Sect 5-Mil. Sym & Ol Tech

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U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP WVBN-09B

AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY 0196 BASIC

NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE

LESSON TITLE: Military Symbols and Overlay Techniques

THIS LESSON IS USED IN THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

COURSE NUMBERS COURSE TITLE(S)

6-8-C40 AMEDD NCO Basic

SECTION I. -ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

TASK(S) TAUGHT OR SUPPORTED:

TASK NUMBER TASK TITLE

Unknown Interpret a military overlay.

TASK (5) REINFORCED:

TASK NUMBER TASK TITLE

Unknown Unknown

ACADEMIC HOURS: PEACETIME MOBILIZATION

HOURS /TYPE HOURS /TYPE

TYPE OF INSTRUCTION 3 PTXT, 3 SGI, 1 PEl

TEST CMF

TEST REVIEW None NoneTOTAL HOURS 7.0 None

HOURS LESSON NO.

TESTING: CMF

REVIEW OF TEST RESULTS:

PREREQUISITE LESSON(S): None

CLEARANCE AND ACCESS: Unclassified

REFERENCES:

NUMBER TITLE PAGES ADDITIONAL

INFORMATION

FM 21-26 Map Reading and All None

Land Navigation


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FM 101-5-1 Operational Terms All None

and Symbols

FM 101-5 Staff Organization Appendix G None

and operations

STUDENT STUDY ASSIGNMENTS: Study Supplementary Readings #1 and #2,

Summary Sheet.

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: Read and be familiar with all material. Review

lesson plan and draw the appropriate symbols where indicated in the LP

so that you will be able to draw the symbols on the chalkboard. (FM

101-5-1).

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS: None

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Overhead projector and

projection screen, chalkboard, chalk and eraser

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Simulated overlay map and

reference materials.

INSTRUCTOR MATERIAL: PE #1 solution. VGTs (14)

STUDENT MATERIAL: Advance sheet, Programmed Text, PE #1, Supplementary

Reading #1 and #2,- and Summary Sheet.

CLASSROOM, TRAINING AREA, AND RANGE REQUIREMENTS:

Classroom suitable for 16 students.

AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS: None

INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDANCE: Hours 1-3 are to complete the Programmed Text.

Hours 4-6 are classroom discussion. Hour 7 is for the PE. Take up

programmed text before the PE. Note the Supplementary Reading for this

lesson is not a mirror of the LP. Students need the Programmed Text asan SR. Some students complain that they are not preparing an overlay.

Note that ANCOC prepares, BNCOC interprets.

PROPONENT LESSON PLAN APPROVAL AUTHORITY:

NAME RANK POSITION DATE

PAULETTE H. DUNLAP CSM CMDT, AMEDD NCO ACADEMY JAN 96

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SECTION II. - INTRODUCTION


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NOTE: Read the terminal learning objective statement to thestudents.

At the completion of this lesson you (the student) will:

Interpret an operational overlay IAW FM 21-26, FM 101-5, and

FM 101-5-1.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None

RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: Low

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: None

EVALUATION: CMF

INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN: During tactical operations, commandersmay use overlays extensively in the preparation and conveyance of

orders. As a unit leader, you must understand and be able tointerpret overlays. The purpose of this lesson is to provide youwith the skills necessary to gain a working knowledge of overlaytechniques.

SECTION III. PRESENTATION

B. Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs):

1. Identify selected military symbols IAW cited references.

2. Identify the abbreviations and operational terms used on

an overlay IAW cited references.

3. Identify the tactical instructions indicated on an

overlay IAW cited references.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Todays fast moving anddestructive battlefield affects all Army operations, to include

battle orders. Commanders use overlays to express large amountsof information using symbols and abbreviations. The Armed Forcesof the United States and the Armed Forces of many of our Alliesuse the form and techniques we will discuss today.

The S3 usually prepares an operation overlay with symbols to

provide input to the operation plan. By using these symbols on anoverlay, the S3 frequently simplifies the task of portraying thecommanders intent to subordinate commanders.

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This lesson will review the material covered in the programmed

text and supplemental readings. The intent of the lesson is to


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focus on any areas in which you may need additional assistance.

So, during the lesson, if you have any questions, please ask

them.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Students should refer to Programmed Text during

the class discussion.

