b. All groups rehearse this procedure since no one knows which group will arrive first. These fires serve to suppress the enemy, reducing his ability to observe the reconnaissance platoon; they also fix the enemy's attention on the last known location of the mounted element. As the Army begins its transition to fight the next high intensity conflict, mounted and dismounted reconnaissance units across the formation risk being left behind. The lead fire team serves as the base fire team. 42 0 obj <> endobj When that point is reached, the overwatch element must move out, even if the bounding element has not yet reached a position of cover and concealment. The wedge has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: (3) Line Formation. The distance of the planned route does not include the pace count of the offset and return legs. Situations involving electronic warfare tactics. Mounted infantry - Wikipedia In some cases, the improved awareness might prompt the security element to increase these distances. Coordination must include CSS activities, integration of communications, fires, passage lanes, C2, and battle handover. (a) Deploy and Report. The leader obtains information about his location, the tactical situation, and the enemy. When crossing an open area small enough to bypass in the time allowed for the mission, the platoon uses one of two techniques (Figure 3-21). Comparison of squad formations. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. In another instance, the platoon may deploy in a stay-behind mode during defensive operations, requiring it to plan and execute movement to return to friendly controlled areas. Digital maps and overlays provide the platoon with a common operating picture of the terrain and operational graphics. To aid in the control of movement, the platoon should choose rally points for all infiltrations and exfiltrations. In most situations, smaller elements are better able to take advantage of available cover and concealment. The platoon does not intend to engage in combat, but it is dispersed to prevent destruction in case of unexpected air or ground attack. a. It is also useful for tactical refueling, resupply, and issuing platoon orders. If the reconnaissance platoon is tasked to gather information over a wide area, it may employ several small teams to cover the complete sector. Fighting through the enemy force is the least preferred COA. Figure 3-16. Just as they do with movement techniques, platoon leaders plan formations based on where they expect enemy contact and on the higher commander's plans to react to contact. Rarely are there enough lanes for each group to have a separate one. Factors. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. The term "movement techniques" does not refer to the movement of fixed formationsit refers to the fluctuating distances between soldiers, teams, and squads. They get position updates to ensure the forward security element remains on azimuth and within range of supporting direct fires. He considers various possible COAs, based on well-developed TTP (including battle drills), to meet the types of contact. If necessary, the platoon can use a series of contact points, coordination points, or both, to enhance security during movement through the area. The elements conduct mounted movement to designated dismount points where they organize dismounted patrols to develop the situation from a new direction. Unauthorized posting of this publication online is prohibited; linking directly to this product page is encouraged. Maintain contact and bypass. React to Ambush (Near) Dismounted & Mounted | Army Flashcards If soldiers need more illumination than an image intensifier can provide in infrared mode during dismounted movement, they should also use other infrared light sources. When rough terrain, limited visibility, or other factors make control difficult, the fire team modifies the wedge. Effectively employed, movement techniques allow the platoon to find and observe threats without being compromised. Figure 3-19. (4) Rally Point. The platoon must use them in conjunction with other movement- and security-related measures. Once he decides on a COA, he recommends it to the battalion commander and provides information on how the platoon COA will affect the current situation. 0000001717 00000 n Some platoon missions may require that rifle squads to operate independently of the BFVs. Compared to mounted operations, dismounted movement techniques and formations require as muchor moredetail during the planning phase. When the platoon moves at normal dispersion intervals, the leader uses voice communications and visual contact to control movement. c. Mounted Formations. Purposes. The rest of the platoon moves on to establish far-side security, monitor any changes in the enemy situation, and support the hasty attack by a friendly unit. For example, reconnaissance forces that have infiltrated or bypassed the enemy-occupied area may need to exfiltrate as soon as they gather the required information. The process they use to evolve from tactical movement to maneuver, if unplanned, is "actions on contact." a. The infiltrating elements employ cover, concealment, and stealth to move through gaps templated by the battalion S2 in the enemy array. (1) Wedge Formation. The reconnaissance platoon may use this form of maneuver during reconnaissance and security operations and may reconnoiter passage lanes and infiltration routes before movement of the battalion. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. "Set" means that the element has arrived at its destination and has occupied a position from which it can observe to its front. In most cases, planning for an exfiltration operation begins at the same time as planning for the infiltration (or other tactical operation) that precedes it. US Army Chief of Staff tours III Armored Corps Warfighter at Fort Hood, Life as a US Army Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic: The Soldier experience, Innovative technology supports remediation success at Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, Club renamed for Black Army officer previously denied entrance, Hokanson: State Partnership Program stable, steadfast and growing, Letterkenny Army Depot hosts Army Vice Chief of Staff, 1st Infantry Division supports recruiting, enlists new Soldiers. Crossing a small open area. Troops can be garrisoned in villages, snipers can dominate approaches, and buildings and roads can be mined and booby-trapped. f. Examples of Actions on Contact. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. DISMOUNTED MOVEMENT FORMATIONS. The overwatch vehicle engages the source of enemy fire by calling for indirect fire support, then monitors to ensure the contact report is sent. When mounted, the platoon uses the column, wedge, line, echelon, coil, and herringbone formations (based on METT-TC factors). An increased awareness of the situation helps the platoon leader control the platoon when it makes contact with the enemy. Once they determine that the enemy in contact cannot influence them, they continue their mission with the platoon leader's approval. The reconnaissance platoon may have to conduct an emergency exfiltration if detected or engaged by an enemy force. When assaulting a weakly defended objective, crossing open areas, or occupying a support-by-fire position, the platoon mainly uses the line formation (Figure 3-3). This technique allows for an absolute minimum of radio transmissions, positive control by the section leader, and maximum security within the section. Once they finish, the platoon resumes movement using its chosen movement technique. (1) The ideal way for the platoon to make contact is by means of FBCB2 reports from sensor elements (such as tactical unmanned aerial vehicles [TUAVs], ground surveillance radar [GSR], or other intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance [ISR] assets). Figure 3-8. Each works better in certain types of terrain or tactical situations than it would in others. Establishing a contact point to link up with, brief, and guide the friendly unit as necessary. The platoon leader may ask the company team commander for a copy of the MCOO for his AO. hVms81Nn-Nf Kr^}"jlj4NI_nvZ>+!|0!4>`19 pq&$=).\d\x> The reconnaissance platoon may select this COA when it does not have the resources to leave an element in contact and continue to accomplish its priority reconnaissance tasks. 42 42 Continue with Recommended Cookies. Manage Settings The leader analyzes the latest information on the enemy and determines if contact with the enemy is unlikely. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. (b) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. Once the platoon crosses the linear danger area, the main body begins moving slowly on the designated azimuth. The platoon leader makes sure the bounding element stays within two-thirds of the weapons range of the overwatch element. It is used when speed is important and enemy contact is not likely. U.S. Army 2nd Platoon, Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment from Ft.