2-67 ARMOR

IRON DUKES

B R A V O C O M P A N Y 2 -6 7 A R M O R B A T T A L I O N

B A T T L E C A T T A C S O P

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JUNE, 19961

ANNEX A -- OPERATIONS AND MANEUVER........................................8 APPENDIX 1. MOVEMENT FORMATIONS.....................................12 A. Platoon formations: .......................................................................12 B. Company formations.....................................................................15 C. Change of Formation Battle Drills:...............................................22 APPENDIX 2. COMPANY BATTLE DRILLS......................................32 A. Contact Drill..................................................................................33 B. Action Left or Right.......................................................................34 C. Hasty Attack (Punch Drill).............................................................36 D. Defile Drills (Platoon)....................................................................39 E. Flying Defile Drill..........................................................................40 F. Short Defile Drill............................................................................40 G. Defile Drill (Long).........................................................................43 H. Air Attack Drill..............................................................................46 I. Indirect Fires Drill...........................................................................47 J. Blind Turn Drill..............................................................................49 K. Hasty Obstacle Breach Drill..........................................................49 L. Defile Breaching Drill....................................................................51 M. ATGM Drill..................................................................................54 N. Movement in Built Up Areas.........................................................56 O. Company Trap Drill.......................................................................58 APPENDIX 3. OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS.........................................60 A. Conduct of the Assault...................................................................74 B. Breaching Drill...............................................................................78 APPENDIX 4. DEFENSIVE OPERATIONS.........................................89 A. The Defensive Sequence................................................................96 B. Engagement Area Development....................................................99 C. Occupation of a Battle Position....................................................104 D. Company Fire Plans.....................................................................108 E. Security of the Company Area......................................................113 F. Counterreconnaissance.................................................................119 G. Company Trap Operation............................................................133 APPENDIX 5. RECONNAISSANCE..................................................136 A. Dismounted Reconnaissance Patrol.............................................136 B. Leaders Reconnaissance...............................................................137 C. Forward Recon Detachment.........................................................139 D. Route Reconnaissance..................................................................141 APPENDIX 6. TACTICAL ROAD MARCH......................................142 APPENDIX 7. QUARTERING PARTY...............................................148 APPENDIX 8. ASSEMBLY AREA ACTIVITIES...............................155

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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A. Movement to the TAA.................................................................155 B. Occupation....................................................................................155 C. Mounted Occupation....................................................................155 D. Position Markings........................................................................157 E. Priorities of Work.........................................................................157 F. Site Check.....................................................................................157 G. Company CP................................................................................158 H. TAA Security................................................................................159 I. Observation Post Activities...........................................................160 J. Standards in the TAA....................................................................161 K. Stand-To Procedures....................................................................161 L. OPSEC in the TAA.......................................................................162 M. Occupation of Assembly Area Checklist....................................163 APPENDIX 9. OTHER TACTICAL OPERATIONS...........................164 A. Relief in Place..............................................................................164 B. River Crossings............................................................................167 C. Passage of Lines...........................................................................169 D. Consolidation and Reorganization..............................................175 E. Battalion/Company Reserve.........................................................177 APPENDIX 10. DIRECT FIRE PLANNING......................................180 ANNEX B -- COMBAT SUPPORT...........................................................207 APPENDIX 1. FIRE SUPPORT OPERATIONS..................................207 APPENDIX 2. ARTILLERY TRIGGERS FOR MOVING TARGETS ................................................................................................................210 APPENDIX 3. COMBAT AIR SUPPORT..........................................212 APPENDIX 4. ENGINEER .................................................................213 APPENDIX 5. AIR DEFENSE.............................................................220 APPENDIX 6. TANK/INFANTRY OPERATIONS.............................223 ANNEX C -- COMBAT SERVICE AND SUPPORT................................225 APPENDIX 1. SUPPLY........................................................................225 APPENDIX 2. TACTICAL HOT REFUEL.........................................230 APPENDIX 3. VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND RECOVERY......231 APPENDIX 4. PERSONNEL...............................................................233 A. General.........................................................................................233 B. Medical Evacuation and Reporting..............................................233 C. KIA Evacuation/Reporting...........................................................235 APPENDIX 5. RAILHEAD OPERATIONS........................................238 ANNEX D -- COMMAND AND CONTROL..........................................245 APPENDIX 1. TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES...........................253 APPENDIX 2. THE ORDERS PROCESS...........................................254 A. OPORD Reproduction..................................................................255 B. Orders Issue..................................................................................256

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C. Order Formats..............................................................................262 APPENDIX 3. REHEARSALS............................................................305 APPENDIX 4. ACTIONS AT CONTACT POINT -COORDINATION WITH ADJACENT UNITS...................................................................309 APPENDIX 5. ATTACHMENT/DETACHMENTS/CROSS ATTACHMENT.....................................................................................310 APPENDIX 6. AFTER ACTION REVIEWS.......................................311 ANNEX E -- TACTICAL CHECKLISTS.................................................312 APPENDIX 1. PACKING LIST (FOR DEPLOYMENT)...................312 APPENDIX 2. PRE-COMBAT INSPECTIONS..................................316 APPENDIX 3. LEADER CHECKS.....................................................321 APPENDIX 4. BREAK IN ACTION CHECKLIST............................323 APPENDIX 5. COMBAT AMMO RESUPPLY...................................324 APPENDIX 6. ABANDONING/DESTRUCTION OF EQUIPMENT 325 APPENDIX 7. ACTIONS ON BEING HIT.........................................327 APPENDIX 8. RECOVERY ................................................................330 APPENDIX 9. M1A1 MILES BORESIGHT.......................................334 APPENDIX 10. SAFETY/RISK ANALYSIS......................................337 APPENDIX 11. LAW OF WAR............................................................340 ANNEX F -- OPERATIONAL SECURITY..............................................342 APPENDIX 1. OPERATIONAL SECURITY......................................342 APPENDIX 2. PRIORITY INTELLIGENCE REQUIREMENTS......342 APPENDIX 3. READINESS CONDITION (REDCON)....................343 APPENDIX 4. ALERT /ROLLOUT PROCEDURES..........................344 APPENDIX 5. OBSERVATION POST ACTIVITIES.........................346 ANNEX G -- STABILITY OPERATIONS................................................348 APPENDIX 1. LODGMENT AREAS..................................................349 APPENDIX 2. PATROLS.....................................................................350 APPENDIX 3. CONVOY ESCORT.....................................................355 APPENDIX 4. CHECKPOINT OPERATIONS...................................368 APPENDIX 5. OBSERVATION POST OPERATIONS.......................381 APPENDIX 6. SECURE A BUILT-UP AREA - PERSONNEL SEARCHES............................................................................................386 A. Rules of Engagement (ROE) (sample).......................................392 B. Crater Analysis and Shell Reports...............................................395 C. Actions in a Mine Field................................................................397 D. React to Media.............................................................................398 ANNEX H -- NBC OPERATIONS............................................................400 ANNEX I -- OPERATIONS UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS..........409 APPENDIX 1. URBAN OPERATIONS...............................................409 APPENDIX 2. COMBAT IN FORESTS..............................................422 APPENDIX 3. COMBAT IN MOUNTAINS.......................................429

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ANNEX J -- LIMITED VISIBILITY/NIGHT OPERATIONS.................430 APPENDIX 1. GENERAL NIGHT OPERATIONS TECHNIQUES...430 APPENDIX 2. NIGHT ATTACKS.......................................................434 APPENDIX 3. NIGHT DEFENSE.......................................................440 APPENDIX 4. NIGHT ROADMARCH...............................................444 APPENDIX 5. NIGHT OCCUPATION OF A TAA.............................447 ANNEX K -- SIGNAL ..............................................................................450 APPENDIX 1. REPORTS ....................................................................450 APPENDIX 2. FIXED CALLSIGNS ..................................................456 APPENDIX 3. BREVITY CODES....................................................458 APPENDIX 4. FLAGS AND OTHER VISUAL SIGNALS................460

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DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY BRAVO COMPANY, 2ND BATTALION, 67TH ARMOR UNIT 21103 APO AE 09074 AETV-THN-B-B JUNE, 1996

MEMORANDUM FOR ALL ASSIGNED AND ATTACHED PERSONNEL SUBJECT: Battlecat Tactical Standard Operating Procedures (TACSOP) PURPOSE: This SOP standardizes routine, recurring Operational, Combat Support, and Combat Service Support procedures within Bravo Company, 2-67 Armor. The provisions of this SOP provide a standardized means of conducting tactical operations for all personnel, assigned or attached, unless modified by verbal and/or written order. This SOP is based on current U.S. Army doctrine, along with current tactical procedures as used habitually by B/2-67. CONFORMITY: All assigned, attached, and operational controlled (OPCON) personnel will be familiar with and comply with the provisions of this SOP. CHANGES: Recommended changes to this SOP will be addressed to the commander. Approved changes will be published and distributed to all personnel. This document is prepared using MS WORD. ADDITIONAL REFERENCES: This SOP is intended to be used with the TF SOP, not instead of it. Certain Graphic Training Aids are to be used with this SOP. A list is provided in ANNEX E. DISTRIBUTION: This SOP will be issued to and maintained by all assigned and attached personnel of the Bravo Company Team.

