DELIBERATE ATTACK DELIBERATE ATTACK THE OFFENSE CHARACTERISTICS OF

DELIBERATE ATTACK

DELIBERATE ATTACK THE OFFENSE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE OFFENSE: • • Surprise Concentration Tempo Audacity FORMS OF THE OFFENSE: • • Movement to Contact Attack Exploitation Pursuit FM 100 -5, p 7 -1 thru 7 -12 3

DELIBERATE ATTACK FORMS OF MANEUVER • • • ENVELOPMENT TURNING MOVEMENT INFILTRATION PENETRATION FRONTAL ATTACK FM 100 -5, p 7 -11 and 7 -12 4

DELIBERATE ATTACK SEQUENCE OF AN ATTACK • • • Reconnaissance Movement to a Line of Departure Maneuver Deployment Attack Consolidation and Reorganization or Continuation FM 71 -2, p 3 -4 and 3 -5 5

DELIBERATE ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE OBJECTIVES • • Location of obstacles Enemy positions and orientations Enemy intent based on his dispositions Avenues of approach to exploit enemy weakness • Employment of enemy reserves, counterattacking forces and combat support assets FM 71 -2, p 3 -19 7

DELIBERATE ATTACK RECONNAISSANCE AND SURVEILLANCE • Planned by S 2 and coordinated with the S 3 and Commander • Derived from the Event Template • Collects info for the Commander • Intel Requirements (IR) prioritized • Eliminate duplication of effort • Systematic and continuous observation • Reporting and dissemination of the plan FM 71 -2 p 3 -19 thru 3 -22 8

DELIBERATE ATTACK WHO CONDUCTS R&S PLAN? • • Scouts GSR REMS Infantry patrols Tanks COLT / FIST Aviation Assets from BDE and above FM 71 -2, p 3 -20 9

DELIBERATE ATTACK CONCEPT OF OPERATION MANEUVER PLAN Describes a plan for massing firepower by the synchronization of fires and maneuver. • • • Main and supporting attacks Movement from LD to final objective Dictates formations and where changes occur Control measures to orient force Actions on the objective and the synch of the assault FM 71 -2, p 3 -22 thru 3 -25 10

DELIBERATE ATTACK MOVEMENT FORMATIONS • • Column Wedge Vee Echelon Line Box Diamond TECHNIQUES • Traveling Overwatch • Bounding Overwatch FM 71 -2, p 3 -11 thru 3 -16 11

DELIBERATE ATTACK MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES TRANSITION FROM TACTICAL MOVEMENT TO MANEUVER CONTACT NOT LIKELY CONTACT POSSIBLE CONTACT LIKELY CONTACT TRAVELING BOUNDING OVERWATCH ACTIONS ON CONTACT MOVEMENT 7 FORMS MANEUVER LD PL PLD OBJECTIVE FIRE AND PL LOA FM 17 -15, p 3 -20 thru 3 -44 13

DELIBERATE ATTACK 7 FORMS OF CONTACT • • DIRECT FIRE INDIRECT FIRE OBSTACLES AIR: FIXED, ROTARY CHEMICAL EW; JAMMING VISUAL; OBSCURATION • WHAT ARE MY ACTIONS FOR EACH? • WHAT CAN I DO TO REDUCE THE EFFECTS? • WHEN AND WHERE CAN I EXPECT CONTACT? 14

DELIBERATE ATTACK WHO LEADS? • TANKS • BFVs • INFANTRY 15

DELIBERATE ATTACK TANKS • Primary Mounted Assault • Assaults With Infantry • Rapid Fire Tank Killer • Breach • Reduce Fortifications • Long Range Support by Fire for Assaulting Element • Weight in the Main Attack FM 71 -2, p 3 -28 • Reserve FM 71 -1, p 3 -16 15

DELIBERATE ATTACK BRADLEY FIGHTING VEHICLES • Overwatch movement of tanks • Provide long range/short range support by fire for assault • Transports infantry under protection of armor (as far as AT threat allows) • Assaults mounted (low AT threat) FM 71 -2, p 3 -29 FM 71 -1, p 3 -16 16

DELIBERATE ATTACK DISMOUNTED INFANTRY • Lead in high risk restrictive terrain • Suppress anti-tank weapons and infantry • Infiltrate • Breach • Assault, clear trench lines • Reconnaissance / counter-reconnaissance • Security in SBF/ ABF and limited visibility • Secure key terrain FM 71 -1, p 3 -16, 3 -40, 3 -49, 3 -58 thru 3 -60 18

