 1 0 Night Zero/Practice/Record 196 Mix 2 1 0 Assistant Gunner (AG) 10M 236 Ball 1 .51 .51 AG Transition/Night 532 Mix 1 .51 0 Sqd/Plt LFX 300 Mix 62 1 0 CALFEX 200 Mix 1 0 0 Sqd/Plt/Co FTX/STX 400 Blank 42 1 1 Bn FTX 400 Blank 2 0 0 EXEVAL (ARTEP) 400 Blank 2 1 .5 DRF Prep Fire3 40 Mix

Annual Ammunition Cycle DA Form 581 Reconciliation (9) DA 5811-R, Live T/I, and Residue T/I to account for 100% of ammunition BN Annual Allocation (1) Company Annual Allocations (1) Ammo Supply Point DA581’s prepared for dunnage and live turn-in. DA Form 581 (8) Excess ammunition returned to ASP and made available for re-forecasting Monthly Allotments (Annually) (2) Projected budget based on annual training requirements, guidance and annual allocation. Preferably alloted by week. USES STRAC Draw, Utilization, Storage, Turn-in Preparation (7) Monthly Forecasts (5 mo out) (3) Revised projection which determines the ammunition available for the period forecasted. Consists of an adjusted allotment based on updated training guidance and previously unused ammunition from this FY. Process DA Form 581 (6) BDE, DAO and ASP confirm authorization and availability of ammunition based on forecast and on-hand status of requested ammunition Ammo Conference 4 months out, Bde ammo manager attends, DAO approves forecasts, ASP coordinates for ammo. Prep DA Form 581 (5) Company requests are consolidated and adjusted as necessary to match depot packaging round count. Ammunition Requests (4) (by week 6 weeks out MIN, MAY BE LONGER) Unexpected Requirements Unforecasted, short notice events. May require Bde Cdr’s signature.

Controlling a LFX Controllers walk through scenario on site under same conditions that LFX will be done under (day, night, etc.) and wargame it thoroughly to find problems with target placement, potential hazards, etc. If done at night, wear NVGs and carry a flashlight Ensure commo with all controllers and with controllers of units providing supporting fires Conduct briefback before each iteration (Cadre Huddle) Positive control of target operator a must Avoid stressing out participants whenever possible

Controlling a LFX Rehearse MEDEVAC plan Rehearse the triggering of targets Fight targetry realistically Don’t teach soldiers to be afraid of their weapons (let them chamber rounds prior to crossing LD, load starter belts, etc.) Position near dangerous weapons (SAW, handgrenade, AT-4, etc.).

LFX ASSESSMENT STX DEVELOPED BY THE COMMANDER USING DRIVES HIS ASSESSMENT PLAN: SPECIFIC COLLECTIVE TASKS IAW ARTEP 7-8 MTP. ANY INDIVIDUAL TASKS THAT SUPPORT IAW THE SOLDIERS MANUALS. MUST STRESS INTEGRATION OF ORGANIC AND NON ORGANIC WEAPONS. PLAN AAR ON SITE...REHEARSE / RETRAIN WEAKNESSES IMMEDIATELY...TIMELINE MUST INCORPORATE AAR PROCESS. USE DEVICES THAT ENHANCE FEEDBACK...TARGETS, ETC.

LFX NIGHT CONSIDERATIONS TARGETRY CAN BE MARKED WITH THERMAL TAPE OR HEAT SOURCE TO SIMULATE REALISM..MUZZLE FLASH SIMULATORS ARE ALSO EFFECTIVE. AS PART OF THE TACTICAL PLAY UNITS SHOULD CONSIDER: MARKING ITS ROUTE AND CONTROL POINTS AS PART OF THE RECON PLAN MARK INDIVIDUAL SOLDIERS WITH VISIBLE MARKINGS AND HAVE A PLAN TO MARK UNITS ON THE OBJECTIVE. ILLUMINATION FROM MORTARS AND M203 SHOULD BE FACTORED INTO THE SCENARIO

QUESTIONS??