Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
Dismounted Reconnaissance Troop - Army Electronic Publications ...
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Chapter 7<br />
Smoke<br />
units to button up or move to less advantageous positions. High explosive is highly effective against<br />
slowing and disrupting dismounted threats. High explosive is also valuable in urban environments.<br />
7-22. White phosphorus (WP) rounds are used for incendiary effects against equipment, obscuration,<br />
marking of targets, and screening. In obscuration, smoke is placed on or just in front of threat positions to<br />
obscure their vision. Smoke can be employed to support infiltration and exfiltration. Screening is achieved<br />
by placing smoke between the threat and the troop’s positions to conceal movement. Mortar-delivered<br />
smoke can be used to mark threat positions, which can help to enhance friendly maneuver and orient direct<br />
fires or CAS. Smoke can also be effectively employed in urban environments where structures minimize<br />
the impact of winds that normally disperse smoke effects. Smoke rounds may, however, start fires that<br />
cause collateral damage. In any situation, however, scouts must be careful not to allow friendly smoke to<br />
work against them by marking their own positions.<br />
Illumination<br />
7-23. White light illumination rounds are used to light a point or area target during periods of limited<br />
visibility. This can increase the effectiveness of image intensification devices and sensors. It also assists the<br />
troop in gathering information, adjusting mortars or artillery, or engaging threat targets with direct fire.<br />
Ground-burst illumination can also be used to mark threat positions and to provide a thermal target<br />
reference point (TRP) for control of direct and indirect fires. As with smoke, however, care must be taken<br />
not to illuminate friendly positions. In addition, because U.S. NVDs are superior to those of most potential<br />
adversaries, white light illumination can be unnecessary or even counterproductive. Whenever they employ<br />
illumination, scouts must pay close attention to wind direction and speed to ensure proper placement of the<br />
rounds. Infrared illumination rounds may be employed, which will allow for the use of NVDs and other<br />
infrared devices.<br />
EMPLOYMENT TECHNIQUES<br />
7-24. The troop mortar section is employed as a separate element during operations. It moves<br />
independently of the platoons and provides its own security. The commander normally designates positions<br />
for the section sergeant and provides guidance for indirect fires forward of the platoons. The commander<br />
can also delegate this responsibility to the FSO, which allows the FSO and section sergeant to work<br />
together to develop a firm FS plan. If METT-TC permits the collocation of the mortar section with the DRT<br />
CP, this would provide additional security, closer coordination with the FSO, and the possible use of the<br />
FSO vehicle for displacement of the mortar section.<br />
Communications<br />
7-25. The mortars can operate on two nets: the troop command net and the troop fires net. If the FSO is<br />
responsible for moving the section, both nets may be on the troop fires net. In this case, the FSO provides<br />
the mortars with updates on the situation. Because, however, many SPOTREPs over the troop command<br />
net can become fire missions, the mortars can eavesdrop and provide more responsive fires if they stay<br />
abreast of the situation themselves. If the commander gives the mortar section sergeant authority to move<br />
the section and select firing positions, the section sergeant operates on the troop command net to maintain<br />
SA and effectively integrate fires.<br />
<strong>Reconnaissance</strong> and Security Operations<br />
7-26. During reconnaissance and security missions, the troop often operates within a large AO that cannot<br />
be completely covered by the mortar section. In that situation, the commander decides whether to position<br />
the mortars to cover the most critical area or to move them to a position where they can cover a portion of<br />
multiple areas and adjust as necessary. Knowing what other fires assets are available helps the commander<br />
make that decision.<br />
7-27. During reconnaissance operations, the movement of the mortars is based on the progress of the troop.<br />
While the section is on the move, it is prepared to provide immediate fires using direct lay, direct<br />
7-6 ATTP 3-20.97 16 November 2010