Amphibious operations have been the mainstay for Marine forces in service to this nation since our service was initiated. Marines have always brought combat power from the sea. We must not let this capability atrophy! And that is why your are here. You will learn the most important aspect of an amphibious operation—how to get Marines ashore quickly to build up combat power and conduct forcible entry and then sustained operations ashore.
“…that portion of the assault phase of an amphibious operation which includes the deployment of the landing force from the assault shipping to designated landing areas.” —JP 3-02
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Presentation Notes
This definition is right out of joint doctrine. JP 3-02 pg ( III-17).
Ship-to-Shore Objective
Land troops, equipment, and supplies At prescribed times & places
In formation that supports scheme of maneuver ashore
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Presentation Notes
Here is the “so what” slide. We have to get to the fight in order to win it. Maximizing our capabilities is essential.
Ship-to-Shore Planning Sequence
1. Scheme of maneuver ashore
2. Ship-to-shore
3. Embarkation
4. Debarkation
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Presentation Notes
All of our planning starts with what the GCE plan is ashore. Backward planning is the key as always and will enable us to determine if the plan is supportable. Then the Navy has to be able to support the STS movement in terms of craft, and location of shipping.
Landing Force Organization
Tactical Organization
Organization for Landing - Boat space
- Boat teams
- Waves
- Boat groups
- CSS attachments
Organization for Embarkation
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Presentation Notes
Once the commander defines his scheme of maneuver (SOM) ashore during top-down planning, the lower echelons can begin to build their forces tactically for landing. Here are the tactical elements for planning, which will be used to build the landing plan.
Planning Ship-to-Shore Movement
Parallel
Concurrent
Detailed
Assault forces clear the beach, advance inland and close with the enemy rapidly after landing.
V MEF IWO JIMA OPORDER
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Presentation Notes
Planning has to be parallel, concurrent, and detailed between the USMC and naval forces (at all levels of command). The emphasis here is on the detail since these operations are extremely complex and difficult. An open flow of communications is essential.
Scheme of maneuver ashore LF tactical integrity Availability of amphibious shipping, AAVs, landing
craft, and helicopters Threat to the LF Defense of the ATF OTH or near shore launch Flexibility Fire support Logistics/culminating point Speed and positive control
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Presentation Notes
Here are some key factors in planning. This is a top-down process and, as you can see, these apply to both blue and green forces.
Timing
Starts when ordered by CATF "Land the landing force“
Ends when unload of assault shipping completed
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Presentation Notes
STS movement commences based on many aspects of weather, force readiness, higher and adjacent actions, etc. The CATF and CLF have mutual interest in this decision based on their own assessments of risk and readiness.
Unloading Phases
Initial unloading - Tactical & Selective General unloading
- - - Logistics-oriented
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Presentation Notes
- Initial landing and unloading is tactical and must provide rapid build-up of combat forces ashore and quick response to LF requirements. - General unloading, if required, is primarily logistic-oriented and emphasizes rapid completion of the unloading of required personnel and material.
You will get separate classes on the details of the landing plan later. However, the key to building this plan is knowing what are the commander’s warfighting priorities. For example, does he see the need for tanks to come ashore early? Is artillery a priority or will air and NSFS suffice until later? Priorities drive decisions for task organization and then assignment to shipping, designated landing craft, serial assignment, loading considerations, and command and control.
Landing Categories
Scheduled Waves
On-call Waves
Nonscheduled Units
Prepositioned Emergency Supplies
Remaining Supplies
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Presentation Notes
- Scheduled Waves have a predetermined time and place of landing and can arrive by helicopter, Osprey. AAV or landing craft. - On-Call Waves are things we know we will probably need ashore, but we don’t know exactly when or where such as a reserve, artillery, recon, or combat support units. In landing craft near the LOD or prepositioned aboard ship ready for loading onto helicopters or landing craft. - Non-Scheduled Waves are the remaining serialized units landed when requested by the tactical commanders ashore. Consist mostly of support personnel and their equipment. - Prepositioned Emergency Supplies meet expected critical needs for CSS replenishment early in the STS movement. Available for immediate delivery ashore, organized into floating dumps and pre-stage helicopter-lifted supplies. - Remaining LF Supplies consists of all other supplies not included in previously described waves. Delivered ashore until prescribed dump levels are reached.
