FM 7-7 the Mechanized Infantry Platoon and Squad [15 March 1985]

8/18/2019 FM 7-7 the Mechanized Infantry Platoon and Squad [15 March 1985]

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FIELD MANUAL HEADQUARTERSNo. 7-7 DEPARTMENT OF THE ARMY

Washington, DC, 15 March 1985

THE MECHANIZED INFANTRY PLATOONAND SQUAD (APC)

CONTENTS

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DISTRIBUTION RESTRICTION: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.


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Users of this manual are encouraged to submit recommendations to improvethe publication. Comments should be keyed to the page and line(s) of the textwhere a change is recommended. Reasons should be provided for each commentto insure understanding and complete evaluation. Place comments and recom-mended changes on DA Form 2028 (Recommended Changes to Publicationsand Blank Forms) and forward them to the Commandant, US Army InfantrySchool, ATTN: ATSH-B-ID, Fort Benning, Georgia 31905.

When used in this publication, “he,” “him,” “his,” “man,” and “men” repre-sent both the masculine and feminine genders unless otherwise stated.

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PREFACE

The evolution of weaponry establishes a continuing need to develop andrefine methods and techniques of employing weapon systems to maximize theirpotential.

For the next several years, units will be in various stages of transition toDivision 86 organizations. This manual updates the tactics, techniques, andoperational procedures for the mechanized infantry platoon and squad

equipped with the armored personnel carrier M113 but organized under the J-series tables of organization and equipment (TOE). It is also the squad andplatoon manual for mechanized infantry operation under the H-series TOEwith special considerations. These considerations, arising from the differentstructures, are highlighted in appendix A. The fundamental tactics, tech-niques, and operational procedures remain consistent for units operating undereither organization.

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CHAPTER 1

THE ARMOREDPERSONNEL CARRIER

Section I. INTRODUCTION

1-1. GENERAL

The mechanized infantry will often fight inconjunction with armor to form a combinedarms team.

The armored personnel carrier (APC) pro-vides the infantry with mobility similar to thatof the M60 tank, but the APC has less fire-power and protection.

Mechanized infantry complements tanks byproviding a dismount capability that enablesthe company team to reduce obstacles and tohold ground.

1-2. FUNDAMENTAL FACTORS

There will be times when infantrymen canobserve the battlefield, fire their weapons, and

be protected by the vehicle’s armor, but theAPC is not invulnerable. The armor does pro-tect against some small arms fire and shellfragments; it does not protect against tanks orantitank guns, missiles, or rockets. This means

that the infantry leader must carefully analyzeevery situation and weigh the advantages anddisadvantages of mounted and dismountedcombat. The APC is highly vulnerable to thepredominant tank and fighting vehicle threat;therefore, many combat tasks can only be per-formed dismounted.

In the offense, the APC allows the infantry-men to fight mounted as long as possible and todismount when confronted by close terrain,obstacles that prevent movement, or a strongantiarmor defense that cannot be bypassed

or suppressed.In the defense, the APC allows the infan-

trymen to fight mounted or dismounted.The decision to fight mounted or dismounted

is dependent uponquired mobility.

the situation and the re-

These fundamental factors are synonymouswith the five basic rules of combat secure,move, shoot, communicate, and sustain.

Secure.Use cover and concealment.Establish local security and

reconnoiter.Protect the unit.

Move.

Establish moving element.Get in the best position to shoot.Gain and maintain initiative.Move fast, strike hard, finish

rapidly.

Shoot.Establish base of fire.

Maintain mutual support.Kill or suppress enemy.

Communicate.Keep everyone informed.Tell soldiers what is expected and

why.

Sustain.Keep the fight going.Take care of soldiers.

SectionCONTENTS PAGE

I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-1II. The APC and Its

Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1-2

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Section II. THE APC AND ITSCHARACTERISTICS

1-3. GENERAL

The APC is lightweight aluminum, air-transportable, air-droppable, and amphibious.This section discusses the vehicle’s characteris-tics and gives a brief overview of some of itscapabilities.

1-4. CHARACTERISTICS

The APC has the following characteristics:

1-5. MOBILITY

The mechanized infantry will often fight inconjunction with armor to form a combinedarms team.

The maximum road speed of the APC is 42miles per hour (mph). Under favorable terrain

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1-8. COMMUNICATIONS

conditions, it can travel cross country at speedssimilar to those of the M60 tank.

1-6. APC PROTECTIVE ARMOR

The APC’s protective armor does not have thesame protective capability as that of the M60tank, but it will protect the infantry from somesmall arms fire, hand grenades, and shellfragments.

The APC can minimize the threat of anti-armor weapons by —

reducing exposure time,

suppressing or destroying enemyweapons, and

using the cover and concealmentoffered by the terrain.

1-7. FIREPOWER

The APC’s main armament is the caliber .50heavy machine gun. This weapon provides eachvehicle with suppressive firepower and a light-vehicle-killing capability

Each squad is also equipped with a Dragonantiarmor missile, which can be fired from thevehicle or dismounted and fired from a groundposition.

The platoon will also have:

M60 machine guns.

M16 rifles.

M203 grenade launchers.

Squad automatic weapons.

light antitank weapons (LAW),grenades, and mines.

NOTE: There are various other muni-tions available as required, such as

The APC’s communication system providesthe platoon with communication during eithermounted or dismounted operations.

All platoon vehicles are equipped with an AN/GRC-160 radio that can be backpacked in anAN/PRC-77 configuration. Additionally theplatoon leader’s vehicle may be equipped withtwo AN/GRC-160 radios or with one AN/GRC-46 and one AN/GRC-160.

The platoon leader, platoon sergeant, and eachof the three squads are also equipped with anAN/PRC-88.

1-9. WATER-CROSSING CAPABILITY

The APC can swim most water obstacles withminimal preparation. The vehicle has a maxi-mum swimming speed of 3.6 mph. The vehicle’strim vane requires about 2 seconds to beextended.

1-10. LIMITED VISIBILITY CAPABILITY

The APC carries a variety of limited visibil-ity observation devices. These sophisticatedsurveillance, target acquisition, and night ob-

servation (STANO) devices increase the pla-toon’s ability to accomplish its mission duringlimited visibility

STANO devices that may be available to theplatoon include:

Binoculars — superior to nakedeye daytime or night.

AN/PAS-6 metascope — infraredlight source used for reading, detect-ing, or signaling.

M19 periscope — infrared

periscope used to aid the driver whiledriving the vehicle.

AN/PVS-2 or AN/PVS-4 — mount-ed on M60, M16, or M203 weapons.

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AN/TVS-2 — mounted on caliber night (map reading, driving, mainte-.50 heavy machine guns. nance).

AN/TVS-5 — mounted on caliber AN/TAS-5 Dragon night vision.50 heavy machine guns. sight (6x magnification).

AN/PVS-5 night vision goggles —goggles used for performing tasks at

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CHAPTER 2

ORGANIZATION OF THEPLATOON AND SQUAD

Section I. THE PLATOON

2-1. GENERAL

The platoon is a basic combat unit capable of maneuvering in the conduct of combat opera-tions. The platoon can fight as part of a pure

mechanized infantry company or as part of acompany team that is task organized with tankplatoons and mechanized infantry platoons. Ineither case, the platoon can establish a base of fire and then move other elements to seek anadvantageous position from which to destroy ordislocate the enemy

On the battlefield, the platoon can expectrapid and frequent movement. It must be pre-pared to fight in a variety of situations — bothmounted and dismounted — while attacking ordefending, during movement, and under condi-tions where nuclear and chemical weapons have

been used. The platoon operates in such a way

Section I.II.

III.

IV.as to make maximumavailable firepower.

use of its weapons and

CONTENTS PAGE

The Platoon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-1The Squad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-3Control end Organization for

Mounted Operations . . . . . . . . . . . . 2-8Control and Organization for

Dismounted Operations . . . . . . . . . 2-9

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2-2. PLATOON ORGANIZATION

The mechanized infantry platoon is equippedwith four APCs. It is organized with a platoonheadquarters and three rifle squads. The pla-

toon leader and his headquarters are mountedin one APC, and the squads are mounted in theother three.

A typical mechanized infantry platoon is or-ganized as shown in illustration.

The platoon headquarters is organized asshown in illustration.

A typical seating arrangement for the platoonheadquarters is shown in figure 2-4.

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Section II. THE SQUAD

2-3. GENERAL

The squad is composed of the APC and ninemen organized into two teams: the carrier teamand the dismount team.

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As a minimum, the carrier team is normal-ly composed of the team leader/gunner and thedriver.

The dismount team is made up of all squadmembers not a part of the carrier team. Theplatoon leader normally specifies the organiza-tion of the dismount team. His decision is usual-ly based on squad strength, mission, enemyterrain, and guidance from the company

commander.A typical seating arrangement for a squad in

the APC is shown in illustration.

The squad with the platoon sergeant on boardits APC will have a typical seating arrangementas shown in illustration.

