At the platoon level, maneuver forms the heart of every tactical operation and task. It sends this information to the platoon leader in the form of updates to the original spot report as soon as possible. When conducting movement in a secure area, it is appropriate to specify the order of march by SOP. The platoon normally uses the line formation when no terrain remains between it and the enemy, when the platoon has suppressed the enemy's antitank weapons, or when the platoon is vulnerable to artillery fire and must move fast. (1) The platoon leader informs all of the squad leaders of the situation and identifies the near-side and far-side rally points. g. Actions on Contact. It allows the platoon to cover the most ground systematically with maximum reconnaissance forward (Figure 3-3). For instance, an enemy with night vision capability can send infrared light signals plus, when the platoon uses infrared, the enemy can concentrate direct and indirect fire on it. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The section or team leader organizes a hasty reconnaissance patrol that attempts to move to the flank or rear of the enemy and observes the enemy position. The platoon leader ensures that primary and alternate linkup points are not on a single azimuth leading away from the OP or exfiltration route. The Army has not been able to do this for a variety of reasons, and its current infantry fighting vehicle, the M2 Bradley, cannot carry enough soldiers to enable squad-level fire and maneuver from a single vehicle. | Army Organic Industrial Base Modernization Implementation Plan. The platoon leader then plans his routes. For this reason, the Army considers the program to be one of its most important. The partnership between CERDEC and PM Mission Command is yielding significant results for DevOps assessments, said J. Tyler Barton, science and technology demonstration-objective manager for expeditionary mission command with CERDEC's Command, Power and Integration Directorate. The command and control equipment available to the SBCT infantry battalion reconnaissance platoon significantly enhances the platoon's ability to conduct effective tactical movement, both day and night. It may use mounted reconnaissance to move additional assets into the area to support the reconnaissance element in contact. Regardless of the likelihood of enemy contact, the platoon should always use bounding overwatch if time is available and when there is a possibility of enemy contact. These situations may entail one or more of the seven forms of contact: d. Summary of Actions on Contact. The platoon must keep an element in contact with the enemy unless specifically authorized to do otherwise. (2) Once the bounding element reaches its overwatch position, it signals "READY" by voice or visual means to the element that overwatched its bound. Ph.D. (2) The platoon usually moves in formation when using traveling or traveling overwatch. He orders additional sections or teams to maneuver into the area. Many times the platoon must plan, rehearse, and execute a combination of mounted and dismounted movement. (1) When the platoon deploys and reports, it uses fundamental techniques of tactical movement (dismounted or mounted) and action drills using the terrain to ensure effective cover and concealment. If the section or team receives fire from the enemy, it returns fire but only with the intent of breaking direct fire contact. 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. The line formation has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: SecurityLess than other formations due to lack of depth. (2) Wedge Formation. The platoon must use them in conjunction with other movement- and security-related measures. The lead vehicle then bounds past the destroyed vehicle and establishes far-side security. Methods of bounding overwatch. (c) Elements not in contact temporarily halt in covered and or concealed positions, monitor the incoming reports, and plot the situation on their maps. However, the bounding element should never move beyond the range at which the base-of-fire element can effectively suppress known, likely, or suspected enemy positions (2/3 the effective range of the weapon system). Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. (1) The ideal way for the platoon to make contact is by means of FBCB2 reports from sensor elements (such as tactical unmanned aerial vehicles [TUAVs], ground surveillance radar [GSR], or other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] assets). It stops inside the wood line, ensuring it is still within the shadow line of the woods. 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. They should search for movement, reflections, smoke, and any irregular shapes or colors indicating camouflage. Tactics. (1) Platoon members should use available terrain to scan the wooded area before entering. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. The platoon leader uses formations for several purposes: to relate one vehicle or squad to another on the ground, to position firepower to support the direct-fire plan, to establish responsibilities for sector security among vehicles or squads, or to aid in the execution of battle drills and directed COAs. When planning movements, the leader must consider how terrain affects security. First, the trail element occupies a covered and concealed position where it can overwatch the lead element. