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An Army of One

071-430-0006 (SL4) Conduct a Defense by a

Platoon

TrainerSSG Paxton

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Conditions: Given a specified area to defend, a platoon with table of organization and equipment (TOE), and a requirement to defend that area.

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Standards: The threat was engaged in accordance with the defensive plan, fires were controlled, terrain was retained, and the threat was destroyed or repelled.

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Troop Leading Procedures/Performance Steps

1. Analyze the mission

2. Issue a warning order to the squad leaders

3. Make a tentative plan

4. Conduct a recon

5. Start necessary movement or preparations

6. Complete the plan

7. Occupy the position

8. Emplace early warning devices

9. Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles

10.Establish communication system

11.Stockpile ammunition, water, food, and other supplies

12.Engage the enemy at maximum range

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Analyze the Mission

a. You are given a mission to defend by the company commander. It is either an operations order (OPORD) or a warning order.

b. Identify both specified tasks and implied tasks.

c. Make an estimate of the situation using the factors of mission, enemy, terrain, troops, and time available (METT-TC).

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Issue a Warning Order to the Squad Leaders

The warning order should include the mission, time, place for issuing the OPORD, and any special instructions needed to start preparation for the mission.

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Make a Tentative Plan

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Conduct a Reconnaissance

a. As a minimum, make a map reconnaissance.

b. If at all possible, conduct a ground reconnaissance.

c. Evaluate the terrain based on how the available observation, fields of fire, cover and concealment, obstacles, key terrain, and avenues of approach best support your mission and the commander’s intent.

d. Request that the squad leaders, radiotelephone operator, and forward observers accompany the platoon leader on the reconnaissance. You may need to take along some additional security depending on the tactical situation.

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Start Necessary Movement or Preparation

The Platoon Sergeant should;

a. Initiate orders to prepare for any necessary movement and prepare for the defense as soon as the warning order is issued.

b. Request and draw ammunition rations, water, and any special equipment required.

c. Accomplish any needed maintenance.

d. Perform any movement required.

e. Accomplish this during the time you and your reconnaissance party are conducting the reconnaissance.

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Complete the PlanSlide 1 of 2

a. The plan is completed or revised based on continuing analysis and completion of the reconnaissance.

b. As a MINIMUM, the plan should provide for;

(1) The deployment of squads

(2) The deployment of key weapons

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Complete the Plan Slide 2 0f 2

(3) The use of indirect fire

(4) The use of mines and obstacles

(5) The establishment of security measures

(6) The selection and operation of command and observation posts

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Occupy the Position Slide 1 of 2

a. Establish local security. Locate observation posts to make maximum use of long-range observations.

b. Position key weapons. Ensure machine guns cover infantry avenues of approach, have primary and secondary sectors of fire, and provide as much grazing fire as possible, and are assigned either a final protective line (FPL) or a principal direction of fire. Ensure Javelins or Dragons cover armor avenues of approach, have primary and secondary sectors of fire, are positioned to engage targets from the flank, and are mutually supporting.

c. Clear fields of fire. Ensure each fighting position clears its field of fire to engage the advancing enemy without exposing friendly positions. Range cards are prepared for each machine gun and Dragon.

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Occupy the Position Slide 2 of 2

d. Ensure positions have overlapping sectors of fire.

e. Improve fighting positions, as time is available. Improving overhead cover, aiming and limiting stakes, and camouflage are on-going activities.

f. Select and improve alternate and supplementary positions. Improve them, as time is available.

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Emplace early Warning Devices

Platoon early warning system is used, if available. Trip flares are set out. Improvised early warning devices can be used, such as noisemakers, trip wire grenades, or other explosives.

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Emplace Hasty Minefields and other Obstacles

Note: These should be covered by observation and fire.

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Establish Communication Systems

Depend on radio as little as possible. Wire networks should be established down to each squad and up to the company command post (CP).

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Stockpile Ammunition, Water, Food, and other Supplies

Ensure that any material is protected from direct fire and is provided overhead protection.

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Engage the Enemy at Maximum Range

When the enemy appears in the platoon sector, he is engaged with supporting direct and indirect fires. As he comes within the range of your organic weapons, you direct your gunners to start engaging the enemy.

a. When the enemy encounters your minefields and obstacles, use all friendly fires to break up the enemy formations.

b. If the enemy is able to start an assault, repel or destroy him by calling for final protective fires (FPF) of small arms and machine guns, and FPF from mortars and artillery.

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Platoon Sketch Acronyms•AR Automatic Rifle•SL Squad Leader•OP Observation Post•MG Machine Gun•EA Engagement Area•PP Patrol Point•PL Platoon Leader•TRP Target Reference Point

Map Symbols Used

AB0004

x-x-x-x-x-x

//////////////

… … …

Unit Location

Target

Wire

OP Point

Road

Dead-space

Stream

Individual Sectors Of Fire

Reference Point

Mine Field

Alternate Position

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Example of a platoon sector sketch.

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DATA SECTION

STANDARD RANGE CARDFor use of this form see FM 7-7J . The proponent agency is TRADOC.

DA FORM 5517-R, FEB 1986 USAPA V1.00

May be used for all types of direct fire weapons.

SQD

PLT

COMAGNETIC

NORTH

POSITION IDENTIFICATION DATE

WEAPON EACH CIRCLE EQUALSMETERS

NO. DIRECTION/DEFLECTION ELEVATION RANGE AMMO DESCRIPTION

REMARKS:

DA 5517-R

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Summary

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Practical ExerciseYou are an MLRS Platoon Occupying a Valley

You have 1 POC, 3 Launchers,2 OP’s, 2 Avenues of Approach, 1 NW and 1 SE of your location, 1 MK 19,50 caliber MG, mines for a minefield, wire, stream going E to W, and it is in the valley with 1 hilltop on your W, NW side and a mountainous region covering your eastern flankYour Op area is 750 meters by 1100 meters

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X-X-X-X-X

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Questions?