J.S. CUNNINGHAM CPT, AR COMMANDING

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MissionThe mission of this company is to meet this countrys enemies on the field of battle and defeat them, as violently as necessary, and as quickly as possible. If you have any questions report immediately to your NCO

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ANNEX A --OPERATIONS AND MANEUVERThe company will generally move as a unified formation during combat, as a part of the Battalion-Task Force. The missions given to the company reflect the capabilities inherent in the organization. The key to wartime survival is efficient peacetime training. This training will focus on proficiency at gunnery skills, and battle drills. The Company must be proficient at actions on contact, basic combat formation drills, change of formation drills, and rapid deploying and returning fire upon making contact . Company maneuver requires the mastery of formations, movement techniques, and battle drills. The company must be able to transition rapidly and smoothly between formations and battle drills to allow the security of movement, and the massing of fires. Battle drills are semi-automatic responses to tactical situations that build speed and coordination into maneuver. Battle drills at the Company level include: Actions on Contact, Hasty Attack, Hasty Breach, Movement Drills, Hasty Defense, React to Artillery, and React to Air Attack. These drills are contained in the various Appendices of this Annex. The company must be also proficient in the use of its weapons and combat support elements such as artillery, engineers, and air defense. The goal of maneuver is to destroy the enemies ability to resist by destruction, fear, and mainly creating the perception that fighting on would mean a futile death in an overwhelming and hopeless situation. Victory can usually be attained prior to the complete destruction of the enemy. The motto of Close with and destroy the enemy is a poor guide to Armored operations as it implies focusing the main effort on the enemys main force. To be effective the tanks must search out and strike at the weak points, bypass the strength, and move deeply into the enemys rear areas to destroy the logistic, and support elements that are not expecting or are unprepared for a tank attack. By creating chaos in the enemy rear the main forces and defense at the front will collapse by itself. The following are the basic maneuver principles used during mounted armored combat operations :

- Recon, Recon, and Rehearse- Fight to move, dont move to fight. Keep freedom of maneuver - Mass your firepower. Hit with a fist, dont poke with the fingers - Push through the weak spots, avoid strength

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- Fight the terrain, not the enemy - No movement conducted without some type of overwatch in open areas - Always create a reserve (out of contact) while in combat

- Create a main effort through: Maneuver of forces Concentration of fires Formations of movement Committing reserve - Focus the main effort at the point most likely to bring success, not at the point most likely to prevent failure. - Company secures itself from every location, and during all movement, at all times. - Plan for and expect casualties - Use a simple plan and be flexible. Plan the fight, dont fight the plan. Change the plan if necessary - Expect confusion, and create it for the enemy. - Strike at a portion of his force with all of yours. Divide and Conquer - In the absence of orders, Act. Follow the commanders intent - Cautious and deliberate movement usually helps avoid unpleasant surprises, but results in a slow, predictable advance, and as such is not suited to armor operations. Speed is usually better than armor. The Company must arrive earlier at the decisive point than the enemy expects or fears. Only the bold have luck. Never halt because an adjacent unit is stuck. If you push on you will release the pressure on the adjacent unit by turning the enemys flank, and he will be forced to retreat. Mass forces quickly and exploit. Never let the enemy relax. Sacrifice perfect synchronization for tempo and speed of execution. - Be flexible, never stick to a plan in spite of the situation. Flow like a river along the path of least resistance. Focus your strength against enemy weakness, and ruthlessly exploit any advantage you attain.

- When presented with a highly advantageous situation, exploit it immediately, then notify higher what you have done. Dont call and ask for permission. Always follow the Commanders Intent, even if it means deviating from the Concept of the9

Operation or Scheme of Maneuver. Notify higher headquarters what you have done to keep them informed, but dont sit around and wait for permission. The goal is to achieve the desired effect on the enemy, not to precisely execute the plan.-Maintain Situational Awareness (Turret SA and Tactical SA). Always be aware of what is happening a) in your 360 degree proximity (through use of your eyes), and b) with adjacent units, minefields, enemy situation, etc - Dont use the expected terrain. Approach from an unexpected direction. Fight the terrain, not the enemy. Use your mobility to concentrate forces at the decisive place and time. Do Not attack with tanks and infantry at separate places and times. - Ruthlessly recon the terrain and enemy positions, even while in contact. You can never know enough about the enemy situation - In a movement to contact commit all forces as soon as they arrive. Dont hold units out of action as a reserve. Pull units out of contact to form the reserve, then shift them to the point where success is most likely. Form a main effort, then strike like a sledgehammer, not a series of small hits. - Counterattack immediately against a moving enemy or one consolidating on his objective. Never use the reserve head on as in an infantry charge. Use your maneuverability to hit him from the flanks or rear, then strike to destroy, not repel. Use the reserve to counterattack at the point of most likely success, not at the point of impending failure. When the reserve is committed begin constituting a new one immediately . - Once you gain an advantage over the enemy never relax pressure. Ruthlessly pursue him once you have your sword in his back. Do not stop to reorganize, keep advancing. The critical advantage in maintaining the tempo of the attack is that the harder the enemy is pressed, the greater becomes our advantage. This effect increases completely out of proportion to the forces involved, and gets to the point where numbers dont count. This effect, once in motion, only ends when the attacker outruns his logistical resources. Once the advantage is gained the attacking force must be driven to and beyond the limits of endurance, as the enemy is not only disorganized, he is frightened, confused, and it is only a matter of time

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before he retreats in panic. This results in not just a defeat for the enemy, but a rout, and complete collapse. - Dont bring a knife to a gunfight. Never fight fair, fight to win and finish quickly. Dont fight just to win, fight to beat him so badly that he doesnt know what the hell just happened to him. Beat him so bad that you embarrass him.

-Use combined arms. This is not all arms employed to the same purpose, it is separate arms exploiting their strength to compensate for other arms weaknesses ie. Obstacles to drive the enemy into the open where tanks can shoot them, while artillery targets the low ground that they could otherwise move through to outflank you. Create a dilem for the enemy so that when he does something to escape the effect of one weapon, he exposes himself to another. He will have no way out.

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APPENDIX 1. MOVEMENT FORMATIONSThe company maneuvers as part of the battalion using numerous formations and techniques. The formations used are chosen based on speed of movement, security, firepower to chosen directions, and the flexibility the allow in uncertain situations. Formations are never a substitute for good use of terrain. All formations are variations of the column or line. The company transitions between formations by shifting platoon positions and orientations. The platoon positions in company formations are standardized, although the platoon that holds these positions will change due to the situation, combat losses, or cross attachment. Platoons need to be familiar with the basic movement of all the platoon elements in each formation so that they can take up other positions in the formation rapidly without confusion or delay. Individual vehicle commanders must also be familiar with their positions in the formations, as well as the orientation of weapons to ensure the company maintains 360 degree security. The most commonly used formations are the march column, wedge, V, and line. The wedge and V formations are variations of the line. Platoon columns in these formations may sometimes be used to speed movement, while at the same time having the company 90% deployed in the desired battle formation, the only movement needed being platoons shifting into platoon lines, wedges or Vs as necessary. Company and platoon columns are often used at night to make navigation and orientation easier.

A. Platoon formations:The following are the standard platoon formations that will be used also when moving as part of a company formation1. Column: This is a standard formation that allows rapid movement and a degree of flexibility. It is normally used when enemy contact is not expected and speed is important. This formation may be used as part of the Company formations to increase the speed of movement, for example Platoon Columns in a Company Wedge. This formation provides little concentration of firepower, but at the platoon level provides adequate security as each tank orients to one of the sides. A standard variation of this formation is the staggered column, which provides better firepower to the front, as well as better dispersion.

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2. Line:

TANK PLATOON LINE- USED DURING ASSAULTS - MAXIMUM FIREPOWER TO FRONT - DIFFICULT TO CONTROL, INFLEXIBLE

TANK PLATOON COLUMN

PLATOON L- VARIATIONOF PLT LINE, GIVES SOME SECURITY TO ONE SIDE

3. Wedge:

TANK PLATOON WEDGE- USED WHEN ENEMY CONTACT IS LIKELY - USED TO INITIATE PENETRATION - FAST MOVEMENT - GOOD FIREPOWER TO FRONT, FLANKS - ALL TANKS KEY MOVEMENT TO LEAD VEHICLE - GOOD FOR THREE VEHICLE PLATOONS

TA

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4. V:

PLATOON V- USED WHEN SITUATION UNCERTAIN - EXCELLENT GENERAL PURPOSE FORMATION - VERY FLEXIBLE AND RESPONSIVE - GOOD C2, LEADERS IN OVERWATCH - GOOD ALL ROUND FIREPOWER - GOOD FORMATION FOR THREE TANK PLATOONS

5. Echelon:

ECHELON- FIRES WEIGHTED TO FRONT AND FLANK - CAN BE USED WHEN ONE FLANK COVERED BY OTHER UNIT OR TERRAIN - EASY TO CONTROL - USED BY SIDE PLATOONS OF COMPANY WEDGE

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B. Company formations1. Column: This formation utilizes a "ducks in a row" manner of moving. It will be usually used during tactical road marches, or when the company is an uncommitted part of the battalion formation. This is not a fighting formation, and is used mainly for the speed and control it allows. The column provides little security to the flanks or front, and its length can make it unwieldy. It takes approximately six minutes for the trail platoon to move to the head of the column. In some instances the company may move in a column, but the platoons would move in wedges or Vs. The company may also move in one of the line variations such as V, or wedge, with platoons in column to allow the company to be 90% deployed, but still maintain forward speed The habitual company slice is not included in this diagram, as they would normally be traveling one terrain feature behind. Additional attachments will be inserted into positions within the column depending on the tactical situation.

COMPANY COLUMN

For location of slice elements in column when Company conducts tactical roadmarch see diagrams in APPENDIX 6 (Tactical Roadmarch), Annex A. Gun tube orientation will be as follows: the lead vehicle orients from fender to fender; following vehicles orient from vehicle in front's flank to the direct side, alternating Left and Right along the line; the last combat vehicle orient over its back deck, to protect the combat trains. 50 caliber machine guns will not be elevated, loaders will be oriented to the rear with the 240 machine gun. This formation will be used with modification in mountainous terrain and defiles. The main consideration is to ensure that vehicles move under mutual support and cover, and that all sectors of possible enemy positions are covered. This will often involve the use of 50 cal as the main weapon oriented on targets above the main gun max elevation.

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b. Staggered Column (or Combat Column). Normally used in movement to contact type missions. Support elements will normally follow one terrain feature behind the company. Gun tube orientation will remain the same with the following exceptions: the two lead tanks will orient across the front, and the two rear tanks will orient to the rear.

