The routes should facilitate mission accomplishment within the limitations of boundaries and allow freedom of maneuver. U.S. Army mechanized infantry dismount from an M113 armored personnel carrier during training in 1985. Compared to mounted operations,. This representation of RAND intellectual property is provided for noncommercial use only. b. 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. Formations and Movement Techniques. 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 reconnaissance platoon is not manned or equipped to conduct detailed reconnaissance of urban areas. He then employs specific reconnaissance methods and movement techniques to either avoid the danger areas or move through them as quickly as possible and with as much security as possible. The overwatch vehicle engages the source of enemy fire by calling for indirect fire support, then monitors to ensure the contact report is sent. He designates one of his subordinate elements to provide security forward of the main body. (1) Single-Lane Infiltration. When a reconnaissance platoon member makes contact with the enemy, he reacts according to the circumstances of the contact. 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. The vehicle commander can retrieve the operational overlay on one layer, the enemy situation template on another layer, the fire support overlay on another, and so forth. %%EOF (c) Choose and Recommend a COA and Maneuver the Force. Dismounted (BATS-D) AN/PRC-161 radio fuses air and ground (friendly and enemy) situational awareness in the palm of your hand. The U.S. Army has put its replacement for the handheld Defense Advanced GPS Receiver (DAGR) under field testing in reconnaissance and fire missions in a variety of threat scenarios, to understand its performance in a realistic operational environment. (a) The reconnaissance section or team that makes initial visual contact with the enemy deploys to covered terrain that affords good observation and fields of fire. 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. The next overwatch position (the objective for the bounding element). 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. When analyzing the terrain during the troop-leading procedures (during his METT-TC analysis), the platoon leader may identify "danger areas." 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. Leaders must focus information-gathering assets (GSR, TUAVs, human intelligence [HUMINT], and RSTA) to provide detailed enemy locations and intentions. 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. Before each mission, the leader designates the duration between digital and analog position updates. Maneuver provides the foundation for battlefield employment. Vehicles must be located where enemy elements can not observe them. This choice is made because the platoon leader determines that the force he has located is the objective of his commander; therefore, this COA is in accordance with his commander's intent. a. Reconnaissance forces normally conduct exfiltration via land routes dismounted when friendly lines are close or no other extraction method is feasible. [1] Sub-components [ edit] The MSS consists of a heads-up display, cordless communications, micro-climatic cooling, and force protection items. 0000063417 00000 n (1) Platoon members should use available terrain to scan the wooded area before entering. 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. If the element in contact is unable to report or cannot report quickly, another team in the reconnaissance platoon section must report. 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. Mechanized infantry are infantry units equipped with armored personnel carriers (APCs) or infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat (see also armoured forces ). These lateral corridors pose a security threat to both the platoon and the other friendly elements. Infiltration plans always cover employment of indirect fires although the platoon uses them only in limited circumstances. Since the destruction of the enemy is in accordance with the commander's order, the section or team leader simply informs higher headquarters that he is continuing the mission. Drivers turn off vehicle engines, and dismounted elements move to the edge of the wooded area to observe. By Dan Lafontaine (PEO C3T Public Affairs) and Kathryn Bailey (CERDEC CP&I Public Communications Adviser)May 31, 2018. Maintain contact and bypass. It must, however, be far enough to the rear to avoid contact in case an enemy force engages the lead element. In this technique, the lead and trail elements move together as a unit. 0000012734 00000 n When the lead team signals "danger area" (relayed throughout the platoon, the platoon halts. The original dragoons were essentially mounted infantry. Naturally, when the unit must cross a danger area, it does so as quickly and carefully as possible. He considers various possible COAs, based on well-developed TTP (including battle drills), to meet the types of contact. 0000004545 00000 n Conduct an attack against an inferior force. 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. Situations involving electronic warfare tactics. During movement to the rally point, position updates allow separated elements to identify each other's locations. As more than one section or team becomes involved in the situation, the platoon leader or PSG (whoever is in the best location to do so) takes control of coordinating their efforts. In general, infiltrating elements should use digital communications as the primary means of communications. hb```b``a`c`bf@ aV(>cZ>e !7Rz5,-*xhd$!