These Soldiers would further organize into three dismounted squads of six scouts each, working with six crews mounted on scout platforms. 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. b. Candidate, Pardee RAND Graduate School, and Assistant Policy Researcher, RAND. b. Each movement technique and formation has unique advantages and disadvantages. Teams and individuals increase the interval between them. According to the 1911 Encyclopdia Britannica, "Mounted rifles are half cavalry, mounted infantry merely specially mobile infantry." [1] In very large open areas, however, use of dismounted troops may not be feasible because of the distances between covered and concealed positions. c. Relationship of Tactical Movement and Actions on Contact. Traveling, which is usually employed in secured areas, is used equally at the section and platoon levels. It is used when speed is important and enemy contact is not likely. This method is easier to control and is more secure than alternate bounding, but it is slower. Andrew Coleman, along with 2nd Platoon Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, went on a combined mounted and dismounted reconnaissance patrol with the Afghan National Army's 203rd Corps Military Police to the south east of FOB Lightning Aug. 4, 2014. Based on task organization, the reconnaissance platoon leader must carefully assess METT-TC factors before deciding upon this COA. Compared to mounted operations,. a. Base-of-Fire Element. The cleared area must be large enough to allow full deployment of the remainder of the platoon. As information becomes available, the element in contact sends a contact report, followed by a digital or analog size, activity, location, and time (SALT) report . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. The squad line (Figure 3-10) provides maximum firepower to the front. (3) Choose and Recommend a COA and Maneuver the Force. During planning, the leader designates near side and far side rally points. It allows the platoon to cover the most ground systematically with maximum reconnaissance forward (Figure 3-3). To regain the use of all his assets, the platoon leader continues coordination to hand off contact to a follow-on element (Figure 3-15). "Working on this project with PM Mission Command and tactical units has enabled CERDEC to rapidly provide operational capability to the Warfighter, successively providing improvements over a four-month sprint," Barton said. The platoon should not clear the rally point like a separate linear danger area. 0000006722 00000 n PDF Maneuver Leaders' Role in Observation Planning - United States Army When not traveling in a column or line, squads travel in file (Figure 3-11). 0000012943 00000 n The trail element stays close enough to provide immediate suppressive fire and to maneuver for support. 0000041439 00000 n As the terrain becomes less rugged and control becomes easier, the soldiers assume their original positions (Figure 3-9). What he wants the section to do after the bounding element gets to the next position. The squad begins bounding overwatch when within effective small-arms range (about 250 meters). Figure 3-7 shows the fire team wedge. hb```b``a`c`bf@ aV(>cZ>e !7Rz5,-*xhd$!+vlq3V Z iiP ,H $> @l v$C[Ca/ \B !kl Ldg:.!Gd {O0U' FM 3-19 Chptr 7 Movement Techniques and Formations - GlobalSecurity.org Chapter 4 of this manual discusses dismounted movement techniques in detail. The leader is then able to plan for contact and determine how to employ TTP, such as the proper movement techniques, to reduce the occurrence of chance contact. His other sections continue their reconnaissance mission. This information allows the platoon leader to disperse his unit during movement. Figure 3-4. Remain focused on the reconnaissance objective. (b) The element in contact sends a contact report to the platoon leader (refer to the discussion of report procedures and formats earlier in this chapter) and follows as soon as possible with a spot report using the format of size, activity, location, unit identification, time, and equipment (SALUTE ). 0 Once the rifle squads have dismounted, the vehicles serve as a base . Within a section, an individual vehicle or squad would do so. Whenever possible, the reconnaissance platoon should reconnoiter urban areas from a distance, execute hand-off to follow-on elements, and bypass if possible. However, if the situation dictates, vehicles can disperse laterally to enhance security. Spacing requirements, as well as other METT-TC considerations, require the platoon to adapt basic formations. (c) The leader must designate an alternate rally point to use if the primary rally point is occupied by the enemy, is compromised, or is found to be unsuitable. If the reconnaissance platoon is tasked to gather information over a wide area, it may employ several small teams to cover the complete sector. He designates one of his subordinate elements to provide security forward of the main body. If the platoon has a hard time linking up at the rally point, then the first element to arrive should mark the rally point with an infrared light source. All groups rehearse this procedure since no one knows which group will arrive first. Using the components taken from the currently fielded mounted JBC-P system is too cumbersome and heavy for a Soldier to carry for long distances in a rucksack. (5) Before leaving a wooded area, the platoon must clear the open area to the front. 