COMPANY COMBAT COLUMN

B-66

B-65 FISTV

CO TRAINS

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c. Company Line: The Company comes on line to block (defend), overwatch or support by fire another company, or to assault an enemy position. Firepower is maximized to the front to destroy the enemy. The Commander and XO move behind the line to control the movement of the Company. The FIST-V moves behind the line as necessary to remain survivable, and provide responsive fires. Other attachments would also move behind the line. The trains will be located one terrain feature back to provide rapid medical and maintenance evacuation during the consolidation and reorganization phase. Gun tube orientation will be directed forward or slightly to the flanks. Trains halt and prepare to bound forward on order.

B-66

B-65

COMPANY LINE FORMATION

d. Wedge: The wedge formation allows the company to move forward quickly, or to advance when the situation is vague. It also provides freedom of action for the company to easily change into another formation or execute a battle drill based on enemy contact. This formation will also be used to cross danger areas. It gives good firepower to the front, and fair security to the flanks. The lead platoon will be in a platoon wedge, the flank platoons will be in echelon right and left respectively. The commander moves with the main effort, the XO where he can most effectively contribute to the company movement. The FIST-V will move in a position from which he can control fires and remain alive. The support

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elements will trail, at least one terrain feature behind the rear-most tank. Gun tube orientation will be adjusted to cover the front and flanks, the two most outside vehicles have the responsibility for rear security.

*

COMPANY WEDGE- STANDARD TACTICAL FORMATION, FLEXIBLE, GOOD SECURITY - USED WHEN FLANKS MAY BE THREATENED OR SITUATION IS UNCERTAIN - PLATOONS MAY BE IN COLUMN, WEDGE OR ECHELON FORMATIONS - ENGINEERS TRAVEL BEHIND LEAD PLATOON, ACES, CEV, AVLB MAY MOVE FARTHER BACK - COMMANDER WITH MAIN EFFORT, XO WITH SECONDARY EFFORT - TRAINS MOVE 1 MAJOR TERRAIN FEATURE BEHIND (OR 2-4 KM) COMPANY ARROWHEAD - FISTV, ADA, OTHER SLICE ELEMENTS MOVE AS NECESSARY TO SURVIVE AND ACCOMPLISH MISSIION * COMBAT PATROL MAY PRECEEDE THE COMPANY FORMATION (APPROX 2KM FORWARD)

B-66

FIST-V

e. Company Arrowhead: The Company Arrowhead is similar to a wedge, and is often used in semi open terrain, especially when a Forward Recon Detachment (FRD)

SLICE PLATOON B-65

18COMPANY TRAINS FOLLOW TO THE REAR 2-4 KM BACK

is not being used. It will often be used during movement to contact type missions, or in other situations where the enemy situation is not definite. This formation gives good flexibility, and rapid reaction time, and works well for executing rapid changes of formation, direction of advance, or the Company Punch drill. In the Company Arrowhead the lead platoon forms a wedge, and provides firepower to the front. The wing platoons remain in column on the flanks to give the formation speed and flexibility. The Commander travels with, or immediately behind the lead platoon, the XO travels with one of the wing platoons, or the trains. Slice platoons (engineers) usually stay in column in the center, and a little to the rear of the formation to allow them to flex to any necessary direction. The trains travel in the center, and well to the rear. In a desert environment the trains would probably tuck in closer into the Arrowhead for protection, and the formation would then translate to a diamond shape. On contact the Company deploys rapidly based on the tactical situation. f. Company V: The V formation is often used during offensive movements because it is easy to control, and is flexible by keeping one platoon to the rear uncommitted. Its general shape gives good firepower to the front, as well as some security to the sides. This formation lends itself well to a company traveling overwatch, and is also good for bounding as part of a battalion formation. Bounding overwatch is also possible within the company from the V.

*

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COMPANY V- FLEXIBLE FORMATION USED WHEN ENEMY SITUATION IS UNCERTAIN, USUALLY IN OPEN TERRAIN - STANDARD NIGHT MOVEMENT TECHNIQUE - PLATOONS NORMALLY MOVE IN PLATOON WEDGES, OR VS - FORMATION CAN EASILY BYPASS OBSTACLES ,CHANGE DIRECTION, OR REACT TO FLANK THREATS - ALLOWS ATTACKS FROM THE MARCH IN ANY DIRECTION (SEE COMPANY PUNCH DRILL) - TRAINS MOVE 1 MAJOR TERRAIN FEATURE BEHIND (OR 2-4 KM) -GOOD FORMATION FOR PENETRATIONS. LEAD PLATOONS OPEN UP BREACH, FOLLOW ON PLATOON MOVES THROUGH AND EXPLOITS

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COMBAT PATROL MAY PRECEEDE THE COMPANY FORMATION (APPROX 2KM FORWARD)

g. Company Coil: This formation will be utilized in the Assembly Area and Attack positions. The support elements will establish positions in the center of the coil. The geometry of the coil is not as important as finding good terrain that will still provide 360 degree security. Actual coils are usually far from circular. The Company position in heavily wooded areas will often be cigar shaped

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MAINTENANCE AND MEDICS B-66

B-77

CP

FIST-V

B-65

BATTLECAT STANDARD COIL - PLATOONS TAKE UP POSITIONS ON PERIMETER - HQ ELEMENT ESTABLISHES COMPANY CP IN CENTER - TANK PLATOONS ORIENT ON MOST LIKELY MOUNTED AVENUES OF APPROACH - MECH PLT COVERS MOST LIKELY DISMOUNTED AVENUE OF APPROACH - ATTACHED ENGINEER PLATOON WOULD TAKE PORTION OF PERIMETER ORIENTING ON DISMOUNTED AVENUES OF APPROACH, WITH ACES AND AVLBS IN CENTER OF COIL

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C. Change of Formation Battle Drills:Rapid change of formation drills are critical to the Company deploying quickly during combat, and must be understood to avoid chaos and confusion. For all formation drills the clock method is used, where 12 oclock is the direction of travel, 9 oclock to the left, 3 oclock to the right, and 6 oclock to the rear.

1. Company Column to Company coil: The Company will coil when it transitions from a march column to a secure halt. This drill is often used in occupying assembly areas, or if the Company goes into a halt in open areas. The actual coil shape may be altered in detail based on the decisions of the Quartering Party or the Commander. To initiate a company coil the Commander radios BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE COIL, OUT. Upon receiving this call the lead platoon passes the 6 o-clock position, and takes up the best available terrain in the 10-2 o-clock sector. The trailing platoons follow the lead platoon and occupy their positions in the coil, with the middle platoon setting to orient between 2-6 12 oclock, and the trail platoon from 6-10 oclock. The Company HQ elements, and trains move to the center of the coil and establish the Company CP. 2. Company Coil to Company Column: Before moving out of a Company coil the Commander designates aLEAD PLT

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CP MIDDLE TRAIL PLT PLT

3

6

COMPANY COLUMN TO COMPANY COILLEAD PLT B-66 MIDDLE PLT

B-65 FISTV TRAIL PLT

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direction of movement out of the coil (exit point), and an order of march. When the Company moves from the coil to the march column the Commander orders: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, UNCOIL, EXECUTE COLUMN, OUT. Upon receiving this order Platoons begin moving mounted to the designated exit point, and take up their positions in the column as necessary. The lead platoon automatically begins moving on the designated route, moving slowly at first to allow the remainder of the Company to uncoil. 3. Company Column to Company Wedge: The Company transitions from a column to a wedge or V when enemy contact is likely. The Commander orders BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE WEDGE, OUT. Upon receiving this command the lead platoon slows slightly, continuing on the same axis, while transitioning to platoon wedge. The follow on platoons branch off to the right (center platoon), and left (trail platoon), transition to platoon wedges, echelon, or column formations, and take up their positions in the company wedge, keying their movement off of the base platoon in the center. This basic order for moving to the left or right for the center and trail platoons may be reversed based on terrain or situation. The attached Bradley platoon would generally break to the side that will provide the most cover, and possibility for use of dismounts. The commander remains behind the lead platoon. The XO will generally travel with the Bradley platoon to balance the formation. The FIST-V travels where it needs to in order to provide responsive fires, while at the same time survive. Attachments would generally take up positions in the wedge behind the center platoon, so that the final formation may take on a diamond shaped appearance. The company trains would remain one major terrain feature to the rear. As soon as the Company has gotten into the wedge PLATOON COLUMN TO WEDGE (OR V )DRILL formation the base - EXECUTED REVERSE OF LINE TO COLUMN DRILL - DONE WHEN MOVING OUT OF DEFILE OR BREACH platoon picks up the - DONE WHEN CONTACT BECOMES IMMINENT original rate of - EXECUTED FOR ACTION FRONT DRILL - CAN ALSO BE USED TO GO TO LINE FORMATION movement.- VEHICLE POSITIONS ARE STANDARDIZED

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COMPANY COLUMN TO COMPANY WEDGE

LEAD PLT

TRAIL PLT MIDDLE PLT B-66

FISTV

B-65

LEAD PLT B-66

MIDDLE PLT

B-65 FISTV TRAIL PLT

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4. Company Wedge to Company Column: This is done to pass through narrow areas, obstacles, and secured defiles. It is done opposite the drill for column to wedge, with the base (lead platoon) continuing to move, and the other platoons falling back into the column as necessary. The command for this drill is: :BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE COLUMN, OUT. The drill for platoons is similar.

PLATOON LINE (OR WEDGE, V) TO COLUMN DRILL - EXECUTED WHEN CONTACT BECOMES LESS LIKELY - USED TO MOVE THROUGH DEFILE - USED TO MOVE THROUGH A BREACH - VEHICLE POSITIONS STANDARD IN LINE - SAME DRILL USED FOR WEDGE TO LINE

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5. Company Column to Company V: The Commander orders BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE V, OUT. Upon receiving this order the lead platoon slows its rate of march slightly, veers left, moves to platoon wedge formation, takes its place as the left flank platoon of the V, and orients weapons from 8-1 o-clock. The middle platoon will move to the right, assume a wedge LEAD formation, take up position as the right flank platoon, and orient weapons from 11PLT 4 oclock. The trail platoon continues moving on the original axis, transitions to platoon wedge, and becomes the center platoon, orienting weapons from 9-3 B-66 oclock. This basic order for moving to the left or right for the center and trail platoons may be reversed based on terrain or situation. The attached Bradley platoon would generally break to the side that will provide the most cover, and possibility for use of dismounts. The commander remains behind the lead platoon. MIDDLE PLT The XO will generally travel with the Bradley platoon to balance the formation. The FIST-V travels where it needs to in order to provide responsive fires, while at B-65 the same time survive. Attachments will normally follow the center (trail) platoon. FISTV Trains remain 2-4 km or 1 terrain feature behind.

