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

WWW.SURVIVALEBOOKS.COMFM 100-5force protection. Reconnaissance precedes allsuccessful operations. Proper dispersion helpsreduce losses from enemy fires as does theuse of camouflage, discipline,counterreconnaissance, security operations,and fortified fighting positions. These measureshelp commanders protect their forcefrom enemy observation and are used throughoutthe conduct of operations. These aremostly passive measures, but they should alsobe combined with such active measures as cunning,guile, and craftiness. At the operationallevel, air and missile defense, protection ofair bases, and friendly force lodgment areasare all important activities associated withforce protection.• The second component of protection keepssoldiers healthy and maintains their fightingmorale. It includes guarding their equipmentand supplies from loss or damage. Tacticalcommanders take care of their soldiers’ basichealth needs and prevent unnecessary exposureto debilitating conditions. They considerthe welfare, morale, and spirit of soldiers asthey build cohesion and esprit in units. Theysupervise preventive maintenance and quickrepair of equipment. Operational commandersensure systems are in place for adequatehealth service support, quick return of minorcasualties to duty, and preventive medicine.They provide effective systems for maintenanceevacuation and rapid replacement orrepair of hardware.• The third component of protection, safety,is part of all combat operations and operationsother than war. Commanders at all levelsshould embrace safety as a principal elementin all they do. Sustained, high-tempo operationscan put soldiers at risk. Strong commandand high levels of discipline and training lessenthose risks. Safe procedures represent a skill—a product of enforced standards and training.Safety in training, planning, and operations iscrucial to successful combat operations andthe preservation of combat power.• The fourth component of protection is theavoidance of fratricide—the unintentional killingor wounding of friendly personnel by fire.The destructive power and range of modernweapons, coupled with the high intensity andrapid tempo of the battlefield, increase the likelihoodof fratricide. Commanders must beaware of those tactical maneuvers and terrainand weather conditions that increase the probabilityof fratricide and take measures to reducethose probabilities. The primary mechanismslimiting fratricide are strong command,disciplined operations, detailed situationalawareness, and anticipation of operationswhen conditions raise the probabilities. Withthis knowledge, commanders can exercisepositive control over fires, control timing oftroop movements, and use disciplined operationalprocedures. Commanders seek to lowerthe probability of fratricide without overlyconstricting boldness and audacity in combat.LeadershipThe most essential dynamic of combat power iscompetent and confident officer and noncommissionedofficer leadership. Leaders inspire soldiers with thewill to win. They provide purpose, direction, andmotivation in combat. Leaders determine how maneuver,firepower, and protection are used, ensuringthese elements are effectively employed against theenemy. Thus, no peacetime duty is more important forleaders than studying their profession, understandingthe human dimension of leadership, becoming tacticallyand technically proficient, and preparing for war.These help them understand the effects of battle onsoldiers, units, and leaders. The regular study andteaching of military doctrine, theory, history, and biographiesof military leaders are invaluable.Commanders are selected for their tasks becauseof their moral character, firm willpower, and professionalability. They must imbue their commands withtheir ideas, desires, energy, and methods. The personalinfluence and competence of the commandersof large joint and combined forces, field armies, corps,and divisions have a positive bearing on the outcomesof battles and campaigns.Professional competence, personality, and the willof strong commanders represent a significant part ofany unit’s combat power. While leadership requirementsdiffer with unit size and type, all leaders mustdemonstrate character and ethical standards. Leadersare first soldiers, and they must know and understandtheir subordinates. They must act with courage andconviction in battle. Leaders build trust and teamwork.During operations they know where to be to makedecisions or to influence the action by their personalpresence.2-11