The six mounted reconnaissance platoon formations are line, wedge, column, staggered column, coil, and herringbone. Due to mission constraints, the platoon leader may have to leave one vehicle in contact. These examples do not take into account terrain and other METT-TC factors, even though METT-TC factors play the most crucial role in selecting and executing a formation. During movement to the rally point, position updates allow separated elements to identify each other's locations. The Pardee RAND Graduate School (PardeeRAND.edu) is home to the only Ph.D. and M.Phil. When a reconnaissance platoon member makes contact with the enemy, he reacts according to the circumstances of the contact. Mounted infantry were infantry who rode horses instead of marching. The rear vehicles provide overwatch and command and control (Figure 3-4). The column offers protection to the flanks but little to the front and rear. 0000009697 00000 n (d) Execute the COA. Should a break in contact occur: (1) The leader or detached element uses GPS aids to reestablish contact with the main body. Patrols request permission to return to the platoon vehicles. He uses the wood line and vegetation for cover and concealment. The Ground Combat Vehicle is an attempt to provide the infantry with an IFV that can carry a full infantry squad of nine men capable of dismounting under fire and defeating the enemy in complex terrain. On signal, the overwatch vehicle moves forward to a position abreast of the lead vehicle (second move) and halts. (a) Deploy and Report. Normally, the platoon leader briefs the section leaders on the route and speed and then allows the lead section to control the column movement. The platoon must be prepared to execute actions on contact under any of the following conditions: Whether the platoon remains undetected or is identified by enemy forces, it must first take actions to protect itself, find out what it is up against, and decide on a COA. Vehicles must be located where enemy elements can not observe them. f. Bounding Overwatch (Dismounted). Examples include large open areas, roads and trails, and bridges or crossing sites over water obstacles. 5-141. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. Hood, Texas, conducts a combined dismounted and mounted patrol south-east of FOB Lightning with AH-64 Apache Helicopters overhead on Aug 4, 2014. The project, known as Expeditionary JBC-P, or X JBC-P, aims to inform future decisions to deliver the vehicle-based Blue Force Tracking system's capabilities to dismounted Soldiers. The trail element remains close enough to provide immediate suppressive fire and to maneuver for support. The platoon may also break contact and bypass when it has made contact with an enemy force that cannot adversely affect the mission of the platoon's higher headquarters. The reconnaissance platoon may have to conduct an emergency exfiltration if detected or engaged by an enemy force. The section leader must continue to use route planning, mechanical navigational aids, visual observation of terrain features, and manual techniques to ensure that the sections are in proper position. Troops can be garrisoned in villages, snipers can dominate approaches, and buildings and roads can be mined and booby-trapped. If time and terrain permit, he may send dismounted platoon members to move to the far side of the open area and secure it. Open Areas. (b) Successive Bounds. However, the distances between covered and concealed positions may make the use of dismounted infantry impractical. The troops can then. Subscribe to the weekly Policy Currents newsletter to receive updates on the issues that matter most. Maintain contact to support an attack on an inferior force. Each section leader and VC should have, as a minimum, the locations of every element in the platoon on his C3 subsystem. The leader obtains information about his location, the tactical situation, and the enemy. The platoon must conduct these halts at regular intervals (approximately every kilometer) while moving through the wooded area. The platoon leader issues appropriate orders directing his subordinates to prepare to support the hasty attack. Check out the Army Flashcards website at armyflashcards.com for more resources!This video has been around a while, but still a useful tool to help you tighte. Mounted Land Navigation A vehicle commander should be able to navigate from one point on the ground to another with or without a compass. A reconnaissance section or team makes contact when its dismounted element identifies an enemy force. If the section or team receives fire from the enemy, it returns fire but only with the intent of breaking direct fire contact. (3) Column Formation. 0000008165 00000 n Leaders use POSNAV aids to identify their location and the location of subordinate and adjacent units. In most situations, smaller elements are better able to take advantage of available cover and concealment. It attempts to confirm (or to determine in detail) enemy size, composition, activity, orientation, and weapon system locations. All elements of the patrol mounted their tactical vehicles and moved to the vehicle drop off point upon completion of rehearsals. endstream endobj startxref However, it must stay far enough to the rear to retain freedom of maneuver, in case an enemy force engages the lead element. To properly execute actions on contact, the platoon must take action consistent with the fundamentals of reconnaissance (refer to Chapter 4 of this manual for a detailed discussion): c. The Seven Forms of Contact. The platoon can also use indirect fires to degrade the enemy's acquisition and observation capabilities by forcing him to seek cover. It searches for antitank (AT) ditches, minefields, wire, or other obstacles that could force friendly forces into a fire sack. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Dismounted marches, also called foot marches, are movements of troops and equipment, mainly by foot, with limited support by vehicles. In most cases, the reconnaissance platoon can not or should not mass its combat power to defeat an enemy force. | Army Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan. (2) Once it has reconnoitered the area using visual, digital, and sensor enablers, the platoon moves across the area. DISMOUNTED MOVEMENT FORMATIONS Infantry squads normally move mounted until the situation requires them to dismount. The order of march in the column may depend on which organization the platoon will use at the end of the movement; in addition, the lead section may vary based on METT-TC considerations. "They want a mobile solution for Airborne operations, long-range reconnaissance patrol or going through mountainous or jungle terrain.". The platoon leader must use all available optics and other assets, including GSR, to reconnoiter the open area and find a bypass, if applicable. To meet user needs, the dismounted kit must be light and compact enough to carry in a rucksack for extended missions as well as easy to use and set up. Cortez pulls security while carryi U.S. Army Staff Sgt. In densely wooded areas, mounted elements are extremely vulnerable to dismounted enemy forces that can close on them undetected. If the reconnaissance platoon must conduct a hasty defense, the battalion commander assumes responsibility for continuing to develop the situation. RAND is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and committed to the public interest. He also receives the commander's operations overlay to identify graphic control measures impacting on his route planning. (1) If using only the FBCB2 software, the commander must use only the necessary graphic control measures and icons for the mission to ensure clarity. Maintain contact to support a hasty attack. The trail element first occupies a covered and concealed position from which it can overwatch the lead element. (2) Exfiltration by Land. The coil (Figure 3-5) is used to provide all-round security and observation when the platoon is stationary. (2) Wedge Formation. Once in position, the base-of-fire element suppresses known, likely, or suspected enemy elements and at the same time aggressively scans its assigned sectors. In successive bounding, the trail element moves to an overwatch position that is approximately abreast of the lead element. It lets them move to covered and concealed positions off a road or from an open area and set up all-round security without detailed instructions. The wedge lends itself to immediate mutual support and provides depth; it is very flexible. In this situation, the platoon maintains contact by leaving a section or team in contact. (See Figure 3-13, for an illustration of dismounted bounding overwatch.) (1) Visual Contact, Undetected by the Enemy. Small clearings may require crossing in the same manner as a large open area. b. Urban areas, including towns and villages, pose many potential dangers for the reconnaissance platoon. Maneuver happens once a unit has made contact with the enemy. These fires serve to suppress the enemy, reducing his ability to observe the reconnaissance platoon; they also fix the enemy's attention on the last known location of the mounted element. If he can, the platoon leader plans avoid danger areas, but sometimes he cannot. The platoon can execute a bounding overwatch using one of the methods discussed earlier in this chapter. 0000103808 00000 n a. The platoon must use them in conjunction with other movement- and security-related measures. U.S. Army 2nd Platoon, Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment from Ft. For example, the platoon must make maximum use of all available natural cover and concealment when moving. Section dismounted formation. Table 3-2. The exfiltration plan might address this situation by calling for a resupply drop of new batteries and another means of communication at a predetermined location. hb```b``a`c`bf@ aV(>cZ>e !7Rz5,-*xhd$!+vlq3V Z iiP ,H $> @l v$C[Ca/ \B !kl Ldg:.!Gd {O0U' You only start compromising these standards as and when combat operations makes this impractical. This formation uses the two-section organization. (5) To clear intervening gaps or dead spaces, the bounding element may have to dismount infantry squads or teams. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. c. Relationship of Tactical Movement and Actions on Contact. c. Methods. The platoon must approach hills and curves cautiously, and dismounted members must clear any dead space. The platoon uses the column when moving fast, when moving through restricted terrain on a specific route, or when it does not expect enemy contact. What kind of infantry fighting vehicle does the Army require? This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. By enforcing and applying the principles of terrain driving, leaders and drivers, respectively, can enhance security. (U.S. Army photo by 1st U.S. Army Pfc. Reorganization of the Bradley platoon led to squads being broken apart for transport and affected squad operations. 313 0 obj <> endobj The platoon leader ensures that primary and alternate linkup points are not on a single azimuth leading away from the OP or exfiltration route. Maximum use is made of folds of the earth and concealment to mask movement from likely enemy positions. The route of the bounding element to that position. Situations involving nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) conditions (see. Situations involving electronic warfare tactics. This allows for continuation of the mission and reduces the chance of any loss of combat power. For more control over the rear of the formation, he moves a team leader to the last position. Leaders at echelons from platoon through company conduct actions on contact when they, or a subordinate element, recognize one of the forms of contact or receive a report of enemy contact. Many times the platoon must plan, rehearse, and execute a combination of mounted and dismounted movement. This information is part of the mission analysis during troop-leading procedures (discussed in Chapter 2). When terrain permits sections to be mutually supporting (such as in desert terrain) and other METT-TC factors are favorable, the platoon leader can use this technique to control bounding by sections. This should be done both dismounted and mounted. 