To enhance awareness, they may have the rifle squads give position updates at regular intervals. RAND reports present research findings and objective analysis that address the challenges facing the public and private sectors. Based on this evaluation and further guidance from higher, he can then maneuver the platoon out of contact and make contact either on his own terms or as directed by the commander. The command and control equipment available to the SBCT infantry battalion reconnaissance platoon significantly enhances the platoon's ability to conduct effective tactical movement, both day and night. b. He considers various possible COAs, based on well-developed TTP (including battle drills), to meet the types of contact. (c) The leader must designate an alternate rally point to use if the primary rally point is occupied by the enemy, is compromised, or is found to be unsuitable. (a) Deploy and Report. The platoon leader then plans his routes. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. e. Traveling Overwatch (Dismounted). For example, the reconnaissance platoon leader must anticipate contingency measures in case his elements must conduct an unplanned exfiltration during a reconnaissance operation. hb```b``a`c`bf@ aV(>cZ>e !7Rz5,-*xhd$!+vlq3V Z iiP ,H $> @l v$C[Ca/ \B !kl Ldg:.!Gd {O0U' Reducing the size, weight and power, commonly known as SWaP, is a critical objective, said Brendan Schafer, a computer scientist with the Communications-Electronics Research, Development and Engineering Center -- the Army science and technology organization spearheading the effort, with resourcing from Project Manager Mission Command. This is especially important when the platoon is moving through an enemy security area where enemy forces are likely to move in response to friendly activity or when the platoon expects to encounter a moving enemy force. b. For information on reprint and reuse permissions, please visit www.rand.org/pubs/permissions. This information allows the platoon leader to disperse his unit during movement. Traveling, squad dismounted. Mechanized infantry are infantry units equipped with armored personnel carriers (APCs) or infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) for transport and combat (see also armoured forces ). All elements of the patrol mounted their tactical vehicles and moved to the vehicle drop off point upon completion of rehearsals. These lateral corridors pose a security threat to both the platoon and the other friendly elements. The platoon employs the coil, herringbone, and triangle "Y" formations to maintain 360-degree security when stationary. (3) The leader plots waypoints on easily recognizable terrain and on significant turns on the route for ease in navigation. Squad column with fire teams in wedge. Figure 3-22. The platoon leader may ask the company team commander for a copy of the MCOO for his AO. Maximum use is made of folds of the earth and concealment to mask movement from likely enemy positions. Ph.D. Once they determine that the enemy in contact cannot influence them, they continue their mission with the platoon leader's approval. Traveling, which is usually employed in secured areas, is used equally at the section and platoon levels. b. Conversely, these areas often expose the platoon to possible enemy observation and fire for long periods of movement. Designating a line of departure (LD) to use as a handoff line to the attacking unit. If the section or team receives fire from the enemy, it returns fire but only with the intent of breaking direct fire contact. e. Making Enemy Contact at Danger Areas. The platoon can exfiltrate by air, water, or land. The various techniques and formations have unique advantages and disadvantages. 0000001136 00000 n The platoon always executes the coil from the column or staggered column, using the four-vehicle organization. Figure 3-4. The troopers then conducted a dismounted movement for 7 km with a rise in altitude of over 1000 feet. The term "danger area" refers to any area on the route where the terrain would expose the platoon to enemy observation, fire, or both. It searches for antitank (AT) ditches, minefields, wire, or other obstacles that could force friendly forces into a fire sack. It simplifies maneuver, and it provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without sacrificing control. The far-side security element leader establishes an OP forward of the cleared area. The platoon leader maneuvers his mounted element and rifle squads to close with, gain positional advantage over, and ultimately destroy the enemy. Elliot. (a) Disengage from Enemy Contact. c. Platoon Formation. The sides of the wedge can contract to the point that the wedge resembles a single file. (1) The platoon leader receives the obstacle overlay and the situational template overlay from the commander to identify reported enemy and obstacle locations. ), I generally prefer to keep melee lords dismounted. The halt should last approximately one to two minutes, with 360-degree security maintained and radio speakers minimized throughout. The squad or platoon turns 90 degrees to the right or left around the open area and continues to