QUESTION: Now lets review some of the basic symbols we use. To

begin, what is a military symbol?

ANSWER: A military symbol is a graphic representation of a unit,

installation, activity, or piece of equipment. An overlay is a

combination of diagrams, letters, numbers, abbreviations, words,

and colors that identify items of military importance.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Military symbols lose their

value if they become complex or cluttered with unnecessary

detail. VGT #1 shows examples of some basic military symbols.

SHOW VGT #1

QUESTION: What do these basic symbols represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol (Ref:

FM 101-5-1, pgs 2-3 and 2-4)

ANSWER: 1. Unit2. Combat service support element

3. Logistical, medical, or administrative

installation

4. Observation or listening post

5. Command post

REMOVE VGT #1

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Remember from the

Programmed Text, that when drawing military symbols, use solid

lines to show the location of a unit, an installation, or a

coordinating detail, such as an established assembly area or a

boundary. Use a broken line to indicate a proposed or future

location.

You always draw the branch or duty performed (which we will

discuss later) of a proposed location in solid lines.

Also, show the effective time of the proposed occupation, ifknown, using the Date-Time-Group (DTG). Now, lets review how to

use symbols to show the size of a unit.

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard.


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SHOW VGT #2

QUESTION: What size units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol.

ANSWER: U.S. DESCRIPTION STANAG 2019

DESCRIPTION

1. Squad/crew. Smallest unit/UK

Section.

2. Section or unit larger Unit larger than a U-S

than a squad but smaller squad UK section but

than a platoon. smaller than a platoon

equivalent.

3. Platoon or detachment. Platoon/troop

equivalent.

4. Company, battery, or Company/battery/

troop. squadron

equivalent.5. Battalion or squadron. Battalion equivalent.

6. Group or regiment. Regiment/group

equivalent.

7. Brigade. Brigade equivalent.

8. Division. Division.

9. Corps. Corps.

10. Army. Army.

11. Army group or front. Army group or front.

REMOVE VGT #2

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols referenced below on chalkboard.

State the following: The notation placed over the size of a unit

indicates a temporary grouping of units, usually for a specific

tactical operation and in which the denoted unit functions as the

command or controlling element.

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For example, denotes a company team, and denotes a

battalion task force.

A (+) placed to the right of the unit symbol shows a substantially

reinforced unit. A (-) placed to the right of the symbol shows a

substantially reduced unit; you may also use a (-) to indicate


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subordinate elements operating at extended distances from and semi-

independently of the parent unit.

Doing a simple modification to the unit symbol can change the

meaning of that symbol. A unit symbol that is on a staff, on the

left side, which may extend or bend, represents locations of a

command post.

A unit symbol that is on a staff extending from the center, which

may bend, represents a known precise location.

The very end of the staff indicates the precise location of the

command post or unit. You may show two or more units on the same

staff if they are in the same area. The controlling units symbol is

always at the top of the staff.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols (below) on chalkboard.

EXACT COMMAND POST LOCATIONS EXACT UNIT LOCATIONS

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: The next area we will review

is how to identify different types of military units. Military

symbols utilize branch symbols along with markings to identify the

types and size of units. Lets look at a few of these branch

symbols.

SHOW VOT #3

QUESTION: What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer students questions. Describe the symbols

(tank track etc.).

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ANSWER: 1. Infantry. (crossed pack straps.)

2. Armor. (tank track.)

3. Cavalry (scouts of an infantry bn.) (cavalry

bandoleer.)

4. Armored cavalry (scouts, mechanized inf/scouts armor

tank battalion.) (cavalry bandoleer and tank track.)

5. Artillery. (cannon ball.)

6. Engineer. (bridge.)


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7. Signal. (lightning flash.)

REMOVE VGT #3

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Certain branches do not have

symbols. They use authorized abbreviations to indicate the branch of

service.

SHOW VGT #4

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol.

QUESTION: What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

ANSWER: 1. Military Police (MP)

2. Military Intelligence (CEWI)

3. Electronic Warfare (EW)

4. Support (SPT)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: CEWI means Counter Electronic Warfare

Intelligence.

REMOVE VGT #4

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: It is sometimes necessary to

combine branch and duty performed symbols to identify units specially

equipped or trained.

SHOW VGT #5

QUESTION: What type of units do these symbols represent?

