FM 100-5 Operations - Survival Ebooks Military Manuals Survival ...

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMOPERATIONS2-1 JOINT, COMBINED, ANDINTERAGENCY OPERATIONSThe Army will not operate alone. The Army contributesa full range of unique capabilities for combat,CS, and CSS functions for sustained land combat operationsas part of a joint, combined, or interagencyteam. This poses a dilemma for the enemy. As heattempts to avoid the efforts of one service, he openshimself to attack by another. Also, the nature of conflictin regional crises may involve coalitions that couldbe different from familiar, longstanding alliance structures.Cooperation with allies is the norm. This impliesa need for interoperability, accommodation ofallied objectives and capabilities, and some policy limitations.In an environment of joint and combined operations,the Army will also operate with other agencies of theUS Government. This is true not only when the militaryis the prime strategic option -- as it is in war -- butwhen other agencies are the preferred option and themilitary provides forces. Army forces must be preparedto conduct a number of operations that integratewarfighting and operations other than war with a varietyof government and nongovernment agencies, otherservices, forces from other nations, and internationalagencies. Robust liaison will facilitate understanding,coordination, and mission accomplishment. Chapters4 and 5 discuss joint and combined operations in detail.INTEGRATION OFARMY CAPABILITIESThe capabilities of the US Army are best realizedthrough the integration of its many components workingin concert with joint and combined forces.THE TOTAL FORCETo meet future missions with a smaller force, theUS Army conducts operations as a total force of theactive component, reserve components, and civiliansacting in concert with other services and allies. Thetotal force policy engenders public support in any operationrequiring force projection from operations otherthan war, through war, to postconflict activities.TYPES OF FORCESThe Army recognizes three general types of combatforces armored forces, light forces, and special operationsforces (SOF). With their appropriate CS andCSS units, these forces provide a balanced and versatileforce mix, increasing the options available to thefield commander. Each type of force is unique andpossesses varying degrees of deployability,sustainability, lethality, and survivability. A mix ofthese forces can provide the overwhelming combatpower necessary to meet the unique strategic, operational,and tactical requirements of any contingency.For example, airborne and air assault forces may beinserted to force a lodgment, which will support thelater deployment of armored and sustainment elements.To protect the lodgment in depth, SOF provide surveillanceand target acquisition until armored forcesare available. Each type of Army force complementsthe others as it contributes to the joint force.BALANCEThe components of battle can be joined in a limitlessarray of complex combinations. Often, elements of adefense are within every offense; within every defense,an offense. Army forces maneuver to bring firepoweron the enemy, and bring firepower on the enemy inorder to maneuver. Army forces tend to focus on theenemy, but will use terrain for positional advantageswhen warranted. The commander, determined to defeatenemy forces on one day, may find himself responsiblefor feeding them the next. Unconventionaland conventional warfare can exist side by side, theone flowing to the other and back again. Balance anda rich choice of options are key to success.Army forces seek to increase their options whilelimiting those of their opponents. Successful commandersdo not run out of options; they limit theenemy’s options instead. Risks and gambles are partof option decisions. Field Marshal Erwin Rommeldefined a risk as a chance you take; if it fails, you canrecover. A gamble is a chance taken; if it fails, recoveryis impossible. Only with the capability to parryand strike in any direction with sudden and overwhelmingcombat power can Army forces attain the ideal ofquick, decisive victory.While maintaining his balance, the commanderdoes everything in his power to throw the enemy offbalance, to strike the enemy with powerful blows fromunexpected directions or dimensions, and to press thefight to the end. Deception, special operations, manipulationof the electromagnetic spectrum, firepower,and maneuver all converge to confuse, demoralize, anddestroy the opponent. Denial of the enemy’s reconnaissance,intelligence surveillance, and target acquisitionactivities is essential to protect friendly forces.High-tempo operations set the conditions for battle and2-2