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. During the execution of reconnaissance and security missions, the reconnaissance platoon will encounter specific types of terrain or features that expose it to enemy fire. One version under assessment consists of a commercial-off-the-shelf tablet loaded with the JBC-P software that is coupled with an Iridium network device the size and weight of a smartphone. Preparing and coordinating fire support for the friendly attack. Indirect fire can also provide concealment, with smoke used alone or mixed with suppressive fires. 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. However, if the situation dictates, vehicles can disperse laterally to enhance security. They could connect with a vehicle-based JBC-P system and then to command posts. (a) Deploy and Report. The additional graphic control measures may include routes of march, coordination points, passage points, and boundaries for subordinate units. Vehicles must be located where enemy elements can not observe them. Leaders may detach small security elements from the main body to provide early warning by acting as an advance guard or as guides along a route. The platoon uses the column formation when speed is essential as it moves on a designated route (Figure 3-5). If he can, the platoon leader plans avoid danger areas, but sometimes he cannot. b. "Set" means that the element has arrived at its destination and has occupied a position from which it can observe to its front. The U.S. Army Program Executive Office Command, Control and Communications-Tactical develops, acquires, fields and supports the Army's mission command network to ensure force readiness. The ANA MPs showed up prepared and ready for a mission with U.S. forces. Compared to mounted operations, dismounted movement techniques and formations require as muchor moredetail during the planning phase. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. These updates help them link up at the rally point by identifying friends and foes. 83 0 obj <>stream 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. In most cases, the reconnaissance platoon can not or should not mass its combat power to defeat an enemy force. Each vehicle normally follows directly behind the vehicle in front of it. However, the screen may display only a small portion of the platoon's area of operations. (a) If undetected by the enemy and time is available, the section or team reconnoiters the enemy position, emphasizing stealth, dismounted reconnaissance, and use of assets such as GSR and TUAVs, if available. If this occurs, the platoon leader must decide whether to commit additional platoon assets to the contact to develop it further or to adopt a COA based on the information he has discovered to that point. The earlier in the contact that the platoon leader can make this decision, the better. The goal is always for recon units to be as small and silent as possible. Position updates include, as a minimum, the locations of the platoon leader, his section leaders, and vehicles. endstream endobj startxref For example, the platoons could move in wedge formations within a company team vee. Normally, the platoon leader briefs the section leaders on the route and speed and then allows the lead section to control the column movement. As a general rule, the platoon, section, or team should disengage from the enemy as early in the contact as possible. (b) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. Navigational aids help, but when using them, the platoon and squads should always know their own location. (d) Execute the COA. 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. The squad line (Figure 3-10) provides maximum firepower to the front. It simplifies maneuver, and it provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without sacrificing control. Dismounted bounding overwatch. b. Column The column formation is used for road marches, for movement during limited visibility, and. 0000063417 00000 n The reconnaissance platoon employs movement techniques for a number of reasons (to minimize exposure, maintain freedom of movement, maximize available tactical options, and react effectively to contact). The element's formation adjusts to fit the situation. Based on task organization, the reconnaissance platoon leader must carefully assess METT-TC factors before deciding upon this COA. Uniform Standards at all times DCU Complete LBV/E Complete Flak Jacket/OTV Helmet Weapon at the ready Our TTPs (cont.) Direct fire engagements are normally limited to whatever actions are required to break contact. e. Traveling Overwatch (Dismounted). Crewmen in the bounding element must continuously scan their assigned sectors of observation. They base decisions about routes and movement techniques on the mission, terrain and weather, likelihood of enemy contact, speed of movement, and depth to which the platoon's elements must penetrate. The route of the bounding element to that position. (In the absence of orders, the direction of travel becomes 12 o'clock.) Delays may result when groups must avoid enemy contact. If the platoon leader determines he needs more information, he may commit additional assets (reconnaissance sections or teams) to develop the situation further. 