2. Conduct a Defense by a Platoon Conduct a Defense by a Platoon Task 071-430-0006 Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-8 Task 071-430-0006 Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-8Instructor:

3. 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.

4. TERMS FOR THE CLASS:

5. OP’s  OBSERVATION POST  LP/OP LISTENING POINT OBSERVATION POST

6. OPFOR  OPPOSING FORCES

7. CP  COMMAND POST

8. ANTI ARMOR WEAPONS  SUCH AS MK-19  AT4  50cal  M203

9. DEAD SPACE  ANY AREA THAT OFFERS ENEMY COVER OR CONCEALMENT, (most often used in association with range cards)

10. FPL  FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE  THE LINE YOU DON’T WANT THE ENEMY TO CROSS

11. INTERLOCKING FIRES  A SYSTEM WHERE FIRE SECTORS LINK TO CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO YOUR PERIMETER  EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED CORRECTLY

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. RECONNOITER  LONG VERSION OF RECON, LOOK AT, CHECK OUT

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

17. SIT REP  SITUATION REPORT  ANY UPDATE GIVEN ABOUT YOUR SITUATION  SUCH AS SALUTE REPORT, LACE REPORT, ETC

18. DECISIVELY ENGAGED  YOUR POSITION IS KNOWN BY THE ENEMY AND IT IS UNDER ATTACK

19. CLOSE AIR SUPPORT  HELICOPTER/JET SUPPORT

20. DISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIRE  WHERE  WHEN  HOW MUCH

21. 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

22. SHELREP/MORTREP  SHELL REPORT OR MORTAR REPORT  IT IS A SITREP SENT WHEN YOUR AREA IS SHELLED

23. LACE REPORT  USUALLY GIVEN AFTER A MISSION OR DURING A RECONSOLIDATION PERIOD  LIQUID  AMMO  CASUALTIES  EQUIPMENT

24. REDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATE  SEE WHAT YOU HAVE  SPREAD IT AROUND  SUCH AS: AMMO, WEAPONS, WATER, FOOD, ANYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED

25. STANO DEVICES  NIGHT VISION DEVICES  STANO IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES NIGHT VISION EQUIP

26. 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

27. 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.

28. 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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

33. 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

34. “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

35. 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

36. 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

37. 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

38. 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

39. 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

40. 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

41. 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

42. 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

43. 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

44. 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

45. Terrain Analysis Additional Considerations: Vegetation Surface Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC) Canopy FM 34-130, pg 2-16

46. 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

47. 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

48. 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

49. 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

50. Leader’s 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

51. Leader’s 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

52. 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

53. 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

54. 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

55. 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 Troop Leading Procedures The order of these steps doesn’t change Steps 4-7 are interchangeable. Step 8 occurs throughout the process.

56. The Process Troop Leading Procedures 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

57. Occupy the position.  Establish local security. Locate Ops to make maximum use of long-range observations.

58. 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

59. Observation 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)

60. Observation Post  Demonstrate correct use of current challenge and password for personnel  Reposition OP’s at alternate OP sites when required by changing visibility conditions

61. Occupy the position.  Establish local security. Locate Ops to make maximum use of long-range observations.  Position key weapons.

62. 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.

63. 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.

64. Position Weapons  Improve alternate and supplementary fighting positions as time permits

65. 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

66. 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

67. 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

68. 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

69. Construct 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

70. Construct Positions  Construct alternate and supplementary fighting positions  Continue to improve fighting positions

71. 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.

72. Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles  These should be covered by observation and fire.

73. Establish 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

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

75. 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

76. Reorganize  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

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

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

79. QUESTIONS? PLEASE ASK