move until it reaches the far side. Each infiltrating element must develop and rehearse a plan that clearly defines its actions in case of contact with enemy security forces. The squad line (Figure 3-10) provides maximum firepower to the front. Movement during dismounted operations is similar to mounted movement but requires more command and control due to the decentralized nature of the task. (See Figure 3-13, for an illustration of dismounted bounding overwatch.) This COA is appropriate when the reconnaissance platoon discovers enemy elements his higher commander wants to destroy but which it cannot destroy either because it lacks sufficient combat power or because it has other tasks to perform. The overwatch vehicle engages the source of enemy fire by calling for indirect fire support, then monitors to ensure the contact report is sent. Crossing a small open area. (2) The platoon usually moves in formation when using traveling or traveling overwatch. The ability to conduct fire and maneuver immediately upon dismount became more difficult. When operating out of normal communications range, an infiltrating element that must transmit required information should move to high ground or set up a long-range expedient antenna. According to the 1911 Encyclopdia Britannica, "Mounted rifles are half cavalry, mounted infantry merely specially mobile infantry." [1] (U.S. Army photo by 1st U.S. Army Pfc. The platoon leader attempts to hand off responsibility for the enemy element. Wherever the platoon expects possible contact, or after the squad or platoon moves within small-arms range of the far side (within about 250 meters of it), the platoon uses bounding overwatch. 0000002183 00000 n For this reason, the Army considers the program to be one of its most important. Without the use of indirect fires in this situation, the platoon will fail. To establish communications relay capability for a specific period in support of other reconnaissance operations. (1) Visual Contact, Undetected by the Enemy. The battalion mortars can also provide effective and responsive support when elements must break contact. Some platoon elements remain stationary to provide protection for bounding elements by suppressing or destroying enemy elements. What improvements does the Ground Combat Vehicle provide? This choice is made because the platoon leader determines that the force he has located is the objective of his commander; therefore, this COA is in accordance with his commander's intent. Simultaneously, the lead element returns fire, sends a contact report, employs smoke grenades, and moves to the nearest hide position. After reporting the initial contact to higher headquarters and receiving the order to break contact, the patrol disengages. Chapter 4 of this manual discusses dismounted movement techniques in detail. If this occurs, the platoon leader must decide whether to commit additional platoon assets to the contact to develop it further or to adopt a COA based on the information he has discovered to that point. 83 0 obj <>stream 0000009697 00000 n f. Fire Support. The overwatching element then calls for protective fires and uses an alternate covered and concealed route to move to the rally point. As Soldiers connect to the BFT network, X JBC-P would achieve units' needs for beyond line-of-sight mission command for company and above echelons. (a) Deploy and Report. (a) The reconnaissance section or team that makes initial visual contact with the enemy deploys to covered terrain that affords good observation and fields of fire. The trail element moves at variable speeds, providing continuous overwatch, keeping contact with the lead element, and stopping periodically to get a better look. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Figure 3-4. a. Rally points may be in either enemy or friendly areas, depending on the situation. Fire team members dismount and establish security. These plans should address various contingencies for movement, such as the possibility that the platoon may be able to exfiltrate intact or in smaller groups to avoid detection. Figure 3-6. Some are secure yet slow while others are faster but less secure. The element that remains in contact maintains visual contact with the enemy and reports if the enemy situation changes. He designates one of his subordinate elements to provide security forward of the main body. Infiltration plans always cover employment of indirect fires although the platoon uses them only in limited circumstances. JBC-P and its associated Mounted Family of Computer Systems are part of a large-scale Army effort to standardize all Active, Reserve and National Guard units with the latest software and hardware by 2022. The DAPS fuses APNT sources and then either displays APNT data on an . (2) Once it has reconnoitered the area using visual, digital, and sensor enablers, the platoon moves across the area. When maneuvering, the platoon leader considers the following. (3) The far-side security element clears the far side. Upon completing its movement (bound), the lead element then occupies a similar position and provides overwatch as the trail element bounds forward to its next overwatch position. "Set" means that the element has arrived at its destination and has occupied a position from which it can observe to its front. (1) The platoon leader informs all of the squad leaders of the situation and identifies the near-side and far-side rally points. (3) Column Formation. In all types of operations, contact occurs when an individual soldier, team, or section of the reconnaissance platoon encounters any situation that requires an active or passive response to the enemy. In most situations, smaller elements are better able to take advantage of available cover and concealment. This report is part of the RAND Corporation Research report series. 