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol. Answer student

questions.

ANSWER: 1. Airborne Infantry

2. Self-propelled Artillery

3. Mechanized (APC)

4. BIFV (mounted)

5. BIFV (dismounted)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: BIFV is the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

REMOVE VGT #5


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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. State the following:

Indicate a reconnaissance unit with a security mission on the overlay

by the unit symbol and flash arrows.

The arrow length does not indicate area of responsibility but only the

general location of the unit. You may show the specific mission

graphically. However, address this mission in writing in the unitsappropriate subparagraph of the OPORD/OPLAN.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: The last thing we will discuss

about military symbols is the designation of a unit. The designation of

a unit consists of an unofficial distinctive number and/or name. Only

use Arabic numbers.

Place unit designation on the left side of the unit rectangle and

higher echelons of command on the right.

SHOW VGT #6

QUESTION: What are the designations of the units shown in this VGT?

ANSWER: The 33rd Platoon, Company C, 22d Battalion, 30th

Infantry (mechanized) and the 2d Platoon, Company A, 3d

Battalion, 64th Armor.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Have students identify the designation of each symbol.

It may be necessary to draw a few more symbols with designators on the

chalkboard to discuss with the students. Answer student questions.

REMOVE VGT #6

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may draw symbols on overlays

in just one color or in several colors. If you use just one color,

outline enemy symbols with double lines. When using multi-colors, use

the color RED to indicate enemy units. Now let us continue our

discussion with control measures or graphics commonly employed in

offense, defense, and retrograde operations. As you will see, a few

symbols can express an enormous amount of information.

To start an overlay you need to place a piece of acetate that is

slightly larger than the area you want to work in on top of your map.

Next, put two numbered crosses or register marks on the overlay in

opposite corners. These register marks aid in orientating the overlay

to the map.

They ensure exact copying of graphic information on the overlay from

map to map. When preparing an overlay, you may use register marks of

your own choosing.

After orienting the overlay, you can begin to add the operational!

situational graphics. Remember, in numerous situations, overlays will


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not be in color. When using only one color, draw friendly symbols with

single lines and enemy symbols with double lines.

A boundary is a control measure normally drawn along identifiable

terrain features and used to separate areas of tactical responsibility

for subordinate units. Within their boundaries, units may maneuver

within the overlay plan without close coordination with neighboringunits unless otherwise restricted. Units may place direct fire across

boundaries on clearly identified enemy targets without prior

coordination, provided they do not endanger friendly forces.

Units may also use indirect fire to engage clearly defined enemy

targets, but only after prior coordination with the unit across the

boundary.

A line with the size of the unit shown at convenient intervals

indicates boundaries. Always show on the boundary the highest echelon

of adjacent units sharing the boundary. If a boundary separates units

of unequal size, give the designation of the lower unit completely.

Depict proposed boundaries with a broken line.


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EXAMPLE:

(XVIII Corps and XII Div)(Task Force, 2d Bn, 1st Inf on the left,

and 2d Bde, 79th Inf on the right)

Extend boundaries beyond the objective a sufficient distance to provide

for the coordination of supporting fires and actions required to secure

and consolidate the objective.

A major unit does not require a boundary between it and an armored

cavalry or other type unit performing a covering, screening, or

protecting mission on the major units flank.

If employing the reconnaissance or security force in an attack role,

and it has an objective to secure, then there must be a boundary

between it and the major unit.

When units from two different countries share a common boundary, place

an abbreviation indicating the nationality of the armed force in

parenthesis behind the unit designation.


EXAMPLE:

12th (US) Army Group 6th (NL) Infantry

Brigade

5th (IT) Infantry Regiment 5th (FR) Armored Division


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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may find these and more

country abbreviations in Appendix D of FM 101-5-1.

Establishing rear boundaries facilitates command and control (C2). You

may not always need to show rear boundaries. If you do, indicate the

size along the boundary that corresponds to the smaller unit, or, inother words, to the commanded unit and not the commanding unit. If

required to prevent confusion, show ARM or branch and nationality of

unit.


EXAMPLE:

(Rear boundaries separates 43d (Rear boundary separates Infantry

Division and V Corps.) 14th Armored Cavalry)

Regiment and V Corps.)