DELIBERATE ATTACK THE ASSAULT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS • • • Command control (control measures) The last 300 meters Breaching operations Actions on the Objective Mounted vs. dismounted; when & where does the infantry dismount? FM 71 -2, p 3 -37, 3 -39 thru 3 -42 22

DELIBERATE ATTACK WHEN AND WHERE DOES THE INFANTRY DISMOUNT? • Prior to the OBJ • On the OBJ • Beyond the OBJ FM 71 -1, p 3 -30 and 3 -31 23

DELIBERATE ATTACK SHORT OF THE OBJECTIVE ADVANTAGES • INFANTRY SOLDIERS ARE PROTECTED FROM SMALL ARMS • TROOPS CAN BE ORIENTED AS THEY APPROACH THE OBJECTIVE • CONTROL CAN BE ESTABLISHED AT THE DISMOUNT POINT • SUPPORTING ARTILLERY CAN SUPPRESS THE ENEMY WHILE THE INFANTRY IS ORGANIZING DISADVANTAGES • DISMOUNTED INFANTRY ARE EXPOSED LONGER TO ENEMY SMALL ARMS AND INDIRECT FIRE AS THEY MOVE TO THE OBJECTIVE • SUITABLE DISMOUNT POINTS MAY BE TARGETED BY ENEMY INDIRECT FIRES FM 71 -1, p 3 -58 24

DELIBERATE ATTACK ON THE OBJECTIVE ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES • GREATER SPEED AND SHOCK EFFECT • INFANTRY REMAINS PROTECTED LONGER • SUPPORTING FIRES CAN CONTINUE LONGER • DIFFICULTY ORIENTING TROOPS • DIFFICULTY ESTABLISHING CONTROL AT THE DISMOUNT POINT • VULNERABILITY OF BFVS TO AT WEAPONS FM 71 -1, p 3 -59 and 3 -60 25

DELIBERATE ATTACK BEYOND THE OBJECTIVE ADVANTAGES • INFANTRY FIGHTS FROM AN AREA AND DIRECTION UNEXPECTED BY THE ENEMY • TROOPS ARE ORIENTED ON THE OBJECTIVE • CONTROL IS MORE EASILY ESTABLISHED • SHOCK EFFECT ON THE ENEMY IS LIKELY TO BE HIGH DISADVANTAGES • ENEMY POSITIONS MAY BE IN DEPTH • SUITABLE DISMOUNT POINTS MAY BE TARGETED • FRATRICIDE RISK MAY BE HIGHER • ASSAULTING BFVS ARE VULNERABLE FM 71 -1, p 3 -59 26

DELIBERATE ATTACK DISMOUNT PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS • COVERED AND CONCEALED ROUTES TO THE DISMOUNT POINT • COVERED AND CONCEALED DISMOUNT POINT • REDUNDANT SIGNALS TO SHIFT AND LIFT FIRES FROM THE OBJECTIVE • RECOGNIZABLE LIMIT OF ADVANCE FOR THE DISMOUNTED ELEMENT IN ORDER TO AVOID FRATRICIDE • SIGNALS TO CALL THE MOUNTED SECTION FORWARD • REMOUNT POINTS • MEANS FOR DISMOUNTED ELEMENT TO MARK OR GUIDE THE MOUNTED FORCE INTO POSITION 27

DELIBERATE ATTACK FRATRICIDE AVOIDANCE • Confirm adjacent unit locations and activities (not just maneuver forces) • Alter sectors as required to limit fires away from friendly positions • Establish friendly markings and signals • Adjust weapons control status based on friendly force and non-combatant disposition and the Rules of Engagement FM 71 -2, CH 7 28

DELIBERATE ATTACK Breaching Operations Suppression Obscuration Security Reduction Assault FM 71 -1, p 3 -42 thru 3 -47 29

DELIBERATE ATTACK C 2 CONSIDERATIONS • Positioning of Command Group • Positioning / Displacement of Main CP - Whole - By Echelon • Communications Plan FM 71 -123, p 1 -43 and 1 -48 30

DELIBERATE ATTACK CSS CONSIDERATIONS • Trains Positioning & Employment • Resupply - Ammunition - Fuel • Maintenance Operations • Activation of LRP’s • CSS Rehearsals FM 71 -2, p 3 -31 thru 3 -32 31

DELIBERATE ATTACK CASUALTY EVACUATION CONSIDERATIONS • Aid Station Positioning - Echeloning/Split Section - During Movement - Actions on the OBJ • Chemically Contaminated Casualties • AXPs FM 71 -2, CH 7 32