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. These platoon members should report the enemy contact to the overwatching vehicles and to the platoon leader. An effective exfiltration plan is essential for mission accomplishment and morale. (2) The platoon's main body can use an infrared or thermal source to regain visual contact with the element and link it back to the main body. c. Bounding Overwatch (Mounted). The amount of intelligence information available to the reconnaissance platoon leader during the planning process determines the risk involved in conducting the infiltration. Mounted Formations. The original dragoons were essentially mounted infantry. Each method requires specific operational considerations, and each has tactical advantages and disadvantages. The exfiltration plan should also cover other types of contingencies that will not require the platoon to exfiltrate. Extraction by air or RV (ground) is favored when the resources are available and their use will not compromise the mission. Drawing upon decades of experience, RAND provides research services, systematic analysis, and innovative thinking to a global clientele that includes government agencies, foundations, and private-sector firms. 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. (3) Choose and Recommend a COA and Maneuver the Force. Infiltration on a single lane (Figure 3-19) is the least desirable technique because it requires all infiltrating groups to move at intervals on the same lane. Traveling is the fastest but least secure movement technique. This allows for continuation of the mission and reduces the chance of any loss of combat power. (U.S. Army photo by 1st U.S. Army Pfc. The coil provides all-round security and observation when the platoon is stationary. When the lead team signals "danger area" (relayed throughout the platoon, the platoon halts. The squad file has the same characteristics as the fire team file. As a result, today's mechanized infantry are more at risk when transitioning from mounted to dismounted operations, and squad-level dismounted fire and maneuver is compromised in some situations. To do this, they use information from the battalion S2, sensor reports on the FBCB2, and information collected by dismounted patrols. Herringbone formation. Planning. Teams and individuals increase the interval between them. It overwatches while the new trail element (formerly the overwatch element) bounds forward to the next overwatch position. 0000010085 00000 n When the platoon leader receives sufficient reports to have a clear picture of the situation, he chooses to prepare to support a hasty attack. 0000012734 00000 n All vehicles should move completely off the road if terrain allows. Position navigation (POSNAV) assists in land navigation but does not replace the need for basic navigational skills. 0000103428 00000 n The echelon formation covers the exposed flank of a larger force well, and has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: SecurityGood, for echelon sides of higher formation. The platoon can also use indirect fires to degrade the enemy's acquisition and observation capabilities by forcing him to seek cover. To achieve a positional advantage to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance. Within a platoon, a section would provide a base of fire. (3) Emergency Exfiltration. 3d Cavalry Regiment platoon conducts mounted, dismounted patrol with ANA's 203rd Corps military police. a. Base-of-Fire Element. Leaders and soldiers must remain proficient in using basic land navigation and terrain orientation skills. To establish communications relay capability for a specific period in support of other reconnaissance operations. The contingency plan must allow time for groups to reach the new (alternate) rally point. b. The sides of the wedge can contract to the point that the wedge resembles a single file. This technique allows for an absolute minimum of radio transmissions, positive control by the section leader, and maximum security within the section. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. Infantry Squad Size from World War II to the Present, Integrating Dismounted Infantry Capabilities with Combat Vehicles. %PDF-1.6 % The reconnaissance platoon can not conduct its mission if the enemy decisively engages it. 0000006037 00000 n Leaders must plan to adapt their choice of formation to the specific situation. Open Areas. Platoon leaders and BCs have numerous ways to control the platoon's formations. hb```e``_/31 P`Q;:*:2@zb1H1 {MaF+ A'2pLK`/~T'4#; |[pq2N@pQ> j * The troopers then conducted a dismounted movement for 7 km with. Contingency plans should address what happens if a force fails to arrive or arrives late at a rally point. Wooded Areas. If any threat force engages the bounding element with direct fire, the platoon can suppress it at once with its own direct fire. If the open area is very large, the overwatch element should only remain stationary until the bounding element has moved a distance equal to half the effective range of the overwatching element's weapon system. Planning. When a reconnaissance platoon member makes contact with the enemy, he reacts according to the circumstances of the contact. (2) All crews involved in the maneuver must always maintain all-round security at all times. Squads move either in a column or modified wedge. In another instance, the platoon may deploy in a stay-behind mode during defensive operations, requiring it to plan and execute movement to return