TRAIL PLT

LEAD PLT

MIDDLE PLT B-66 TRAIL PLT FISTV

COMPANY WEDGE TO COLUMN

B-65

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COMPANY COLUMN TO COMPANY V

LEAD PLT

MIDDLE PLT

B-66 FISTV TRAIL PLT

LEAD PLT

B-65

MIDDLE PLT

LEAD PLT B-66

MIDDLE PLT

B-65 FISTV

TRAIL PLT

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6. Company V to Company Column: This is done to pass through narrow areas, obstacles, and secured defiles. It is done opposite the drill for column to V with the center platoon slowing, but continuing to move, and the other platoons falling into the column as necessary. The command for this drill is:

LEAD PLT B-66

MIDDLE PLT

B-65 FISTV

TRAIL PLT

LEAD PLT

MIDDLE PLT

B-66 B-65 TRAIL PLT

FISTV

COMPANY WEDGE TO COLUMNBATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE COLUMN, OUT.

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7. Company Wedge or V to Company Line: The Company comes on line to block (defend), overwatch or support by fire another company, or to assault an enemy position. Firepower is maximized to the front to destroy the enemy. The Company moves to this formation with the following command: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE LINE, OUT. Upon this command all platoons move on line. In a V the trail platoon speeds up to come abreast of the two flank platoons, while with a wedge the flank platoons speed up to come abreast of the center platoon. The CO, XO, FIST-V move behind the line where they can best control the tactical situation. Other attachments move behind the line or stay back far enough so as not to interfere with the formation.COMPANY WEDGE (OR V) TO COMPANY LINE

8. Bounding overwatch (from Company V) This is the basic movement formation when enemy contact is likely. It allows the platoons to move as units, as opposed to internal platoon bounding. B-66 critical for the overwatch force to be It is B-65 able to overwatch and bring fires on the areas where the enemy could engage the 5 FIST-V moving unit, not just watch the actual movement of the moving element. The overwatch force may have to shift its position in order to provide effective overwatch. The overwatch element must notify the moving element when he can no longer effectively overwatch his move.

WHITE

2RED

4 6B-66

3FISTV

1

BLUE

B-65 BOUNDING OVERWATCH (FROM COMPANY V)- USED WHEN ENEMY CONTACT IMMINENT - LEAD PLATOON SETS BEFORE FOLLOW ON PLATONS MOVE 1. WHITE THIS IS BATTLE 6, MOVE CHECK POINT 9, RED SET AND COVER HIS MOVE 2. THIS IS RED 1, SET, OVER 3. THIS IS WHITE 1, MOVING 4. THIS IS WHITE 1, SET 5. THIS IS RED 1, MOVING 6. THIS IS BLUE 1, MOVING

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APPENDIX 2. COMPANY BATTLE DRILLSThese are rehearsed drills designed to reduce the reaction time in critical situations. They need to be rapid to allow the company to survive long enough to maneuver. They are initiated with simple commands, although the actions involved may be rather complex. Due to this these drills need to be practiced to prevent confusion, chaos, and delay when they are executed. Battle drills will always require adaptation of maneuver to terrain. The clock method is used for orientation. The company direction of movement is always 12 oclock. Battle drills are applicable to all levels of units. The following battle drills must be understood by all members of the company, and serve as a guide for tasks to practice during rehearsals. Platoons Change formation while moving (APPENDIX 1) Contact Drills Action left/right Coil/uncoil Clear a Defile Occupy A Battle Position (Deliberate or Hasty) (APPENDIX 4) React to Air attack Hasty Breach of Point Obstacle React to NBC attack (ANNEX H) React to artillery while mounted (while stationary and moving) Move in a built up area Blind corner drill Evacuate wounded Company Change Formations (APPENDIX 1) Execute Action Left/Right Conduct Hasty Attack Actions on the Objective Disengage/Break Contact Deliberate and Hasty Breach Defile Drill , Defile Breach Company Trap React to ATGM, direct fire React to Air Attack

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React to NBC Attack React to Artillery while stationary and moving

A. Contact DrillThis drill is executed when the platoon comes in contact with an enemy force that does not need to be immediately assaulted as in an action drill. Upon the command

ENEMY

PLATOON CONTACT DRILL - IMMEDIATE RESPONSE TO THREAT FROM FLANK - ALL VEHICLES ORIENT ON TARGET - MOVEMENT CONTINUES IN DIRECTION OF TRAVEL - USED AGAINST LOW LEVEL THREATS OR WHEN VEHICLES NEED TO MOVE OUT OF AREA QUICKLY RED THIS IS RED 1, CONTACT RIGHT

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CONTACT RIGHT (or left, front, rear) the entire unit orients its weapons in the direction of the contact, and continues to move in the original direction. The Contact Drill can be executed in any direction.

B. Action Left or RightThis drill is activated by enemy contact on the left or right of the Company or platoon. A platoon or tank commander makes contact and reports to the Commander / Platoon Leader using the clock method or cardinal compass direction. The Platoon drill is normally initiated when the platoon has been surprised from a flank, and must turn to face the threat with its heaviest armor, and destroy it by assault. The company drill is done when the company has made contact and there is little time to develop the situation, such as when in contact with the FSE during a movement to contact. The action drill is called by the leader: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, ACTION RIGHT, OUT. The key to this drill is immediate suppressive fires by the base of fire platoons, and violent shock action by the maneuvering platoon. In the platoon action drill the entire element turns and assaults. For the company action drill the company will orient towards the contact, but will not generally assault altogether. Thus, in action left, the two platoons not in contact maneuver around the left flank of the platoon in contact. The platoon in contact opens fire, deploys, and reports: BATTLE, THIS IS BLUE, CONTACT FRONT, ENGAGING, OUT. The commander would then initiate the action drill: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, BLUE IN CONTACT AT 12 OCLOCK, ACTION RIGHT, OUT. Attacking platoons should maneuver by covered and concealed routes to the enemys flank. The FIST normally sets and calls for fires to support the platoon in contact. The commander would normally move with the attacking element, the XO to the base of fire element. In this example the platoons moves to the side of the platoon in contact, come abreast, then assault into the flank of the enemy that has been fixed by the suppressive fires of the lead platoon. Variations to this basic drill include all elements maneuvering to a side, or just one of the platoons, for example when the drill is called from a V formation. See also Company and Platoon Punch Drill. - Action front: This is normally a platoon level action drill, as it takes the company a long time to come on line to execute this. During the action front drill the platoon orients on the threat and assaults directly until the threat is destroyed. - Action Rear: This is similar to the action front drill except that the threat is from the rear. During this drill all vehicles of the platoon turn around immediately and assault the target to the rear.

33

ENEMY

PLATOON ACTION DRILL - IMMEDIATE RESONSE TO FLANK AMBUSH WHEN MOVING IN COLUMN - CAN BE EXECUTED LEFT, RIGHT, FRONT, BACK - PUTS MAXIMUM FIRE ON ENEMY - FACES FORWARD ARMOR TOWARDS ENEMY -PLATOON CONDUCTS IMMEDIATE ASSAULT, OVERRUNS ENEMY POSITION WHITE, THIS IS WHITE ONE, ACTION RIGHT

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C. Hasty Attack (Punch Drill)This drill is executed when the Company comes in contact with an enemy force and decides to attack. The lead PLT sets a base of fire, the other PLTs and dismounts conduct a movement to and attack from the flank. Artillery targets are shifted off of the fixed force and on to suspected enemy locations during the assault. The flank attack will normally be an assault by fire, but can be a mounted assault. The assaulting tanks move firing coax at all suspected targets, and main gun at all positively identified targets. Tanks will maximize use of HEAT ammo during the assault to add to the shock effect. The Commander actively designates control measures to reduce the risk of friendly fire casualties. This drill can be executed on a smaller scale at platoon level.

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PLATOON PUNCH DRILL - USED TO FIX AND PUNCH LEFT OR RIGHT - THE MOST BASIC ELEMENT OF FIRE AND MANEUVER - ONE SECTION SUPRESSES WITH DIRECT FIRE - OTHER SECTION BOUNDS TO ENEMY FLANK - BOUNDING ELEMENT USES TERRAIN TO COVER MOVE BASIC FRAGO RED, THIS IS RED 1. CONTACT FRONT, A SECTION SET, B SECTION PUNCH RIGHT, OUT

36

6

ENEMY

9

COMPANY PUNCH- LEAD ELEMENT OF COMPANY SETS, REMAINDER MOVES TO FLANK TO BYPASS, ASSAULT OR ATTACK BY FIRE - IF OBSTACLE IS TO BE BYPASSED, LEAD ELEMENT SETS AND COVERS, THEN TAKES UP TRAIL, FORMATION IS RE-FORMED WITH NEW LEAD PLATOON, MOVEMENT CONTINUES - ENGINEERS MAY LAY IN HASTY VOLCANO MINEFIELDS - TRAINS AUTOMATICALLY MOVE TO HIDE POSITIONS FRAGO: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, ENEMY COLUMN IS MOVING SOUTH ON HIGHWAY 59, VICINITY 3487. WE WILL SET AND PUNCH RIGHT. RED, SET AND ESTABLISH BASE OF FIRE VICINITY CHECKPOINT 9. WHITE, BLUE, BLITZ TO HIGH GROUND FROM CHECKPOINT 9 EAST 1.6, NORTH 1.8. ATTACK BY FIRE, WHITE ON THE RIGHT, BLUE ON THE LEFT. IM MOVING WITH BLUE. ACKNOWLEDGE, OVER

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D. Defile Drills (Platoon)The fundamental principle to this drill is bounding overwatch, and not becoming packed into the defile with no room to maneuver. The Company Commander may order a platoon to clear a defile for the Company, normally for short or very narrow defiles. In this case the Commander holds the Company back, and the designated platoon moves forward and clears the defile. Once the defile is clear the remainder of the Company moves through. The platoon defile drill is similar to the Company drill except that it is executed with individual vehicles. The platoon must be capable of executing defile drills on its own. It will do this when operating independently, or when moving as the lead platoon of the Company. In this case the remainder of the Company remains dispersed outside of the defile and waits until the lead platoon has cleared it.