+vlq3V Z iiP ,H $> @l v$C[Ca/ \B !kl Ldg:.!Gd {O0U' (b) Break Contact and Bypass. What improvements does the Ground Combat Vehicle provide? To achieve a positional advantage to conduct reconnaissance and surveillance. When planning the route, the platoon leader marks the danger areas on his digital concept sketch and overlay. The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. Either the platoon's mounted element or other fire teams from the dismounted element overwatch the rifle squad's movement. [Fqvh7^%.^M9]GS*Hq`PFIaK|S]!xUf9|nT2yy{M>EJgq&AtOL*E;lMz7*]L[fe:VVZI_ZRHJ6f;>8_U6LB&W{NhvXvCrOxC:.m9h+. Commanders must assume the risk of those Soldiers occupying dominant terrain independently to gain tactical advantage over the enemy in support of Soldiers conducting maneuver. When the platoon leader expects contact and the terrain prohibits mounted movement, or when the rifle squads move separated from the vehicles, the platoon (-) bounds with the rifle squads deployed. (1) Before bounding, the leader shows the bounding element the location of the next overwatch position. In addition, digital communications are to be maintained between the dismounted and vehicular elements. 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. Leaders and soldiers must remain proficient in using basic land navigation and terrain orientation skills. When expecting contact, the platoon should use the slowest, most secure movement technique (Figure 3-19). xref The lead fire team serves as the base fire team. 0000008495 00000 n U.S. Army 2nd Platoon, Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment from Ft. Once the reconnaissance section or team is set in cover and concealment and has submitted its initial reports, it must develop the situation. Movement is continuous, and interval and dispersion are maintained between sections as terrain and weather permit. Executing the four steps allows the platoon to accomplish its mission in accordance with reconnaissance fundamentals: (1) Deploy and Report. While attempting to develop the situation, the section or team may find that it cannot determine the exact enemy situation for a number of possible reasons to include obstacles, combat losses, suppressive fires by the enemy, or the size and extent of the enemy position. Reconnaissance vehicles are most vulnerable in wooded areas when they are stopped, so halts should be kept to a minimum. At platoon level, OPs or patrols gain contact with the enemy, then report and prepare to displace to successive positions. The team leader signals his squad leader that the far side is clear. 0000008930 00000 n When dismounted, the platoon leader or platoon sergeant should transmit his position location to direct the mounted elements into positions of greater advantage to provide support and maintain digital connectivity with the battalion. 0000103175 00000 n They reposition the vehicles as needed to take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire. (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. Just as they do with movement techniques, platoon leaders plan formations based on where they expect enemy contact and on the higher commander's plans to react to contact. For example, when a section or team repeatedly misses mandatory radio contact, other elements must assume that the element has a communications problem, is in trouble, or both. Indirect fire can also provide concealment, with smoke used alone or mixed with suppressive fires. He chooses the option that will provide the greatest security, and that will most likely result in mission accomplishment. Upon completing its movement (bound), the lead element then occupies a similar position and provides overwatch as the trail element bounds forward to its next overwatch position. This is sometimes referred to as a staggered column. (1) Traveling Overwatch. The team has provided X JBC-P iterations over the past year to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; 173rd Airborne Brigade; and 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division. 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. 42 42 It uses the four steps of actions on contact (covered in detail later in this paragraph) as the foundation for these drills: b. As soon as the lead vehicle is in a covered and concealed position, the overwatch vehicle moves to an alternate firing position and occupies a hide position while trying to maintain contact with the smallest possible element. The battalion must carefully coordinate and rehearse employment of the reaction force and supporting fires before initiating the infiltration (or other tactical mission, if applicable). They do not have exact geometric dimensions and design. The platoon leader issues appropriate orders directing his subordinates to prepare to support the hasty attack. (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, Understanding Why a Ground Combat Vehicle That Carries Nine Dismounts Is Important to the Army. (4) The platoon may encounter small clearings, buildings, or hills while moving through a wooded area. The platoon leadership must keep in perspective that during dismounted operations there is always an information-gathering element and a control and security element (Figures 3-1 and 3-2), and they should resource each operation accordingly. (2) Near-Side Rally Point. (2) Traveling Overwatch. This formation uses the two-section organization. It uses bounding overwatch because of the possibility of enemy contact. Preferably, the section leader uses hand-and-arm signals or digital communication within the section for command and control. Comparison of fire team formations. (2) The platoon should move to the wooded area using mounted bounding overwatch. d. Traveling (Dismounted). Fire team members dismount and establish security. The platoon should also develop SOPs for limited visibility marking to aid in command and control at night. Whether the platoon plans to exfiltrate on foot, by RV, or by air, it must conduct detailed planning to establish criteria for a passage of lines to minimize the chances of fratricide. The platoon finds the flanks of the enemy position and looks for other enemy elements that could provide mutual support to the position. The squad begins bounding overwatch when within effective small-arms range (about 250 meters). Squad column with fire teams in wedge. The line formation has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: SecurityLess than other formations due to lack of depth. These aids also provide directional information for movement and target acquisition, and they augment operational planning graphics such as checkpoints, boundaries, coordination points, and phase lines. Cover and concealment are abundant, and it is easy for the enemy to remain undetected until he is at very close range. All leaders within the platoon must ensure that their subordinates continuously wear their night-vision devices when moving dismounted. 