Light Infantry Companyand Platoon

Deliberate Attack

References: FM 7-10, FM 7-8, FM 101-5-1, FM 6-71

Agenda

Doctrinal Overview of the Attack5 Phases of a Deliberate AttackTask OrganizationSOSRObserved ProblemsMaintaining Suppressive FiresThe “90-Degree COA”Fire Support Planning and ExecutionLimited Visibility AttacksForce Protection

Characteristics ofOffensive Operations

• Concentration• Surprise• Tempo• Audacity

FM 100-5, 1993, pp.7-1 thru 7-3

Forms of Tactical Offense

• Movement to Contact• Attack• Exploitation• Pursuit

FM 100-5, 1993, pp. 7-3 thru 7-9

Typical Tasks for Attacks

Main Attack Supporting Attack

- Seize - Isolate

- Clear - Fix

- Destroy - Suppress

- Secure

FM 101-5-1, 1985, CH 1

Forms of Maneuver

• Infiltration• Turning Movement• Envelopment• Frontal Attack • Penetration

FM 100-5, 1993, P.7-11

InfiltrationLU

1

TurningMovement

Frontal Attack

Envelopment

Penetration 1.

Penetration 2.

Penetration 3.

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack

1. Reconnoiter and develop a concept2. Move to the objective3. Isolate the objective and the selected

breach site4. Attack to secure a foothold5. Exploit the penetration and seize the

decisive point

FM 7-10, 1990, pages 4-28 through 4-34

AA

Attack Position

ObjectiveRP

Assault Position

Chance Contact En Route

Obstacles En Route

Movement to theAssault Position

SP

1. Recon the Objective and Develop a Concept

• Determine PIR and type/level of recon

• Try to maintain eyes on the objective

• Task organize based on the concept:

• Support

• Breach

• Assault

• Reserve (Possibly)

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack 2. Move to the Objective

• Develop routes• Decide on movement formations and techniques• Determine the order of movement• Time the movement to reduce halts• Anticipate contact or obstacles en route

• Engagement and bypass criteria• CASEVAC• Fire support

• Synchronize supporting fires• Establish adequate control measures

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack 3. Isolate the Objective and the

Selected Breach Site

• Establish security

• Use direct and indirect fires

• Plan the breaching fundamentals--SOSR

• Set the conditions

• Have a means of identifying the breach site

• Be flexible: Breach based on enemy and terrain

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack 4. Attack to Gain a Foothold

• Execute SOSR

• Control of fires

5 Phases of a Deliberate Attack 5. Exploit the Penetration and

Seize the Decisive Point

• Organize the Assault force into support, breach and assault elements, in case another obstacle is encountered

• Mass effects of combat power

• Control fires

• Plan through to Consolidation and Reorganization

Task Organization for a Deliberate Attack

• Assault element

• Support element

• Breach element

• Possibly a Reserve

FM 7-10, 1990, p. 4-29

Light Infantry Company Task Organizationfor Deliberate Attack

RESERVE

SUPPORT

SECURITY SUPPORT

BREACH

ASSAULTBREACHSUPPORT

ISOLATEPoint of Breach

BREACH,SECURE

&Improve lane

SEIZE afoothold

BREACH ASSAULT

ASSAULT

FIX/ISOLATE/SUPPRESS(To facilitate breach)

SEIZE A FOOTHOLD(To allow passage)

SEIZE/CLEAR/DESTROY/SECURE

(In order to...)

Infantry Platoon• M60/M249/M203• FA/Mortars• CAS

Infantry Plt & Engineer Sqd• Smoke• Charges• Probing

Infantry Plt &Engineer Sqd• AT4

UNIT

TASK and(Purpose)

METHOD

1. Suppress• M60/M249/M203• AT weapons• MTRs• CAS 1 1

Breach Fundamentals“SOSR”

2

2. ObscureSmoke--

• Pots• Grenades•

FA/Mortars• M203

4

4. Reduce Obstacle• Probing• Mark lane

3. Secure Foothold• Conduct breach -and-• Assault through -or-• Control far side

33

Observed Problems with Company Attacksat the Company Level

• Planning process• Time management• Use of sand table• Inclusion of attachments (FO, Engineers, Medics)• Graphic control measures• Adjacent unit coordination• Determining PIR “Where are their machine guns?”• Isolating the objective• Collecting intelligence from S2 and Scouts• Location of FO, mortars and ammo resupply• Planning indirect fires• Rehearsals with all key leaders• Directing and prioritizing rehearsals• Signals• Engagement/Bypass criteria during movement• MEDEVAC plan (Casualty collection points)• Water resupply• Back briefs

