109 GENERAL MILITARY TACTICS FUNDAMENTALS

 

109.1 Describe the key components of a standard battle load.

 

Pistol belt - The olive drab webbed pistol belt, M-1956, has a special ball type of fastener that makes the belt easier to put on and take off. The belt uses eyelets for attachment purposes and has sliding keepers to prevent the belt hooks from

becoming unfastened after adjustment to the waist of the wearer. The pistol belt helps to carry the entrenching tool and carrier, the ammunition pouches, the canteen and cover, and the first-aid or compass case. It is issued in two sizes: medium and large. Medium is the size for waist measurements under 30 inches; large is the size for waist measurements of 30 inches or more. The proper-size belt can be adjusted to fit over all layers of outer clothing, including the armored vest.

 

Ammunition pouches - Each small-arms ammunition pouch is 4 1/4 inches wide, 6 1/4 inches high, and 2 1/2 inches deep. Plastic stiffeners are provided in the back of each pouch, so the clips of ammunition can be easily inserted and removed. There are two attaching clips and supporting straps on the back of the pouch, so they

can be fastened to the pistol belt and to the suspenders. (See fig. 2-5.) Both sides of each

ammunition pouch have attachments for carrying hand grenades. The pouches are designed to carry any of the basic loads of ammunition; however, with special weapons it may be necessary to carry more ammunition than the pouches can hold. When extra ammunition is needed, bandoleers of ammo may be carried in a cross-chest manner. To place bandoleers in pouches, make a neat bundle by folding the bandoleers accordion fashion and placing them in the pouches with the bandoleer strap on the top. This method permits the bandoleer to be inserted and removed easily.

 

Suspenders - The olive drab webbed suspenders, with the pistol belt, make up the basic individual fighting load equipment, as the remaining components are suspended from them. The suspenders can be adjusted by means of the clamp type of buckle. Suspenders are issued in three sizes: regular, long, and extra long. If you are under 68 inches tall without shoes, wear the regular size. If over 68 inches, wear the large size. If you

are tall or broad chested or intend wearing them over outer garments or the armored vest or both, wear the extra large size. When you have the time, you should try them on first.

 

Entrenching tool carrier - The entrenching tool carrier is olive drab in color and is

attached to the pistol belt by means of two clips located on the back.

 

Canteen cover - The olive drab canteen cover has either a pile or felt lining and

is attached to the pistol belt by means of two clips located on the back of the cover. The canteen cover accommodates the canteen and canteen cup. During warm weather, the lining should be kept wet to help keep the water cool. The cover should be kept dry

during cold weather, as the lining helps to protect the water inside from freezing.

 

First-aid case - The olive drab first-aid case is attached to the pistol belt by means of a clip located on the back The case is closed by means of a flap that is secured by a glove type of fastener. The first-aid case is used either to carry a field dressing or an unmounted magnetic compass.

 

109.2 Describe the construction and the elements of the following dug-in emplacements:

 

The simplest type of dug-in emplacement is the SKIRMISHER’S TRENCH - This shallow pit type of emplacement provides a temporary, open, prone firing position for the individual rifleman. When the situation demands immediate shelter from heavy enemy fire and when existing defiladed firing positions (positions which provide protection from fire or observation, such as ridges, embankments, and ravines) are not available, each man lies prone or on his side. With his entrenching tool, he scrapes and piles the soil in a low parapet between him  and the enemy. Thus a shallow, body-length pit can be formed quickly in all but the hardest ground. The trench should be oriented with respect to the line of fire of the enemy so it is least vulnerable to enfilade fire (fire from the flanking or side position). In a skirmisher’s trench, a man presents a low silhouette to the enemy and is afforded some protection from small-arms fire.

 

The internal construction of a ONE-MAN FIGHTING HOLE - It is made as small as possible to present the smallest target to the enemy, but wide enough to accommodate a man’s shoulders, and deep enough to use entrenching tools at the bottom. A sump should be built below the firing step, at one end, to catch rainwater. The firing step should be

deep enough to protect most of a man’s body while firing. A circular grenade sump, large enough to accept the largest known enemy grenade, is sloped downward at an angle of 30 degrees and is excavated under the fire step. Hand grenades thrown into the fighting hole are exploded in this sump, and their fragmentation is restricted to the unoccupied end of the fighting hole. The soil from the hole is used to build a parapet. The edge of the hole is used for an elbow rest while firing. Be sure to camouflage the soil used for your parapet to help avoid detection.