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Leaders fail to conduct adequate terrain analysis. Discussion: (1 of 2) • Observation & fields of fire do not extend to the max effective ranges of weapons systems; buildings & rubble mask fires and limit engagement ranges to less than 200 m. • Dismounted AOAs are not limited to roadways. • Key terrain in MOUT is any location which might afford the defender adequate observation and fields of fire onto likely avenues of approach used by the attacking force. • Buildings should not be seen as obstacles to dismounted movement. 33

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Leaders fail to conduct adequate terrain analysis. (2 of 2) TTP: • Conduct 3 D terrain analysis; up, down, and all around. • ID all known and likely enemy locations from which fires can be placed onto the attacking force. • ID inter-visibility (IV) lines and dead space; analyze their effects on observation & fields of fire to minimize max effective range of direct fire weapons systems. • ID likely AOAs above ground along IV lines and through dead space, through buildings, and below ground that can be used by both defender and attacker alike as internal LOCs within the OBJ. 34

DELIBERATE ATTACK 3 D terrain analysis. 13 12 11 21 22 23 15 14 17 16 31 41 33 42 33 34 43 24 25 35 36 44 37 45 47 46 35

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Commanders do not task-organize Light/Heavy forces to provide continuous mutual support during movement to the OBJ. Discussion: • Ensure the unit is moving in a way that supports rapid transition to maneuver. • Consider the movement formations necessary to move light infantry with tanks. • Consider how the tank platoon’s battle drills will impact the light infantry. TTP: • Mount infantry on tanks; move as fast as the tactical situation will permit. • Use the tanks thermal sights to provide early warning to the light force. • Integrate the tanks with the infantry. 36

DELIBERATE ATTACK Integration of LT/HVY forces. (OK) TANK PLT TASK ORGANIZED AS A MANEUVER ELEMENT TANK PLT TASK ORGANIZED UNDER PLTs AS SECTIONS (BETTER) 37

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Light/heavy elements are not integrated into the scheme of maneuver. (1 of 2) Discussion: • Determine desired weapons effects and position assets accordingly. • Consider use of control measures to assist in the transition to other movement formations and synchronize the movement of adjacent units. TTP: • Use visual recognition signals to help the armor unit identify friendly infantry as they bound forward. • Use graphic control measures to transition formation and movement techniques during movement. 38

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Light/heavy elements are not integrated into the scheme of maneuver. (2 of 2) TTP: • Armor units must understand the direct fire support an infantry unit can provide without overextending his distance to the light infantry. • The light infantry must be aware of the tanks main gun and. 50 caliber machine gun ranges so they do not mask tank fire. • Use the armor to eliminate the most serious direct fire threats. 39

DELIBERATE ATTACK Task organized & integrated into scheme of maneuver. (-) (ASLT) LD FO FO (BREACH) PL RED (SUPPORT) PL YELLOW ABF 1 (PLD) PL BLUE FO (-) OBJ FO ASLT PSN ABF 2 (TRAVELING) (TRAVELING O/W) (BOUNDING O/W) 40

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Detailed direct fire control plans are not developed. Discussion: • Task organizing into separate support, breach, and assault elements introduces an element of decentralization. • Control measures must be established to synchronize elements to produce the desired effect--kill the enemy as quickly and with as few resources as possible. TTP: • Use attack guidance matrix to control rate and distribution of fires on the OBJ. • Rate of fire, duration (in minutes), method of control, engagement criteria, and engagement priorities must be specified for all weapon systems. • Specify the desired endstate for each weapon system; link changes in the direct fire engagement plan to key events. • Rehearse the direct fire plan. 41

DELIBERATE ATTACK Direct fire control execution matrix. WHO ENGAGE CRITERIA TGT PRIORITIES CTRL METHOD START STOP ENDSTATE LEAD T 72 @ TRP 2; CRP ONLY T 72, BMP 2, IMMEDIATE 2 X VEHs BRDM; FRONT- DECENTRALIZED ENGAGED REAR CRP DESTROYED @ PL RED LEAD BMP 2 @ TRP 2; CRP ONLY BMP 2, T 72 BRDM; REARFRONT 2 X VEHs ENGAGED CRP DESTROYED @ PL RED M 2 LEAD BMP 2 @ TRP 1; CRP ONLY BMP 2, BRDM 2; INSIDE-OUT CENTRALIZED O/O=R/S/C NO PAX DISMOUNT SOUTH PL RED M 240 BMP 2 OR BRDM PEN OF PL RED BRDM 2, DISMOUNTS O/O=R/S/C DISMOUNTS DESTROYED BETWEEN PL RED & BLUE M 249 PAX DISMOUNT SOUTH PL BLUE TOW JAVELIN DISMOUNTS ONLY DECENTRALIZED IMMEDIATE CENTRALIZED O/O=G/S/C O/O=W/S/C CENTRALIZED SL TRACER O/O=R/S/C DISMOUNTS DESTROYED BETWEEN PL BLUE & NO PEN LINE 42

