Battle Drills.pdf - UNC Charlotte Army ROTC

Battle Drills ■ 283Battle Drill—Break ContactSituation: The squad/platoon is under enemy fire and must break contact.Note:The actions a leader/unit takes leading up to conducting a Break Contact battledrill are generally the same as those in the React to Contact drill. The unit reactsto the contact in the same manner, but takes the following additional steps tobreak contact.Required Actions: (Figure 9.1)1. The squad/platoon leader directs one fire team/squad in contact to support thedisengagement of the remainder of the unit.2. The squad/platoon leader orders the first fire team/squad to move in a distance anddirection, to a terrain feature, or to the last objective rally point.3. The base of fire (fire team/squad) continues to suppress the enemy.4. The moving element uses fragmentation, concussion, and smoke grenades to maskits movement.5. The moving element takes up the designated position and engages the enemy.6. The platoon leader directs the base-of-fire element to move to its next location.(Based on the terrain and the volume and accuracy of the enemy’s fire, the movingfire team/squad may need to use fire and movement techniques, as described inSection 7.)7. While continuing to suppress the enemy as it breaks contact, the squad/platooncontinues to bound away from the enemy until:• It breaks contact;• It passes through a higher-level support-by-fire position; or• Its fire teams/squads are in the assigned position to conduct the next mission.8. The leader should consider changing the direction of movement once thesquad/platoon breaks contact. This will reduce the ability of the enemy to placeeffective indirect fires on the unit.9. If the squad or platoon becomes disrupted, Soldiers stay together and move to thelast designated rally point.10. Squad/platoon leaders account for Soldiers, report, reorganize as necessary, andcontinue the mission.

284 ■ SECTION 9Figure 9.1Break Contact

Battle Drills ■ 285Battle Drill—React to AmbushSituation: The squad/platoon enters a kill zone and the enemy initiates an ambush witha high volume of fire that produces casualties.Required Actions: (Figures 9.2)1. In a near ambush (within hand-grenade range), Soldiers receiving fire immediatelyreturn fire, take up covered positions, and throw fragmentation, concussion, andsmoke grenades.a. Immediately after the grenades detonate, Soldiers in the kill zone assault throughthe ambush using fire and movement.b. Soldiers not in the kill zone immediately:• Identify enemy positions• Initiate immediate suppressive fires against the enemy• Take up covered position• Shift fires as the Soldiers in the kill zone assault through the ambush.2. In a far ambush (beyond hand-grenade range), Soldiers receiving fire immediatelyreturn fire, take up covered positions, and suppress the enemy by:• Destroying or suppressing enemy crew-served weapons first• Obscuring the enemy position with smoke (M203)• Sustaining suppressive fires.a. Soldiers (teams/squads) not receiving fires move by a covered and concealedroute to a vulnerable flank of the enemy position and assault using fire andmovement techniques.b. Soldiers in the kill zone continue suppressive fires and shift fires as the assaultingteam/squad fights through the enemy position.3. The platoon FO calls for and adjusts indirect fires as you direct. On order, the FOlifts fires or shifts them to isolate the enemy position or to attack enemy fighterswith indirect fires as they retreat.4. You report, reorganize as necessary, and continue the mission.Note:The kill zone in an ambush is named appropriately—especially with nearambushes. The longer you stay in the kill zone, the greater your chances are ofbeing killed. In near ambushes, you must, in the blink of an eye, weigh the risk ofhitting the ground or seeking cover versus immediately returning fire onto theenemy and assaulting through his ambush position in order to remove yourselffrom the kill zone and survive the ambush.