 

TWO-MAN FIGHTING HOLE - that is essentially two one-man holes. The two-man

fighting hole provides some advantages over the one-man fighting hole. By being in such close proximity, each man gains a feeling of more security, and it allows one man to rest while the other man is observing the area. One disadvantage is since it is longer than a one-man hole, it provides less protection from tanks, bombing, strafing, and shelling.

 

109.3 Explain the characteristics of the following:

 

Camouflage is a general term applied to measures (either natural or artificial) taken to conceal yourself, your position, and your equipment from enemy

observation. Three general rules for camouflage are as follows:

1. Take advantage of all available natural concealment.

2. Camouflage by altering the form, shadow, texture, and color of objects.

3. Camouflage against both ground and air observation.

 

COVER is protection from the fire of hostile weapons. It may be natural or artificial. Natural cover (ravines, hollows, and reverse slopes) and artificial cover (fighting holes, trenches, and walls) protect you from flat trajectory fire (projectiles traveling at nearly horizontal angles), and partially protect you from high-angle fire and the effects of nuclear explosions.

 

CONCEALMENT is protection from hostile ground or air observation, but not from hostile fire. It, too, is natural or artificial. Natural concealment is provided by objects in their natural locations, such as bushes, grass, and shadows. Artificial concealment is made from materials, such as burlap, nets, or tents, or from natural material.

 

The best combat position provides, at one and the same time, maximum cover and maximum concealment.

 

109.4 State what action should be taken if you are caught in the light of a ground flare and overhead flare.

 

When you are caught in the light of a ground flare, move out of the area of light as quickly and quietly as possible. Keep moving until you are well away from the area; then reorient yourself and continue on.

 

When you are caught in the open by an overhead flare, you should immediately hit the deck. Since the burst of light is temporarily blinding to the enemy also, there is a chance that you may not have been seen. If you hear the flare being fired, try to get down before it bursts. Resume movement as soon as the flare burns out.

 

If you are caught by a flare when crossing an obstacle, such as barbed wire, crouch low and remain motionless until the flare burns out. When you are assaulting a position and a flare bursts, continuing your assault is imperative.

 

109.5 State the 11 General Orders of a Sentry.

 

Select 11 General Orders from the navigation menu.

 

109.6 Discuss the military aspects of terrain as it applies to a defensive force using the acronym KOCOA. 

 

Key Terrain

Key terrain features must be considered in formulating defensive tactics. Their selection is based on the mission of the command. Tactical use of terrain often is directed at increasing the ability to apply combat power. Also considered is channeling the enemy into the beaten zone of organic weapons maintained by the battalion. The selection of key terrain varies with the following:

 Level of command

Type of unit

Mission of the unit

Seabees are normally a service support unit for the Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Service support units need roads over which to move supplies and secure areas in which to construct facilities. Aviation units need high terrain on which to set up radars and communication facilities and large, flat areas for airfields.

 

Observation and Fields of Fire

Observation and fields of fire are so closely related that they are considered together. Fields of fire are based on observation because a target must be seen to bring effective fire upon it.

The observation considerations are as follows:

Weather conditions

Time of day

Vegetation

Surrounding terrain

The highest terrain features are generally ideal for observation. However, during times of poor visibility, positions in low areas that the enemy must pass through may provide better observation. The field of fire is the area a weapon or group of weapons may cover effectively with fire from a given position. When you are selecting a field of fire for a weapon, it is critical to know the capabilities of the weapon. Positioning an M60E3 machine gun with a 400-meter field of fire is poorly using the weapons capability considering the weapon has a maximum effective range of 1,100 meters.

The object is to engage the enemy as far out as possible.

 

Cover and Concealment

Cover and concealment is used together to provide protection from the effects of fires and observation.

1. Cover is protection from the effects of fire. Examples of ideal cover are as follows:

Rocks

Shell craters

Ditches or quarries

Buildings

Caves

Sunken roads

River banks

Walls

Folds in the ground

Highway fills

Areas that provide cover from direct fire may or may not protect against the effects of indirect fire.

2. Concealment is the protection from observation or surveillance both air and ground. Some examples that provide ideal concealment are as follows:

Woods

Underbrush

Snowdrifts

Tall grass

Cultivated vegetation

Other features that deny observation

Terrain that provides concealment may or may not provide cover.

 

Obstacles to Movement

Obstacles are anything, including a natural or artificial terrain feature, that stops, impedes, or diverts military movement. Entanglements are set up as obstacles along the FEBA or the defensive perimeter to channel the enemy into the beaten zone of various weapons held by the defending unit.