Scheduled Waves
Time
Place
Formation
Serialized
First use AAVs/landing craft
First and subsequent use of helos
Precise time schedule
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Presentation Notes
Time, place, and formation for landing are all predetermined. Includes first use of all assets.
On-Call Waves
Early need ashore
Time/place?
Request by serial number
Follow scheduled waves
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Presentation Notes
These waves will be needed early but it is unclear exactly when. The best example would be artillery since you might need it early based on the need for additional fire support.
Non-Scheduled Units
Remaining units
Prior to general unloading
Not pre-boated
Landing sequence table
Serialized
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Presentation Notes
All remaining serialized units are to be landed before general unloading begins.
Prepositioned Emergency Supplies
Meet critical needs
- Floating dumps
- Prestaged helicopter lifted supplies
Serialized
"W.A.R.M" (water/ammo/rations/medical)
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Presentation Notes
Designated by the CLF to meet anticipated critical need for CSS replenishment early in the STS movement phase.
Remaining Supplies
All other supplies in assault shipping
Loaded selectively until:
– Dump levels are up
– General unloading
Not serialized
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Presentation Notes
Self explanatory!
Serial Numbers
Art and science
Allocated administratively
Assigned for landing
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Presentation Notes
Serial assignment is very critical for control and accountability during the landing. Purpose All landing force units Landed prior to general unloading Rules: Embarked on one ship Landed as unit on one beach or LZ Land at same time
Building Blocks
Concept of operations
Landing sites
Formation For landing
Serial numbers
H-hour/D-day
Assault waves
Landing craft/helo availability
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Presentation Notes
Building the landing plan requires a building block approach. Remember the prior discussions of primary decisions, planning considerations, and backward planning. As we work through these decisions, we can build the landing plan when we learn these key pieces of information.
8 Helicopter & Serial Assignment Landing Table (HEALT)
9 Heliteam Wave & Serial Assignment Landing Table
10 Helicopter Landing Diagram
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Presentation Notes
Red are the primary ones we will be learning during this package. Chapter III (section 19) of JP 3-02 contains a comprehensive list of all the landing plan documents. ACV= Amphibious Combat Vehicle (this is the new title of the future AAAV/EFV)
Sequence of Preparation
Concept of Operations
AAV & Landing Craft Availability Tables
Landing Plan Tab (w/o exhibits)
Landing Diagram
Landing Craft & Vehicle Assignment Table (LCAVAT)
Serial Assignment Table
Assault Schedule
AAV Employment Plan
Landing Sequence Table
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Presentation Notes
This slide depicts a logical flow of preparation based on information that is needed to prepare the various surface landing documents. However, it is important to remember that this is a dynamic process with many events occurring simultaneously as pieces of information become available.
“Sea” Operating Areas
Anti-submarine Screening Area
Assault Area
Transport Area
AAV Launch Area
Control Ship Stations
Fire Support Area
LHA/LHD Operating Area / Helo/VTOL transport area
Sea Echelon Area
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Presentation Notes
Sea operating areas may be designated by the amphibious task force commander as follows: Antisubmarine screening area: protect amphibious shipping and fire support units supporting the assault. This area will always include the assault area. Assault Area: includes the beach, boat lanes, LODs, landing ship areas, transport areas, and the fire support areas in the immediate vicinity of the boat lanes. Sea Echelon Area: minimizes the number of ships allowed to enter or remain in the transport area at any one time. It permits increased dispersion and defensive maneuverability of units of the force. Transport Area: assigned to a transport organization for the purpose of debarking troops and equipment. It is part of the assault area. The number of ships in the transport area is limited by dispersion requirements, availability of forces for mine countermeasures, and local oceanography and topography. Outer Transport Area: heavy assault shipping proceeds to this area upon arrival in the objective area. Usually located directly off the selected landing beaches and at a distance sufficient for ships to remain beyond the effective range of hostile shore batteries. Inner Transport Area: These are areas as close to the landing beaches as transports may be ordered to expedite unloading, with due consideration given to water depth, navigational hazards, boat traffic, and enemy action. AAV Launch Area: Located in the near vicinity of and to seaward of the LOD at a distance not to exceed 1500 yards. Ships carrying AAVs move into this area for vehicle launching. It should be located in relation to the LOD so as to ensure a minimum need for maneuver and sea are transit by AAVs prior to crossing the LOD. In the event that AAVs cannot immediately cross the LOD, they are assigned maneuvering areas to seaward of the LOD, in line with boat lanes, where the maneuver at slow speeds in a series of flanking movements. Control Ship Stations: Assigned to control ships for guiding and controlling the ship to shore movement. These stations should not of necessity be on the LOD and may be assigned as underway sectors to avoid the shore based threat. Fire Support Areas: Fire support ships operate in these areas while providing gunfire support to the landing force. These areas are included within the assault area. They are selected to provide optimum fields of fire, to be as near the shore as water depth and hazards to navigation permit, and to permit fire support operations without jeopardizing or interfering with landing operations (usually on the flanks). LHA/LHD Operating Areas:These areas are within the assault area and are provided to permit the LHA/LHD to launch and recover helicopters (chase wind). The areas should be of sufficient size to allow the ships ample maneuvering space to provide the required relative wind during launch and recovery of aircraft.