2-4. SQUAD RESPONSIBILITIES

Each squad is arranged in its vehicle so it canobserve in all directions and deliver sustained,effective fire while moving, or rapidly exit the

dismount team from the vehicle when requiredto accomplish dismounted tasks. Each squadmember has certain duties and responsibilities based on his duty position in the squad. Eachsquad member’s basic weapon, duties, and re-sponsibilities are outlined below.

Squad leader, M16A1 rifle:

Has overall responsibility for the squad.While conducting mounted operations, thesquad leader designates targets, selects routesof movement, selects vehicle positions, deter-mines weapons to be fired, issues fire com-

mands for all weapons, communicates with theplatoon leader, and reacts to the platoon lead-er’s commands. For dismounted operations, thesquad leader has the option of remaining with

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the vehicle or deploying with the dismountteam. The choice is based upon the platoonleader’s desires or squad leader’s judgmentof the tactical situation.

Is expected to place himself wherever hisleadership and experience best influence themost important actions of the squad. The squadleader has to decide how best to utilize the car-rier team and the dismount team. Normally, if

the dismount team has to dismount, the dis-mount role is the most important, and thesquad leader will dismount and lead it.

Team leader/grunner, caliber .50 ma-chine gun/M16A1 rifle:

Observes the battlefield to detect enemytargets and to be aware of location of friendlyforces.

Controls the movement of the vehicleunder the direction of the squad leader.

Operates the caliber .50 machine gun as

directed by the squad leader.Is responsible for operator maintenance

of the caliber .50 machine gun.

Serves as carrier team leader and posi-tions the carrier when the squad leader hasdismounted with the dismount team.

Driver, M16A1 rifle:

Drives the vehicle under squad leader’s/team leader’s/gunner’s control.

Follows correct terrain-driving proce-

dures and assists in selecting hull-downpositions.

Aids in detecting targets and observingrounds fired.

Is primarily responsible for operatormaintenance on vehicle. (Other squad mem-

bers help the driver as directed by the squadleader.)

M16A1 rifleman/sniper:

Normally operates as part of the dis-mount team.

If employed, assists the M60 machinegunner once the machine gun is placed in theground mount role.

Antiarmor specialist, Dragon/M16Alrifle:

Normally operates as a part of the dis-mount team.

Is armed with a Dragon antiarmorweapon or, when not firing the Dragon, fightsas a rifleman armed with an M16A1 rifle.

Assistant squad leader, M203 dual-

purpose weapon: Normally operates as partof the dismount team and is one of the teamleaders for, the dismount team. He will controlthe dismount team when the squad leader re-mains mounted.

Squad automatic rifleman, squad auto-matic weapon (SAW): Normally operates aspart of the dismount team.

Squad automatic rifleman, SAW: Nor-mally operates as part of the dismount team.

Grenadier, M203 dual-purpose weapon:

Normally operates as part of the, dismountteam.

Machine gunner: Although the M60 ma-chine gun does not have a dedicated gunner

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assigned, the weapon is available for use by thesquad. It may be used in several ways:

In the defense to make use of its heavyfirepower in final protective fires when used

with a tripod and T&E mechanism and in areasthat offer a dismounted avenue of approachinto the position.

In the offense when the terrain does notallow a large maneuvering element but doesallow a base-of-fire element to place effectivefire on the objective area. Frequently, the ca-pacity of the objective area, or the routes lead-ing to it, does not allow the necessary space toemploy the optimum number of troops to ma-neuver against it. The adding of the M60 to the

base of fire will partially offset the problem by

adding to the overall combat power.In any situation that offers a significant

air threat.

During movement, the M60 machinegun may be affixed to the side of the APC foroverwatch purposes and may be left in place,allowing the gunner to deploy, for example, dis-mounted with a fully loaded SAW.

2-5. UNDERSTRENGTH PLATOONSAND SQUADS

Platoons and squads will not always be atfull strength. Even so, the mission (in combatand in training) can still be accomplished if understrength units are organized with theserules in mind:

Keep key leadership positions filled. Al-ways maintain a chain of command — platoonleader, platoon sergeant, and squad leaders.

Man the most potent weapons first. Takefull advantage of available firepower. Beforeeach mission, carefully consider how to employ

Dragons, machine guns, and automatic rifles.The platoon must have a plan of organization

for use when it does not have all four APCs.Since two full-strength squads cannot ride on

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one vehicle, cross-loading of men and equip-ment, from a disabled or missing APC, amongall of the platoon’s remaining APCs must beaccomplished. Normally, the squad leader of the missing APC rides with the platoon leader.

This arrangement has two advantages: thesquad leader can follow the operation, and hecan get orders from the platoon leader. The pla-toon leader’s APC also serves as the point onwhich the squad members assemble if the dis-mount elements deploy from the APCs. De-pending on the location and condition of adisabled vehicle and the tactical situation, theplatoon leader may choose to leave the driverand gunner with the vehicle to secure it andoversee its recovery and repair. An under-strength squad might be organized as shown inillustration.

whether tactical, maintenance, or admin-istrative.

The mission may require two squads to ac-complish it rather than one.

Extensive individual training needs to beemphasized since all members of the squad must become familiar with all squad weapons.

A squad of six men may still man key weaponsystems and enable the unit to put sufficient fire-power on the enemy to be effective. A five-mansquad will have difficulty in manning weaponsystems key to the dismount element, and produc-ing the firepower necessary to accomplish themission. Squad frontages are severely reduced indefensive situations to the point where the com-

bining of squads to produce two nearly full squadsmay be more beneficial than trying to maintain

Squads of five to seven men are common. Be- three understrength squads. In any situation, thefore employing such understrength squads, key factors of mission, enemy terrain, troops avail-

factors must be considered. able, and time (METT-T) must be carefullyweighed to produce the best possible use of under-

The mission may take longer to accomplish.

strength squads.

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A general priority order in which positions are estimate of the situation, the M60 machine gunto be filled (from the most important to the least may be manned in priority after the Dragon gun-important) is squad leader, driver, team leader/ ner. A typical seating arrangement for a six-man

gunner, Dragon

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gunner, SAWs, grenadier, rifle- squad is shown in illustration.man. Depending on the squad/platoon leader’s

Section III. CONTROL AND ORGANIZATION FORMOUNTED OPERATIONS

2-6. GENERAL

The platoon moves and fights mounted whenev- example, when using bounding overwatch. Theer possible. When all of the platoon remains platoon sergeant will control one section, while

mounted, it fights as a single force under the con- the platoon leader controls the other; however, thetrol of the platoon leader. At times, when mount- platoon leader retains overall control of the pla-ed, the platoon leader may choose to divide the toon. If contact is not likely, the platoon leaderplatoon into two sections of two APCs each-for may choose to lead the formation.

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2-7. CARRIER MOVEMENT CONTROL

Each squad leader controls the movement of his orientation and that the vehicle is properly dis-vehicle in consonance with the platoon leader’s persed in accordance with the formation beingvehicle. The team leader/gunner insures that his used. (Formations and movement techniques are

vehicle has the correct caliber .50 machine gun discussed in chapter 4.)Section IV. CONTROL AND ORGANIZATION FOR

DISMOUNTED OPERATIONS

2-8. CONTROL OF THE PLATOON

Each APC carries a dismount team of infan- squad leader. The squad leader directs the move-trymen whose purpose is to fight dismounted. ment and fires of both teams. Because thisWhen the dismount teams are deployed, there method is a challenge for the squad leader toare methods of maintaining control over the control, it requires the carrier team to be closesquads and platoon. These two methods have a to the dismount team. This method may be useddirect bearing on how the platoon is organized. when the enemy, visibility, or terrain dictates

In the first method, the carrier team and dis- the use of the dismount team to secure or leadthe carrier team.mount team remain under the control of their

In the second method, the dismount teams ments. One element is controlled by the platoonand carrier teams are organized into a dis- leader and the other by the platoon sergeant.mount element and carrier element.

The This method is commonly used whenever thethree dismount teams compose the dismount vehicles and dismounted infantry are separat-element, and the four vehicles (includes head- ed. For example, the carrier element may bequarters vehicle) compose the carrier element. employed at one location to maximize use of itsThus, the platoon is organized into two ele- weapons, while the dismount element is in an-

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other. These different locations do not have to Whichever method is used, the platoon lead- be far apart in fact it could be a matter of only er retains overall control of the platoon.50 to 100 meters.

2-9. OPERATIONS

The platoon leader might order the dismountteams to dismount to:

Operate in terrain that restricts themovement of APCs, such as in forests or

built-up areas.

Obtain better observation and fireswhenever those of the APC are restricted.

Continue the operation whenever theAPC is under effective antiarmor fires.

Assault or clear an objective.

Move on a different route while APCssupport.

Defend dismounted.

Clear an obstacle or danger area.

Take advantage of the mutual sup-port of squad weapons such as Dragons.

Provide security.Conduct dismounted patrols.

When the dismount team dismounts, theteam leader/gunner and driver remain with the

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vehicle, while the squad leader normally dis-mounts.

Before the dismount team dismounts, thesquad leader should decide what weapons are

to be taken. His decision is based on the tacticalsituation, that is, is the purpose antiarmor,anti-infantry, or a combination. If the purposeis anti-infantry, there may not be a need todismount the Dragon/LAWs.