• Execution• Pre-combat inspections• MILES zero and test fire • Weapons maintenance• Rehearsals with wire obstacle• Movement and halts• Leaders Recon• Stealth breach• Maintaining suppressive fire• AT weapons• Marking of lanes and bunkers• Location of First Sergeant and XO• Fratricide• The “90-Degree COA”

Observed Problems with Company Attacksat the Company Level

Observed Problems with Company Attacksat the Platoon/Squad/Soldier Level

• Planning• Dissemination of information• Rehearsals with attachments• Rehearsals during limited visibility• Contingency planning• Pre-combat inspections• Assignment of special teams• Assault force prepared to breach• Marking lead assault element• Breach kits (contents and number of)

• Execution• Route reconnaissance and navigation• Hand and arm signals• Use of cover and concealment• Security during movement and at halts• Communication with SBF position• Crew drills• Fire control and distribution• Synchronization• Signaling• Squad and fire team movement• Maintaining momentum during assault• Communication and reporting• Fratricide• Consolidation and reorganization

Observed Problems with Company Attacksat the Platoon/Squad/Soldier Level

Maintaining Suppressive Fires-- Rates of Fire

M60 MG Burst Rate M249 MG Burst Rate

Cyclic 550 RPM 6-9 rounds as fast as the trigger can be squeezed

850 RPM 3-5 rounds as fast a the trigger can be squeezed

Rapid 200 RPM 6-9 rounds with a 1-second pause between bursts

200 RPM 3-5 rounds with a 1-second pause between bursts

Sustained 100 RPM 6-9 rounds with a 2- second pause between bursts

85 RPM 3-5 rounds with a 3- second pause between bursts

Techniques:

1. Begin with the cyclic rate to prevent the enemy from returning accurate fire or displacing, continue with a rapid rate as long as targets are in view, then go to the sustained rate to save ammo.

2. Do the math: Put the correct amount for each rate and time in a separate ammo box (M60 @ 30 seconds cyclic = 275 rounds).

3. Use 4x1 mix of ammo (DODIC A131), not straight ball (A143).

-- Barrel Change Requirements

Maintaining Suppressive Fires

Rate of Fire M60 MG M249 MG

Cyclic Every 1 minute Every 1 minute

Rapid Every 2 minutes Every 2 minutes

Sustained Every 10 minutes Every 10 minutes

Techniques:

1. Using the ammo can technique, each can should have no ammo beyond what will be fired before each barrel change.

2. Gunners must plan changes so that they are staggered.

3. Gunners must pick up the rate of fire if there is a lull during barrel changes and reloading.

4. The AG can use an empty rucksack to carry the spare barrel bag and ammo cans. Pad cans with rags to reduce noise.

5. Misfire! Use Leatherman tool and cleaning rod to clear brass and links.

-- Fire Commands

-- Weapon Priorities

Maintaining Suppressive Fires-- SBF Location Considerations

Conduct a good terrain analysis and select a site that:1. Has adequate cover and concealment2. Can protect the assault force3. Is not masked by the assault force’s movementOnce this is done, the SBF leader must identify where he wants

fires concentrated and the limits of the sectors. METT-T might require the use of multiple SBF positions.

Example order to M60 Gunner: “Your priorities will be Bunker #1 followed by Bunker #2; once the maneuver element destroys the bunkers, you will engage 3 to 5 man targets in your secondary sector. However, if a thin-skinned vehicle enters your current sectors, engage it immediately.”

“Creeping fires” versus Shift fireLift fireUse of whistles, tracers, laser designators

-- Distribution of Fires

Maintaining Suppressive Fires

The target area dictates the assignment of:•Primary sectors•Secondary sectors•Priority targets•Shift sectors

M60M249

M203M16

PrimarySector

Primary sectorleft limit

Secondary sectorleft limit

SecondarySector

The M60 is closest to the maneuver unit, since its fires are most visible, and all other weapons shoot to its inside. If the M60 goes down, the other weapons shift to its primary sector.