Sea Echelon Area
Located outside of the Transport Area…minimizes the number of ships allowed to enter or remain in the Transport area at any one time.
PROS CONS
(+) ship defense (-) momentum of LF attack
(+) dispersion of large force (-) command and control
(+) OTH surprise
(+) less area to clear of mines
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Presentation Notes
Positives – less concentration, force protection Negatives – shorter response time because of distance from the land, adds in a new dimension of command and control of the ships
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Presentation Notes
Sea is located outside the Transport Area This diagram shows a “CLA” which is a “Craft Launch Area” for LCACs…making OTH possible. Normally a diagram would also include routes that inbound/outbound ship traffic would use to enter/exit the transport area from the SEA.
Sea Echelon Area
Positive - Defense of ATF
- Standoff from enemy shore weapons and mines near shore
Negatives - Reduced responsiveness of nonscheduled waves
- Reduced effectiveness of C2 ashore
- Increased screen requirements over a greater area
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Presentation Notes
Area seaward of the transport area from which transports are phased into the transport area and assault ships withdraw from the transport area. Largely used by AFOE and big decks.
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Presentation Notes
Example of the Sea Echelon Area
Transport Area
(an area used solely for the purpose of debarking personnel & equipment)
Inner Transport Area (ITA) - used to expedite landing - used when launching AAVs - used by shallower draft vessels Outer Transport Area (OTA) - LHA/LHD will normally be assigned - PCRS Helicopter/VTOL Transport Area - provides ample maneuvering room for “chasing winds”
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Presentation Notes
So if the SEA is nothing more than an area seaward of the transport area in which ships are staged before they transit into the transport area, I guess it would help to know what the transport area is….. The transport area is an area which is used solely for the purpose of debarking personnel and equipment. AAVs have a SOP of only swimming 4000yds or less so they will always be launched from the inner transport area. Transport Area: assigned to a transport organization for the purpose of debarking troops and equipment. It is part of the assault area. The number of ships in the transport area is limited by dispersion requirements, availability of forces for mine countermeasures, and local oceanography and topography. Outer Transport Area: heavy assault shipping proceeds to this area upon arrival in the objective area. Usually located directly off the selected landing beaches and at a distance sufficient for ships to remain beyond the effective range of hostile shore batteries. Inner Transport Area: These are areas as close to the landing beaches as transports may be ordered to expedite unloading, with due consideration given to water depth, navigational hazards, boat traffic, and enemy action.
Inner transport area
Outer transport area
Helo/VTOL transport area
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Presentation Notes
This diagram is from MCWP 3-31.5 Ship-to-Shore Movement (pg. J-9) so if you can’t see it very well you can find it there. Inner transport area (closest to the beach)…comprised of AAV launch area, LOD, Control Ship stations Outer transport area (middle section)…LHA/LHD op area, LCU launch area, PCRS area VTOL transport area (outer most)…AV-8b op area, possibly OTH launch area You’ll note the LCAC approach the beach from the outside of the op area in order to keep out of the way of other craft. In planning, LCAC LZs are separated by 500 yards from LZs of displacement craft. LCAC control points along the way – CDP (departure point), CCP (mid-way control point), CPP (penetration point – contact with the beach)
Landing Area Diagram
Swept Lanes
Beach Designations
PCO Station
Line of Departure (LOD)
Launching Areas
Big Deck Area
Inbound/Outbound Lanes
Fire Support Areas
LCAC Control Features
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Presentation Notes
The landing area diagram provides the overall picture of the seaward approaches in the landing area.