0000002312 00000 n In general, infiltrating elements should use digital communications as the primary means of communications. If time constraints prevent the platoon from bypassing a large open area, then the platoon uses a combination of traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch to cross the open area. Both the platoon leader and platoon sergeant stay in the center of the formation, with their wingmen located to the rear of and outside of them. Therefore, the platoon must make maximum use of the terrain and employ effective observation techniques to avoid exposing itself to a well-concealed and camouflaged enemy. (2) Terrain Factors. Trail vehicle will provide rear security M998 or M35 with personnel in the back Orient weapon systems to the rear Each vehicle . The platoon operates with and without vehicle support, so section and platoon leaders must understand how to move and maneuver in either tactical situation. The research described in this report was sponsored by the United States Army and conducted by the RAND Arroyo Center. Figure 3-12. 3-2. If he cannot find a bypass, he focuses not only on finding potential enemy positions but also on locating covered and concealed routes for bounding and a covered and concealed position to which the unit can move. This should be done both dismounted and mounted. Reorganization of the Bradley platoon led to squads being broken apart for transport and affected squad operations. He also receives the commander's operations overlay to identify graphic control measures impacting on his route planning. Section using bounding overwatch technique. If time and terrain permit, the platoon should dismount infantry to reconnoiter the movement route and secure the far side of the open area. For IBCTs, I propose 10-wheeled platforms and 36. If the reconnaissance platoon must conduct a hasty defense, the battalion commander assumes responsibility for continuing to develop the situation. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. (2) Squad Line. The lead vehicle then moves forward again, with the overwatch vehicle providing security. The platoon must use them in conjunction with other movement- and security-related measures. Table 3-2. 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. Examples include large open areas, roads and trails, and bridges or crossing sites over water obstacles. They do not have exact geometric dimensions and design. The reconnaissance platoon uses this technique only when an analysis of METT-TC shows that only one lane is feasible. 0000103175 00000 n (4) Echelon Formation. 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. e. Communications. (b) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. If time and terrain permit, he may send dismounted platoon members to move to the far side of the open area and secure it. 336 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<2AF0C0400991FCAF7E05FBAF2D63923D>]/Index[313 39]/Info 312 0 R/Length 112/Prev 388775/Root 314 0 R/Size 352/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream The platoon leader must decide whether to use this method with the understanding that doing so will sacrifice stealth. Two-section platoon wedge formation. Leaders must plan to adapt their choice of formation to the specific situation. However, navigation, consolidation, and command and control are more difficult. 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). At platoon level, OPs or patrols gain contact with the enemy, then report and prepare to displace to successive positions. They get position updates to ensure the forward security element remains on azimuth and within range of supporting direct fires. (6) The bounding element must focus on its ultimate goalgaining a positional advantage. (2) Near-Side Rally Point. Christian Gutierrez, platoon sergeant from Queens, New York, assigned to Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, conducts a mounted movement of a tactical convoy of mixed U.S. and ANA 203rd Corps military police vehicle U.S. Army 1st Lt. Joseph Cornely and U.S. Army Capt. (d) Execute the COA. f. Examples of Actions on Contact. For example, if an enemy update received from higher headquarters states that the enemy has moved much closer to the platoon than the platoon leader anticipated, he immediately switches the platoon from traveling overwatch to bounding overwatch. (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. (b) Successive Bounds. Fire Team Formations. They should search for movement, reflections, smoke, and any irregular shapes or colors indicating camouflage. 0000002347 00000 n Dismounted bounding overwatch. The trail element moves at variable speeds, providing continuous overwatch, keeping contact with the lead element, and stopping periodically to get a better look. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. Maintain contact to support a hasty attack. (4) Move-Set Technique. Helping Coastal Communities Plan for Climate Change, Measuring Wellbeing to Help Communities Thrive, Assessing and Articulating the Wider Benefits of Research. Comparison of fire team formations. c. In the conduct of most tactical missions, the reconnaissance platoon may move as separate sections or sections under the command and control of the platoon leader. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. A good technique is to plot the waypoints to coincide with other graphic control measures such as checkpoints and rally points or significant terrain features. Maintain contact to support an attack on an inferior force. Locating covered and concealed movement routes for friendly attacking units. Dismounted troops must check isolated buildings. In some cases, the improved awareness might prompt the security element to increase these distances. 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. (2) The platoon should move to the wooded area using mounted bounding overwatch. The platoon leader decides whether to move as a platoon or as teams. The element that remains in contact maintains visual contact with the enemy and reports if the enemy situation changes. 0000002458 00000 n When crossing an open area small enough to bypass in the time allowed for the mission, the platoon uses one of two techniques (Figure 3-21). The overwatch vehicle engages the source of enemy fire by calling for indirect fire support, then monitors to ensure the contact report is sent. 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. The system was also recently evaluated during the month-long Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiment at Fort Benning, Georgia. The troopers then conducted a dismounted movement for 7 km with a rise in altitude of over 1000 feet. He continues to inform his commander of the enemy situation and the platoon's actions. This will help direct the rest of the platoon to the location. The base-of-fire element allows the bounding unit to keep maneuvering so it can retain the initiative, even when the enemy can see and fire on it. (Refer to Chapter 4, Section IV.). 0000063417 00000 n Crewmen in the bounding element must continuously scan their assigned sectors of observation. (b) Break Contact and Bypass. The lead vehicle advances to a point (first move) where it can support the advance of the overwatch vehicle. Either the platoon's mounted element or other fire teams from the dismounted element overwatch the rifle squad's movement. Figure 3-17. a. Dismounted Formations. (2) Bounding Overwatch. It employs movement routes that put ridgelines, rivers, and other restrictive terrain between the platoon and enemy security forces. At the platoon level, maneuver forms the heart of every tactical operation and task. The enemy situation as he knows or suspects it to be. 0000002483 00000 n The platoon uses the herringbone to disperse when traveling in column formation (Figure 3-6). Contact with obstacles of enemy or unknown origin. (c) Choose and Recommend a COA and Maneuver the Force. For over 50 years, the Army has tried to develop and field survivable, lethal infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs). (In the absence of orders, the direction of travel becomes 12 o'clock.) Choices. Normally, the platoon leader briefs the section leaders on the route and speed and then allows the lead section to control the column movement. (a) The first group to reach the rally point establishes security and exchanges recognition signals with subsequent groups. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The platoon uses the column formation when speed is essential as it moves on a designated route (Figure 3-5). "Set" means that the element has arrived at its destination and has occupied a position from which it can observe to its front. All elements of the patrol mounted their tactical vehicles and moved to the vehicle drop off point upon completion of rehearsals. Because breaking contact is a violation of reconnaissance fundamentals, the platoon leader must be sure that his higher headquarters is informed of and approves this COA (Figure 3-14). 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. In densely wooded areas, mounted elements are extremely vulnerable to dismounted enemy forces that can close on them undetected. The platoon leader evaluates the situation and decides which formation best suits the mission and situation. Due to mission constraints, the platoon leader may have to leave one vehicle in contact. He keeps the commander informed of his actions. %%EOF Security Halts - United States Army (d) Maintain Contact to Support a Hasty Attack. The DAPS fuses APNT sources and then either displays APNT data on an . Purposes. Based on this evaluation and further guidance from higher, he can then maneuver the platoon out of contact and make contact either on his own terms or as directed by the commander. The earlier in the contact that the platoon leader can make this decision, the better. 0000001545 00000 n 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. Section using traveling overwatch technique and wedge formation. Figure 3-3. Responding to units' requests to take JBC-P features outside their mounted platforms, Army researchers are prototyping options for experimentation. He initiates it based on planning information received earlier about the enemy situation and on SITREPs received during movement. The platoon leader then plans his routes. Physical contact (direct fire) with an enemy force or civilians. Permission is required from RAND to reproduce, or reuse in another form, any of its research documents for commercial purposes. (6) Herringbone Formation. Contact with an unknown or superior force.