286 ■ SECTION 9Figure 9.2React to Ambush

Battle Drills ■ 287React to Indirect Fire (Dismounted)Situation: Your squad is moving through open terrain (dismounted), when suddenly youhear incoming rounds and shells exploding in the vicinity of your position.Required Actions:1. Any Soldier announces, “Incoming!”a. Shout “incoming!” once you hear incoming rounds, shells exploding, or shellspassing overhead.b. Your squad’s safety depends on your ability to react to indirect fire quickly andsafely.c. Yelling “incoming!” will alert everyone in your squad to the imminent dangerposed by the incoming rounds.Note:Any Soldier may shout “incoming.” The first Soldier who detects incoming roundsor indirect fire can alert the squad.2. Soldiers immediately assume the prone position or move to immediate availablecover during initial impacts.3. The squad leader orders the squad to move to a rally point by giving a direction anddistance.a. Analyze the situation.b. Your Soldiers will immediately look to you for additional instructions.c. This will create a single line of command and prevent mass confusion caused bytoo many people trying to determine the proper action.d. After the impacts, Soldiers move rapidly in the direction and distance to thedesignated rally point.Note:After the squad is alerted by one or all of the squad members shouting“incoming,” the squad leader will direct the squad to move out of or away fromthe impact area. For example, the squad leader can shout, “3 o’clock, 200meters.” This directs all squad to move out rapidly in the 3 o’clock direction fromtheir present location and to travel in that direction for 200 meters.4. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.a. Issue a situation report (SITREP).b. Report the attack in the SALUTE format (i.e., Size, Activity, Location, Unit, Timeand Equipment).5. Continue the mission.

288 ■ SECTION 9React to Indirect Fire (Mounted)Situation: Your squad is moving through open terrain (mounted), when suddenly youhear incoming rounds and shells exploding in the vicinity of your position.Required Actions:1. Any Soldier announces, “Incoming!”2. Vehicle commanders repeat the alert over the radio.3. The leader gives the direction and link up location over the radio.4. Soldiers close all hatches if applicable to the vehicle type; gunners stay below turretshields or get down into vehicle.5. Drivers move rapidly out of the impact area in the direction ordered by the leader.6. The unit leader reports the contact to higher headquarters.7. Continue the mission.React to a Chemical AttackSituation: Your squad is moving through open terrain, when suddenly one of your Soldiersshouts “Gas, Gas, Gas!”Required Actions:1. Soldier(s) who recognize or are alerted to chemical attack don protective mask inaccordance with published standards and give the alarm.a. Don your protective mask when:i. A chemical alarm soundsii. A positive reading is obtained on detector paperiii. Individuals exhibit symptoms of chemical/biological (CB) agent poisoningiv. You observe a contamination markerv. You are directed to put on your maskvi. You see personnel wearing protective masksvii. You observe other signs of a possible CB attack.Note:You, or commanders at any level, may establish a modified policy when chemicalweapons have been employed by designating additional events as automaticmasking criteria.2. Protect yourself from CB contamination using your protective mask withoutfastening the hood.Note:The mask gives immediate protection against inhalation of agent vapors. Do notfasten the hood. Go to the next step immediately. REMEMBER: STOP BREATHINGFIRST!!!

Battle Drills ■ 2893. Give the alarma. Yell “GAS!”b. Give the appropriate hand-and-arm signal.c. Take cover to reduce exposure, using whatever means is readily available.d. Decontaminate exposed skin using the individual decontaminating kit, asnecessary.4. Assume mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) 4. Cover all your skin (yourhead and shoulders are already protected by the mask and the overgarment).a. Put on the gloves with liners.b. Zip and fasten the overgarment jacket.c. Secure the hood, then secure the overgarment to increase protection.d. Put on the overboots.Note:Combat boots provide protection but should be covered because they absorbchemicals. It takes a long time to put on the overboots, so put them on last in anemergency.5. Decontaminate personal equipment using the individual decontaminating kit asnecessary. Notify others of any CB hazard markers or indicators. Continue themission.6. After assuming MOPP4 and performing all the tasks according to the unit SOP,perform the following actions:a. Use all means of CB detection to check your surrounding area for the presence ofcontamination.b. Contact higher headquarters (HQ) if no contamination is found or if youdetermine the attack was non-CB.c. Await further guidance. (Higher HQ contacts all adjacent/attached units to checkthe status of CB contamination in their areas. If all units report the absence ofcontamination, the information is reported up the chain of command.)d. Annotate the above actions on your duty log (DA Form 1594).7. Report the incident to higher headquarters.8. Continue the mission.