PLATOON DEFILE DRILL - USED TO MOVE THROUGH DEFILES OR NARROW AREAS - LEAD ELEMENTS SET ENTRANCE OF DEFILE AS OVERWATCH - OVERWATCH ORIENTS OPPOSITE SIDESOF DEFILE - TRAIL ELEMENT MOVES THROUGH ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF DEFILE, COVER EACH OTHERS MOVEMENT - MOVING ELEMENT STOPS WHEN OVERWATCH CAN NO LONGER COVER, TAKES UP OVERWATCH -TRAIL ELEMENT BOUNDS FORWARD AND BECOMES MOVING ELEMENT, OR TAKES UP OVERWATCH FARTHER FORWARD, MOVEMENT CONTINUES - LEAD TANKS SET AT FAR SIDE OF DEFILE, ESTABLISHES OVERWATCH. TRAILTANKS MOVE, BOUNDS THROUGH OVERWATCH, CONTINUES MOVEMENT OUT INTO OPEN GROUND.

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E. Flying Defile DrillIf the company (or a platoon) is moving fast and does not have the chance to conduct a deliberate defile drill the Flying Defile Drill is an option. This method is used on the move and allows constant movement without stopping for clearing operations. In this drill the unit calculates the time/distance factors necessary, and calls in a Time on Target arty/mortar strike linearly along the defile as the tanks are approaching it. As the fires impact movement continues up to the defile, with the FSO (or OIC) ensuring that fires are checked just as the vehicles enter the danger zone. The Tanks and vehicles move through and recon by fire as necessary. The intent is not to clear the defile 100%, just suppress it long enough to move through and onto the far side. This method requires prior planning and calculation of the time distance factors, along with prior coordination with the Mortar Platoon /FSO to ensure that indirect fires are available, the plan is understood, and the targets are ready to be fired.

F. Short Defile DrillThis drill is used when the Company or platoon is moving and encounters a short defile, one in which the overwatching fires from the entrance can cover the movement of a bounding element along the entire length. The defile has to be wide enough for the company to deploy to a limited extent. If the defile is very narrow it will normally be cleared by a single platoon, with the remainder of the company dispersed outside of the entrance waiting for it to be cleared. Upon arriving at the defile the commander orders: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE SHORT DEFILE, BLUE(lead platoon) SET BASE OF FIRE, RED LEAD THROUGH, OUT. Upon this command, the lead platoon becomes the base of fire. It positions near the side of the defile, and sets overwatch. The platoon that bounds through the defile orients to the front and sides as it moves, and reports set once it reaches the far side, where it takes up overwatch. The following platoons negotiate the defile one at a time. The Company resumes normal movement once the entire element is through. NOTE: If time allows loaders will dismount to recon / clear the defile first.

39

COMPANY DEFILE DRILL SHORT DEFILE (STEP 1)

3

4 1LEAD PLT

2LEFT PLT B-66 FISTV B-65 RIGHT PLT

BATTLE THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE SHORT DEFILE DRILL, RED SET AND PROVIDE BASE OF FIRE ON RIGHT OF DEFILE, WHITE BOUNDTHROUGH 1 - LEAD PLT (RED) MOVES TO ENTRANCE OF DEFILE, SETS OVERWATCH 2 -BOUNDING PLT (WHITE) MOVES TO FAR SIDE OF DEFILE ONCE OVERWATCH HAS SET. XO MOVES WITH BOUNDING ELEMENT 3 - BOUNDING PLT ESTABLISHES OVERWATCH ON FAR SIDE 4 - FOLLOW ON PLT MOVES TO ENTRANCE OF DEFILE OPPOSITE INITIAL OVERWATCH ELEMENT

40

COMPANY DEFILE DRILL SHORT DEFILE (STEP 2)

4

1 2 3

1 - BOUNDING PLATOON SETS FAR SIDE OF DEFILE, TAKES UP OVERWATCH 2 - LEAD PLATOON BEGINS MOVEMENT THROUGH DEFILE, TRAIL PLATOON PROVIDES OVERWATCH IN DEFILE, TAKES UP ORIGINAL POSITION IN COMPANY WEDGE 3 - ONCE LEAD PLATOON MOVES THROUGH, TRAIL PLATOON BOUNDS THROUGH DEFILE, TAKES UP ORIGINAL POSITION IN COMPANY WEDGE 4 - MOVEMENT CONTINUES, XO SHIFTS BACK TO ORIGINAL POSITION IF NECESSARY

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G. Defile Drill (Long)This drill is performed when the defile is longer than the effective range of overwatching weapons. This executed simply as a bounding overwatch at company level. Upon arriving at the defile the commander orders: BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE LONG DEFILE, RED (forward platoon) SET BASE OF FIRE, BLUE (trail platoon) PREPARE TO BOUND, OUT. Upon receiving this command, the lead platoon positions itself at the entrance to the defile, and establishes a base of fire. The platoon calls when set, and the bounding platoon begins movement. The third platoon (that is not overwatching or bounding) automatically moves into an overwatch position also, opposite the base of fire element. Once the bounding platoon nears the limit of effective overwatch it sets and the base of fire platoon (or the third platoon ) bounds forward. The company continues this bounding overwatch until the first platoon comes out of the defile. At this point this platoon sets overwatch, and the remainder of the company bounds forward, taking up their initial positions in the formation. Once all elements have exited the defile movement will continue in one of the standard formations. Platoons can also execute this long defile drill in a similar manner. If time allows dismounts will normally clear the flanks of the defile. These will normally come from the attached MECH Platoon, but may be constituted from tankers or engineers if necessary. The following drill is for a mounted clearing of a defile. The dismounted drill is similar except that the dismounts move down the sides of the defiles to check for any ambushes, obstacles, of other enemy presence, and the tanks remain to the rear, called forward when all is clear, or to support the forward movement of the infantry as they clear the defile.

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LONG DEFILE DRILL (STEP 1)

4

2

1

LEAD PLT

RIGHT PLT

2LEFT PLT B-66 FISTV B-65

3

BATTLE THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE DEFILE DRILL, RED SET LEFT, WHITE SET RIGHT TO OVERWATCH. BLUE PREPARE TO BOUND THROUGH, I WILL MOVE WITH RED 1- LEAD PLATOON TAKES UP OVERWATCH, REPORTS WHEN SET 2 - FLANK PLATOON TAKES UP OVERWATCH ON OPPOSITE SIDE 3 - XO MOVES AND LINKS UP WITH BOUNDING PLATOON

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COMPANY DEFILE DRILL, LONG DEFILE (STEP 2)

B-66

4

1

LIMIT OF OVERWATCH

4B-65

2

2

3 4

B-66

FIST-V

BLUE 1 THIS IS WHITE 1(OR RED 1), I CAN NO LONGER COVER YOUR MOVE BATTLE 6 THIS IS BLUE 1 SET RED ONE THIS IS BATTLE 6, BOUND FORWARD 1- BOUNDING PLATOON STOPS WHEN IT CANNOT BE OVERWATCHED ANY LONGER, TAKES UP ITS OWN OVERWATCH 2 - ORIGINAL OVERWATCH PLATOON BOUNDS FOREWARD, SETS UP OVERWATCH AGAIN OR CONTINUES TO BOUND UNDER OVERWATCH OF SET PLATOONS 3 - FIST-V MOVES TO LOCATION OF OVERWATCHING ELEMENT 4- OTHER PLATOON PROVIDES ADDITIONAL OVERWATCH, OR REMAINS IN HIDE POSITION TO BOUND THROUGH ON ORDER

44

H.COMPANY DEFILE DRILL, LONG DEFILE Air Attack Drill (STEP 3) LEAD PLT4B-66 FISTV RIGHT PLT B-65

LEFT PLT

1

B-66

3

4

B-65 FIST-V

2

2

PHASE II BOUNDING CONTINUES UNTIL ONE PLATOON EXITS DEFILE 1 - FIRST BOUNDING PLATOON TO REACH FAR SIDE OF DEFILE SETS OVERWATCH 2 - FOLLOW ON PLATOONS MOVE THROUGH DEFILE, TAKE UP ORIGINAL POSITIONS IN COMPANY FORMATION 3 - ONCE LAST PLATOON MOVES THROUGH, COMPANY CONTINUES MOVEMENT FORWARD

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This drill is used as an immediate action to air attack by high performance aircraft when the company is in column formation. It minimizes the vulnerability to the company by rapid dispersion. The clock method is used to alert the company to the direction of attack. The first TC spotting the incoming aircraft alerts the company over the radio: FAST MOVERS, THREE OCLOCK. The Commander will initiate the air attack drill by announcing THIS IS BATTLE 6, DISPERSE, OUT. The lead platoon rapidly move off to one side of the route of march, the middle and trail platoons to alternating sides in sequence. All platoons take cover, and fire back if possible. Vehicles will not use smoke as it will make the pilots job of spotting ground targets much easier. Once the air attack ends (unless consolidation and reorganization must take place) the commander will announce THIS IS BATTLE 6, REFORM, CONTINUE MISSION, OUT. The elements will then reform as soon as possible and continue to move. If there are numerous platoons in the column the lead platoon will always attempt to move to the left, the next platoon to the right, and so on until the element is dispersed. The main goal is to rapidly disperse the Company. If two units bound to the same side do not attempt to switch sides, disperse as best as the terrain allows.COMPANY AIR ATTACK DRILL

I. I

ndirect Fires DrillIf the Company is hit with indirect fires the following drills will be used: If the unit is stationary, in relatively open terrain (example: overwatching an obstacle) the square shift method will be used. UponLEAD PLT B-66

MIDDLE PLT B-65 FISTV

TRAIL PLT

46

receiving incoming, the commander of the element under fire will announce: ARTILLERY DRILL, BOUND LEFT (or right, front, or rear depending on the tactical situation). Upon receiving this command, the element automatically shifts approximately 300 meters to the direction designated. For the next artillery drill bound the unit will bound 300 meters in another direction 90 degrees from the original so that after four bounds the element has completed a square. If the company has been forced to stop in the open it will automatically execute the artillery drill after several minutes, even if it is not receiving incoming fires. If the company is moving in column formation, the portion of the column under fire will continue to move, the portion of the column moving towards the fire will attempt to shift to the left or right, continue movement on the same axis, then rejoin the column at the first opportunity. If the situation or terrain does not permit it the portion of the column moving towards the fire will either stop, or button up and race through based on FRAGO issued by senior leader at the critical point. Trains will not attempt to race through unless there is no other option.