When making the decision to dismount,and in the absence of orders from the platoonleader, the squad leader considers where hispresence is required. Specifically, if the situa-tion requires dismounted action, then thesquad leader will be dismounted. The squadleader will normally dismount with his dis-mount team to:

Operate in terrain that restricts themovement of the APC, such as in forestsor built-up areas.

Avoid effective antiarmor fires.

Move on a different route while theAPC supports.

Clear an obstacle or danger area.

Assault or clear an objective.

Defend dismounted.

Conduct dismounted patrols.

There are other instances in which all or onlya portion of the dismount team may dismount.For example, the squad leader may choose notto dismount, but the assistant squad leaderwould dismount to lead the dismount team to:

Operate whenever the observationand fires of the APCs are restricted by

visibility or terrain.Provide security.

Take advantage of the mutual sup-port of the other squad weapons such asthe Dragon.

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CHAPTER 3

LEADING THE PLATOONAND SQUAD


3-1. GENERAL

This chapter discusses troop leading proce-dures, combat orders, preparing to fight,leading in combat, and standing operating pro-

cedures (SOP). The topics discussed pertain toall combat operations. Application of these pro-

cedures requires time: the more time, thegreater the leader’s ability to plan and preparein depth; the less time, the more reliance theleader must place on SOPs Leaders mustuse the procedures outlined, if only in abbre-viated form, to insure that their units and sol-diers understand and prepare for missionaccomplishment.

3-2. TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES

Troop leading is the process a leader goesthrough to prepare his unit to accomplish a tac-tical mission. It begins when he is alerted for amission. It starts all over again when he gets adifferent mission — it never ends. Listed beloware the steps in the troop leading process. Steps3 through 8 may not follow a rigid sequence, and

at times steps maybe accomplished concurrent-ly. In combat, rarely will time be available to gothrough each step in detail. However, a goodleader habitually checks them off in his mind sothat he is sure nothing is forgotten.

Step 1. Receive the mission.Step 2. Issue a warning order.

Step 3. Make a tentative plan.

Step 4. Start necessary movement.

Step 5. Reconnoiter.

Step 6. Complete the plan.

Step 7. Issue the complete order.

Step 8. Supervise.

CONTENTS PAGESection I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-1

II. Combat Orders. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-4

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Step 1 — Receive the Mission.

A mission may be received in a warningorder, an operation order (OPORD), or a frag-mentary order (FRAGO).

As soon as the leader has the order, he ana-lyzes it, taking into account the following

What is the MISSION?

What is known about theENEMY?

How will the TERRAIN affectthe operation?

What TROOPS are available?

How much TIME is available?

What SUPPLIES and EQUIP-MENT are needed?

What SPECIAL TASKS need tobe assigned?

The leader then plans the use of time avail-able. The platoon leader should use no morethan one third of the available time, leaving therest for squad preparation. The unit must betold when to be ready and the things that must be done beforehand. The leader works backwardfrom the time he wants the men to be readyallowing enough time for each task. This is re-

verse planning. Below is an example of asquad leader’s reverse planning.

1420: Ready time.

1415: Check assembly area.(Make sure all Claymores are recov-ered and that no ammunition, etc., isleft behind.)

1300: Inspect squad/rehearse.

1205: Issue order to squad.

1200: Complete squad order.

1105: Reconnoiter with platoonleader/receive order.

1050: Issue warning order tosquad.

Step 2 — Issue a Warning Order.

Initial instructions are usually in a warn-ing order. In it, the leader gives enough informa-tion to his unit to start preparing for the

operation.Unit SOPs should prescribe actions to take

when a warning order is received — for exam-ple, drawing ammunition, rations, water, andcommunications gear.

The platoon leader issues his unit warningorder to the platoon sergeant, squad leaders, andforward observer. The squad leader, in turn, is-sues a warning order to his squad.

The warning order should state as a mini-mum:

The mission (nature of the oper-ation).

Who is participating in the oper-ation.

Time of the operation.

Any special instructions.

Time and place for issuance ofthe complete order.

Step 3 — Make a Tentative Plan.

Based on mission, enemy, terrain,troops, and time available, the leader makes atentative plan. The plan gives him a start pointfrom which to coordinate, reconnoiter, organize,and move.

During his planning, the leader takes intoaccount the following:

What is the platoon’s MISSION? (Wemust attack to seize that objective; or, We mustprepare to defend this position by 0400.)

What ENEMY troops oppose us? What

size units and where are they? What weapons,artillery or engineer units do they have in sup-port? Will they be mounted, dismounted, or

both?

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How can we use the TERRAIN to ouradvantage? To answer this question, the leaderexamines the observation and fields of fire,cover and concealment, obstacles, key terrain,

and avenues of approach (OCOKA).Observation and fields of fire influence

decisions made on placement of carriers, squads,Dragons, and machine guns. In the offense, thefire element must be where it can support themoving element. In the defense, personnel musthave observation; weapons must have fields of fire covering avenues of approach. The platoonleader also considers the enemy’s point of viewas to observation and fields of fire.

Cover and concealment influence the

choice of routes, positions, and targets. Terrainis used to provide cover from enemy fires, andto conceal friendly elements from enemyobservation.

Obstacles also influence the choice of routes, positions, and targets. In the defense,obstacles are used in conjunction with the ter-rain to canalize the enemy into kill zones. Ob-stacles are also used to impede movement andrestrict movement to the platoon flanks or otherdesired areas.

Key terrain is any terrain that affordsa marked advantage to the force that seizes orretains it. Key terrain has a bearing on deci-sions regarding the selection of objectives androutes in offense, and on the choice of positionsin defense.

An avenue of approach is an air orground route that leads an attacking force to itsobjective or to key terrain in its path. Avenues of approach are considered with all other factors.They influence the choice of routes and the di-

rection of attack in the offense, and they influ-ence the assignment of positions, sectors of fire,and targets in the defense. Enemy avenues of approach or withdrawal are viewed as to howthey can affect the platoon’s operation.

What effect do TROOPS have on the se-lection of positions, routes, formations, and thefire plan? How many troops are available to oc-cupy a specific area?

How much TIME is there to prepare posi-tions? How long must a position be defended?

The leader considers each of the factors andcompares alternatives. From this analysis, hedraws conclusions that form the basis for hisplan of action, which, when firm, becomes hisorder.

Step 4 — Start Necessary Movement. Dur-ing steps 3 through 8, the platoon leader maybeforward completing his plan. If there is a dis-tance between the platoon and where the mis-

sion must be started, the platoon sergeant may bring the platoon forward to save time. Suchmovement may be accomplished under companycontrol, with the company executive officer orfirst sergeant in charge. This particular stepmay be omitted, occur in a different sequence,or be done concurrently with some other step(s).

Step 5 — Reconnoiter. To make the best useof men and weapons, the leader must look overand evaluate the terrain on which he will fight.This evaluation may be done using the key ele-ments in OCOKA described in step 3. If time is

short, the leader, at least, makes a map recon-naissance, which may confirm or cause him tomodify his tentative plan.

Step 6 — Complete the Plan. Based on thereconnaissance, the leader completes his plan.In a defense, he decides where to put hisweapons and how to tie the defense together. Inan attack, he decides how to move and how toseize the objective.

Step 7 — Issue the Complete Order. Pla-toon and squad orders are issued orally For an

attack, the platoon leader should give his orderfrom a point where the squad leaders can see theobjective. For a defense, he should give the orderon the ground his troops will defend. When thisis not feasible, the platoon leader should use a

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terrain model or a sketch to help explain theorder. A squad leader will rarely have a chanceto give an attack order from a position where his

men see the objective. When feasible, he shouldmake a terrain model for his squad to look atwhile he gives the order. Like the platoon leader,a squad leader can often give his orders for thedefense while his squad is at the defensive posi-tion area. Leaders must be sure all their menknow the plan of action.

Step 8 — Supervise. After the order is is-sued, leaders direct the preparations to be surethe order is properly carried out.

3-3. REHEARSALS

If there is time before an operation, platoonleaders should have squads rehearse combattasks for the specific mission. This fosters confi-dence and improves performance. It may alsoreveal weaknesses in the plan. Some importanttasks to rehearse are:

Fire and movement.

Actions upon unexpected enemycontact.

Actions at the assault position.

Actions in the assault.Breaching a minefield.

Assaulting a trench.

Breaching wire obstacles.

Assaulting a bunker or a building.

Using special weapons or demoli-

tions.Test firing of weapons, if situation

permits.

If possible, rehearsals should be on terrainresembling that on which the unit will fight andunder the expected light condition.

3-4. INSPECTIONS

The last thing done before an operation is toinspect to see if the men and equipment areready This may include:

Rations.

Water.

Weapons.

Ammunition.

Individual uniform and equip-ment.

Camouflage.

Mission-essential equipment (de-molitions, starlight scopes).

Knowledge of the mission and re-

sponsibilities.Once the operation has begun, the leader

must see that the plan is followed. He should beready to change his plan if that is what the situ-ation demands.

