The platoon leadership must keep in perspective that during dismounted operations there is always an information-gathering element and a control and security element (Figures 3-1 and 3-2), and they should resource each operation accordingly. Andrew Coleman, along with 2nd Platoon Bandit Troop, 1st Squadron, 3d Cavalry Regiment, went on a combined mounted and dismounted reconnaissance patrol with the Afghan National Army's 203rd Corps Military Police to the south east of FOB Lightning Aug. 4, 2014. For IBCTs, I propose 10-wheeled platforms and 36. The troops can then. (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 reconnaissance platoon may use this form of maneuver during reconnaissance and security operations and may reconnoiter passage lanes and infiltration routes before movement of the battalion. (1) The platoon leader receives the obstacle overlay and the situational template overlay from the commander to identify reported enemy and obstacle locations. qE{ fzURVku$hzwl({`awp%r$|zze@&IfE89=E`QR^u/:Vss{8;WQ MS@|3,4U'[|fr7GYvoa^D5s) 9p6 MME?,J=SY$z(fOTXy(^]/. (2) Contouring Around the Open Area. The platoon uses the column formation when speed is essential as it moves on a designated route (Figure 3-5). (1) Wedge Formation. (2) Traveling Overwatch. The reconnaissance platoon uses terrain features to its advantage during the exfiltration. On this day in 1938, the Scinde Horse dismounted from horses and mounted those magnificent machines- The Tanks. (a) If undetected by the enemy and time is available, the section or team reconnoiters the enemy position, emphasizing stealth, dismounted reconnaissance, and use of assets such as GSR and TUAVs, if available. This can best be done by moving to the enemy's flank or rear. It uses the four steps of actions on contact (covered in detail later in this paragraph) as the foundation for these drills: b. To enhance awareness, they may have the rifle squads give position updates at regular intervals. Contact with obstacles of enemy or unknown origin. "Units are going places where they can't take a vehicle with the current mounted JBC-P," Igwulu said. The DAPS fuses APNT sources and then either displays APNT data on an . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. The ANA MPs showed up prepared and ready for a mission with U.S. forces. Once the vehicles are inside the wood line (approximately 100 to 200 meters), the platoon shuts off vehicle engines, maintains dismounted security, and conducts a listening/security halt. According to the 1911 Encyclopdia Britannica, "Mounted rifles are half cavalry, mounted infantry merely specially mobile infantry." Today, with motor vehicles having replaced horses for military transport, the motorized infantry are in some respects successors to mounted infantry. 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. (1) Column Formation. As the terrain becomes less rugged and control becomes easier, the soldiers assume their original positions (Figure 3-9). When the platoon leader receives sufficient reports to have a clear picture of the situation, he chooses to prepare to support a hasty attack. "It's been incredibly rewarding to see our concepts, analysis, designs and adaptations go so quickly from the whiteboard into the hands of Soldiers.". 0000103808 00000 n This is best achieved by dismounted infantry. Section using bounding overwatch technique. Figure 3-12. What kind of infantry fighting vehicle does the Army require? He initiates it based on planning information received earlier about the enemy situation and on SITREPs received during movement. (b) If detected by the enemy, the section or team uses a combination of mounted and dismounted reconnaissance. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 336 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<2AF0C0400991FCAF7E05FBAF2D63923D>]/Index[313 39]/Info 312 0 R/Length 112/Prev 388775/Root 314 0 R/Size 352/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream 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. The platoon sergeant (or designated NCO, if the platoon sergeant remains with the BFVs) also moves forward to the platoon leader. (1) The bounding element must take full advantage of whatever cover and concealment the terrain offers. The patrol also uses the coil for tactical refueling, resupply, and issuing patrol orders. FM 3-21.71 Chapter 3 - GlobalSecurity.org As a general rule, the platoon, section, or team should disengage from the enemy as early in the contact as possible. (f) Establish a Hasty Defense. b. (b) Evaluate and Develop the Situation. The lead vehicle advances to a point (first move) where it can support the advance of the overwatch vehicle. The reconnaissance platoon and its elements may need to exfiltrate during any tactical operation or situation. As they develop new information, they send spot reports to the platoon leader. The mission started at 6:30 a.m. with a linkup between Bandit Troop and the ANA at the range outside of FOB Lightning. A reconnaissance section or team makes contact when its dismounted element identifies an enemy force. This information is part of the mission analysis during troop-leading procedures (discussed in Chapter 2). Ideally, the overwatch element keeps the bounding element in sight. During mounted and dismounted movement, the platoon employs combat formations when the terrain supports their use or when the mission or reconnaissance objective is very focused. The hardware is smaller, lighter and less expensive through its transition to a software application hosted on the . Each works better in certain types of terrain or tactical situations than it would in others. Within a section, an individual vehicle or squad would do so. The plan would mandate that the resupply location be specially marked for security and identity purposes. Once the rifle squads have dismounted, the vehicles serve as a base . Navigational aids help, but when using them, the platoon and squads should always know their own location. b. When contact is made, the platoon executes battle drills, designated by SOP, to maintain freedom of maneuver and avoid becoming