The “90-Degree COA”

OBJ SBF

ASLT

Question:“Does the position of the SBF element actually allow it to suppress the enemy overlooking the breach site?”

“FIX”

OBJ

ASLT

SBFAnswer:Reducing the angle between the SBF element and the assault force can provide better isolation (suppression of enemy weapons and positions overlooking the breach site) and control of fires.

“SUPPRESS”

Consolidation and Reorganization

• Reestablishing command and control• Manning key weapons, redistributing ammunition and

equipment • Assessing and reporting the status of personnel,

ammunition, supplies, and essential equipment• Establishing OPs and overlapping sectors of fire in

preparation for a possible enemy counterattack• Clearing the objective of casualties and EPWs

Once platoons have consolidated on the objective, they begin to reorganize in order to continue the attack.

Reorganization involves--

The MTP standard for completion of platoon C&R is 15 minutes

Fire Planning and Execution

Battle DrillsPreparatory FiresObscuration and ScreeningConsolidationHasty Defense Fire PlanReorganizationQuick Fire Planning

Agenda

CPT Munson and SFC Dougherty3-393 (TS) (FA)

Use of Battle DrillsBattle drills are used to employ a collective action

and are rapidly executed without applying a deliberate decision making process.

Battle Drill Characteristics• Minimal leader orders

• Sequential actions

• Trained responses

Battle Drills Provide:• Key actions performed quickly

• Smooth transition / reaction from one activity to another

• Standardized actions

Fire Planning and Execution

Fire Planning and Execution

Battle Drill I & II

I. React to Contact (Search and Attack or chance contact) = Receiving fire from enemy individual or crew served weapons

II. React to Ambush (Near or Far) = Platoon enters kill zone, enemy initiates with casualty producing device and high volume of fire

Fire Planning and ExecutionBattle Drill I

( React To Contact )

WHO Platoon Leader Forward Observer Forward Observer Platoon Leader Company FSO

WHAT Plan, expect to, and then use fires in the close fight Fires priority target Coordinates direct fire and maneuver with indirect fire Monitors unit in contact, and reports to BN FSO

HOW Battle Drill # 1 Mortars Sequential, trained responses FM radio, common net structure

RESULT Immediately responsive fires to isolate, block, disrupt, fix, and then finish the enemy Isolate, fix, block, suppress, disrupt the enemies contact Smooth transition from one activity to another BN FSNCO initiates TOC drill, and begins pre-clearing all adjacent cells on Anti-fratricide matrix

Fire Planning and ExecutionBattle Drill I

( Continued )

WHO Forward Observer Forward Observer Company FSO Forward Observer Platoon Forward Observer

WHAT Adjusts sheaf Adjusts sheaf Monitors unit in contact Keeps fires coming Attacks Cancels and establishes / fires new priority target

HOW Bold corrections OR Creeping fires behind enemy FM radio With corrections, or commands repeat Using combined arms in the close fight Mortars

RESULT Block moving enemy Isolate, fix or suppress enemy Advises, and assists Forward Observer Enemy action disrupted, Platoon leader has options Destroyed enemy with minimal friendly casualties Disrupt / block fleeing enemy, orient Plt Ldr, FO along continued route

Fire Planning and ExecutionBattle Drill II

React To Ambush - Near

WHO Forward Observer Platoon Leader Forward Observer Platoon Forward Observer

WHAT Fires priority target Determines to 1.) adjust onto enemy 2.) adjust to block or fix Lifts or shifts fire Assaults through Cancels, establishes / fires new priority target

HOW Mortars Practiced battle drill commands Mortars Combined arms battle drill Mortars

RESULT Immediate impact to draw attention from kill zone Immediate transition from activity to another Initiative taken from the enemy Disrupted enemy ambush Block or disrupt fleeing enemy

Fire Planning and ExecutionBattle Drill II

React To Ambush - Far

WHO Forward Observer Platoon Leader Forward Observer Forward Observer

WHAT Fires Priority target Determines assault through or to suppress and then isolate Lifts / Shifts Cancels / establish and fires new priority target

HOW Mortars Practiced battle drill commands Mortars Mortars

RESULT Immediate observed round to shift from Immediate and smooth transition from activity to another Swift execution of combined arms battle drill Disrupt or block fleeing enemy

Fire Planning and Execution

Preparatory Fires• It is imperative that targets are either confirmed or denied before execution

•Weigh the benefits versus the drawbacks of shooting preparatory fires.

