Break Contact By: SGT Russman Reference: FM ; Ranger Handbook

Terminal Learning Objectives TASKS: Learn multiple techniques for breaking contact from Enemy Fire. CONDITIONS: A class full of highly motivated Noncommissioned Sergeants ready to learn about Breaking Contact. STANDARDS: You will learn a total of five Break Contact Methods, as well as the importance of Battle Drills.

TLO (cont.) SAFETY : There are not to many just be careful when maneuvering around the classroom watch out for loose wires, do not fall asleep and slam on head on the desk, and do not lean back in your chair. ENVIROMENTAL : In case of a fire follow the fire evacuation fan posted on the back wall, in case of flood we will move upstairs, and in case of a tornado we will move to the basement. RISK ASSESSMENT : Low EVALUATION : At the end of the class there will be a Check on Learning Quiz, the quiz is a four question test, but there are total of ten answers. You must receive at least a 70% to pass.

TABLE Of CONTENTS Definitions of Break Contact Importance of Battle Drills Break Contact from Front Australian Peel Break Contact from the Rear Break Contact from Left or Right Freeze Method Questions Check On Learning

BREAK CONTACT Utilizes your units METT-TC with your OPORD and rehearsals with Battle Drills.

SITUATION While on (Dismounted or Mounted) operations you are attacked by a superior force where the Team Leader is forced to withdraw his team to a safer location or rally point utilizing his team and other assets on hand if available.

DEFINITION (cont.) To train leaders and soldiers to know their role in this maneuver to help prevent further loss of soldiers and equipment by using all assets effectively. The team breaks contact as soon as possible because it lacks the assets to stay and fight. METT-TC determines which drill is executed.

MISSIONS Missions are usually planned for expected types of contact and the amount of assets that you’ll need. But sometimes the enemy will expect your course of action and bring more to the battle than you or your unit expects. That’s why Battle Drills incorporates Breaking contact drills.

BATTLE DRILLS Well-rehearsed battle drills are critical to the success of a dismounted team. The team is lightly armed with a limited supply of ammunition and can expect little or no fire support. If indirect fires are Pre-coordinated, they should be maximized while breaking contact. An immediate suppression fire mission on a near target from the target overlay may support the team breaking contact; then, once in a covered and concealed position, adjusted fire missions may be executed against the enemy. Indirect fires should be considered whenever breaking contact, emphasizing the need for thorough fire support planning.

CONTACT From The FRONT When contact occurs from the front, the first member fires a full magazine (automatic or burst). Every other member does the same, one at a time. Each member waits until the member in front of him is even with him or on his left or right before firing a weapon. Individuals move straight back through the inside of the formation, avoiding masking the fires of the members providing covering fire. The assistant team leader or the last member throws a hand grenade (fragmentary). During limited visibility, the battle drill may be executed without firing weapons. In this event, the battle drill is still executed in the same sequence. Upon completion of the first iteration, the team can emplace a Claymore mine with a time-delay fuse to slow the enemy. The team initiates fires only if it has been compromised. If the enemy element breaks contact and ceases fire, the team should cease fire immediately to prevent revealing their new position.

BREAK CONTACT From The FRONT The team executes fire and movement by two- or three-man teams until contact with the enemy is broken. When contacted from the front, the senior observer and another observer return fire with one full magazine each. An observer and the team leader move to a position to provide support for the withdrawal of the senior observer and observer.

THE AUSTRALIAN PEEL The Australian peel is a method to break contact from the front or rear. This technique, which should be executed as a battle drill, is most effective while the team is in a file formation, where the vegetation is dense, or during limited visibility. The second through the sixth team members take one or two steps to the left or right, depending on the terrain. One member at a time passes back through the formation.

REAR CONTACT If contact occurs from the rear, the Australian peel technique is executed in the reverse sequence. The first member is the last to throw a hand grenade (fragmentary). Once the drill is completed, the team moves to the designated rally point.

REAR CONTACT (cont) If contact occurs from the rear, the Australian peel technique is executed in the reverse sequence. The first member is the last to throw a hand grenade (fragmentary). Once the drill is completed, the team moves to the designated rally point.

LEFT or RIGHT BREAK If a patrol finds itself in threat ambush, it must get out of the kill zone or face destruction. Team members in the kill zone, without order or signal, immediately return fire, throw smoke, and move quickly out of the kill zone by the safest route.

FREEZE This immediate action drill is used when a patrol, not yet seen by the threat, observes the threat and does not have time to take any other action. All patrol members remain still until signaled to continue or take another action as directed.

ANY QUESTIONS BEFORE CHECK ON LEARNING?

The Quiz 1.Name the five types of Break Contact Methods discussed in this Class? 2.Give a brief Description of three of the five Break Contact methods listed above. 3.What is a Battle Drill? 4.T or F. There are more than five Break Contact Methods.