decisively engaged. On signal, the overwatch vehicle moves forward to a position abreast of the lead vehicle (second move) and halts. RAND's publications do not necessarily reflect the opinions of its research clients and sponsors. This critical Army modernization priority delivers tactical communications so commanders and Soldiers can stay connected and informed at all times, even in the most austere and hostile environments. (5) Coil Formation. Figure 3-8. a. During infiltration, the platoon uses predesignated routes to reach its objective without being detected and engaged by the enemy. Continue with Recommended Cookies. At the platoon level, maneuver forms the heart of every tactical operation and task. All groups rehearse this procedure since no one knows which group will arrive first. The near-side security, controlled by the platoon sergeant, crosses the linear danger area where the platoon crossed. When moving as teams, the size of the teams makes detection less likely. When the enemy situation seems unclear or when contact might occur, leaders often use the wedge formation shown in Figure 3-2. This gives the platoon the greatest possible flexibility to maneuver and develop the situation. Just as they do with movement techniques, platoon leaders plan formations based on where they expect enemy contact and on the higher commander's plans to react to contact. The platoon must keep an element in contact with the enemy unless specifically authorized to do otherwise. For example, they should always use intervening terrain and avoid "skylining.". (1) During dismounted movement, the section leader allows the lead team to move along covered and concealed routes as long as it does not deviate too far from the axis, route, or direction of attack. (d) Execute the COA. Figure 3-4. For instance, mounted and dismounted troops can conduct a mutually supporting zone reconnaissance focusing on severely restricted terrain and vehicular mobility corridors. The decision of which technique to use is based in large part on the likelihood of enemy contact; in general, this can be summarized as whether contact is not likely (traveling), possible (traveling overwatch), or expected (bounding overwatch). 0000062923 00000 n In most cases, planning for an exfiltration operation begins at the same time as planning for the infiltration (or other tactical operation) that precedes it. Fm 3-21.71 APPENDIX A - GlobalSecurity.org Traveling Overwatch (Mounted). When mounted, the platoon uses the column, wedge, line, echelon, coil, and herringbone formations (based on METT-TC factors). If the platoon leader determines he needs more information, he may commit additional assets (reconnaissance sections or teams) to develop the situation further. The platoon leader or PSG relays the contact report to the battalion tactical operations center and or the tactical command post (TAC CP), followed as soon as possible by a spot report and updates. The original dragoons were essentially mounted infantry. The distance of the planned route does not include the pace count of the offset and return legs. 0000082981 00000 n 0000006037 00000 n c. Bounding Overwatch (Mounted). The elements conduct mounted movement to designated dismount points where they organize dismounted patrols to develop the situation from a new direction. Visual contact (friendly elements may or may not be observed by the enemy). It must, however, be far enough to the rear to avoid contact in case an enemy force engages the lead element. Choose and recommend a COA and maneuver the force. 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. Shackled to an aging, ill-suited vehicle lacking standoff, the R&S . However, it must stay far enough to the rear to retain freedom of maneuver, in case an enemy force engages the lead element. The platoon leader uses formations for several purposes: to relate one vehicle or squad to another on the ground, to position firepower to support the direct-fire plan, to establish responsibilities for sector security among vehicles or squads, or to aid in the execution of battle drills and directed COAs. The platoon leader attempts to hand off responsibility for the enemy element. If the open area is very large, the overwatch element should only remain stationary until the bounding element has moved a distance equal to half the effective range of the overwatching element's weapon system. In 2019, the Commanding General, Army Futures Command issued individual Directed Requirements (DR) for the Dismounted Assured Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (A-PNT) System (DAPS), the Mounted A-PNT System (MAPS), and Alternative Navigation (ALTNAV) programs, directing the rapid prototyping, operational assessment, and limited fielding of 0000040587 00000 n It does not, however, relieve him of the responsibility of tracking the move on his map. b. Bounding Element. However, the distances between covered and concealed positions may make the use of dismounted infantry impractical. 351 0 obj <>stream Open areas frequently afford the reconnaissance platoon the opportunity to observe the enemy or objectives from long ranges. The next overwatch position (the objective for the bounding element). (3) Combination of Methods. Movement is continuous, and interval and dispersion are maintained between sections as terrain and weather permit. First, the trail element occupies a covered and concealed position where it can overwatch the lead element. Once they determine that the enemy in contact cannot influence them, they continue their mission with the platoon leader's approval. The combination should provide the light needed, but with the least risk of enemy detection. Hood, Texas, conducts a combined dismounted and mounted patrol south-east of FOB Lightning with AH-64 Apache Helicopters overhead on Aug 4, 2014. Physical contact (direct fire) with an enemy force or civilians. (b) The leader must allow adequate time for each group to reach the rally point. If any threat force engages the bounding element with direct fire, the platoon can suppress it at once with its own direct fire. The echelon formation covers the exposed flank of a larger force well, and has the following characteristics, advantages, and limitations: SecurityGood, for echelon sides of higher formation. 