Rifle Company, Infantry and Airborne Battle Groups - CIE Hub

the battle area. It denies the enemy close ground observation of
the battle area and provides early warning of his advance. Within
its capabilities, it delays and disorganizes the enemy and deceives
him as to the true location of the battle area. It avoids
close combat.
b. The battle group commander usually prescribes the general
location, control, and composition of the combat outpost. In some
situations, the forward companies provides the forces for and
control it. In other situations, the battle group reserve furnishes
all troops for the combat outpost. They may be employed as a
company under battle group control, or platoons may be attached
to the forward companies. The combat outpost in front of each
forward company usually consists of a reinforced rifle platoon.
Preferably, the platoon is mechanized. Tanks are frequently
attached to the company for use on the combat outpost. Artillery
and mortar support is usually provided from within the battle
area; however, a part of the 81-mm mortar section may be employed
with the COP iFM 7-40).
c. The forces on the combat outpost line (COPL) are disposed
laterally in one. echelon in a series of outguards varying in
strength, normaily from a fire team to a reinforced squad (fig. 8).
The outguards are positioned near the topographical crest, preferably
on terrain which gives long-range observation and fields
of fire. It may be necessary to place an outguard on less desirable
terrain to cover a specific approach into the battle area. Preferably,
adjacent outguards are within visual distance of each other.
At night, the forces may have to be redisposed and/or additional
secuiity measures may have to be adopted.
d. Forward observers are employed with the combat outpost.
The outpost commander plans fires well forward, immediately in
front of, within, and to the flanks and rear. Fires are also planned
to cover the movement of the COP along predetermined withdrawal
routes.
e. The outpost commander provides security with sentinels,
listening posts, warning devices, and patrols. When observation
is limited, he uses visiting patrols between widely separated outguards.
Following the withdrawal of (or in absence of) a general
outpost, he uses patrols forward of the combat outpost to gain
and maintain contact with the enemy and to call for and adjust
artillery and mortar fire. These patrols may be furnished by the
combat outpost or by units (such as the reconnaissance platoon)
of higher headquarters. Patrolling is normally intensified
during periods of reduced visibility.
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