 

Avenues of Approach

Avenues of approach are routes the enemy is likely to travel to reach its objective. When setting up the defense positions, the platoon commander visualizes all possible enemy avenues of approach into the area. An evaluation of the avenues of approach, together with key terrain features, serves as the basis for positioning platoons or squads for planning fire support. The area selected for defense should afford good observation, fields of fire, and adequate cover and concealment to the defending forces. The defender applies the principles of camouflage and continuously improves camouflage throughout the defensive operation.

 

109.7 Discuss the use and care of the following:

 

TOPOGRAPHIC MAP

This map portrays terrain and landforms in a measurable form as well as the horizontal positions of the features represented. The vertical positions, or relief, are normally represented by contours. On relief maps, the elevations and contours are measured from a specified vertical datum plane, usually mean sea level.

Care of Maps

One of the first precautions in caring for maps is folding the map properly. Your maps may have to last a long time, so protect them as best you can. Whenever possible, carry a map in a waterproof packet, in a pocket, under an outer garment, or other place where it is handy but still protected. In marking a map, use light lines that maybe erased easily without smearing, smudging, or leaving marks that may later tend to confuse someone. If you must trim the margins of a map for any reason, be careful to copy any marginal information that may be needed later, such as grid and magnetic declination data or overlapping grid values and ticks.

 

LENSATIC COMPASS

The lensatic compass is the most commonly used and simplest instrument for measuring directions and angles in the field. In order to use a map effectively in the field for purposes of identification, location, or reporting, you must orient, or align, the map with the ground. A map is oriented when, in a horizontal position, its north points to the north and all map lines are parallel to their corresponding lines on the ground. A map user is oriented when he knows his position on the oriented map.

Certain precautions about the care and use of a lensatic compass are important because they assure, within reason, that a compass works when and where you need it.

1. Handle the compass with care. The dial is set at such a delicate balance that a shock could damage the compass.

2. Close and return the compass to its special container when it is not in use. In this way, it is not only protected from possible damage but is readily available for use when needed.

3. When the compass is to be used in darkness, an initial azimuth should be set, whenever possible, while light is still available. With this initial azimuth as a base, you can read any other azimuth that is a multiple of 3° by using the clicking feature of the bezel.

4. Compass readings should NEVER be taken near visible masses of iron or electrical circuits. The following are suggested as approximate safe distancesto ensure proper functioning of the compass:

High tension power lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 yards

Field gun, truck, or tank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 yards

Telegraph and telephone wires and barbed wire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 yards

Machine gun . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 yards

Helmet or rifle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 0.5 yards

Nonmagnetic metals and alloys do not affect compass readings.

5. Practice by using the compass at regular intervals. This is to help you become competent in its use during an emergency.

 

109.8 State the five basic colors used and how they are applied to a military map.

 

Topographic symbols are usually printed in a number of standardized colors. This is done so the features on the map are easier to identify and to give them a more natural appearance and contrast.

Black–the majority of cultural or man-made features

Blue–water features, such as lakes, rivers, and swamps

Green–vegetation, such as woods, orchards, or vineyards

Brown–all relief features, such as contours

Red–main roads, built up areas, and special features

Others–occasionally used to show special information; generally, explained in the marginal notes

 

109.9 Describe the Military Grid System.

 

Grids

Military maps are divided into grids to provide a uniform system for referencing and making measurements. Military grids consist of two sets of equally spaced parallel, straight lines intersecting at right angles and forming a series of squares. Each grid line is an even interval of the selected measurement unit, such as yards or meters. The dimensions and orientation of different types of grids vary, but all military grids have three things in common:

1. They are all true square grids.

2. They are superimposed; that is, drawn on top of the geographic projection.

3. They permit linear and angular measurements.

 

109.10 Explain resection and intersection.

 

Intersection

Locating an unknown point by successively occupying at least two, but preferably three, known positions and sighting on the unknown point is called intersection. It is used to locate features that are not defined on the map or which are not readily identifiable. The two methods of intersection are the map and compass method and the straightedge method.

 

Resection

Locating the unknown position of the user by sighting on two or three known features is called resection. Resection can be done with or without a compass.

 

109.11 State the 12 patrol planning and preparation steps.

 

1. Study the mission.

2. Plan use of time.

3. Study terrain and situation.

4. Organize the patrol.

5. Select men, weapons, and equipment.

6. Issue the warning order.

7. Coordinate (continuous throughout the patrol).

8. Make reconnaissance.

9. Complete detailed plans.

10. Issue patrol order.

11. Supervise (at all times), inspect, rehearse, and reinspect.

12. Execute the mission.

 

109.12 Utilizing the acronym BAMCIS, describe the planning process for issuing a five-paragraph order.

 

Begin planning - Issue the Patrol Warning Order.