0000008495 00000 n Patrols request permission to return to the platoon vehicles. 0000082981 00000 n When a reconnaissance platoon member makes contact with the enemy, he reacts according to the circumstances of the contact. (5) Coil Formation. The original dragoons were essentially mounted infantry. FM 3-21.9 provides additional information on infantry platoon dismounted formations. When contact is made, the platoon executes battle drills, designated by SOP, to maintain freedom of maneuver and avoid becoming decisively engaged. 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In conducting both mounted and dismounted movement on the battlefield, the reconnaissance platoon uses three movement techniques: traveling, traveling overwatch, and bounding overwatch. As he moves along the prescribed route or axis of advance during execution, the leader navigates from waypoint to waypoint and reports locations using the waypoints as checkpoints or phase lines. It assures PNT through integrity checks of and access to multiple integrated, modular, layered Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)-constrained PNT sources. (1) When possible, the base-of-fire element occupies positions that afford good cover and concealment, a clear view, and clear fields of fire. The overriding factor in determining whether to use single or multiple lanes is the ability to remain undetected. 0000001717 00000 n The reconnaissance platoon uses this technique only when an analysis of METT-TC shows that only one lane is feasible. (2) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. Taking this precaution lessens the bounding element's exposure to enemy fires. Movement into and out of the various formations must be second nature to each section. If it has not yet sent a spot report, it initially focuses on getting enough information to send one. The principles of land navigation while mounted are basically the same as while dismounted. Figure 3-8. Contact with obstacles of enemy or unknown origin. 42 0 obj <> endobj Maneuver is inherently dangerous. Technology can assist in navigational planning and execution, but soldiers, and especially leaders, should be trained and able to navigate and send accurate reports, day or night, using all methods of navigation. The bypassing force uses covered and/or. Crossing large open areas mounted (bounding overwatch). (b) Successive Bounds. The team is incorporating components that will reduce the overall SWaP requirements while maintaining core tenants of the system currently used across the Army and Marine Corps in tens of thousands of vehicles. The platoon leader plans signals to direct movement to the alternate rally point. If the element in contact is unable to report or cannot report quickly, another team in the reconnaissance platoon section must report. You only start compromising these standards as and when combat operations makes this impractical. 0000062657 00000 n The platoon may also break contact and bypass when it has made contact with an enemy force that cannot adversely affect the mission of the platoon's higher headquarters. These specific instructions must include focus of the reconnaissance, tempo of the operation, engagement criteria, and the desired COA based on the size and activity of the enemy force encountered. What kind of infantry fighting vehicle does the Army require? PAKTYA PROVINCE, Afghanistan - Bandit Troop commander, Capt. Effectively employed, movement techniques allow the platoon to find and observe threats without being compromised. Each works better in certain types of terrain or tactical situations than it would in others. The unit that moves first keeps its weapon systems oriented on the enemy. b. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. They reposition the vehicles as needed to take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire. When contact occurs, the reconnaissance platoon leader bases the platoon's actions on the commander's intent and guidance that he receives from the OPORD and or FRAGO. This formation can be used regardless of the platoon organization and is applicable to most reconnaissance platoon missions. 