BLIND CURVE DRILL

4 1 3

5

61 - LEAD TANK REPORTS BLIND CORNER 2 - PLATOON LEADER ORDERS BLIND CORNER DRILL 3 - LEAD TANK MOVES TO EDGE OF CORNER WITHOUT EXPOSING TANK, WINGMAN PULLS UP ALONGSIDE. 3 - TC OF LEAD TANK DISMOUNTS, RECONS ON FOOT AROUND CORNER 5 - IF GROUND APPEARS CLEAR BOTH TANKS ROUND CORNER AT SAME TIME. INSIDE TANK GOES JUST FAR ENOUGH TO FIRE AROND CORNER AND COVER OUTSIDE TANK AS IT MOVES TO FIRST SUITABLE FIRING POSITION. 6 - REAR TANKS MOVE INTO POSITIONS VACATED BY FRONT TANKS

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J. Blind Turn DrillThis drill is critical for movement in built up and restricted areas such as in forests or in urban environments. As this is one of the basic movement drills it must be understood by all, and executed with a minimum of radio talk or signaling.

K. Hasty Obstacle Breach DrillThis drill is performed when the company encounters an obstacle, and no bypass can be found. If the lead platoon encounters a small or point obstacle, it will call the Commander and advise him to halt the Company while the Platoon executes a hasty breach. The Company will disperse, and the platoon clears the obstacle on its own. The Platoon Leader reports when the route is clear, and the Company resumes movement. In the event of a major obstacle once the lead platoon locates the obstacle, it submits an obstacle report, and moves to a covered position to allow observation of the obstacle. The Commander orders BATTLE, THIS IS BATTLE 6, EXECUTE HASTY BREACH, WHITE SUPPORT FORCE, BLUE ASSAULT FORCE, RED BREACH FORCE. The Commander and FIST move to the support force location, the FIST begins working obscuration for the breach, and fires on suspected enemy locations. On order (when the support force is set and the smoke has obscured the site from enemy observation) the breach force moves forward. The Assault force remains hidden from view, and prepares to assault through the breach. The breach force leads with a plow tank, followed by the roller. The breach force clears and marks a lane, then sets on the far side. Once the lane is clear the assault force (with the XO) rapidly moves through the breach, and on towards the next terrain feature. The support force follows as quickly as possible, followed by the breach force. Once the Company is through movement resumes as normal. For more detailed coverage of breaching operation see ANNEX A, APPENDIX 3, TAB B (OBSTACLE BREACHING). Note: When Company is waiting on other unit to open a breach (an then to pass through as an assault force) it will maintain wide dispersion. If it is in the open it will do an artillery dance displacing in 500meter bounds in random directions every 5-8 minutes to prevent artillery from being accurately called in on the position

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COMPANY BREACH DRILL

2

5

4

1 3LEAD PLT

4

LEFT PLT

B-66

RIGHT PLT

FISTV B-65 1 - CDR DESIGNATES PLATOON TO OVERWATCH 2 - FIST CALLS IN SMOKE TO OBSCURE BREACHING SITE 3 - ASSAULT FORCE MOVES TO COVERED LOCATION 4 - BREACH FORCE MOVE FORWARD ONCE OVERWATCH IS SET, BREACH SITE OBSCURRED. BREACHES AND MARKS OBSTACLE, SETS SECURITY ON FAR SIDE. 5 - ASSAULT FORCE ASSAULTS THROUGH FOLLOWED BY OVERWATCH ELEMENT

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L. Defile Breaching DrillThe defile breach is one of the most common, as well as difficult Battle Drills that the Company may have to accomplish. The fundamental to success is rapid breaching, effective suppressive fires, and not jamming too much equipment and troops into the defile and obstacle site. Mass weapons effects, not weapons. When an obstacle is encountered during the clearing of a defile the Company will stop and disperse as far to the rear as possible. The leader on the scene will recommend a course of action, and the Commander will give guidance. Normally 1-2 tanks will move forward, along with dismounted infantry on the flanks, and an engineer element. The tanks will establish overwatch, and provide direct fire suppression, the infantry will secure the flanks and the far side, and the engineers will breach the obstacle and clear the lane. The assault force remains hidden on the near side of the breach, and preps to move through and continue the mission on the far side. Once the obstacle is cleared the support force tanks will move through to secure the far side, and the assault tanks, followed by the remainder of the Company will move through. The assault force should be prepared to act on further obstacles in the defile once it assaults. The Commander, or, on order, the leader of the tank at the breach site acts as the breach traffic cop. The purpose of the traffic cop is to bring the Company through in a rapid manner, without creating a traffic jam in the defile. If follow on units of the battalion are to use the breach, the XO will stay behind as the traffic cop, and will rejoin the Company as soon as possible. It is critical to have a vehicle recovery plan, and be prepared to tow out vehicles that become destroyed or damaged in the defile. See also ANNEX C, APPENDIX 2, TAB B: BREACHING OPERATIONS for more detailed coverage of breaching tasks.

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COMPANY DEFILE BREACH

4

3

2

1

2 2B-66 FIST-V B-65

2 COMPANY DEFILE BREACH1. COMPANY ENCOUNTERS DEFILE 2. COMPANY GOES TO SHORT HALT, PLATOON SENT FORWARD TO CLEAR DEFILE 3. PLATOON ENCOUNTERS OBSTACLE

2ENGINEER PLATOON

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COMPANY DEFILE BREACH (CONTINUED) 7 7

5 6

DEFILE BREACH (CONTINUED) 8 4B-66 4. COMPANY DISPERSES 5. FORWARD TANKS TAKE UP OVERWATCH, SUPPRESSES ENEMY NEAR OBSTACLE SITE 6. LIMITED BREACHING ASSETS SENT FORWARD 7. INFANTRY CLEARS FLANKS AND FAR SIDE 8. ASSAULT PLATOON PREPARES TO ASSAULT FIST-V 9. RECOVERY ASSETS PREPARE TO CLEAR DAMAGED / DESTROYED VEHICLES FROM DEFILE

4

9

52

M. COMPANY DEFILE BREACH ATGM Drill(CONTINUED) 10 12 10

11

12

B-66 FIST-V

14B-65

DEFILE BREACH (CONTINUED)10. INFANTRY RECONS AND SECURES FAR SIDE, PICKED UP BY BRADLEYS ON FAR SIDE OF BREACH 11. ENGINEERS OPEN AND MARK LANE 12. ASSAULT PLATOON MOVES THROUGH 13. FOLLOW ON PLATOONS READY TO MOVE 14. XO ACTS AS TRAFFIC COP TO KEEP FLOW THROUGH LANE STEADY

4 13

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Anti tank guided missiles may be encountered in almost any location. these are small, man portable, and can be operated by a crew of one. Possible locations include depressions, ruins, tree lines, buildings, helicopters, and reverse slope from vehicle mounts. Due to their use of HEAT warheads they will normally attempt to get flank shots. These weapons will normally be encountered in the following circumstances: when moving through a defile, when the tank moves out of cover, at corners, in urban or built up areas. General methods for countering ATGMs are basic fire and maneuver. Remember that once one anti tank weapon fires, it is highly likely that there are others in the vicinity. To counter the ATGM crews need to be familiar with the following techniques: 1. Maximize cover given by the ground, or foliage. Moving to cover places an object between you and the missile, even sparse trees and bushes between you and the launcher may be enough to throw the missile off course. 2. Destroy the ATGM. Destroy the launcher with direct fire. You will have approximately 5 seconds to accomplish this. In rare instances when the gunner identifies the incoming missile he may be able to shoot it down with the coax. 3. Keep frontal armor oriented on the launching location. It is highly improbable that a frontal impact would disable or destroy the tank. 4. Suppress the launcher. By firing at the individual controlling the missile you may be able to distract him long enough for him to miss. 5. Obscure your tank using onboard smoke grenades 6. Use fire and maneuver to destroy the launcher 7. Move your vehicle in a weaving course and employ sharp turns to try to throw the missile guidance system off.