Section II. COMBAT ORDERS

3-5. GENERAL

Combat orders are written or oral. Leaders ment combat orders and allow the leader to referuse them to transmit information and instruc- to them rather than issue the same instructionstions to subordinates. The use of combat orders, for tasks and situations that occur often.

expressed in standard formats or containing es-sential elements, insures that a leader conveyshis instructions clearly, concisely and com- There are generally three kinds of combat or-pletely The detail of an order varies with the ders: warning order, operation order, and frag-time a leader has to prepare it. SOPs comple- mentary order.

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3-6. WARNING ORDER

Leaders use warning orders to alert subordi-nate units of an impending mission and to pro-vide initial instructions so that subordinates

have a maximum amount of time to prepare forits execution. Although there is no prescribedformat, a warning order contains five MINI-MUM essential elements:

The mission (nature of the opera-tion).

Who is participating in the opera-tion.

Time of the operation.

Any special instructions.

Time and place for issuance of thecomplete order.

In addition to these essentials, the leadershould also provide any specific instructions notcovered by the SOP that are important to thepreparation for the mission.

The platoon leader may issue the warning or-der to his platoon sergeant, forward observer,aidman, and squad leaders, or only to the pla-toon sergeant if time does not permit the gather-ing of others.

“WE ARE GOING TO ATTACK THE VILLAGEOF DASHAWECZ AT 1430 TODAY. IT LOOKSLIKE THE ENEMY HAS PREPARED SOME

PRETTY GOOD POSITIONS IN THE BUILD-INGS. WE WILL HAVE TO CLEAR HIM OUT.THERE MAY ALSO BE ENEMY TANKS IN THE

VILLAGE. DRAW SIX GRENADES AND ONELAW PER MAN. EACH SQUAD CARRY 10BLOCKS OF C4, BLASTING CAPS, AND FUSEIGNITORS; AND 50 FEET OF FUSE LINE. THEPLATOON SERGEANT WILL TELL YOUWHERE AND WHEN YOU CAN PICK UP THISMATERIAL. THE POL TRUCK WILL BE HEREAT 1130 HOURS. TOP OFF EACH CARRIER.LET ME KNOW BY 1145 HOURS IF YOU HAVEANY MAINTENANCE PROBLEMS THAT YOUCAN’T REPAIR YOURSELVES. MEET ME BACKHERE AT 1200 HOURS. AT THAT TIME, WEWILL MOVE UP THE RIDGE OVERLOOKING

THE VILLAGE, AND I WILL TELL YOU EX-ACTLY HOW WE WILL CAPTURE OUR PARTOF THAT VILLAGE.”

The squad leader normally issues the warn-ing order to all squad members. Preparation forthe operation begins immediately based on spe-cial instructions and the platoon SOP. The pla-toon sergeant and team leader keep close watchon the preparations made by the men. They in-sure that the instructions of the platoon leaderand squad leaders are carried out.

“THE PLATOON LEADER JUST TOLD METHAT WE ARE GOING TO ATTACK A VILLAGETHIS AFTERNOON AT 1430 HOURS. THE EN-EMY IS DUG IN AND PROBABLY HAS TANKSWITH HIM, SO WE HAVE TO BE PREPARED TOCLEAR THE BUILDINGS AND KNOCK OUTTHE TANKS. WE WILL CARRY SIX HEGRENADES AND ONE LAW PER MAN IN AD-DITION TO OUR STANDARD LOAD FORRIFLES AND GRENADE LAUNCHERS. SER-GEANT THOMAS, YOUR TEAM WILL HANDLE’DEMOLITIONS. DRAW 10 BLOCKS OF C4, 10BLASTING CAPS AND FUSE IGNITORS, AND

50 FEET OF FUSE. MAKE SURE YOU TESTBURN THE FUSE. PRIVATE SMITH, YOUCARRY A CLIMBING ROPE AND A GRAP-PLING HOOK. SPECIALIST GEORGE, YOUCARRY THE TA-1 AND DRAW TWO ROLLS OF

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ASSAULT WIRE. THE PLATOON SERGEANTWILL BE HERE IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES TOTELL US WHERE AND WHEN WE CAN PICKUP OUR AMMO AND EQUIPMENT. THE POLTRUCK WILL BE HERE AT 1130 HOURS.SERGEANT JONES, MAKE SURE OUR APC ISTOPPED OFF. IF YOU HAVE ANY MAINTE-NANCE PROBLEMS, LET ME KNOW BY 1130HOURS. I’M LEAVING NOW TO GET THE PLA-TOON ORDER. SERGEANT THOMAS IS INCHARGE UNTIL I GET BACK. PLAN ON MEET-ING HERE WHEN I RETURN, AND WE WILLGO OVER THE PLAN IN DETAIL.”

3-7. OPERATION ORDER

The OPORD supplies needed information andinstructions to subordinates. It outlines whatmust be done to accomplish a specific missionthrough coordinated effort. The leader uses theorder to tell his subordinates how he intends tofight the battle. It insures that the platoon andsquad know everything necessary to accomplishthe mission. Consistent use of a standard for-

mat allows the leader to refine SOPs andstreamline his orders.

The standard OPORD format is used by lead-ers to organize their thoughts in a logical se-

3-6

quence. The operation order format consists of the following elements:

1. SITUATION. Paragraph one of the operationorder has three subparagraphs: enemy forces,friendly forces, attachments and detachments.Paragraph one also gives an overview of the gen-eral situation so subordinate leaders or individualscan gain an understanding of the area of opera-tions. This paragraph provides information onlyand contains no orders.

a. Enemy forces. All available information.

b. Fri endl y f orces. Information here containsthe verbatim mission statement of the next high-er headquarters, and adjacent, supporting, andreinforcing units listed in the following order

(1) Higher unit. (At least the mis-sion of the next higher unit.)

(2) Adjacent units. (Listed in or-der: left, right, front, and rear.)

(3) Supporting mortar or field ar-tillery units.

c. A t t achment s and det achment s. Avail-ability and the time these attachments and de-tachments are effective.

2. MISSION. Paragraph two of the OPORDgives the mission in a clear, concise statement

of the tasks to be accomplished. It contains theWHO (unit); WHAT (attack, defend, delay, etc.);WHEN (date-time group); WHY (seize, preventpenetration of positions); and WHERE (gener-ally, grid coordinates).

3. EXECUTION. Paragraph three of theOPORD is the execution paragraph. It containsthe “HOW TO” information needed to accom-plish the mission. It will have the concept of operation, mission for subordinate units, andcoordinating instructions.

a.Concept of operat ion

states briefly theleader’s intent and tactical plan. It describes thescheme of maneuver and plan of fire support.Although brief, it must be detailed enough toinsure correct action, and avoid language that


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might confiuse subordinates. The concept of opera-tion may be broken down into two sub-paragraphs:

(1) Scheme of maneuver. Thecompany’s ultimate objective, the platoon

mission, movement technique, direction,order of march, primary mission for eachsquad, and position in company order of march.

(2) Fire support. Preparation fires/final protective fires; priority of fires.

b. M issions for subordi nate uni t s. Onlyunits organic or attached are listed. Details of specific missions for each squad (platoon order), orteams or individuals (squad order), are discussed.

c. Coordinat ing instr ucti ons is the last sub-

paragraph of paragraph three of the OPORD. Itlists tactical instructions and details of coordina-tion (other than signal teams) that apply to two ormore elements. When there are no coordinatinginstructions, this fact will be noted.

4. SERVICE SUPPORT. Paragraph four of theOPORD covers administrative instructions andsupport provided for the operation. It should coversupply (ammunition; petroleum, oil, lubricant[POL]; rations; spare parts), services, (hot food,water), medical evacuation, and handling of pris-oners.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL. Paragraph fiveof the OPORD covers command and signal.

a. Command. Includes the location of the pla-toon leader and platoon sergeant. May include suc-cession of command if this is not in the SOP

b. Signal. Includes any communications or elec-tronics instructions to be used during the opera-tion. At a minimum, it contains call signs andfrequencies; it may also contain challenge andpassword, pyrotechnics, and signal restrictions.

3-8. PLATOON OPORD EXAMPLE

1. SITUATION.

a. Enemy forces. Elements of the 283 Motor-ized Rifle Regiment have established squad and

platoon defensive positions in our zone. Their mostlikely location is vicinity of Hill 301 (NB 782918).They are estimated at 80% strength and theirmorale is good. They are equipped with BMPs andare capable of employing chemical weapons. Theywill probably defend in present position.

b. Fri endl y f orces. Company C attacks at090600 Ott to seize Hills 309 (NB 783910) and 301(NB 782918) to control the road that runs betweenthese two hills. TF 2-76 attacks at the same time toseize Hill 205 (NB 782937), and 1st Platoonattacks at the same time to seize Hill 309 (NB783910). The heavy mortar platoon will be in thevicinity of Hill 258 (NB 762402). The 1-45 FieldArtillery (FA) (155 Self-Propelled [SP]) will sup-port the battalion. Priority of fires to our company

c. A t t achment s and detachment s. None.