290 ■ SECTION 9Dismount a VehicleSituations: The squad is moving mounted and conducting operations as part of a larger element.The squad is ordered to dismount and provide security.Required Actions:1. As platoon leader, you select a covered or concealed position as the dismount point.Note:Move to the best covered and concealed position available that providesprotection for the dismounting personnel.2. Give the order to dismount over the radio.3. Vehicle commanders monitor radios and alert the Soldiers in the vehicle.Note:When the command “Dismount” is given, all Soldiers dismount in the orderspecified and clear the area per unit SOP.4. The drivers move their vehicles to the designated dismount point seeking the bestcover and concealment available.5. The driver stops the vehicle and the vehicle commander dismounts and occupies asecurity position.6. Soldiers dismount in the specified order, clear the area, and move to covered andconcealed positions.Note:An example technique is the 5-25-200 meter search—each Soldier immediatelyscans 5 meters around the vehicle prior to dismounting and then moves out 25meters, scans back towards the vehicle and depending on the duration of the haltwill scan 200 meters out from lower to upper within his or her assigned sector ofobservation.7. The vehicles occupy overwatch positions and designated Soldiers man crew-servedweapons and scan for enemy activity.a. Soldiers occupy positions.b. Vehicle gunners scan for enemy activity.8. Squad leaders reposition their Soldiers as needed in overwatch positions.9. The unit leader reports to higher headquarters.

292 ■ SECTION 9Figure 9.4Secure at Halt (Mounted – Herringbone)Figure 9.5Secure at Halt (Mounted – Coil)

Battle Drills ■ 293d. Squad/team leaders adjust positions as necessary.e. You report the situation to higher headquarters.2. Mounted –a. You give the order over the radio to stop movement.b. The platoon halts in the herringbone or coil formation according to the unit SOP(Figures 9.4 and 9.5).c. Each vehicle commander ensures his or her vehicle is correctly positioned, usingcover and concealment, and the crew-served weapon is manned and scanning.d. Vehicle commanders order Soldiers to dismount, clear the area, and provide localsecurity.e. Soldiers dismount and occupy hasty fighting positions as designated by the leader.f. Squad/team leaders adjust positions as necessary.g. You report the situation to higher headquarters.Checkpoint Entry OperationsSituation: Your platoon is conducting operations as part of a higher headquarters and hasreceived an operation order (OPORD) or fragmentary order (FRAGO) to establish checkpointsat the locations specified. All necessary personnel and equipment are available.Required Actions:1. Gain and/or maintain situational understanding using information that is gatheredfrom maps, intelligence summaries, SITREPs, and other sources.2. Confirm friendly and enemy situations.a. Identify the location of forward and adjacent friendly elements, if applicable.b. Update enemy situation and increase force protection, if applicable.c. Clarify priority intelligence requirement (PIR).d. Confirm any changes to the higher headquarters and company task or purpose.3. Issue an OPORD to your unit.4. Plan checkpoint operations using troop leading procedures.a. Conduct a digital and/or conventional map reconnaissance.i. Identify general location of other checkpoints.ii. Identify likely avenues of approach.iii. Mark tentative dismount points.b. Confirm the purpose of the checkpoint.c. Confirm whether the checkpoint will be deliberate or hasty.d. Identify force requirements to execute the mission.i. Request civil police (as needed).ii. Request female military police support (as needed) if possible and/or practical.