0000083635 00000 n Open areas frequently afford the reconnaissance platoon the opportunity to observe the enemy or objectives from long ranges. ABERDEEN PROVING GROUND, Md. (2) Once it has reconnoitered the area using visual, digital, and sensor enablers, the platoon moves across the area. He keeps the commander informed of what he is doing as he executes the COA. (2) During mounted movement, leaders use their commander's tactical display (CTD) to monitor the company, platoon, and sections. The decision of which technique to use is based in large part on the likelihood of enemy contact; in general, this can be summarized as whether contact is not likely (traveling), possible (traveling overwatch), or expected (bounding overwatch). Leaders must stay ready to adjust the distance of individual vehicles based on terrain, visibility, and mission requirements. However, the screen may display only a small portion of the platoon's area of operations. The combination should provide the light needed, but with the least risk of enemy detection. The column formation has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: Figure 3-1. b. Contingencies. Do not rely totally on technology. Each vehicle has a particular position to occupy in the coil. The research described in this report was sponsored by the United States Army and conducted by the RAND Arroyo Center. Simultaneously, the lead element returns fire, sends a contact report, employs smoke grenades, and moves to the nearest hide position. 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). He initiates it based on planning information received earlier about the enemy situation and on SITREPs received during movement. Once he receives this, he uses it and the commander's results of terrain analysis to analyze the terrain to find the best covered and concealed route for his mission. The Dismounted Soldier Training System, or DSTS, and Engagement Skills Trainer 2000 are two virtual training tools that are quickly becoming the norm for Soldiers of the 157th Infantry Brigade,. This formation can be used regardless of the platoon organization and is applicable to most reconnaissance platoon missions. The platoon focuses on requirements for a successful friendly attack, to include. Dismounted bounding overwatch. a. During its move, the lead vehicle overwatches it. (c) Elements not in contact temporarily halt in covered and or concealed positions, monitor the incoming reports, and plot the situation on their maps. As a general rule, the platoon, section, or team should disengage from the enemy as early in the contact as possible. 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. endstream endobj 43 0 obj <>>>/Metadata 40 0 R/Outlines 33 0 R/Pages 39 0 R/Type/Catalog/ViewerPreferences<>>> endobj 44 0 obj <>/ExtGState<>/Font<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageC]/XObject<>>>/Rotate 0/Tabs/W/Thumb 34 0 R/TrimBox[0.0 0.0 612.0 792.0]/Type/Page>> endobj 45 0 obj <> endobj 46 0 obj [/ICCBased 64 0 R] endobj 47 0 obj <> endobj 48 0 obj [69 0 R] endobj 49 0 obj <>stream When the platoon conducts dismounted movement, the factors of METT-TC determine the formation of the dismounted element. The platoon sergeant ensures that everyone in the platoon has crossed and sends a report to the platoon leader. Should the platoon become decisively engaged, it must have a plan on how to break contact with the enemy. Refer to the seven general categories of contact discussed in paragraph 3-4c. Figure 3-16. The platoon need not use the same formation as the company team unless directed by the company commander. Using any of the techniques of movement, the two forward vehicles perform all of the information gathering and reporting. Dismounted troops must check isolated buildings. PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Bandit Troop commander, Capt. On signal, the overwatch vehicle moves forward to a position abreast of the lead vehicle (second move) and halts. Manage Settings The exfiltrating force should use mountains, dense foliage, and other terrain features to screen these noises. (6) Herringbone Formation. The dismounted platoon members make contact as the lead platoon vehicle is engaged. 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 platoon must keep an element in contact with the enemy unless specifically authorized to do otherwise. After considering these factors, the leaders decide to infiltrate either mounted or dismounted. Technology can assist in navigational planning and execution, but soldiers, and especially leaders, should be trained and able to navigate and send accurate reports, day or night, using all methods of navigation. It allows the squad leader to control and communicate with the squad while mounted. (2) Technology can enhance movement and route planning for operations, but platoon and section leaders must create concept sketches for briefing to the platoon. It searches for antitank (AT) ditches, minefields, wire, or other obstacles that could force friendly forces into a fire sack. The platoon leader quickly moves forward, confirms the danger area, and determines what technique the platoon will use to cross. Movement during dismounted operations is similar to mounted movement but requires more command and control due to the decentralized nature of the task. 