2. MISSION: 2d Platoon will attack at 090600Ott to seize Hill 301 (NB 782918).

3. EXECUTION

a. Concept of operati on. The 2d Platoon willattack dismounted crossing the line of departure(LD) at 0600. We will cross the LD in column for-mation using the traveling overwatch technique.Order of march will be 2d Squad, platoon head-quarters, 1st Squad, 3d Squad. The carrier ele-ment will provide overmatching fires from Hill 294(NB 780916). When we reach Catfish Creek, ourassault position, we will deploy in line formationwith 1st Squad on the left, 2d Squad as the base.squad in the center, and 3d Squad on the right toseize Hill 301, Objective RED. By seizing ObjectiveRED, we will be able to control all movement on theroad between Hills 309 (NB 783910) and 301 (NB782918). If the enemy counterattacks, the companycommander thinks they may try to use the road.By seizing Hill 309, Objective BLUE, on our left,1st Platoon will assist in protecting the battalion’sflank against enemy counterattack. The 3d Pla-toon will be following us during the assault andwill be prepared to continue the assault if needed.There will be a 15-minute artillery preparation

beginning at 0550. We have priority of fires. The

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targets I have chosen are shown on my map. Makesure you mark them on your map before you leave.

b. M i ssi ons for subordi nate unit s:

(1) 1st Squad Consolidate from 9 to 11.

(2) 2d Squad Consolidate from 11 to 1.(3) 3d Squad Consolidate from 1 to 3.(4) Carrier element:

(a) Support assault from Hill 294.(b) Shift fires on order to northeast.(c) Move to objective on order.

c. Coordinati ng instructi ons:

(l) 2d Squad is base squad duringassault.

(2) In consolidation, 12 o’clock is east.

(3) Limit of advance i s 100 meters be-yond crest of the hill.

4. SERVICE SUPPORT:

a. Supply. Two C-rations per man. Each squadwill carry an additional 600 rounds of 5.56-mmammo. Top off vehicles at 2000 tonight in yourposition.

b. Maintenance. SOP except logistical releasepoint will beat intersection of Phase Line (PL)Nail and Route ANVIL.

c. Medical. SOP.

5. COMMAND AND SIGNAL:a. Command. I will be with the dismount ele-

ment, and the platoon sergeant will be with thecarrier element. Succession of command is SOP.

b. Si gnal . Current frequencies and call signswill be in effect. Signal for shifting supportingfires is two green star clusters, or on order. Thetime is:

3-9. SQUAD OPORD EXAMPLE

Frequently in the interest of time, the squad

leader takes only the necessary informationfrom the platoon order and briefs the squad overa terrain table constructed to depict the area of operation:

“THE PLATOON LEADER JUST GAVE USTHE OPERATION ORDER. WE’VE GOT ENEMYINFANTRY IN SQUAD AND PLATOON DEFEN-SIVE POSITIONS WITH BMPs TO OUR FRONT.OUR PLATOON ATTACKS AT 0600 TO SEIZEHILL 301, HERE. TF 2-76 ATTACKS TO OURLEFT TO SEIZE HILL 205, HERE; 1ST PLA-TOON ATTACKS TO SEIZE HILL 309, HERE;AND 3D PLATOON FOLLOWS US. THE 1STSQUAD’S MISSION — OUR MISSION — IS TOATTACK AND SEIZE THE LEFT PART OF HILL301. WE ATTACK DISMOUNTED, CROSSINGTHE LD IN COLUMN FORMATION USINGTRAVELING BEHIND 2D SQUAD AND THEPLATOON HEADQUARTERS, WITH 3D SQUADFOLLOWING US. OUR CARRIER PROVIDESOVERWATCHING FIRES FROM HILL 294, LO-

CATED HERE. OUR ASSAULT POSITION ISCATFISH CREEK WHERE WE DEPLOY IN LINEFORMATION: OUR SQUAD ON THE LEFT; 2DSQUAD, BASE SQUAD, IN THE CENTER; AND3D SQUAD ON THE RIGHT TO SEIZE HILL 301,OBJECTIVE RED. AFTER WE SEIZE OBJEC-TIVE RED, WE HAVE TO WATCH THIS ROADBETWEEN US AND 1ST PLATOON ON HILL309 FOR POSSIBLE ENEMY COUNTERAT-TACK. THE 3D PLATOON MAY COME UP TOPASS THROUGH US TO CONTINUE THE AT-TACK. A 15-MINUTE ARTILLERY PREP WILLBE USED BEGINNING AT 0550. WE CONSOLI-

DATE ON OBJECTIVE RED FROM 9 TO 11WITH 12 BEING EAST. WE LINK WITH 2DSQUAD AT 11. OUR CARRIER WILL MOVEFORWARD ON ORDER AND JOIN US ON THEOBJECTIVE. NO ONE IS TO ADVANCE MORETHAN 100 METERS BEYOND THE CREST OFTHE HILL. WE CARRY TWO C-RATIONS PERMAN AND AN ADDITIONAL 600 ROUNDS OF5.56-MM AMMO. THE VEHICLE GETS TOPPEDOFF AT 2000 HOURS TONIGHT IN POSITION. IWILL BE WITH THE DISMOUNT ELEMENT,AND SUCCESSION OF COMMAND IS SOP.THE TIME IS: — . CURRENT FREQUEN-

CIES AND CALL SIGNS WILL BE IN EF-FECT. SIGNAL FOR SHIFTING FIRES IS TWOGREEN STAR CLUSTERS OR ON ORDER. ANYQUESTIONS?”

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3-10. THE OPERATION OVERLAY

An operation overlay is a trace of graphicsfrom an operation map. Its purpose is to reducethe content and insure the understanding of thewritten or oral order. Normally platoon andsquad leaders will not be issued operation over-

lays. However, in conformance with higherleader’s orders, platoon and squad leadersshould transfer graphics to their maps. Thiswill allow them to plan their actions, based ona map reconnaissance, deeper than the ter-rain may allow them to see. The overlay ortransference should be simple but neatly done.It should include all control measures used dur-ing the operation and all other information thatcan be depicted graphically.

3-11. THE FRAGMENTARY ORDER

The fragmentary order is issued to make achange to an existing order. Therefore, FRAGOsaddress only those items from the OPORD thatare changed. Since FRAGOs are normally used

during the conduct of an operation, instructionsshould be brief and specific. Although there isno standard format for a FRAGO, the followingessential items are normally included:

Situation: Enemy and Friendly — includesa brief description of the enemy and friendlysituation and should indicate the reason for thechange in instructions.

Changes to the organization — may in-clude the attachment or detachment of the pla-toon or part of it.

Orders to Subordinate Units — should bedone by element. To avoid confusion, no elementshould be left out.

Fire Support (if applicable)— indicatesany change in priorities or assets.

Coordinating Instructions — as in theOPORD, includes all instructions that apply totwo or more elements.

3-12. THE UNIT STANDING OPERATINGPROCEDURE

The unit SOP is a set of instructions havingthe force of orders. It covers areas which lendthemselves to standardization with no loss of effectiveness.

SOPs facilitate and expedite operations by

Reducing the number, length, andfrequency of combat orders.

Simplifying the preparationtransmission of combat orders.

Simplifying training.

Promoting understandingteamwork between the leaderstroops.

and

andand

Advising new arrivals or newly at-

tached units of procedures followed inthe organization.

Reducing confusion and errors.

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Contents of higher unit SOPs need not be re-stated in platoon and squad SOPs unless moredetail is needed for actions to be accomplished atplatoon and squad level. Virtually any item re-lating to the platoon can become a matter forthe unit SOP. Many SOP items are derived fromthe personnel and equipment available to theorganization. Other SOP items are a function of good tactics and techniques. SOP items can beestablished by leaders based on how they canoperate most efficiently and best prepare theirunit for combat. SOPs remain in effect unlessmodified by an order. If certain items contin-ually need modification, they should not be apart of the SOP.

Battle drills are planned with emphasis onchanges in formation and movement to respondto changes in tactical situations. Battle drillsare set plays and should be established formounted and dismounted operations, should be-come part of the SOP, and should be practiced toperfection. Appendix H provides some specificexamples of battle drills.

3-13. LEADING IN COMBAT

The primary duty of the leader is missionaccomplishment. Leadership is the art of influ-encing and directing men in such a way as to

obtain their confidence, respect, obedience, andcooperation in preparing for and executing combat operations and accomplishing the mission.Leadership is based on knowledge of men,equipment, and tactics. The leader is responsi-

ble for the discipline, training, welfare, andmorale of his men. He must be technically com-petent in the use of infantry weapons. He must be tactically proficient in their employment. Atplatoon and squad level, leadership by exampleis the key. The leader must:

Set the example.

Lead from as far forward aspossible.

Lead from a position where he canbe seen by his men.

Lead from where he can controlall elements physically or by radio.

Move to critical locations to influ-ence the action when necessary.

Make sound but quick decisions.Execute decisions forcefully.

