MCWP 3-16.1 Artillery Operations.pdf - Marine Corps Community ...

4-2 ____________________________________________________________________________________________________ MCWP 3-16.1
Avoid Detection
The unit’s best defense is not to be detected. A unit
that is concealed or that cannot be recognized has
greatly increased its survivability. The commander
employs various tactics and techniques to avoid
detection and enhance survivability should the unit
be detected. Units must practice deception.
Use Camouflage
The unit avoids detection by camouflaging the
six factors of recognition: position, color, shape,
shadow, texture, and movement.
Artificial camouflage is used to avoid detection.
Pattern painting of equipment and a lightweight
screening system (nets) are artificial camouflage
techniques. Nets are erected to break up the shape
of the equipment and should not restrict firing
capability of weapons or exit from the position.
Vehicle wheels/tracks are not painted and are
easily detected without camouflage.
Natural camouflage blends the unit in with the
environment. This is achieved, in part, by positioning
and using contours, trees, buildings, debris, and
other surroundings. Artillery units are positioned in
micro terrain; i.e., ravines and gullies, increasing
survivability by decreasing the chance of the threat
targeting the unit by map analysis.
Reduce Electronic Signature
Electronic equipment must be properly sited. All
battery equipment is positioned to decrease
exposure. Directional antennae, remote antennae,
and wire are used to avoid detection.
Maintain Light and Noise Discipline
This includes personnel and equipment; i.e.,
vehicle engines and generators. For reduced detection
and increased survivability, noise-producing
equipment is positioned and hardened.
Reduce Weapons Signature
The muzzle flash of a howitzer can be seen at
great distances, particularly in open terrain. To
avoid detection, defilade positions, propellant
flash reducers, and gunnery techniques are used;
i.e., massing fires, low trajectories, and fires
without adjustment.
Establish a Track Plan
Available existing roads and trails should be used
whenever possible. Roads and trails can be
created with heavy vehicles to give the appearance
that a unit has moved through the area.
Roads and trails must have logical starting and
ending points. Soil, debris, and movement can
degrade camouflage.
Use Dispersion
In terms of time and effort, dispersion is the least
expensive method of avoiding detection and
increasing survivability. Dispersion of equipment
and installations minimizes the effect of an air or
counterfire attack. Grouping differing assets in
proximity should be avoided as this will only
increase the unit’s chance of detection. For
example, if the antenna farm is detected by EW
and located near a howitzer position, the artillery
section’s chances for survival are decreased. The
degree of dispersion depends on the terrain, threat,
and the degree of C2 required. As a guide, a
battery should be dispersed with howitzers at least
100 meters apart. The FDC should be placed
according to METT-T (either near one of the flank
howitzers or in the center of the battery position)
following the same dispersion rules. However, less
dispersion is recommended if the threat is an infiltration-based
ground attack.
Practice Communications Security
Signal, information, and physical security practices
degrade the threat’s ability to detect a unit. Short
radio transmissions (less than 25 seconds), low
power transmissions, and secure transmissions are
recommended.