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. The elements conduct mounted movement to designated dismount points where they organize dismounted patrols to develop the situation from a new direction. (1) Before moving across a large open area, the reconnaissance platoon must make a thorough visual scan of the area. The platoon leader must use all available optics and other assets, including GSR, to reconnoiter the open area and find a bypass, if applicable. The platoon should strive to make contact with its combat multipliers or with its smallest possible internal elementthe dismounted soldier. 0000002483 00000 n If time and terrain permit, he may send dismounted platoon members to move to the far side of the open area and secure it. The platoon should use the traveling overwatch formation. 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. By knowing these details ahead of time, the platoon leader can develop the situation more rapidly and arrive at and execute the desired COA. Rifle squads use a variety of formations: a. 0000005326 00000 n 0000008165 00000 n Dismounted recon will still be conducted frequently by dismounted mechanised and regular infantry. The ability to conduct fire and maneuver immediately upon dismount became more difficult. The size of the elements within the reconnaissance platoon depends on several factors: the assigned mission, time available, cover and concealment, target acquisition capabilities of both friendly and enemy forces, available communications assets, and navigation capabilities and limitations. The platoon must conduct these halts at regular intervals (approximately every kilometer) while moving through the wooded area. 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. MOUNTED ELEMENT. Some offer security, but take longer; others offer speed, but less security. 0000000016 00000 n Figure 3-3. (3) Combination of Methods. "Units are going places where they can't take a vehicle with the current mounted JBC-P," Igwulu said. The various techniques and formations have unique advantages and disadvantages. Traveling overwatch and bounding overwatch are most often executed at the section level. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. This problem increases with the addition of position updates and friendly and enemy icons during the mission. At the platoon level, maneuver forms the heart of every tactical operation and task. As these patrols discover the enemy and add additional information to the platoon leader's picture, the platoon leader may determine he has sufficient information to choose and execute a COA or to make a recommendation to his commander. a. 0000083240 00000 n (2) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. Hood, Texas, conducts a combined dismounted and mounted patrol south-east of FOB Lightning with AH-64 Apache Helicopters overhead on Aug 4, 2014. This allows the platoon leader to evaluate and develop the situation while out of contact. The platoon maintains relative positioning based on terrain and combat losses. He also receives the commander's operations overlay to identify graphic control measures impacting on his route planning. His other sections continue their reconnaissance mission. When engagement is complete and the enemy is destroyed, the COA is obvious: the section or team continues its mission. (3) The far-side security element clears the far side. Because units generally move faster when traveling mounted, leaders must remember the increased potential for a break in contact. (2) Terrain Factors. It attempts to confirm (or to determine in detail) enemy size, composition, activity, orientation, and weapon system locations. c. Relationship of Tactical Movement and Actions on Contact. An effective exfiltration plan is essential for mission accomplishment and morale. The herringbone provides 360-degree security during a temporary halt from a march column (Figure 3-8). It also identifies previously unknown elements, and then suppresses them with direct and indirect fires. Delays may result when groups must avoid enemy contact. 5-140. In this situation, the platoon maintains contact by leaving a section or team in contact. Security during movement includes whatever the platoon, vehicle crews, or squads do to secure the unit or the larger force. This information allows the platoon leader to disperse his unit during movement. Whenever possible, the reconnaissance platoon should reconnoiter urban areas from a distance, execute hand-off to follow-on elements, and bypass if possible. This chapter focuses on mechanized infantry rifle platoon and squad mounted and dismounted movement techniques, formations, and actions, and the platoon leader's options for moving the platoon tactically. Infiltration is a form of maneuver that entails movement by small groups or individuals, at extended or irregular intervals, through or into an area occupied by an enemy or friendly force, while avoiding contact with the enemy. Figure 3-19. The platoon leader ensures that primary and alternate linkup points are not on a single azimuth leading away from the OP or exfiltration route. (2) The leader identifies adjacent units and creates additional graphic control measures as needed on his operations overlay. The troopers then conducted a dismounted movement for 7 km with a rise in altitude of over 1000 feet. When contact is made, the platoon executes battle drills, designated by SOP, to maintain freedom of maneuver and avoid becoming decisively engaged.

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