The battlefield is a stressful and fatiguingenvironment. The first days of battle can be par-ticularly trying as leaders and soldiers adapt tothe reality of fighting. The platoon and squadmust be prepared to fight at any time 24 hoursa day. Leaders must make every effort to mini-mize the effects of stress and fatigue. Soldierswho are well trained and confident will react better under conditions that produce stress and

fatigue. SOPs that are mastered help men andunits to endure. Sleep and rest are critical as-pects of maintaining individual and unit profi-ciency They must be encouraged during lullsin battle.

Sleep/rest management. Leaders beginepisodes of rest (cat naps or longer) before fa-tigue becomes debilitating. They should notgo longer than 24 hours without sleep, butmore important, they should recognize signsof fatigue.

Soldiers should rest or sleep at every op-

portunity while a buddy remains awake. Intasks requiring attention (surveillance, com-munication), personnel are rotated.

If possible, after prolonged periods of minimal rest/sleep (2 to 4 days), a long period of uninterrupted sleep (12 to 24 hours) is needed.If awakened ahead of time, a period of reducedresponsiveness can be expected.

Special leadership considerations when sol-diers are fatigued. If signs of “combat fatigue”appear (following a prolonged period with mini-mal rest/sleep), then allow uninterrupted sleep

if possible.To lessen mental and physical fatigue,

spread the most difficult and dangerous assign-ments around.

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During normal and sustained opera- teracting the negative effects of sustainedtions, esprit de corps will be important in coun- battle.

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CHAPTER 4

MOVEMENT


4-1. GENERAL

The tempo of mobile warfare and contamina-

tion created by nuclear and chemical weaponsdemand that mechanized infantry units spenda lot of time moving. Although this chapterdeals only with how platoons and squads move,rarely do they move alone. They may operate aspart of a mechanized infantry company or aspart of a company team with one or more tankplatoons. The mechanized infantry companyalso will have support from the battalion’s im-proved TOW vehicles (ITV).

In arriving at a decision about movement,the leader must always consider the mission,

enemy, terrain, troops, and time available(METT-T).

4-2. TERRAIN USE

Whether moving mounted or dismounted, incontact with the enemy or not, platoons andsquads should know the following rules:

Use the Terrain for Protection. Terrainoffers natural concealment from enemy obser-vation and cover against fire. Using terrain toprotect vehicles is difficult, so, terrain driving

should become a habit. It must be used when incontact with the enemy and when contact ispossible or expected. Follow these terrain-driving rules:

Use available cover and conceal-

ment.Avoid skyining.Do not move directly forward

from a hull-down firing position.Cross open areas quickly.

Avoid Possible Kill Zones. Platoons andsquads must avoid wide open spaces, especiallywhere high ground dominates, or where terraincan cover and conceal the enemy. They mustalso avoid obvious avenues of approach intoenemy territory. It is better to cross difficultterrain than fight the enemy on his terms.

Engineers can work the terrain to improvemobility.

Take Active Countermeasures. Platoonleaders should use smoke, direct fire, and indi-rect fire to suppress known or suspected hostilepositions. The enemy should never be allowedan open, unhindered shot at mounted or dis-mounted friendly elements. This calls for con-stant alertness and thorough planning andcoordination.

CONTENTS PAGESection I. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1

II. Movement Formations . . . . . . . . . . 4-2III. Movement Techniques. . . . . . . . . . 4-12IV. Maneuver. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-23

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Maximize the APC’s Capabilities.TheAPC has good speed and on the move can quick-ly change direction or stop. Platoon/team lead-ers and drivers should use any availabledepressions and trees when appropriate to avoid

enemy antitank guided missile (ATGM) fire.When necessary to cross an open area, the

lead TL/squad leader and the platoon leadercheck for unfriendly activity, obstacles, androutes across the open space.

For unite equipped with them, the smoke-grenade launchers can be used to create an im-mediate smoke screen around a halted carrierand during disengagement.

The caliber .50 machine gun can be usedduring movement for suppression.

Make Contact With the Smallest ForcePossible. During all movement, it is best to

have a small force in the lead and the remainderof the unit ready to react and support. Makingcontact with the smallest possible force avoidshaving an entire unit pinned down by enemyfire. Thus, the unit retains flexibility to fire

and move.When not in contact, a lead or bounding

force is supported by a trailing or overwatchforce. Overwatch means being in position tocover the lead force by firing at an enemy whenhe appears.

When in contact, one force moves while an-other force provides fire support or suppression.(This is further explained in section IV.) Sup-pression is gained by direct and indirect fires orsmoke, brought to bear on enemy personnel,

weapons, or equipment, thus forestalling effec-tive fire on friendly forces.

Section II. MOVEMENT FORMATIONS

43. GENERAL

Movement formations are an aid to commandand control; leaders place themselves wherethey can best command and control movement.Their placement is also governed by the move-ment technique being used. It must be clearlyunderstood, however, that movement techniquesapply to how a formation moves; they are not, inand of themselves, formations.44. SQUAD MOVEMENT FORMATIONS

Entire Squad Mounted. When mounted,the squad operates as one unit. Thus, it doesnot have the capability to overwatch itself. Itmoves mounted as part of the platoon — asthe lead squad or as a part of the platoonoverwatch force.

Dismount Team Deployed. The dismountteam moves in two wedges — alone or as part of the platoon dismount element. Its movement is

normally overmatched by the platoon’s carrierelement or by other dismount teams of the pla-toon dismount element. The squad leader and/orassistant squad leader dismounts to lead the

4-2

dismount team. The squad may organize thedismount team into two fire teams with eachfire team forming a wedge. In this case, thesquad leader leads one fire team while the assis-tant squad leader leads the other fire team. Inthis way, the squad can provide its own over-watch element.

Positions within the wedge are based on themission, enemy situation, terrain, weather,light conditions, weapons carried, and theteam’s location within the dismount element.Within the wedge, each man is assigned a sectorof observation to provide all-round security.

Normal interval between men is about 10meters, but it may be less if visibility is poor.Terrain may also dictate temporary modifica-tion of the wedge formation. For example, thesides of the wedge will have to close into single

file when moving along a narrow mountainpath, through a minefield, or through heavy un-dergrowth. But, as soon as conditions permit,the wedge is resumed automatically.


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The dismount team leader may lead the The few seconds following initial contact oftenlead fire team wedge. He does so wheneverspeed is essential. For example, the platoonleader may order a squad leader to quicklymove his dismount team forward to secure aterrain feature. By dismounting and personallyleading, the squad or assistant squad leadercan rapidly choose the exact route, set the pace,

and reduce reaction time by simply telling hismen, “Follow me.”

If speed is not important, the position of the squad or assistant squad leader depends onhis judgment as to how he can best control thedismount team, maintain visual contact withthe platoon dismount element leader, and nav-igate (if his dismount team is leading). As arule, however, the dismount team leader will be the lead man in the trailing wedge. He givesinstructions to the team leader of the lead fireteam, through visual signals — whereto go and

what to do. During movement, other teammembers guide on the lead man. If he movesright, they move right. If he stops, they stop.When contact is made, the lead man sets theexample for other fire team members to follow.

decide team success or failure. Thus, immedi-ate action following contact is critical, and theteam leader must act swiftly.

4-5. PLATOON MOVEMENTFORMATIONS

The specific shape of the platoon formation isset primarily by the mission, enemy situation,and terrain. The traveling formation prescribesits form but in a general way only. The APCswill be staggered. The distance between vehi-cles will vary according to the terrain beingcrossed. Each vehicle will be guarding andsearching a different sector to provide all-round security while on the move. The platoonleader directs the platoon by using arm-and-hand or flag signals. Radios should be used onlyas a backup means of communicating.

It is critical during movement that the squad

members observe their sectors and keep the TLinformed of what they see. When buttoned up,the TL must be aware of the limitations of hisand his driver’s field of view. He must keep thesquad informed of the situation.

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There are five basic platoon mounted move- toon can deploy rapidly from the columnment formations: column, line, echelon, vee, and formation into other formations. The columnwedge. These formations, modified as necessary simplifies control, provides good security, andpermit the platoon to react appropriately in permits maximum firepower to the flanks.most situations and under most conditions.

When moving in a column formation,The column formation is used most fre- squad members scan their designated areas of

quently. It is used for road marches, for move- observation.ment during. limited visibility, and when Arm signals are used to change the col-passing through defiles or thick woods. The pla- umn’s direction of travel.

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The line formation is used when assaulting tion. A variation of the line formation is usedan objective, crossing open areas, leaving a when the platoon leader desires to protect awoodline, or emerging from smoke. This forma- flank without changing the entire platoon for-tion lets the platoon cross an objective rapidly mation. TWO APCs stay on line while two fall

with maximum fire to the front. This formation back in echelon to guard the desired flank. Thelacks the depth of the column or wedge forma- distance between elements is terrain dependent.

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The echelon formation permits excellent normally used when a platoon is to cover anfirepower to the front and to either flank. It is exposed flank.

The vee formation may be used when the specific use of the vee formation may be whenenemy situation is vague and the platoon leader the ridges of a valley are being traversed aheadrequires firepower to the front and flanks. A of the main body of a larger force.