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Rehearsals are not conducted for the 7 forms of contact. Discussion: • Contact can be categorized as one of seven types: DF, IDF, obstacles, air, chemical, EW, and visual. • Units have a good understanding of the DF threat awaiting them on the OBJ; they habitually fail to incorporate the other six forms of contact into rehearsals, particularly during movement to the OBJ. TTP: • Conduct rehearsals on all seven forms of contact for each phase of the operation: recon, movement, maneuver, deployment, attack, and C&R 43

DELIBERATE ATTACK Rehearsal format. (1 of 4) ORDERS: Task & Purpose 2 levels up & 1 level down; what is my battalion doing, what am I doing, and what are my PLTs doing. The BN task is to clear enemy forces in zone; purpose is to allow ME, Tm HVY, to pass through the security zone during the attack without becoming decisively engaged. I am the BN NE; my task is to clear enemy forces in zone Of attack Bravo; my purpose is to prevent the enemy from interfering with Tm HVY’s eastern flank during the attack. I have task organized into 3 PLTs for this phase: 1 PLT, the Co. ME, will clear enemy forces in zone of attack Bravo IOT protect Tm HVY’s eastern flank during the attack. 2 PLT(+), w/ an AT sec attached, will screen along the eastern flank of 1 PLT IOT provide early warning of enemy activity that would interfere with their attack to clear zone Bravo. 3 PLT will follow & support the ME PLT. 44

DELIBERATE ATTACK Rehearsal format. (2 of 4) ACTIONS: What are the actions of each of my BOS elements. Include actions for each of the seven forms of contact. INTEL: steel. Co. AT will be moving forward of the ME along axis MANEUVER: During movement from PL RED to PL WHITE the company will move in column formation using the traveling overwatch technique. My PLTs will travel in sedges, with Squads in column and fire TMs in sedges. The lead PLT in the OOM will be the ME, 1 st PLT; they will travel using bounding overwatch. 2 nd & 3 rd PLTs will use the traveling overwatch technique. Visual contact is direct fire contact. We will immediately fight through, attempting to fix the enemy with our 60 mm MTRs and direct fires. If we cannot destroy the enemy with maneuver, then we will bypass; we cannot become decisively engaged. Targets that are bypassed will be targeted w/ 105 mm IDF. Where we find obstacles we will conduct in-stride breaches using our attached EN SQD. Obstacles that can’t be breached will be marked and the location reported to BN via BN CMD net immediately. Contact w/ AIR is unlikely; we will take passive measures to avoid detection, then continue movement. If our radio net is jammed we will immediately go to strike 2 IAW the BN TACSOP. The enemy has no NBC capability. 45

DELIBERATE ATTACK Rehearsal format. (3 of 4) ACTIONS: (Cont’d). FIRE SUPPORT: AIR DEFENSE: MTRs IPRTF at FP 1, PB 254685; AOF 6200. Passive measures only. M/C/S: PRI of effort is mobility. My attached EN SQD will travel w/ the main effort to breach obstacles where possible, or ID and mark bypass routes. CSS: Casualties enroute will be evacuated to AXP @ FP 1 by 3 PLT. HLZ will be marked and secured at that location by the MTR sec element. C 2: I will travel with the ME PLT. 46

DELIBERATE ATTACK Rehearsal format. (4 of 4) OUTCOMES: How do I want to look at the end of this phase with respect to enemy forces, friendly forces, and terrain. At the end of this phase I will have cleared all enemy forces in my zone of attack between the LD and PL RED, have my PLTs arrayed two up, one back along PL RED w/ 2 PLT(+) screening the right flank of the Co. ME, MTRs IPRTF at FP 2, retained at least 95% CBT PWR and am prepared to continue movement north. 47