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Show future or proposed

boundaries with broken lines labeled with Date-Time-Group to indicate

the date and time or condition it takes effect and the headquarters

establishing the boundary.

SHOW VGT #7

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: As you see in this VGT, another

graphic symbol indicates the objective. An objective may be an enemy

force, terrain, or other physical object which is essential to the

commanders intent.

You draw a general objective symbol with a line enclosing the

abbreviation OBJ and a letter, name, or number designation.

You place it on an overlay around a definite terrain feature and or by

an enemy force. A goose egg on an overlay sometimes refers to an

objective symbol. Graphically, it looks like this:


INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may show two or more units in

the same goose egg if they are in the same general area, but it does

not indicate any particular command relationship between the units.

A phase line (PL) is the next thing we will talk about. You use a phase

line as a control measure and as a basis for reporting. Draw phase

lines with solid lines approximately perpendicular to the direction of

advance of withdrawal.

Place phase lines at points that are clear on the ground and on the

map. Label phase lines with PL and give a letter, number, or code

name designation to them.


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SHOW VGT #8

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions.

REMOVE VGT #8

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: some other control measures are

the Line of Departure and Line of Contact. A line of departure (LD) is

a line designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units or

scouting elements at a specified time and starting line.

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A line of contact (LC) is a general trace showing the locating of two

engaging opposing forces. A line of departure is a line of contact when

opposing forces are in contact. (LD/LC)

SHOW VGT #9


REMOVE VGT #9

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Two other symbols closely relate

to the LD/LC. One is the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), which

is the forward limit of the main battle area.

The second symbol is the forward line of own troops (FLOT), a line that

indicates the most forward positions of friendly troops. The plot can

be at, beyond, or short of the FEBA.

SHOW VGT #10


REMOVE VGT #10

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: A Fire Support Coordination Line

(FSCL) is a line beyond which commanders may attack all targets by any

weapons system (including aircraft) without endangering friendly troops

or requiring additional coordination with the establishing

headquarters.

The purpose of the FSCL is to expedite the attack on targets beyond theFSCL. Commanders do not need any additional coordination, provided

neither the fires nor their effects fall short of the FSCL.

Depict a Fire Support Coordination Line using a solid line labeled

FSCL. Show the proposed or future FSCL locations with broken lines

and a label FSCL.


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Whether or not to show the FSCLs on the operations overlay depends on

where the location of the FSCL is at the time you plan to distribute

the overlay.

Draw it a short distance beyond the farthest point to which the

commander intends to send patrols, penetration forces (including air

assault forces), or to maintain covering forces.12

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FSCLs should be easy to define on a map and easy to recognize from the

air.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Include effective time.

Answer student questions.

The FSCL is a permissive measure. When using multi-colored overlays,

draw permissive measures in black.

There are also restrictive measures. Draw restrictive measures in red.

A couple of examples of a restrictive measure are the Restrictive Fire

Area (RFA) and the No-Fire Area (NFA). The purpose of the RFA is toregulate fires or effects into an area according to the stated

restrictions. The purpose of the NFA is to prohibit fires or effects

into the area.

Outline both in red (multi-color overlay) and label the restrictive

fire area with the abbreviation RFA. The no fire area has red

diagonal lines within the outlined area and the abbreviation NFA.

The Date-Time-Group shows the time the restrictions become effective.

SHOW VGT #11


REMOVE VGT #11

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Show the direction of attack by

drawing a single line arrow from the line of departure to or into the

objective. It does not necessarily indicate the main attack of the

command issuing the order, but it does indicate the direction along

which the commander issuing the order wants a subordinate commander to

make his attack. The size of the arrow is not significant. Use it only


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where necessary, as they restrict the maneuver of the subordinate

unit.

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Answer student questions.

EXAMPLE: LD

LD

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Use an axis of advance in a fluid

situation to indicate the general direction of movement for the mass of

a unit. It does not necessarily indicate the route the unit will take.

It is not as restrictive as the arrows used for direction of attack.

Draw the main axis advance with broad double-lined arrows in the

nonrestrictive sense and label them with a code name or the unitdesignation.

You may also label a coded axis of advance with the unit which is to

use the axis if there is a possibility of misunderstanding.

An axis of advance for a unit designated to conduct the main attack has

a double-line arrowhead.