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The wedge formation permits excellent fire Although the depicted visual signal con-to the front and good fire to each flank. The forms to current doctrine, it is not usually suit-platoon leader can easily control all vehicles and able. The configuration of the gunner’s hatchdeploy rapidly into other formations. The wedge may make it hard for other TLs to see the sig-

formation is often used when the enemy situa- nal. An alternative is to extend the arms up-tion is vague. ward at a 45-degree angle from vertical.

The wedge can be weighted to the right or ered and concealed positions off a road or fromleft by dropping back one of the lead APCs. The an open area and establish all-round securitytrailing APC (right or left) would then key on without detailed instructions being issued. Thethe adjacent APC. vehicles are repositioned as necessary and, as

The herringbone formation is a battle drilltime permits, they take advantage of the best

formation used to disperse the platoon when cover, concealment, and fields of fire. Dismount

traveling in column formation. It is used during teams dismount and establish security duringlimited visibility or when more than a tempo-air attacks or when the platoon must stop dur-ing movement. It lets the platoon move to cov- rary halt is expected.

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The coil is a stationary formation providing the circle is complete, all vehicles stop, turn 90all-round security and observation. It is useful degrees outward, and post security.for tactical refueling, resupply and issuing pla-toon orders. Because it presents an easy target,it is not designed to be used for long periodsduring daylight. Security is posted to include.airguards and dismount teams. The caliber .50machine guns are manned. There are two meth-ods to form a coil:

(1) In the first method, when visibility islimited, it is easier for the platoon leader to formthe coil by leading his platoon in a circle. When

(2) The second method is done by the pla-toon leader signaling, quickly moving his vehi-cle into position, and stopping. The othervehicles move directly to their assigned posi-tions, as stated in the platoon SOP, seek coverand concealment, and post security This tech-nique is used during daylight or whenever speedis essential. When the platoon is operatingwithin a company a company coil will be formedin the same manner. Each platoon is responsiblefor the security of a designated sector of thecompany coil.

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The dismount element is normally organized The dismount element column is the pri-with three dismount teams and an element mary movement formation. There is good dis-leader who is usually the platoon leader or the persion in depth, and control is eased. Thisplatoon sergeant. The dismount element uses formation can deliver a limited volume of fire tofive basic formations: column, line, echelon, vee, the front and a high volume to the flanks. Theand wedge. No matter which formation is used base team is the lead team. The other teamsor the organization of the dismount element, the guide on the base team.carrier element, whenever possible, should be inposition to support the dismount element.

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The dismount element line is the basicassault formation. It provides good lateral dis-persion. In this formation, the dismount ele-ment can deliver the greatest amount of fire

to the front. The element leader designates a base team that the other teams base their move-ment on.

The dismount element echelon gives excel-lent firepower to the front or to the right or leftflank. It is normally used when a platoon is

covering an exposed flank.

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The dismount element vee is used when theenemy situation is vague and the platoon leaderrequires firepower to the front and on the flank.

The dismount element wedge is used when team will be free to maneuver when contact

the enemy situation is vague. This formation with the enemy is made. The lead team is nor-permits a large volume of fire to the front and really the ham

-team.

flanks. It will usually insure that at least one

Section III. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES

4-6. GENERAL.

In many cases, a unit moving on the battle-field, when not in contact, encounters the enemy

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at a time and place of the enemy’s choosing. Tooffset the enemy’s advantage, movement tech-niques must be used that will cause initial con-tact to be made with the least number of men

and vehicles. This means that the smallest forcewill be leading. The rest of the unit should be inposition to provide suppression or fire andmovement in support of the force that makescontact. One APC normally leads the platoonwhen mounted, and one dismount team leadsthe dismount element when dismounted.

Because the APC can move rapidly while con-serving the infantrymen’s strength and reduc-ing their exposure to chemical and radiologicalcontamination, as well as small arms fire andartillery shrapnel, platoons and squads movemounted until one of the following apply:

It is necessary to dismount in or-der to accomplish the mission.

It would be dangerous to continuemounted movement because of the en-emy situation.

There is an advantage to be gainedby dismounting.

Likelihood of contact is divided into three cat-egories. from the least chance of contact to thegreatest, they are: not likely possible, and ex-pected. The platoon should change its formationand adjust its movement technique to fit thelikelihood of contact. For ease of reference, themovement technique used for each likelihood of contact is as indicated:

LIKELIHOOD MOVEMENTOF CONTACT TECHNIQUE

Not likely -------------- TravelingPossible -------------- Traveling OverwatchExpected -------------- Bounding Overwatch

The formations discussed in section II are

used with these movement techniques. The for-mations are not rigid. Distances between dis-mount teams and carrier teams vary based onterrain and visibility As terrain becomes morerugged, or as vegetation becomes dense, or if

visibility is reduced, the distances betweenteams is shortened. Leaders stay in visual con-tact with the team to their front. The man in the back of the cargo hatch keeps visual contact

with the vehicle to his rear and informs the TLif he loses contact. With each team watching itsfront and rear, the platoon should be able tomove using only arm-and-hand signals for con-trol. The platoon should habitually practice ori-enting their caliber .50 machine guns so as tohave all-round security The lead APC orients tothe front, the second to the right, the third to theleft, the fourth to the rear. Traveling techniquesare used when speed is important and contactwith the enemy is not likely

4-7. TRAVELING TECHNIQUE WITH

PLATOON MOUNTEDThe platoon moves in a column formation, stag-gered laterally with intervals of 50 to 100 meters between vehicles. Caliber .50 machine guns areoriented for all-round security The platoon leadernormally leads since contact is not likely andapeed is essential. The platoon sergeant’s vehicleis where he can see the platoon leader and helpcontrol the other two vehicles. The column forma-tion is common to the traveling movement tech-ique.

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4-8. TRAVELING TECHNIQUE WITHPLATOON DISMOUNTELEMENT DEPLOYED

This technique is not used often since, when ten will move with the dismount element. The

contact is not likely the platoon normally re- platoon sergeant usually is with the carrier ele-mains mounted. Sometimes the platoon has ment when the platoon leader is dismounted. If missions that require the dismount element to the platoon leader opts to remain mounted, theoperate on foot. Since the platoon with its dis- platoon sergeant dismounts and controls themount element deployed is harder to control dismount element.than a mounted platoon, the platoon leader of-

The element’s formation is adjusted to fit thesituation. Squad leaders normally move near thehead of their dismount teams where they have better control and from where they can see theplatoon leader or platoon sergeant. When possible,the carrier element should be in position to sup-port the dismount element.

4-9. TRAVELING OVERWATCHTECHNIQUE

Traveling overwatch is used when enemy con-tact is possible but not expected. This techniqueprovides more time and distance in which to reactif the lead force makes contact with the enemy.

The distance between the lead force and the

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overwatch force varies with terrain. If control can be maintained and the leading force supported,distances should be increased. If the terrain be-comes more rugged, or the vegetation becomesdense, or the visibility decreases, then the dis-tance should be decreased and the formationchanged as necessary Although caution is calledfor, speed is desirable.

4-10. TRAVELING OVERWATCHTECHNIQUE WITH PLATOON

MOUNTEDA platoon in traveling overwatch moves in a

column, wedge, vee, or echelon formation. Withthis technique and using the column formation,


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the platoon leader takes the second position and

sends one vehicle 100 to 400 meters in front of therest of the platoon. (As noted earlier, the platoonleader may move with two sections — one underhis control, the other controlled by the platoonsergeant.) Movement of the whole platoon is con-tinuous, and cover and concealment is used. Thetrailing or overmatching carriers key their action

of movement as required to maintain the desired

interval. Visual contact between the overwatch-ing vehicles and the lead vehicle or section must be maintained. The lead APC or section may haveto reduce its speed if the overmatching vehiclescannot keep up. The squad leader in the lead vehi-cle should be the one to keep the platoon leader insight and direct the movement of the APC accord-

to the lead carrier or section and vary their rate ing to the platoon leader’s signals.

4-11. TRAVELING OVERWATCH WITHPLATOON DISMOUNT ELEMENTDEPLOYED

The dismount element normally uses a columnor wedge formation. The lead team tries to moveat least 50 meters, but preferably 100 meters ormore, in front of the rest of the element. The car-rier element may be even farther to the rear or toa flank but should be in position to overwatch thedismount element, mainly its lead team.

Dismounted traveling overwatch is rarely used.

As stated earlier, when the platoon is not in con-tact and has to move on the battlefield, it movesmounted unless forced to dismount. In most dis-mounted situations, more deliberate movementand greater caution are required.