to friendly controlled areas. They look for any other signs of enemy activity or any enemy response to the destruction of the vehicle. (b) If the commander and the S2 have anticipated the enemy situation the reconnaissance platoon is reporting, they will already have addressed the contingency in the OPORD and given guidance to their subordinates on what COA the platoon should execute. Security during movement includes whatever the platoon, vehicle crews, or squads do to secure the unit or the larger force. [ 0000012803 00000 n Squad formations include the squad column, the squad line, and the squad file. The platoon leader evaluates the situation and decides which formation best suits the mission and situation. by Bruce Held, Mark A. Lorell, James T. Quinlivan, Chad C. Serena. (2) The platoon should move to the wooded area using mounted bounding overwatch. The platoon crosses a linear danger area in the formation and location specified by the platoon leader (Figure 3-22). In such a case, the reconnaissance platoon leader can evaluate the situation, choose a COA consistent with his higher commander's intent or concept, and execute it without further guidance. 0000008930 00000 n 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. The leader analyzes the latest information on the enemy and determines if contact with the enemy is unlikely. The leader must determine the probability of contact and where that contact will most likely occur. Each infiltrating element must develop and rehearse a plan that clearly defines its actions in case of contact with enemy security forces. Whenever possible, the reconnaissance platoon should reconnoiter urban areas from a distance, execute hand-off to follow-on elements, and bypass if possible. This information is part of the mission analysis during troop-leading procedures (discussed in Chapter 2). Echelon right formation. 0000062923 00000 n a. To accomplish a specific task, the reconnaissance platoon itself may need to infiltrate areas occupied by enemy forces. Once the element in contact has developed the situation and the platoon leader has enough information to make a decision, he selects a COA. When mounted, the platoon uses the column, wedge, line, echelon, coil, and herringbone formations (based on METT-TC factors). Platoon using traveling technique and staggered column formation. When using this technique, the platoon could be in a column formation or dispersed in its other formations (Figure 3-9). (1) The bounding element must take full advantage of whatever cover and concealment the terrain offers. This technique is appropriate because of the extremely short fields of view and the danger of dismounted ambush. They are organized using the four-step process. (1) Wedge Formation. Technology aids, such as the GPS, can assist the sections in location positioning during movement and allow the sections to move using predetermined waypoints as guides. c. Maps. Bounding overwatch can be executed using one of the following bounding methods. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. The platoon leader quickly moves forward, confirms the danger area, and determines what technique the platoon will use to cross. The company team commander first designates a fixing force to maintain contact with the enemy and assist the remainder of the team during the bypass. The ANA MPs were prepared to conduct full dress rehearsals of the U.S. battle drills with 2nd Platoon after displaying a rapid understanding of the plan given by the 1st Lt. Cornely, 2nd Platoon, Bandit Troop. The lead element and the overwatch element see the signature of the enemy weapon system. Shackled to an aging, ill-suited vehicle lacking standoff, the R&S . (3) Column Formation. When choosing a movement formation or technique, the leader considers the most recent situational update and the level of C2 needed for the mission. Troops can be garrisoned in villages, snipers can dominate approaches, and buildings and roads can be mined and booby-trapped. The platoon must conduct detailed coordination with any adjacent units or friendly elements through which it will pass to ensure these elements do not compromise the reconnaissance platoon as it conducts the infiltration. H\n0l/$vl !AH$. 41HKBsAZVg&v"9]u}CK)oO1I}vi7r)_xxYw?M)^~WW0LVsGa~89]|{1OSL{e.YfVeFs{Ie&_`HfP. (a) The platoon leader updates his spot report to the commander with any new information and then recommends a COA to the commander. Held, Bruce, Mark A. Lorell, James T. Quinlivan, and Chad C. Serena, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/reports, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/blogPosts, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/multimedia, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/caseStudies, Great-Power Competition Outside the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for the Department of Defense, The Problems Facing VA Modernization Are Bigger Than Its Software Systems, Violence in Sudan, Alcohol Use, North Korea: RAND Weekly Recap, Russian Military Operations in Ukraine in 2022 and the Year Ahead. grant funeral home winchester tn obituaries, the marriage of bette and boo characters, st raymond joliet school calendar,

1000554198ab8bdd504fb326 Hardage Giddens Funeral Home Obituaries, Divi Aruba All Inclusive Wedding, Georgetown Lacrosse Prospect Day 2021, Chicago Park Safety Zone Speed Limit, Articles M