ATGM DRILLS

MOVE TO COVER BEHIND TERRAIN

EMPLOY ON-BOARD SMOKE

EXECUTE EVASIVE MANEUVERS

MAKE VIOLENT TURNS

ATTEMPT TO SUPPRESS LAUNCHER

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N. Movement in Built Up AreasTanks are normally supported by infantry as they move through built up areas, and will attempt to bypass them if at all possible. See ANNEX I (OPERATIONS UNDER UNUSUAL CONDITIONS)

MOVEMENT THROUGH A BUILT UP AREA1 - BYPASS IF POSSIBLE, IF AREA MUST BE TRAVELLED EXECUTE LIKE DEFILE DRILL. ATTEMPT TO MOVE THROUGH WITH INFANTRY. 2 - OBSERVE FROM DISTANCE, RECON IF POSSIBLE 3 - CLOSE HATCHES, TC TO OPEN PROTECTIVE 4 - MOVE TANKS DOWN ROAD IN STAGERRED COLUMN, GUNNERS SCAN OPPOSITE SIDE OF STREET, TC SCANS ABOVE GROUND FLOOR 4 - AT CROSSROAD ENSURE DISMOUNTED INFANTRYMAN OR TC CHECKS AROUND CORNER, MOVE TANK ACROSS QUICKLY 5 - IMMEDIATELY BYPASS KNOCKED OUT TANKS 7 - CRASH THROUGH HOUSES IF NECESSARY, REMEMBER ABOUT BASEMENTS 8 - USE BLIND CORNER, DEFILE, AND RECON BY FIRE DRILLS

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SUPPORT INFANTRY ATTACK IN BUILT UP AREA

1

2

3 41. INFANTRY SQUADS MOVE FORWARD OF TANKS AND CLEAR BUILDINGS (ALL FLOORS) 2. TANK SECTION MOVES FORWARD UNDER GUIDANCE FROM DISMOUNTS 3. SECOND SECTION OVERWATCHES FROM FARTHER BACK 4. DISMOUNT SQUAD SECURES FLANKS, REAR OF OVERWATCHING TANKS

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O. Company Trap Drilla. The Company may execute a Company trap during retrograde, delay, and withdrawal type of operations. This operation is a defensive equivalent of the Company Punch, with a basic concept is holding by the nose and kicking in the ass. Key to the success of this operation is rapid execution, an effective fixing force, and decisive attack by fire from a flank to rapidly destroy the enemy, followed by a rapid withdrawal. b. Choose the most likely avenue of approach and establish a blocking position, supported an obstacle (first priority). Blocking force positions should be able to hold the enemy at long range as long as possible. Locate counterattack routes deep into his flank and rear for the trap force (second priority). c. Stop the enemy advance. Use obstacles and barriers to channelize and slow him. Confuse and disorient him with smoke and artillery fire once he hits the obstacle. Open fire from the fixing/blocking force. d. While he is focused on the obstacle spring the trap. Mass fires on him. Counterattack with the trap force into his flank. Never give him a chance to defend himself. Hit him with numerous threats at once: obstacle, artillery, long range fixing fires, counterattack on flank, etc.. Synchronize all efforts e. Use all available assets to destroy him quickly. Fire FASCAM to separate him from reinforcements, and prevent retreat. If CAS is available direct it against follow on echelons. Reposition elements to complete his destruction. f. Rapidly recock the trap, or withdraw rapidly before his second echelon can act to prevent the destruction of the first echelon, or decisively engage the trap force. Maintain freedom of maneuver. g. Be aggressive in execution. What you lack in numbers, you make up for in audacity. Timidness will never succeed.

SEE BELOW

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ENEMY

FASCAM

TRP 8

WITHDRAWING FORCE - TRY TO GET ENEMY TO CHASE THEM, LOSE CAUTION

COMPANY TRAP OPERATION- PURPOSE IS TO DESTROY SUPERIOR ENEMY, GO OVER TO OFFENSIVE, GAIN TIME FOR REINFORCEMENTS TO ARRIVE, OR MAIN BODY WITHDRAWAL - HOLD HIM BY THE NOSE WITH OBSTACLES AND FIRE, KICK HIM IN THE ASS WITH MANEUVER FORCE - PERFORMED SIMILAR TO COMPANY PUNCH, BUT DONE WHILE WITHDRAWING AND NOT ADVANCING -FRIENDLY FORCE REMAINS HIDDEN UNTIL ENEMY HITS TRIGGER (USUALLY OBSTACLE BELT - ENEMY MUST BE OVERWHELMED RAPIDLY ONCE HE HITS TRIGGER. -USE SMOKE AND ARTY TO MISORIENT AND CONFUSE HIM ONCE HE HITS OBSTACLE - ISOLATE HIM FROM FOLLOW ON FORCES WITH FASCAM, CAS - MUST CHOOSE FAVORABLE GROUND AND PLAN TRAP BEFOREHAND - OBSTACLES MUST BE PLACED OR PREPARED BEFOREHAND, FASCAM PREPARED - ENGAGE TRAPPED FORCES OR FOLLOW ON FORCES FROM FLANK

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APPENDIX 3. OFFENSIVE OPERATIONSSee also ANNEX J NIGHT OPERATIONS for coverage of night offensive operations. See basics Pg 7-9 1. General: Offensive operations are designed to take the initiative away from the enemy using fire and maneuver, shock effect and the massive fire power of tanks bearing down on a position. Offensive operations include Deliberate Attacks, Hasty Attacks, Attacks by Fire, and Meeting Engagements. These different forms of the offensive vary mainly in the amount of preparation and the knowledge on the enemy. In the offense armor crashes through the defense, bypasses strongpoints, disrupts and destroys the enemys CSS assets, isolates the defender from his support base, and prevents the enemy counterattack. Follow up infantry and artillery forces destroy the isolated enemy forces that the lead tanks have bypassed. Speed, operational tempo, and inertia are the keys to the penetration, breakthrough, and exploitation. Critical to any offensive operation is an effective reconnaissance. The goal is to locate the enemy, pinpoint his positions, firesacks, and weapons orientations, locate his obstacles, determine his flanks, and find a covered approach around him. The reconnaissance effort pulls the main effort along into the enemy weak spots, it is not pushed out merely to locate his forces. Penetration, breakthrough, and exploitation are the mission of armor. Destruction of the enemy through isolation, fear, and consequent demoralization is the ideal goal. To close with and destroy the enemy by close combat should only be a last resort after he is fixed in place and cut off from all supply and support. The Company maneuvers to pass through the weak points, rather than focusing on destroying the strongpoints. Firepower is essentially our ability to punish and kill the enemy, and more than anything else is a fear producer. In the attack the Company must force the enemy to react to us. Our goal is to create chaos and confusion faster than he can react. Defeat occurs when he is out of combat power, or when he can no longer react to the rapidly changing situation, and gives up. Surprise is possibly the greatest combat multiplier. Strike the enemy when and where he is unsuspecting, and unprepared. When surprise is achieved, and an advantage gained, it must be quickly and ruthlessly exploited. Every piece of equipment and all energy must then be focused at the critical point of the attack. Once you have the upper hand never release the pressure or let him get a chance to regroup. Maintain Tempo

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Offensive operations require a great deal of planning and rehearsals to go smoothly. The foundation of these operations is Platoon and Company Battle Drill, which are the basis for all armor operations. Company maneuver is mainly a series of connected platoon battle drills. These drills are covered in greater detail in APPENDIX 2 (BATTLE DRILLS) to ANNEX A. 2. Planning. Attacks will be backwards planned, beginning with actions on the objective, then through assault, movement to the objective area, movement to the LD, and preparations prior to the attack. The order of march will generally be briefed beforehand, the formations will be by SOP. Depending on the mission the company may have attached to it engineers, scouts, mortars, air defense, or other combat support elements. These units will be attached and released based on ANNEX D, APPENDIX 6: ATTACHMENT / DETACHMENT DRILL. Preparatory fires will be planned, along with smoke and illumination. Observers for targets, and who calls fires will also be designated. Company level control measures will be added to the battalion control measures as necessary, and may include TIRS points, TRPs, checkpoints, and other aids to help the company accomplish the mission. 3. Reconnaissance. Preparatory reconnaissance will be conducted IAW APPENDIX 5: RECONNAISSANCE. It will include both mounted and dismounted tactical reconnaissance, possible employment of the FRD, as well as leaders reconnaissance. Reconnaissance effort is directed at pulling the main effort along the best avenue of approach. Recon is not effective when pushed along the route we want to go on, just to find out how many enemy forces are present. The recon effort focuses on finding the enemy weak spot, and determining a way the Company can exploit it. 4. Formations: (See APPENDIX 1: MOVEMENT FORMATIONS).The company uses the line and column formation as the basis for all maneuver. All other formations such as wedge, and V are variations on these two basic formations. Their application and usage will depend on several factors, as applied by METT-T. Good movement formations are never a substitute for good use of terrain. The company must be able to transition rapidly from one formation to another with minimum radio traffic, and without halting. Generally a base platoon will be designated. This is the lead platoon in a wedge or column, or the trail platoon in a V. Standard change of formation drills that will be used during an attack are as follows: - Transition from column to coil, back into column

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- Transition from column to wedge, V, or line - Transition from Wedge or V into line During an attack or movement to contact the Company will habitually employ a Forward Recon Detachment (FRD). This element precedes the Company main body by 1-2 km, and gives the Company time to react to uncertain situations. The purpose of this element is to clarify the actual situation, locate enemy forces and obstacles prior to the Company main body encountering them, and recommending courses of action to the Commander. See APPENDIX 5: RECONNAISSANCE for more information on the FRD. 5. Movement during the attack: There are times to go fast during the attack (over open areas, assaulting objectives, when in contact), but movement should not be foolhardy. The attack should move as quickly as possible to maintain its momentum and inertia, but must remain deliberate to ensure security and control. Do not be in such a hurry as to lose your synchronization, or put your head in a noose. During an attack it is normally best to move cautiously, using the tanks as if you are hunting. This is not to be confused with maintaining a slow tempo of attack, only that security should be maintained. A danger is that sometimes momentum becomes lost, or the company becomes stalled. This often happens when a key leader has been killed, or when something unexpected has occurred. If this happens the surviving leaders must rapidly rally the remaining forces and continue executing based on the commanders intent. Crosstalk on the radio is essential during movement, both between platoons and companies (on the Battalion net). Generally a company net will be used during an attack because of the simplicity and resiliency that it brings to operations. 6. The Company assault. The assault is the critical phase of the attack. If the enemy cannot be forced out of his positions by other means an assault is the technique used to destroy him. An assault will not be conducted unless there is no other way of defeating the enemy. Search for the weak point then attack it. Dont waste effort with supporting attacks against strong points. The assault is normally supported by an extensive artillery prep, and should be overwatched from elements in a support by fire position. Prior to an assault the company will normally make a short halt to ensure that everyone and everything is ready, and that all necessary coordination has been done. Close coordination between the assaulting unit and the supporting unit is critical and is covered in greater depth in TAB A: CONDUCT OF THE ASSAULT. 7. Actions on the Objective: This is the key phase of the assault/attack,