4-12. BOUNDING OVERWATCH

Bounding overwatch is used when contact isexpeded. This is the most deliberate and cautiousof all movement techniques. (There are two waysto execute bounding overwatch — alternate andsuccessive.) The overwatch force covers theprogress of the bounding force from a covered andconcealed position which offers good observationand fields of fire against likely enemy positions. If the bounding force makes contact, the overwatch

time must be able to render immediate support by providing suppression or fire and movement.The bounding force moves forward to a prese-lected position while covered by the overwatchforce. When it reaches the new position, it secures

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the location so that the overwatch force can move fire of the overwatch force. Bounding overwatchforward. The length of each bound is tied closely will normally lead into maneuver (see section IV).to the range of weapons, observation, and fields of

The vehicles in the overwatch force should fol- Have the capability of calling forlow the platoon or company SOP for weapons-ready posture. For example, one APC might have

its Dragon ready for firing with the other twocarriers prepared to fire the caliber .50 machinegun. Each gunner should be prepared for immedi-ate engagement. This arrangement insures thatthe overwatch force can provide immediate andaccurate fire support with the proper weapon andammunition. This can be adjusted to fit the en-emy situation, terrain, and availability of ammu-nition, and missiles.

All overwatch forces have basically thesame tasks:

Be able to support the bounding

force with direct fire using the pre-scribed weapons-ready posture.

Be able to maneuver in support ofthe bounding force.

indirect fire. (It is essential that theplatoon leader position his APC so

that the forward observer has a goodview of the bounding APC or the dis-mount element.)

Cover the flanks and rear as wellas the front of the bounding force.

Have concealed, protected posi-tions.

The overwatch force must be controlled by oneman (normally the platoon leader), for ease of control and fire distribution. He must have directcommunication with the bounding force (in manycases this will be visual).

When the platoon is bounding or when it isovermatching another unit, the platoon leader as-signs each squad a sector to cover by observationand, if necessary to cover by fire. Sector identifi-

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cation may be by specific area, by target referencepoints, or the platoon may have an SOP (such asthe clock system) to denote squad responsibility.

4-13. BOUNDING OVERWATCH

TECHNIQUE WITH PLATOONMOUNTED

When the platoon uses mounted bounding over-watch, one or two vehicles may bound while theothers overwatch from a stationary position in aline or wedge formation. When the new position isreached, the bounding squad(s) may dismountenough men and weapons for local security If thenew position is relatively open, the boundingsquad(s) may not need dismounted personnel tosecure the position. As soon as the position issecured, the bounding squad(s) covers the rest of the platoon as they move forward. The process is

repeated for subsequent moves.Example of how a platoon might conduct

mounted bounding overwatch with one or twosquads.

One squad bounds, as platoon overwatches.

The bounding squad secures the next posi-tion and covers the platoon as it moves forward.The platoon leader then issues orders for thenext bound.

Two squads bound, as platoon overmatches.

The bounding squads secure the next posi-tion and cover the advance of the remainingcarriers. Orders are then issued for the next

bound.

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4-14. BOUNDING OVERWATCHTECHNIQUE WITH PLATOONDISMOUNT ELEMENT DEPLOYED

When contact is expected and the terrain willnot permit mounted movement or when the dis-mount element is separated from the carrier ele-ment, the platoon bounds with the dismountelement deployed. This is done like mounted

bounding overwatch except that the length of the bound is reduced because the dismountedweapons have shorter ranges than the APC’s

mounted weapons and because of the reducedspeed of reaction of dismounted troops. The bounding team uses two wedges while the over-watch teams normally use variations of the lineor wedge formation.

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The carrier element should be placed where it sible, this is done from the position that he in-can overwatch the dismount element. To do this, tends to use for the overwatch. He should tellthe carrier element may have to use some formof bounding overwatch. It normally uses a vari-ation of the line formation to overwatch the

bounding APCs.

4-15. ORDERS FOR MOVEMENT

Regardless of the movement technique to beused, the platoon leader should give the platoonan order which explains what each squad is todo. This becomes more critical as the chance forenemy contact increases.

Before using bounding overwatch (mountedor dismounted), the platoon leader must be surethat the bounding force and the overwatch forceknow exactly what to do. The platoon leadermust give clear and complete orders. When pos-

them and show them:The enemy situation as he knows

or suspects it to be.

The next overwatch position (ob-jective for the bounding force).

The route of the bounding force tothat position.

The positions and sectors of re-sponsibility of the overwatch force.

What the platoon leader intends to

do after the bounding force gets to thenext position.

Sectors of fire and target refer-ence points.

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Here is an example of a platoon leader’s oral

order:

“I EXPECT CONTACT IN THIS AREA, SO WEWILL MOVE MOUNTED AND USE BOUNDINGOVERWATCH. THE ENEMY PROBABLY HASARMORED VEHICLES ON ONE OF THE HILLSTO OUR FRONT. 1ST SQUAD, MOVEMOUNTED THROUGH THE TREELINE TO OURRIGHT FRONT AND GUIDE ALONG THE LEFTOF THE CREEK. CHECK OUT THE HILL TO OURFRONT — THE ONE WITH THE FARMHOUSE.IF YOU DO NOT MAKE CONTACT, DEPLOYYOUR DISMOUNT TEAM AND TAKE UP A PO-

SITION ON THAT HILL FROM WHICH YOUCAN COVER THE HILL FARTHER TO OUR

THE AREA AROUND THE FARMHOUSE. WE

WILL COVER YOU FROM HERE USING A LINEFORMATION UNTIL YOU SECURE YOUR PO-SITION. AFTER YOU ARE SET UP WE WILLFOLLOW THE SAME ROUTE YOU TOOK AND

JOIN YOU. PLATOON SERGEANT WITH THE2D SQUAD, YOU WILL BE TO MY LEFT. YOUWILL COVER FROM THE FARMHOUSE LEFTTO THE TREELINE. PREPARE TO FIRE THEDRAGON AND WATCH FOR ARMORED VEHI-CLES ON THE FAR HILL. 3D SQUAD, YOU WILLBE ON MY RIGHT. I WILL BE IN THE CENTER,ABOUT HERE. I WILL COVER THE TREELINEAND CREEK AREA. WHEN WE MOVE FOR-

WARD, I WILL LEAD WITH 2D AND 3DSQUADS FOLLOWING IN THAT ORDER. ARE

FRONT. PAY PARTICULAR ATTENTION TO THERE ANY QUESTIONS? MOVE OUT.”

With well-trained platoons and squads, lead- movement techniques by pointing and usingers should be able to give almost all orders for arm-and-hand signals.

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4-16. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AS APART OF THE COMPANY ORCOMPANY TEAM

When the platoon is moving as a part of thecompany or company team, the entire platoonmay be the bounding force. The platoon mayalso serve as all or part of the company or com-pany team overwatch force.

When the platoon is the company boundingforce, it may bound mounted or dismounted. If mounted, the platoon normally uses a combina-tion of traveling overwatch and bounding over-watch techniques within the platoon. If deployed, the dismount element normally uses

bounding overwatch. The platoon has more free-dom to maneuver than when operating indepen-

dently because the remainder of the company orcompany team is in overwatch. When the dis-mount element is bounding, the company orcompany team commander may direct the car-rier element to remain with the company over-watch force. But, if he does not specify, theplatoon leader will position the carrier elementto best support the bounding dismount element.

4-17. MOVEMENT WITH TANKS

In a company team, mechanized infantry pla-

toons often operate with tank platoons. Eachhas weaknesses that the other can compensatefor. So, they move together always prepared tosupport each other.

When terrain and visibility permit mountedmovement, tanks normally lead followed or over-watched by infantry.

The dismount element will lead, overmatched by the carrier element and the tanks, when:

Obstacles prevent mounted movementand they cannot be bypassed.

Close terrain (such as an urban area,a forested area, or a defile) cannot be

bypassed.

Visibility is limited. (This will often

be the case even with the limited visibilitydevices on both the APC and the tank.)

The infantry usually leads mounted to cross a body of water that the tanks cannot ford. In-fantry may also lead mounted when the com-pany team is nearing a heavily wooded areathat must be cleared by dismounted infantry

before tanks move through it. This is done tofacilitate the frequent dismounting necessary toclear the wooded area.

4-18. HOW THE PLATOON MOVES

WHEN TANKS LEADWhen the company team is using traveling or

traveling overwatch techniques, its commanderwill tell the platoon where it should move andhow far to be behind the tanks. Normally theplatoon will use the traveling technique whichcalls for following the tanks close enough toshoot between them and to their flanks with thecaliber .50 machine gun and other squadweapons. The platoon normally moves 200 to400 meters behind the tanks to avoid fire di-rected at the tanks. In close terrain, the platoonmay have to move closer to the tanks to protectthem from enemy infantry and antiarmorweapons.

When the company team is using boundingoverwatch a tank platoon is usually the bound-ing force overmatched by Dragons, APCs, ITVs,and in some cases, by other tanks. When over-watching tank the platoon must observe to thetanks, flanks, and front. Tankers have dif-ficulty seeing behind them, so one of the pla-toon’s primary jobs is to protect the tank’s rearand flanks from enemy infantry attack. Theplatoon must be alert for enemy ATGMs and

rocket-propelled grenades (RPG). If a squadsees an ATGM fired, it should immediately fireits caliber .50 machine gun and SAWs at the

base of the smoke trail left by the enemy missile.Also, it should send a warning over the radio.

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4-19. HOW THE PLATOON MOVESWHEN IT LEADS

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FM 7-7 the Mechanized Infantry Platoon and Squad [15 March 1985]

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