•Consider making your mortars direct support to the support force during this operation.

Ensure that a specific company, team, or observer is designated to control fires on the objective. One technique is to assign this responsibility to a unit in a support-by-fire position. They are not as actively engaged in staying alive as the company or team FSO in the assault force.

• Plan FM (voice) and visual (backup) signals for the lifting or shifting of indirect fires on the objective, and rehearse them in detail.

FM 6-71

Preparatory Fires(Continued)

• Enforce target refinement cutoff times

• Articulate the number of elements or size of elements you want engaged during each phase of the operation (engagement criteria)

• Specify the effects of attack (suppress, neutralize, or destroy) in terms of the enemy target types (attack criteria)

• When determining fire support coordination measures (FSCM), consider the minimum safe distance (danger close) for each weapon system

• Plan fires to augment your deception plan

Fire Planning and ExecutionFM 6-71

Fire Planning and Execution

ObscurationSmoke placed on or near the enemy position to interfere with his observation of the battlefield is called obscuration smoke.

Enemy positions with secondary or more than one objective can be isolated from adjacent or flanking support units by obscuration smoke, thus degrading effective defensive fires.

ScreeningScreening smoke is placed within the areas of friendly operation or in areas between friendly and enemy forces to degrade enemy observation and fire. It is primarily intended to conceal movement of friendly forces.

FM 6-20-50

Fire Planning and ExecutionConsolidation

Platoons and squads move quickly to establish security during the consolidation of an objective. FOs, in conjunction with OPs, are along likely approaches and establish targets with overlapping sectors of fire to create all-round security.

Hasty Defense Fire Plan

• Establish FPF (FPL)

• Target known enemy locations

• Target engagement areas

• Target obstacles

• Key terrain and TAI’s

• Target avenues of approach at critical choke points

• Target withdrawal routes from battle

• Forward to higher headquarters ASAP

Fire Planning and ExecutionReorganization

• FO reestablishes contact / relocates with PL to establish command and control.

• After PL assesses the platoon’s status (personnel, ammunition, supplies, and essential equipment), FO sends report to company FSE

Quick Fire Planning

Targets to be engaged Desired effect on targets

Order and timing of target engagement Duration of fires

H-hour Priority of fires

Priority for targeting Priority for execution

Time check from commander Estimated rate of movement

Need for target adjustment Objective and defensive positions

Maneuver control measures Fire plan name

Obstacles Unit to fire

Limited Visibility Attacks

• Navigating and movement • Identifying and engaging targets• Controlling units, soldiers and fires• Locating, bypassing or breaching

obstacles• Identifying friendly and enemy soldiers

FM 7-10, 1990, p. 4-36

Difficulties

Limited Visibility Attacks

• Rate of movement and types of formations

• Lack of NVGs (especially for Engineers)

• Whether or not to use illumination

• Target identification and engagement

• Controlling (Focus, distribute, shift) direct and indirect fires

• Use of AT-4

• Marking breach points and cleared bunkers

• Locating and treating casualties

Considerations

Limited Visibility Attacks

• Tracer fire -- Used by assault element leaders to mark targets -- Used by support element leaders to indicate

near limit of fires• Luminous or glint tape and Chemlights

-- Mark lead assault personnel to prevent fratricide -- Throw in front of assault element -- Put on stick or radio antenna and use to mark

progress through a trench• Weapons restrictions techniques

-- Control status of individual weapons -- Weapons on semi-automatic -- No automatic weapons with assault element

FM 7-10, 1990, p. 4-38

Fire Control

Force Protection

• Establish Minimum Safe Distances (MSD) based on unit SOPs, registration status, proficiency of supporting units, weather, etc. Establish them for indirect fires, automatic weapons, and explosives. Build it into the plan.

• Use M60 tripod and T&E

• Night vision devices

• Body armor?

• Eye, hand, and knee protection

• Water resupply and CASEVAC

Questions?