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and each operation will usually have a detailed specific plan. In spite of this some generalities do apply to almost all actions on the objective. Once on the objective the first priority is to secure it. This is accomplished by destroying or driving off the enemy, checking for stragglers, and either establishing a hasty defense to defeat local counterattacks, or continuing the attack to seize subsequent objectives. Once this has been done (and the Company is not continuing the attack on to subsequent objectives) the effort shifts to consolidation and reorganization. This is a critical phase for any operation as the Company is most vulnerable at this point. Therefore the focus is initially on the security of the objective, then to the reorganization of the attacking force. See ANNEX A, APPENDIX 9, TAB D (CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION) for specific guidance concerning Consolidation and Reorganization. 8. Company as the Reserve: When the Company is assigned the mission as the Task Force reserve it will usually not be assigned a specific task, but will be given a series of Be-Prepared tasks that may be assigned based on the situation. These will normally be a number of possible employment options that support the Task Force Scheme of maneuver. As a reserve the Company would follow the Task Force formation. The formation normally used will be the Company Arrowhead, or march column to permit rapid movement and flexibility. During short halts the company will disperse to maintain cover and concealment. The company would be committed to counterattack, exploit a gap, to reinforce success, or to assume the mission of another company. Because much of the execution will be accomplished on the fly, and with little preparation, a thorough reconnaissance and well rehearsed battle drills are essential to success. See Appendix 9, TAB E - Battalion - Company Reserve. 9. Attack work priorities -Begin recon: Battalion Scouts will recon deep towards objective, Company will launch local reconnaissance, usually dismounted, to recon up to the objective. It is critical that this recon force dispatched immediately so that it has time to get the mission accomplished. Recon patrols may stay forward of LD and be picked up by company as it moves forward. Leaders will also perform leaders recon, focusing mainly on the movement to LD and beyond. - Perform rehearsals Actions on the objective Combined arms breach of complex obstacle Battle drills the Company expects to use. MEDEVAC plan - Perform PCIs Ensure graphics (maneuver, fire support) are posted

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Ensure all soldiers know mission and commanders intent Review use of Key signals, - Establish local security Monitor key nets STAY QUIET - Stand to, uncoil, execute

Basic Offensive OperationsThe Movement to Contact: The normal mission in a movement is to locate and fix or destroy the enemy. Often this will be the FSE, with a company mission to fix/destroy and prevent it from interfereing with the TF main body. Alternately the company mission could be to fix the enemy main body to allow the TF main body to maneiuver and defeat it. The Company conducts a movement to contact normally with one platoon forward as the FRD, and the remainder of the company as a main body moving from one location to another once it is reported clear by the FRD. The FRD is intended to spring traps, locate obstacles, clear the route of advance, and generally give the Company the time and space to deploy and react. When time is a factor the Company will use a rolling FRD, in which security is sacrificed for speed. -Company moves in wedge or arrowhead formation with Forward Recon Patrol - FRD moves forward, pulling Company main body along when avenue of approach is clear. -Upon contact FRP reports and recommends course of action. -Main body maneuvers to fix, flank, or attack enemy. -Basic maneuver covered in Company Punch drill. -All contacts reported higher. If the company is tasked to clear two route simultaneously it will usually travel in a Flying V with a platoon clearing each route, with the third platoon following behind as a reserve.

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Movemet to contact places great stress on speed and reaction time, and will rely heavily on company and platoon battle drills, lower level initiative, and a thorough understanding of the commanders intent. The Deliberate Attack: The Company normally participates in a deliberate attack as part of a Task Force attack. As such, the Company will have one of the various missions associated with the deliberate attack: Support by Fire force, Assault force, Breaching force, or Reserve/Exploitation force. The Company may also be tasked to conduct a deliberate attack on its own, using internal assets and support elements. The deliberate attack is planned with detailed intelligence, and is launched after extensive preparation and reconnaissance. It allows the Company to focus and synchronize the numerous combat elements and combat multipliers to maximize their effect on the enemy, while at the same time minimizing his effectiveness on us. The key to success in a deliberate attack is a thorough recon, effective suppression, well rehearsed actions on the objective, and a rapid and thorough consolidation and reorganization. It is also very important to attempt to get forces attacking simultaneously from two or more directions at once to force the enemy to react to multiple threats all at once. The recon focus of the operation at the Company level is to getting the Company safely, and if possible undetected, into the SBF and ASSLT positions. Time is usually less of a factor than the synchronization of the various elements, and the actual execution may be rather slow. Each deliberate attack will have its own specific plan, but the basic sequence of execution remains the same: -Company receives mission. -Leaders conduct recon of area (as much as possible) . -Company conducts rehearsal of the conduct of the assault, planned actions on the objective, and anticipated actions on contact. -Company sends out dismounted recon team to recon/secure Assault Position and Support by fire Position, find route up onto or behind objective. -Company LDs and executes movement to the objective. Picks up dismounted recon element at pre-designated linkup point. -Company occupies Support By Fire and Assault Positions. See TAB A (CONDUCT OF THE ASSAULT). -Fire Control/Distribution Measures confirmed. -Objective is prepped with artillery and direct fire. -Conducts attack according to OPORD plan. -SBF force shifts and adjusts fire as necessary . -Assault force clears and secures objective.

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-Rapid consolidation on the objective. -Company continues on to subsequent objective, reorganizes on primary objective, or exploits gap in enemy line by moving reserves through. The Hasty Attack: The hasty attack is usually one of the potential outcomes of a movement to contact. It occurs when the Company encounters an inferior or unprepared enemy, or is presented with the opportunity to inflict a disproportionate amount of damage on the enemy. It is normally launched based on variations of the Company battle drills, and is less planned or reconned, but more violently and rapidly executed than a deliberate attack. The main emphasis is normally on speed, and defeating the enemy before he can react, rather than waiting for all the various elements and combat multipliers to be synchronized as in a deliberate attack. Because of this the Company may have to execute the attack over unfamiliar terrain, without artillery support, and before all the attacking elements are ready. Thorough understanding of Company battle drills, and a rapid, violent execution are the keys to a successful hasty attack. -Company locates enemy force -Recon focuses on finding enemy weak point, and covered route into it -Enemy is defeated as quickly as possible. Move too fast for him to react -Base of fire element sets (usually Tank Platoon) -Attack element (Tanks and Bradleys) maneuver to position of advantage -Base of fire element suppresses enemy to allow attack element to move -Indirect fires used to suppress enemy, mask maneuver -Base of Fire element isolates objective by suppressing adjacent enemy units. -Enemy destroyed by fire, or fire and maneuver, by attack element -Attack element assaults completely through enemy -Dismounts follow up if necessary to gather prisoners, Intel. Any remaining enemy resistance is eliminated. -Once enemy is destroyed establish hasty defense immediately Occupy firing positions Orient on likely enemy avenues of approach Establish sectors of fire/responsibility Tie in with adjacent units Continue consolidation and reorganization The Attack by Fire: The Attack by Fire (ABF) is frequently used to exploit the standoff capability of the Companys weapons. It is normally launched from a flank or from dominant terrain. The Company does not actually close with the enemy.

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This mission occurs often in delays, Company Trap operations, or in counterattacks. The following sequence is typical for an attack by fire. -Commander designates platoon missions -Fire distribution and control is coordinated -Recon checks for best SBF position -Company moves to and occupies designated SBF position (similar to hasty POSITION) occupation of a BP. See APPENDIX 4, TAB B: OCCUPATION OF A DEFENSIVE POSITION). -Local security established -PLs, TCs check sectors, ID TRPs, targets -Company initiates fires by fire command -Platoons manage ammo expenditure to maintain 50 % vehicles firing -Firing vehicles displace/shift as necessary The Raid: Conducting a raid is a possible offensive mission for the Company. The purpose of a raid is to gain information, disrupt enemy tactical preparations ( spoiling attack), to cause chaos and confusion, or to destroy a specific target (artillery or CSS concentration, headquarters, bridge). The fundamental concept of a raid is to move swiftly and unexpectedly into the enemys area, attack a specified target, and return safely to friendly lines without becoming decisively engaged. The attacking force normally pays no attention to its flanks, and achieves its success by surprise, speed, and firepower. The raid is normally launched with a great deal of combat support (Artillery, Engineer, ADA, CAS), but with little to no CSS support aside from MEDEVAC. The following are some of the fundamentals of conducting a raid at company level: -Commander coordinates for RFA (Restricted Fires Area) around raid area -Route of raid reconned from LD to objective -Recon gets eyes on the enemy -Determines best place to initiate attack -Establish security around objective. Isolate from reinforcements -Base of fire element (Bradleys) moves into position -Base of fire element suppresses enemy, covers Attack force -Attack element (Tanks) maneuvers into position -Attack element destroys enemy by fire, or fire and maneuver -Attack force finishes quickly. Destroys as much as possible -Raiding force withdraws quickly covered by rearguard -Return to friendly lines at designated passage point The Support by Fire Force (Base of Fire Force) See support by fire pg70

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-Fire control coordination done with supported unit -Open fire conditions -Lifting, shifting, ceasing fire conditions -Engagement criteria -Vehicle marking, signals -Company occupies support by fire position at necessary time -Company establishes security -PLs position vehicles, establish fields of fire. TCs identify TRPs -Company initiates fires on command -Fires used to suppress enemy to allow movement of assault element -Fires isolate objective by suppressing supporting enemy positions -Ammo expenditure moderated to keep at least 50% of vehicles firing -Company lifts, shifts, ceases fire as necessary Actions in the attack position: While in an Attack Position the primary focus is maintaining combat power, and staying ready to move quickly when called. The company will occupy dispersed hide positions or will stand by in open areas ready to move (executing survivability displacements regularly to avoid artillery) . During the wait in the Attack position the CO and XO