42 0 obj <> endobj Reconnaissance vehicles are most vulnerable in wooded areas when they are stopped, so halts should be kept to a minimum. By Dan Lafontaine (PEO C3T Public Affairs) and Kathryn Bailey (CERDEC CP&I Public Communications Adviser)May 31, 2018. At a minimum, the platoon must rehearse and be ready to execute these potential COAs: e. The Four Steps of Actions on Contact. Once deployed, the OP maintains surveillance of the avenue of approach until the rest of the reconnaissance element returns. The following examples illustrate actions on contact in a variety of tactical situations. Methods of bounding overwatch. The most common use of indirect fires is when the infiltrating unit makes enemy contact, in which case the commander or platoon leader may employ indirect fires in another sector to divert attention from the infiltration lane. During movement to the rally point, position updates allow separated elements to identify each other's locations. The trailing rifle squad in a formation may use the traveling technique (Figure 3-16). 0000012943 00000 n startxref When dismounted, the platoon leader or platoon sergeant should transmit his position location to direct the mounted elements into positions of greater advantage to provide support and maintain digital connectivity with the battalion. It assures PNT through integrity checks of and access to multiple integrated, modular, layered Size, Weight, and Power (SWaP)-constrained PNT sources. If the platoon makes contact in or near the danger area, it moves to the designated rally points. Held, Bruce, Mark A. Lorell, James T. Quinlivan, and Chad C. Serena, Understanding Why a Ground Combat Vehicle That Carries Nine Dismounts Is Important to the Army. Some formations work well in certain types of terrain or tactical situations but are less effective in others. The enemy situation as he knows or suspects it to be. Executing the four steps allows the platoon to accomplish its mission in accordance with reconnaissance fundamentals: (1) Deploy and Report. Figure 3-13. Infiltration on a single lane (Figure 3-19) is the least desirable technique because it requires all infiltrating groups to move at intervals on the same lane. RT @VincentZephyr: Wishing "Armour Day" to the BEST Arm of the Indian Army- The Armoured Corps. Dismounted vs mounted reconnaissance in peer conflicts (May 31, 2018) -- The Army is using developmental operations to explore potential improvements to the service's critical friendly force tracking system Joint Battle Command-Platform, known as JBC-P. c. Methods. He continues to inform his commander of the enemy situation and the platoon's actions. Herringbone formation. Squad Formations. 0000012803 00000 n It searches for antitank (AT) ditches, minefields, wire, or other obstacles that could force friendly forces into a fire sack. The platoon must be prepared to execute actions on contact under any of the following conditions: Whether the platoon remains undetected or is identified by enemy forces, it must first take actions to protect itself, find out what it is up against, and decide on a COA. Compared to mounted operations,. The leader is then able to plan for contact and determine how to employ TTP, such as the proper movement techniques, to reduce the occurrence of chance contact. Some platoon elements remain stationary to provide protection for bounding elements by suppressing or destroying enemy elements. Use Adobe Acrobat Reader version 10 or higher for the best experience. Since the destruction of the enemy is in accordance with the commander's order, the section or team leader simply informs higher headquarters that he is continuing the mission. It simplifies maneuver, and it provides good dispersion laterally and in depth without sacrificing control. Held, Bruce, Mark A. Lorell, James T. Quinlivan, and Chad C. Serena, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/reports, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/blogPosts, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/multimedia, /content/admin/rand-header/jcr:content/par/header/caseStudies, Great-Power Competition Outside the Indo-Pacific and Europe, Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Opportunities for the Department of Defense, The Problems Facing VA Modernization Are Bigger Than Its Software Systems, Violence in Sudan, Alcohol Use, North Korea: RAND Weekly Recap, Russian Military Operations in Ukraine in 2022 and the Year Ahead. The Mounted Soldier System ( MSS) or Ground Warrior is a combat vehicle crewman ensemble integrating advanced gear as an effective force multiplier in combat theater. 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. This paragraph discusses the technological advantages of the mobility systems and C3 subsystems of the reconnaissance platoon as operational aids for planning, navigating, controlling, and executing combat operations. The squad leader relays this message to the platoon leader. If necessary, the reconnaissance platoon can attack unarmored reconnaissance vehicles, such as motorcycles or Soviet-style wheeled reconnaissance vehicles (BRDMs) (Figure 3-17). The platoon leader assigns lanes to the sections and teams. In addition, it must avoid becoming vehicle-bound; it must be prepared to dismount to improve observation, prevent enemy detection, and provide security. The objective is to determine exactly what the enemy situation is by dismounted reconnaissance or other reconnaissance assets and systems (ground surveillance radar, tactical unmanned aerial vehicles, and long-range reconnaissance and surveillance). Subscribe to the weekly Policy Currents newsletter to receive updates on the issues that matter most. Position navigation (POSNAV) assists in land navigation but does not replace the need for basic navigational skills. U.S. Army mechanized infantry dismount from an M113 armored personnel carrier during training in 1985. 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