0000103175 00000 n Visual contact (friendly elements may or may not be observed by the enemy). It immediately sends a contact report informing higher headquarters that it has made visual contact with the enemy but is not being engaged. A dismounted observation post (OP) (two to three Soldiers); A local security team (two Soldiers); Two dismounted patrols, each less than less than six hours in duration (six personnel each);. Known as danger areas, these are likely points of enemy contact due both to the platoon's vulnerability and to the cover, concealment, and observation these sites afford to the enemy. This problem increases with the addition of position updates and friendly and enemy icons during the mission. programs offered at an independent public policy research organizationthe RAND Corporation. For example, reconnaissance forces that have infiltrated or bypassed the enemy-occupied area may need to exfiltrate as soon as they gather the required information. From this position, he establishes local security (a hasty OP) and monitors and controls the efforts of his sections or teams. The trail element moves at variable speeds, providing continuous overwatch. Traveling (Mounted). Since they do not have a clear idea of the size of the enemy, they react as if it is a superior force. As soon as the lead vehicle is in a covered and concealed position, the overwatch vehicle moves to an alternate firing position and occupies a hide position while trying to maintain contact with the smallest possible element. 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When planning the route, the platoon leader marks the danger areas on his digital concept sketch and overlay. Section using bounding overwatch technique. One section or team acts as overwatch for the displacing section or team as it moves. When planning movements, the leader must consider how terrain affects security. Choose and recommend a COA and maneuver the force. The platoon leader must decide whether to use this method with the understanding that doing so will sacrifice stealth. As soon as the lead element completes its bound (movement), it occupies a similar position and becomes the overwatch element. The leader analyzes the latest information on the enemy and determines if contact with the enemy is unlikely. The squad column is the squad's main formation. The reconnaissance platoon can not conduct its mission if the enemy decisively engages it. Figure 3-16. The platoon must use them in conjunction with other movement- and security-related measures. (2) Because maneuver is decentralized in nature, the platoon leader determines from his terrain analysis where and when he wants to establish a base of fire. Commanders must assume the risk of those Soldiers occupying dominant terrain independently to gain tactical advantage over the enemy in support of Soldiers conducting maneuver. (1) Single-Lane Infiltration. The six mounted reconnaissance platoon formations are line, wedge, column, staggered column, coil, and herringbone. Position navigation (POSNAV) assists in land navigation but does not replace the need for basic navigational skills. The amount of intelligence information available to the reconnaissance platoon leader during the planning process determines the risk involved in conducting the infiltration. To aid in the control of movement, the platoon should choose rally points for all infiltrations and exfiltrations. As the reconnaissance platoon executes reconnaissance and security missions, it will encounter routes or mobility corridors that provide access into the area between the platoon and friendly elements to its rear. The team has provided X JBC-P iterations over the past year to the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division; 173rd Airborne Brigade; and 3rd BCT, 101st Airborne Division. The term "squad formation" refers to the relative locations of the fire teams. His other sections continue their reconnaissance mission. (1) It is critical that the platoon maintains continuous surveillance of these mobility corridors to provide security against enemy forces that move into the sector after the reconnaissance platoon has moved on. Exfiltration is removal of personnel or units from areas under enemy control using stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means. Regardless of the likelihood of enemy contact, the platoon should always use bounding overwatch if time is available and when there is a possibility of enemy contact. Squad formations include the squad column, the squad line, and the squad file. If the battalion employs multiple lanes, the platoon leader must task organize to move along all lanes. f. Bounding Overwatch (Dismounted). Dragoons were armed with carbines, sabers, and pistols. The coil provides all-round security and observation when the platoon is stationary. Prior to any mission, the reconnaissance platoon leader must receive a detailed IPB of the area of operations from the battalion S2. The major difference is the speed of travel. It conducts dismounted reconnaissance to get detailed information on enemy dispositions. The principles of route selection, movement formations, and movement security are critical to the success of the exfiltration operation. Navigation during limited visibility conditions is easier for the digitized platoon with the introduction of POSNAV and limited visibility equipment. Visibility within wooded areas is very limited; therefore, reconnaissance is confined primarily to trafficable routes and trails through the forest.