42 42 0000000016 00000 n The exfiltration plan and OPORD must address these factors. Figure 3-7 shows the fire team wedge. The squad leader moves forward to the first or second position if he wants to increase control over the formation, exert greater morale presence by leading from the front, and remain available to make key decisions at once. The commander approves or disapproves the recommended COA based on how it will affect the parent unit's mission. Within a platoon, a section would provide a base of fire. Figure 3-4. Once far-side security is established, a dismounted element moves to the destroyed vehicle and conducts a thorough search for prisoners, items of intelligence value, and any other information that can be gained from a close examination of the enemy. These specific instructions must include focus of the reconnaissance, tempo of the operation, engagement criteria, and the desired COA based on the size and activity of the enemy force encountered. The Mounted Soldier System ( MSS) or Ground Warrior is a combat vehicle crewman ensemble integrating advanced gear as an effective force multiplier in combat theater. Leaders and soldiers must remain proficient in using basic land navigation and terrain orientation skills. Team members reduce the normal intervals so that all team members can still see their team leader, and so each team leader can still see his squad leader. Effectively employed, movement techniques allow the platoon to find and observe threats without being compromised. Figure 3-20. d. Traveling (Dismounted). The earlier in the contact that the platoon leader can make this decision, the better. Ideally, the overwatch element keeps the bounding element in sight. (2) Squad Line. The platoon leader must decide whether to use this method with the understanding that doing so will sacrifice stealth. To aid in the control of movement, the platoon should choose rally points for all infiltrations and exfiltrations. The screens are relatively small and easily become cluttered with control measures. A system failure, an inability of the GPS to acquire satellites, or a lag time in position updates could prove disastrous in combat if the leader relies solely on the system. (1) Traveling. Comparison of squad formations. An effective exfiltration plan is essential for mission accomplishment and morale. The platoon leader decides whether to move as a platoon or as teams. Fire Team Formations. This allows the platoon leader to evaluate and develop the situation while out of contact. c. Urban Areas. Once he identifies these areas, the platoon leader considers where the enemy will focus its reconnaissance assets and determines their fields of observation. The Army has examined the lessons of half a dozen significant conflicts, starting with World War II, has conducted numerous studies over the last 65 years, and has found time and again that an ability to conduct dismounted fire and maneuver is the fundamental squad-level tactic. They should not attack more heavily armored vehicles except in self-defense. After determining that the commander's intent has not changed, the platoon leader recommends the COA to the commander and requests permission to execute. The reconnaissance platoon normally uses no more than two lanes due to its size and limited resources. This technique allows for an absolute minimum of radio transmissions, positive control by the section leader, and maximum security within the section. When the platoon has to move across large open areas with limited cover and concealment, the platoon leader should consider the factors of METT-TC before firing indirect or direct fire while the platoon moves. During its move, the lead vehicle overwatches it. Crossing a linear danger area. The platoon uses the folds in the earth and any other concealment to mask its movement. The purpose of tactical movement is to move units on the battlefield to prepare them for contact with the enemy. Leaders must stay ready to adjust the distance of individual vehicles based on terrain, visibility, and mission requirements. The platoon sergeant (or designated NCO, if the platoon sergeant remains with the BFVs) also moves forward to the platoon leader. The ability for an infantry fighting vehicle to carry a full dismountable squad of at least nine to eleven men remains a key Army requirement. d. Lateral or Boundary Routes. The lead element moves continuously along the covered and concealed routes that give it the best available protection from possible threat observation and direct fire (Figure 3-18). The platoon must also establish a hasty defense when the enemy executes a hasty attack. Instead, the platoon leader immediately issues orders to his sections and contacts the MGS platoon leader to initiate coordination for handover of the enemy and support of the MGS platoon's hasty attack. The various techniques and formations have unique advantages and disadvantages. 0000063417 00000 n He considers various possible COAs, based on well-developed TTP (including battle drills), to meet the types of contact. As an example, a two-vehicle section may use bounding overwatch (Figure 3-12). Once the displacing section or team has arrived at the rally point, it takes up defensive positions and reports its arrival to the overwatch section or team. 0000103175 00000 n The bypassing force uses covered and/or. Under normal conditions in flat, open terrain on a clear night, rotary-wing aircraft lose most of their audio signature at a distance of about 5 kilometers. In most cases, planning for an exfiltration operation begins at the same time as planning for the infiltration (or other tactical operation) that precedes it. It normally maintains contact with the lead element and may stop periodically for better observation. Some are secure yet slow while others are faster but less secure. Making maneuver decisions normally falls to the leader on a specific part of the battlefieldthe one who knows what enemy elements can engage the maneuvering element and what friendly forces can provide the base of fire. They should search for movement, reflections, smoke, and any irregular shapes or colors indicating camouflage. This ruggedized, handheld radio delivers real-time Link 16 communications to dismounted warfighters at the tactical edge. 0000007423 00000 n However, he must not commit unneeded resources to an action that will detract from other reconnaissance tasks. The principles of land navigation while mounted are basically the same as while dismounted. They get position updates to ensure the forward security element remains on azimuth and within range of supporting direct fires.
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