Arrange for reconnaissance and coordination.

1. Acquire the necessary maps and aerial photos for a map or photoreconnaissance.

2. Coordinate with other units the movement of the patrol within, through, and beyond friendly lines.

   a) Provide patrol information, including:

     1. Size

     2. Routes

     3. Time of departure and return

     4. Challenge and password

     5. Call signs and frequencies

   b) Request information on the following:

     1. Known or suspected enemy activity

     2. Friendly positions and activity

        a) Locations of FOs, LPs and OPs.

        b) Signals for firing the final protective fires (FPF)

     3. Call signs and frequencies

     4. Challenge and password, and the running password

   c) Verify locations of the point of departure (POD), point of return (POR), and the assembly

area.

   d) Request that a guide be provided for crossing friendly lines, if necessary.

   e) Coordinate the plan for reentry.

3. Request ammunition, special equipment, water, and rations.

4. Coordinate the method for casualty evacuation.

5. Collect intelligence about the enemyMake the reconnaissance -

Study the terrain on the map and/or aerial photographs and identify:

-- Terrain features that could be navigation aids

-- Danger areas and obstacles

-- Tentative checkpoints and rally points

 

Complete the plan -

1) Assign each fire team and individual a specific duty.

   a) Ensure that at least one Seabee is assigned as a navigator.

   b) Ensure that at least two Seabees are assigned as pace counters.

2) Finalize the route selection:Make frequent changes to the route if the patrol is to be conducted daily or periodically.

3. Finalize procedures for the following:

   a) Patrol formation and order of movement

   b) Departure and reentry of friendly lines

   c) Actions at checkpoints, rally points, danger areas, and upon enemy contact

4. Ensure that arms and ammunition have been obtained.

5. Ensure that patrol members have the required uniform and equipment.

6. Determine the procedures for handling enemy prisoners of war (EPWs).

7. Determine the type of signals to be used.8. Identify communication security measures, call signs, frequencies, code words, and reporting times used for communications with the higher authority.

9. Determine the challenge and password for use within the patrol.

10. Determine your position as the patrol leader (PL) and the position of the assistant patrol leader (APL) within the patrol.

 

Issue the Order -

This is issued as a 5 paragraph order (SMEAC).

 

Supervise preparations -

1. Check with team leaders to verify that assigned tasks are being accomplished.

2. Conduct initial and final inspections

3. Conduct rehearsals.

109.13 Discuss the five-paragraph order.

 

SITUATION

   a. Enemy forces: Weather, terrain, identification, location, activity and strength

   b. Friendly forces: Mission of next higher unit, commander's intent, location and planned actions of units on right and left, fire support available, and missions and routes of other patrols

   c. Attachments and detachments

MISSION

State the mission, which should include: who, what, when, where. A clear and consice statement of the task that must be accomplished.

EXECUTION

   a. Concept of operation:

     1. Scheme of maneuver

     2. Missions of units, teams, and individuals

     3. The fire support plan

   b. Tasks: For units, teams, and individuals. Included are such tasks as navigation, security during movement, and security at halts.

   c. Coordinating instructions

     1. Times of departure and return

     2. Primary and alternate routes

     3. Departure and reentry of friendly areas

     4. Organization for movement

     5. Actions at danger areas

     6. Actions on enemy contact

     7. Rallying points and actions at rallying points

     8. Actions in area of operation

     9. Debriefing

     10. Other actions

     11. Rehearsals and inspections

ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS

   a. Rations

   b. Arms and ammunition

   c. Uniform and equipment (state which members will carry and use)

   d. Method of handling wounded and prisoners

COMMAND AND SIGNAL

   a. Signal

      1. Signals to be used within the patrol

     2. Communication with higher headquarters--radio call signs, primary and alternate frequencies, times to report, and special codes to be used

      3. Challenge and password

   b. Command

     1. Chain of Command

     2. Location of leaders at various times--during movement, at danger areas

 

109.14 Define and discuss the following reports.

 

Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment:

A SALUTE report is used when the observed activities of the enemy do not pose a threat to the company. This gives the platoon commander and the company CP time to evaluate the situation and to send the COC a formal SALUTE report.

Size, Positions, Organization, Time:

A SPOT report is a hastily modified SALUTE report containing less detail.

An example of the difference between the two reports is when the  company is engaged in a fire fight on the lines. The platoon commander must concentrate on the fire fight and has little time to send a formal SALUTE report to the company CP. Several SPOT reports are used to maintain communication with the company CP. The company CP is also busy concentrating on the fire fight and will relay several SPOT reports to the COC. When the fire fight is over, the company CP will send the COC a formal SALUTE report based from the SPOT reports.