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Presentation Notes
Example of a Landing Area Diagram
Central Control Officer
CCO/CCS
CATF
Primary Control Officer
PCO/PCS
Primary Control Officer
PCO/PCS
Primary Control Officer
PCO/PCS
TACLOG
GREEN BEACH RED BEACH ORANGE BEACH
Secondary Control Officer Secondary Control Officer Secondary Control Officer
CLF
Surface Ship–to–Shore Control
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Presentation Notes
CCO is designated by the CATF for overall coordination of the waterborne assault. He/She is embarked on the Central Control Ship. Responsibilities include: assignment of PCS units; Coordination of waterborne movement on two or more beaches through the assigned primary control officers (PCOs); CATF liaison to TACLOG. Normally the Combat Cargo Officer of the Phibron/Phibgru. PCO: directs movement of waterborne craft employed in transporting assault echelon to and from the assigned beach thru the PCS boat control team (CIC) designates communications methods to be utilized between boats and PCS maintains current locations and status of ships within PCO control area monitors surf conditions of assigned beach maintains the status of debarkation from or embarkation to assigned ships ensures maximum utilization of all landing craft arranges for fueling of boats and rest/feeding of boat crews PCS:controls the boats assigned radar tracking and plotting directs all scheduled waves over the beach assigned SCO: ready to assume duties of PCO/PCS at any time…maintains same records/track plot as PCO/PCS TACLOG IS STOOD UP ON EACH OF THE CONTROL SHIPS TO ADVISE THE CONTROL OFFICERS ON TROOP REQUIREMENTS ASHORE. TACLOG is TEMPORARY because it is only stood up during initial unloading. *HELICOPTERBORNE SHIP TO SHORE CONTROL WILL BE DISCUSSED IN HELICOPTERBORNE SHIP TO SHORE CLASS*
TACLOG
Tactical Logistics Group
Who is in it?
Who is in charge?
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Presentation Notes
The TACLOG group is a temporary LF organization that advises the CLF and Navy control organization of LF requirements during the ship-to-shore movement and assists in expediting the landing of personnel, equipment, and supplies in accordance with the ATF landing plan. - ACT AS THE LINK BETWEEN LFSP AND LFOC/FLAGPLOT - MAKES FOR A QUICKER LANDING WHEN THINGS ARE LANDED IN THE ORDER THEY ARE NEEDED. For a detailed discussion of the TACLOG, see Appendix J of MCWP 3-31.5.
Navy Control Organization
Central Control Officer (CCO/CCS) - Assistant Central Control Officer
Primary Control Officer (PCO/PCS)
- Secondary Control Officer (SCO/SCS)
Combat Cargo Officer
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Presentation Notes
Subsequent slides will cover these in detail.
Central Control Officer (CCO)
CATF’s representative
Plans and supervises waterborne ship-to- shore movement
Assigns the PCO/PCS units
Liaison with TACLOG & TAO
Assistant CCO
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Presentation Notes
The CCO plans and conducts the waterborne STS movement. If more that one colored beach is used, the CCO appoints a Primary Control Officer (PCO) for each beach. Usually either the CATF N3 or Combat Cargo Officer will be assigned this role
Primary Control Officer (PCO)
Detailed plans (PCO instructions)
Controls boats and traffic
Directs timed waves
Liaises with TACLOG
Monitors surf/weather
Tracks offload status
Ensures maximum craft use
Monitors repair/refueling status
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Presentation Notes
PCS instructions published every day Provide: H-hour, pre H-hour timeline, wave composition, safety boat assignment for AAVs, lat/long of control areas, go/no-go criteria Overall PCV report combines all ships PCV reports to give CATF/CLF a percentage of completion of offload PCO is going to be the OPSO of the ship assigned PCS is the CIC watch team of the ship assigned – the organization that does the controlling
CCO PCO
SCO
SCO
PCO
RE
D B
EA
CH
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Presentation Notes
This slide is a graphic depiction of control by CCO to PCO to colored beaches.
Boat Group Commander
Under tactical control of PCO
Numbered colored beach
Leads first displacement craft wave to line of breakers
Traffic control officer
Directs returning waves to ships
LCPL
AAV’s
GREEN 1
BOAT GROUP CDR
LOD
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Presentation Notes
This slide features a graphic depiction of the boat group commander’s position and role in control of a scheduled wave. LCPL= Landing Craft Personnel Large.
