Reestablish Communications. If a phone line was cut during the attack, soldiers on each end of the line should try to find and repair the break or lay new wire. If a signal, such as a green star cluster, was used to cease fire, consider changing it since the meaning may now be known by the enemy.
Repair Fighting Positions. Each soldier should check and replace the camouflage, overhead cover, and sandbags on existing positions and camouflage new positions.
Repair and/or Replace Obstacles. Repair and/or replace damaged or breached obstacles, mines, and booby traps only if enemy soldiers are far enough away that it can be done safely. Otherwise, wait for poor visibility to do so, or use smoke to hinder observation.
6
Tactical Enabling Operations
The infantry platoon may conduct other tasks to complement or support its primary mission. Enabling operations include reconnaissance, retrograde (withdrawal, delay, and retirement), special purpose operations (linkup, stay-behind, relief in place, and passage of lines), air assaults, and security operations (convoy security, checkpoints, roadblocks, and OPs. Squads and platoons conduct these operations on their own or as part of a larger force.
RECONNAISSANCE
Reconnaissance is any mission undertaken, using visual observation or other methods, to seek out and obtain information regarding the activities and resources of enemy forces or the physical characteristics of a particular area.
Planning and Types of Reconnaissance
Before an operation, the company commander determines what he must know about the enemy and terrain. The platoon may be called upon or required to conduct reconnaissance before or after an operation in the following situations:
•Reconnaissance by a quartering party of an assembly area (AA) and the associated route to it.
•Leader’s reconnaissance from the AA to and in the vicinity of the operations area or area of operation before an offensive operation.
•Reconnaissance by rifle squads to probe enemy positions for gaps open to attack or infiltration.
•Reconnaissance by rifle squads to observe forward positions and to guide elements to key positions, such as support or assault on the battlefield.
•Reconnaissance by rifle squads to locate bypasses around obstacle belts or to determine the best locations and methods for breaching operations.
•Reconnaissance by rifle squads of choke points or other danger areas in advance of the remainder of the company.
•Leader’s reconnaissance of defensive positions or engagement areas (EAs) for conducting the defense.
•Reconnaissance rifle squads as part of security operations to secure friendly obstacles, to clear possible enemy OPs, or to cover areas not observable by stationary operations.
•Close target reconnaissance (CTR) typically performed by low visibility teams in preparation for an assault on a building or small area.
See Chapter 7 for more information on reconnaissance patrolling.
LINKUP OPERATIONS
The most dangerous operation in combat is the linkup, which entails the meeting of two or more friendly units (or their leaders or designated representatives). This can happen on the ground or even in the air. Typically when a linkup goes awry it is because the element that is moving assumes that the static or receiving element knows that a friendly unit is passing. Assumptions like this can kill or wound fellow soldiers. Blue-on-blue engagements are more common when soldiers are on edge, tired, or uninformed. Linkups depend on control, detailed planning, and stealth. Night vision devices (NVGs) enhance the execution of linkup operations and reduce the likelihood of fratricide.
The platoon conducts linkup activities independently or as part of a larger force. The platoon may lead the linkup force. The linkup consists of three steps:
Step 1. Far Recognition Signal. The units or elements involved in the linkup establish communication before they reach direct-fire range, using a far recognition signal.
Step 2. Coordination. Before initiating movement to the linkup point, the forces coordinate necessary tactical information, including:
•The enemy situation and type and number of friendly elements and vehicles.
•Disposition of stationary forces.
•Routes to the linkup and rally points.
•Fire control measures.
•Near recognition signal(s).
•Communications information.
•Combat support (CS) and combat service support (CSS) coverage.
•Finalized location of the linkup and rally points.
•Special coordination (such as covering maneuver instructions or requests for medical support).
•Visual linkup signals or alternate linkup locations (in case of contact).
Step 3: Movement to the Linkup Point and Linkup. All units or elements involved in the linkup must enforce strict fire control measures to prevent fratricide. Linkup points and restrictive fire lines (RFLs) must be recognizable by moving or converging forces. Linkup elements ensure they conduct long-range (far) recognition by FM radio and short-range (near) recognition using the designated signal, complete movement to the linkup point, establish local security at the linkup point, and conduct additional coordination and linkup activities as necessary.
PASSAGE OF LINES
A passage of lines entails movement of one or more units through another unit. This operation is necessary when the moving unit(s) cannot bypass the stationary unit and must pass through it. The primary purpose of the passage is to maintain the momentum of the moving elements. A passage of lines may be either forward or rearward. The controlling unit is responsible for planning and coordinating a passage of lines involving the platoon. In some situations, the platoon leader must take responsibility for planning and coordinating each phase of the operation. Also, platoons may conduct passages of lines when conducting patrols, ambushes, raids, or other operations that require them to pass through friendly units.
Planning Considerations
In planning passage of lines, the platoon leader must consider the following tactical factors and procedures:
1.The passage should be large enough to support doctrinal formations for the passing units.
2.Deception techniques (such as the use of smoke) may be employed to enhance security during the passage.
3.The controlling commander must clearly define the battle handover criteria and procedures to be used during the passage. His order should cover the roles of both the passing unit and the stationary unit and the use of direct and indirect fires in both a forward or rearward passage.
4.The passing and stationary units coordinate obstacle information, including the location of enemy and friendly obstacles, existing lanes and bypasses, and guides for the passage.
5.Air defense coverage is imperative during the high-risk passage operation. Normally the stationary unit will be responsible for providing air defense.
6.Responsibility for CSS actions such as vehicle recovery or casualty evacuation in the passage lane must be clearly defined for both passing and stationary units.
7.To enhance C2 during the passage, the platoon will co-locate a C2 element, normally the platoon leader or platoon sergeant, with a similar element from the stationary or moving unit.
Reconnaissance and Coordination
Detailed reconnaissance and coordination are critical in a passage of lines. The platoon leader or a designated representative coordinates the following items:
•Unit designation and composition, including type and number of passing soldiers and vehicles (if any).
•Passing unit arrival time(s).