Title: Conduct a Defense by a Platoon
1Conduct a Defense by a Platoon
- Task 071-430-0006Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-8
- Instructor
2Prepare 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.
3TERMS FOR THE CLASS
4OPs
- OBSERVATION POST
- LP/OP LISTENING POINT OBSERVATION POST
5OPFOR
6CP
7ANTI ARMOR WEAPONS
- SUCH AS MK-19
- AT4
- 50cal
- M203
8DEAD SPACE
- ANY AREA THAT OFFERS ENEMY COVER OR CONCEALMENT,
(most often used in association with range cards)
9FPL
- FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE
- THE LINE YOU DONT WANT THE ENEMY TO CROSS
10INTERLOCKING FIRES
- A SYSTEM WHERE FIRE SECTORS LINK TO CAUSE DAMAGE
TO ANYONE ATTEMPTING TO GET INTO YOUR PERIMETER - EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED CORRECTLY
11SECTOR 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
12INDIRECT 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
13AVENUE 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
14RECONNOITER
- LONG VERSION OF RECON, LOOK AT, CHECK OUT
15FIELDS OF FIRE
- SERIES OF SECTOR FIRES THAT ARE LINKED TO MAKE UP
THE FIELDS OF FIRE
16SIT REP
- SITUATION REPORT
- ANY UPDATE GIVEN ABOUT YOUR SITUATION
- SUCH AS SALUTE REPORT, LACE REPORT, ETC
17DECISIVELY ENGAGED
- YOUR POSITION IS KNOWN BY THE ENEMY AND IT IS
UNDER ATTACK
18CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
19DISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIRE
20LIFT 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
21SHELREP/MORTREP
- SHELL REPORT OR MORTAR REPORT
- IT IS A SITREP SENT WHEN YOUR AREA IS SHELLED
22LACE REPORT
- USUALLY GIVEN AFTER A MISSION OR DURING A
RECONSOLIDATION PERIOD - LIQUID
- AMMO
- CASUALTIES
- EQUIPMENT
23REDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATE
- SEE WHAT YOU HAVE
- SPREAD IT AROUND
- SUCH AS AMMO, WEAPONS, WATER, FOOD, ANYTHING YOU
NEED TO SUCCEED
24STANO DEVICES
- NIGHT VISION DEVICES
- STANO IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES NIGHT VISION
EQUIP
25Organize 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
26Performance 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.
27Troop 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
28Receive 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
29Troop 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
30Issue 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
31Troop 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
32Make 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
33Make 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
34MET-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
35Step 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
36Mission 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
37Terrain Analysis(Military Aspects of Terrain)
O bstacles C over and Concealment K ey Terrain
O bservation and Fields of Fire A venues of
Approach
38Terrain 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
39Obstacles 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
40Terrain 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
41Terrain 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
42Terrain 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
43Terrain 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
44Terrain Analysis
Additional Considerations Vegetation Surface
Soil Drainage Slope Transportation (LOC)
Canopy
FM 34-130, pg 2-16
45Troop 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
46Initiate 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
47Troop 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
48Leaders 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
49Leaders 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
50Leaders 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
51Troop 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
52Complete 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
53What 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
54Troop 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.
55The 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
56Occupy the position.
- Establish local security. Locate Ops to make
maximum use of long-range observations.
57Squad/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
58Observation 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)
59Observation Post
- Demonstrate correct use of current challenge and
password for personnel - Reposition OPs at alternate OP sites when
required by changing visibility conditions
60Occupy the position.
- Establish local security. Locate Ops to make
maximum use of long-range observations. - Position key weapons.
61Position 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.
62Position 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.
63Position Weapons
- Improve alternate and supplementary fighting
positions as time permits
64Prepare 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
65Platoon 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
66Construct 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
67Construct 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
68Construct 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
69Construct Positions
- Construct alternate and supplementary fighting
positions - Continue to improve fighting positions
70Emplace Early Warning Devices
- Platoon early warning system is used, if
available (PEWS). - Trip flares are set out
- Improvised early warning devices can be used.
71Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles
- These should be covered by observation and fire.
72Establish 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
73Stockpile Supplies
- Ammo, water, food, and other supplies.
- Ensure that materiel is protected from direct
fire - Ensure overhead protection is provided.
74Engage 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
75Reorganize
- 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
76Review
- Analyze the mission
- Issue a WARNO
- Make a tentative plan
- Conduct a recon
- Start movement
- Complete the plan
- Occupy the position
77Review
- Emplace early warning devices
- Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles
- Establish commo
- Stockpile supplies
- Engage the enemy at maximum range
78QUESTIONS?PLEASE ASK