Make a future or proposed axis of advance with broken lines and label

it with the effective date and time.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student questions.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Use arrows to show routes of

march and label them with the word Route and a number, letter, code,

or unit designation. You may add arrows to indicate one-way, or two-way

traffic.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student

questions.

EXAMPLE:

One-way traffic.

Two-way traffic

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Lets look at what direction of

attack, axis of advance, and a route would look like on an overlay.

SHOW VGT #12


REMOVE VGT #12

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: In defensive situations, closed

solid-line goose egg broken by an appropriate symbol depicting the

size of the unit involved represents a battle position (BP).

A battle position is a defensive location oriented on the most likely

enemy avenue of approach from which a unit may defend or attack.

Position the closed side of the BPs goose egg toward the direction

of primary concern. A goose egg with broken lines and the appropriate

symbol depicting the size of the unit involved indicates an unoccupied

or alternate battle position.

SHOW VGT #13


INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: A position number is a number

inside the BP. Use a position number as a control measure and to help

reduce confusion. A (P) following the position number indicates a

prepared position.

REMOVE VGT #13

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You use coordinating points in

the defense to fix the exact localities at which the higher commander

desires adjacent subordinate commanders to coordinate the defense for

the area.

For example: The corps commander designates coordinating points on

division boundaries at the FEBA. The division commander designates

coordinating points on the brigade boundaries at the

FEBA.

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You locate coordinating points at some terrain feature, easily

recognizable both on the ground and on a map. You show coordinating

points by placing a circle on a boundary with an X inside.


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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student

questions.

EXAMPLE:

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You saw this symbol already

during the discussion of the FEBA.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: You may want to reshow VGT #10.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Once you complete plotting

and tracing all required details on the overlay, print the marginal

information as close to the lower right-hand corner as detail permits.

SHOW VGT #14 (Ref: FM 21-26, chapter 7)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: This VGT shows you theinformation that must be in the margin.

OVERLAY MARGINAL INFORMATION

A. Classification.

B. Title and Objective.

C. Time and Date.

D. Map Reference.

E. Author.

F. Legend (only used when necessary).

1. Explain, Non-Standard Colors or Symbols.

2. Reference to Supporting Documents.

3. Distribution.

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INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. State the following:

A. Place the classification of the overlay at the top and bottom of

the overlay itself. Write Secret, Classified, or Unclassified as

appropriate.

B. The Title and Objective simply tells the reader why you made the

overlay and it may also give the actual location of the overlay area.


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C. The time and date indicate the exact time you received the

information on the overlay. This information is more pertinent on a

situational overlay than on an operational overlay.

D. If the reader does not have the map to use with the overlay, the

map reference provides the information necessary to obtain it.

The information includes map sheet name, sheet number, map series

number, and the scale of the map.

E. The author will place his name, rank, organization, date, and time

of preparation on the overlay next. The date and time shows the elapsed

time since the report of the information and the time you prepared the

overlay.

F. The legend of an overlay is the last piece of marginal

information. You use it only when necessary for such things as:

- to explain nonstandard colors or symbols.

- for a reference to any supporting document of the overlay.

- to show distribution.

REMOVE VGT #14

SUMMARY: As you have seen, a few simple symbols can replace an

enormous amount of written orders. An overlay makes the commanders

intent more clear and makes the operation plan more exact so each

subordinate user of the overlay has the same information. Overlays are

tools for leaders. Understanding them is a responsibility of every

leader. We will now do a practical exercise where we will interpret an

overlay.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. Pass out PEl. Have

students turn in the programmed text NOW!17


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AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS ACADEMY 0196

BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE

Military Symbols and Overlay Techniques

Practical Exercise #1

SOLUTION

Task: Interpret an overlay.

Condition: Given a simulated overlay and FM 101-5, as the section

platoon sergeant, 2d platoon, identify the following elements of

information.

Standards: JAW FM 101-5.

1. The location of your platoon is item 8

2. The location of 1st platoon is item 11

3. The location of 3d platoon is item 5

4. The battalion combat trains location is item 6

5. The location of the aid station is item 12

6. Item 10 represents your platoons left boundary.

7. Item 4 represents your platoons right boundary.

8. The east-west 94 grid line is called PHASE LINE RED and is

represented

by item 1

9. The location of the company CP is item 7

10. Route Alpha is represented by item 3

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