Assistant Boat Group Commander
Embarked in LCPL
Organizes assembly area
Follows last boated wave to beach
Assists boat group commander
Salvage officer
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Presentation Notes
The following slide show his position in the STS Movement.
Assistant Boat Group Commander
ASSEMBLY AREA LOD
LOD
RENDEZVOUS AREA
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Presentation Notes
Depiction of the ABGC’s role and position.
Boat Wave Commander
Embarked in landing craft
Responsible for one boated wave
Forms and guides wave to and from beach
Maintain boat and wave intervals
“Touchdown” on time
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Presentation Notes
Depiction in next slide.
GREEN 1
BWC
BGC
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Presentation Notes
Graphic depiction of execution.
Wave Guide Officer
Embarked in LCPL…normally provided by ship in which wave is embarked
Guide AAVs to LOD and then across on command of PCS…ensure touchdown at beach on time
One LCPL marks left flank and one LCPL marks right flank
Also referred to as “safety boats”
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Presentation Notes
Separate beaches are also good when conducting night landings. It becomes very hard for the LCACs to see the EFVs. NOTE: We should never mix EFVs and other craft in a wave.
LOD
ABGC
WGO
WGO
RED
BEA
CH
LCAC Control
Independent
Advisory
Positive
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Presentation Notes
Independent – LCACs exercise independent control when assaults are conducted under EMCON. They are capable of independent navigation. Will most likely be used when conducting a covert landing from OTH. Advisory – LCACs are given launch position and a vector (course/distance) to their control points, PCS advises if he strays from course and gives corrections. *this is the most common type of control Positive control – LCAC position and navigation information are continuously updated.
CLZ
CLA
X
CCP CDP
CPP
LAUNCH AREA CLA DEPARTURE POINT CDP TRANSIT LANE CONTROL POINT CCP PENETRATION POINT CPP LANDING ZONE CLZ LANDING SITE CLS
LCAC CONTROL
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Presentation Notes
Here is the LCAC graphic with its associated terminology.
Conduct of Ship-to-Shore
PCO brief
Pre-H-hour activities - Prescribed load/ammo - Ship’s first Lt, CCO, and landing force
Pre-H-hour transfers
“Land the landing force”
Set condition 1A/flight quarters
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Presentation Notes
Here is the general sequence for initiating the movement of the landing force. As you can see it takes a lot of work before the CATF can direct the LF to land.
Conduct of Ship-to-Shore
Assault troops muster in debark stations.
Well decks ballast down:
– Launch craft
– Move to rendezvous area & form waves
LST/LPD/LSD high speed launch underway.
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Presentation Notes
While the ship is making ready, the troops must locate to their debark stations at the proper place and time.
Conduct of Ship-to-Shore
AAVs launch and flank
PCS: positive control
- Touchdown at H-hour
Subsequent waves
TACLOG with PCS
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Presentation Notes
Continued sequence of events and how control is maintained
Command & Control
CO LFOC S-2 JIC S-3 LFOC S-3A TACLOG AO SACC/TACC FSC SACC COMM O Where needed EMBARK O TACLOG or debark S-4 TACLOG/LFOC CCO Debark control
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Presentation Notes
Here is a general idea of where the key members will be to monitor the landing.
Displacement
COA #1
“A” Command: Helo
Airborne prior to H-hour
In LFOC, O/O displace
“B” Command: Afloat
COA #2
“A” Command: Surface
Scheduled waves (AAVC-7/landing craft)
On-call/Free Boat
“B” Command: Afloat
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Presentation Notes
This example talks to the possible command and control options to command and still transition ashore.
EMCON
What does EMCON mean to you?
What is a “quiet” landing? – Radars
– VHF
– UHF
– HF
– SATCOM
– STOM?
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Presentation Notes
EMCON (Emission Control). Deployed units will in many situations wish to not broadcast signals, in order to help hide their location. The situation where signals can be received but not sent is referred to as EMCON. It is important to be able to send messages to a unit in EMCON. It is possible to make a quiet landing? STOM might be the only way to completely accomplish this goal.
Summary
STS Planning
STS Execution (Waterborne) – Organization
– C2
Navy Planning Perspective
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Presentation Notes
In summary, here is what we have covered. Hopefully now you have an appreciation of how an amphibious landing is planned and executed. Your subsequent classes will break down every aspect of this class into finer detail as you learn how to do this through the Operation Eastern Crescent practical exercise.