 

109.15 Describe the purpose of the following:

 

RECONNAISSANCE PATROL

Reconnaissance patrols are sent out to gain information about the enemy or the terrain. These patrols engage in combat only when it becomes necessary to accomplish their mission or to protect themselves. In general, they should avoid combat and accomplish their mission by stealth. Reconnaissance patrols have a variety of missions, but their primary mission is to obtain and report information in a timely manner to the commander who desires it.

SECURITY PATROL

In security patrolling, both reconnaissance (recon) and combat patrols are used. The typical Seabee defense is a static defense; therefore, the recon patrol is mainly used to detect enemy movement toward your position. The combat/security patrol is used to destroy enemy recon patrols and to delay and confuse an enemy attack.

 

109.16 Discuss the acronym SAFE as it applies to establishing a defense.

 

SAFE (Security, Automatic weapon, Fields of fire, and Entrenchment)

1. Establish local security.

2. Position crew-served weapons and establishes sectors of fire.

3. Clear fields of fire; determine ranges, designate targets.

4. Prepare primary positions and weapons emplacements.

5. Plan and plot fire support.

6. Install tactical and supplementary wire.

7. Prepare mines, obstacles, and booby traps.

8. Prepare alternate and supplementary positions.

9. Prepare range cards and fire plan sketches.

10. Camouflage and improve positions continuously.

 

109.17 What are the three echelons of a defense?

 

Security Area

The battalion security area begins at the FEBA (defensive lines) or the defensive perimeter and normally extends 500 meters to the front and to the flanks of the battalion. Depending on where battalion security elements are used, this area can be increased. Seabee forces in the security area include the listening post, the observation post, and the patrols that furnish information about the enemy; delay, deceive, and disrupt the enemy as much as possible. Division forces, operating deep in the security area (beyond 500 meters), will consist of general outposts (GOPs), combat outposts, flank security forces, division aerial surveillance elements, and patrols. As a platoon commander or patrol leader, you must be aware of all forces operating in the security area.

 

Forward Defense Area (FDA)

The forward defense area extends rearward from the defensive line or FEBA (defensive lines) to the rear boundaries of the frontline companies that are used as the forward defense echelon of the battalion. The composition of the forward defense echelon depends upon the form of defense used.

 

Reserve Area

Extending from the rear boundary of the forward defense echelon (frontline companies) to the rear boundary of the defense of the battalion is the reserve area. The reserve forces and those uncommitted forces under battalion control occupy positions in the reserve area and add depth to the defensive position. The reserve is the principal means by which the battalion commander influences the defensive battle and regains the initiative.

 

109.18 Define and discuss the following.

 

Call for fire for indirect weapon support:

Initial Fire Command

The initial fire command consists of the data necessary to fire the first round. There are eight elements of the initial fire command which are as follows:

1. MORTARS TO FOLLOW. (Alerts the firing element.)

2. SHELL AND FUZE. (Specific ammunition type and fuze to be used.)

3. MORTAR TO FIRE. (Designates the specific weapon or weapons to fire. Each weapon has a different number.)

4. METHOD OF FIRE. (Indicates the number of rounds to be fired and any special instructions.)5. DEFLECTION. ( the word deflection always precedes the sight setting. This element gives the exact deflection required to engage the target.)

6. CHARGE. (This element is announced by CHARGE and followed by the desired number.)

7. TIME. (This element provides the fuze setting for the illuminating rounds. Omit this element for HE rounds.)

8. ELEVATION. (Elevation is given in roils preceded by ELEVATION. Elevation is the authority to fire except when the method of fire includes the statement AT MY COMMAND.)

Subsequent Fire Command

The subsequent fire command contains changes to the initial fire command data. Subsequent commands include only those elements that have changed except that elevation is ALWAYS announced, changed or not. Changes in direction are given in total deflection; for example, to change deflection from 2,700 to the left 50

roils, the leader would give a subsequent command of DEFLECTION TWO-SIX-FIVE-ZERO. When a change is made in mortars to fire or in the method of fire, the leader gives a subsequent command that includes both elements to avoid a misunderstanding.

 

Close Air Support

As the requesting commander plans and conducts operations, situations are identified where CAS can be employed to enhance mission accomplishment. The requesting commander submits either preplanned or immediate CAS requests. Once CAS is approved, it will be coordinated and integrated into the scheme of maneuver and fire support plan of the requesting unit.

 

Fire Commands for direct weapon support using the acronym ADDRAC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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