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Objectives are not isolated from the effects of the enemy’s direct fire weapons. Discussion: • Effects of enemy weapon systems do not respect friendly unit boundaries. • 70% of casualties in MOUT are sustained during movement between buildings from locations adjacent to the unit’s immediate OBJ. • Conduct 3 D terrain analysis to ID likely enemy weapons locations that can affect movement to the OBJ. TTP: • Establish overwatch positions from which both known and likely enemy locations can be suppressed prior to movement between buildings. 48

DELIBERATE ATTACK 1 st & 3 rd platoons isolate building 35. 13 12 11 21 15 14 17 16 31 22 41 33 23 42 SBF 1 33 24 25 35 3 SBF 2 B 36 44 37 1 43 36 B 47 45 46 49

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: The majority of casualties occurs outside during movement between buildings. Discussion: • 75% of casualties in MOUT are sustained during movement between buildings. • Don’t cross the fine line between ‘stacking’ and bunching up. • Consider the pros and cons of movement through vs. around buildings. TTP: • Use weapons to isolate the OBJ from the effects of the enemy’s direct fires by positioning to engage known and suspected enemy locations to the flanks and rear of the PLT’s immediate OBJ. • Minimize IDF losses by moving through buildings whenever possible. • Use smoke to obscure movement between buildings. • Remember the golden rule: “If you’re not doing anything, don’t do it outside. ” 50

DELIBERATE ATTACK Use of buildings as Obstacles vs. Avenues of Approach. 13 12 11 LOA 21 OBJ TIN 2 A 22 23 15 14 LOA 31 33 33 17 16 OBJ GOLD 41 42 34 24 25 • RAPID MOVEMENT BETWEEN BLDGs • DELIBERATE MOVEMENT THROUGH BLDGS 3 A 36 43 35 36 37 47 ASLT PSN 45 • MOVEMENT AROUND BLDGs 44 • BUNCHING UP OUTSIDE 46 51

DELIBERATE ATTACK 1 st PLT protects AOA for movement between buildings 31 & 32. 22 13 17 SMOKE 12 15 OBJ LEAD SBF 2 SBF 3 31 22 41 1 2 23 C SBF 1 C AOA 42 52

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: 70% of platoons end up fighting in a building other than the one which they had planned to assault. Discussion: • The casualty intensive nature of MOUT necessitates tactical flexibility on the part of junior leaders; platoons and squads often assault buildings which they had not prepared to enter and execute tasks which they have not rehearsed. TTP: • Clearly communicate leader’s intent down to the lowest level. • Initiate generic, MOUT specific rehearsals at squad and platoon level immediately upon receipt of the warning order; rehearsals should include the support, breach and assault functions. • Conduct combined arms rehearsal down to the lowest level. 53

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Breach fundamentals are not followed when entering a building. Discussion: • Forcibly entering a building requires a successful breach of the enemy’s defenses. TTP: • Follow the steps outlined in the acronym SOSR. 54

DELIBERATE ATTACK Setting conditions; a step-by-step method to movement between buildings. 13 22 SMOKE 12 15 2 SBF 2 OBJ LEAD 31 22 23 17 SBF 3 3 C SBF 1 AOA C 41 42 • ID ENTRY POINT • SELECT AOA FROM ASLT PSN TO ENTRY POINT • LOCATE PSNs ALONG AOA THAT CROSS OPEN AREAS & STREETS • ID BLDGs THAT OFFER GOOD FIELDS OF FIRE ONTO OPEN AREAS • ASSIGN SECTORS OF FIRE AGAINST ALL LIKELY ENEMY LOCATIONS • BREACH w/ STAND-OFF MUNITIONS • EMPLACE SMOKE & SUPPRESS ALL LIKELY ENEMY LOCATIONS • ASLT SQD LDR CONDUCTS ASLT BREACH IF REQUIRED; SECURES FOOTHOLD • KEY LDR CONTRLS MOVEMENT OF FOLLOW-0 N FORCES 55

DELIBERATE ATTACK Observation: Snipers are not task organized and employed effectively at the company level. Discussion: • Control is degraded by restrictive terrain in MOUT. • Position in buildings of stone, masonry, or concrete construction. • Avoid positioning in top floors of buildings likely to be penetrated by fragmentation effects of IDF, and obvious locations such as steeples and rooftops. TTP: • Consider giving sniper teams the discretion to operate freely throughout the AO, consistent with the ROE and the commander’s attack guidance matrix. • Employ along the flanks and forward of the attacking force to deny the enemy use of internal LOCs with long range, precision fires. • Use to provide terminal guidance for IDF during isolation of the company’s OBJ. 56

QUESTIONS? 57