294 ■ SECTION 9e. Request additional assets (as needed).i. Engineer supportii. Military working dog (MWD) teamiii. Light sets, etc.f. Plan and coordinate indirect fire support (if available).g. Identify direct fire responsibilities (if applicable).h. Ensure checkpoint is covered by fire.i. Ensure unit is organized to accomplish the mission and/or compensate forcombat losses.i. Include vehicle search teams.ii. Include personnel search teams.1. Use civil authorities or female Soldiers for female searches, if possible.2. Ensure Soldiers are aware of special search requirements.3. Conduct operations in accordance with unit SOP and local culture andcustoms.5. Disseminate pertinent information to keep subordinates abreast of the situation.6. Issue instructions to include rules of engagement (ROE) and rules of instruction(ROI). Issue clear and concise tasking to subordinates. Topics include:a. Use of lethal force to stop a vehicle or pedestrian.b. Vehicle and personnel searches.c. Questioning techniques.d. Inspection of documents.i. Required documents.ii. Documents are current and appropriate for the area of operations (AO).iii. Documents are not counterfeit.e. Apprehension and detention of civilian personnel in accordance with ROE and ROI.f. Processing contraband.Note:Drivers should not be able to see a checkpoint from more than a short distanceaway to prevent them from avoiding it. Ideal locations include tunnels, culverts,bridges, and sharp bends or dips in a road. Checkpoints should not present such asurprise that drivers cannot stop safely.7. Execute checkpoint operations.8. Supervise checkpoint and/or roadblock operations. Issue clear and concise taskingto subordinates. Topics include:Note:Ensure that your Soldiers show politeness and respectful treatment of individuals atall times. Respect is an Army Value that will help build trust between local peopleand US forces.

Battle Drills ■ 295a. Establish shifts for 24-hour operations.b. Review requirements for correct documentation to pass through the checkpoint.c. Maintain communications with higher headquarters and reserve force.d. Request reserve force, if required.e. Employ the reserve force as part of the unit.f. Report to higher headquarters as required.g. Prepare for future operations.9. Consolidate and reorganize as necessary.10. Secure enemy prisoners of war (EPW) as required.11. Evacuate casualties as required.12. Process captured documents and/or equipment as required.13. Continue operations as directed.Vehicle Rollover DrillSituation: A vehicle has rolled over.Required Actions:1. Execute Rollover Drill (not in water):a. Driveri. Releases the accelerator, plants feet flat on the floor and attempts to maintaincontrol of steering.ii. Yells “Rollover, Rollover, Rollover!”iii. Keeps hands on the steering wheel, tucks chin into chest, and braces forimpact.b. Vehicle Commander (VC) and Crewi. Yells “Rollover, Rollover, Rollover!”ii. Pulls gunner into cab.iii. Tucks chin into chest, plants feet firmly on the floor and braces for impact,while holding onto the gunner.c. Gunneri. Yells “Rollover, Rollover, Rollover!”ii. Drops down into vehicle.iii. Tucks chin into chest, holds onto a stationary object, and braces for impact.Note:Never attempt to jump from a rolling vehicle. It may roll over you. Ensure that thevehicle has stopped rolling before exiting.2. After the rollover has stopped:a. Driver, VC, and rear crew:i. Driver turns off motor.ii. Braces one hand on ceiling.iii. Unbuckles seat belt with other hand and immediately puts both hands onceiling.

296 ■ SECTION 9iv. Slides out of seat.v. Disconnects headset.vi. Orients self to nearest door.vii. Unlocks combat door locks.viii. Gets door open. If door does not open, tries a different door.ix. Exits with weapon.x. Assists crew to exit.xi. Establishes security.xii. Recovers sensitive items.xiii. Provides first aid.xiv. Assists in vehicle recovery.b. Gunner:i. Disconnects headset.ii. Orients self to nearest door.iii. Unlocks combat door locks.iv. Gets door open. If door does not open, tries different door.v. Exits with weapon.vi. Assists crew to exit.vii. Establishes security.viii. Recovers sensitive items.ix. Provides first aid.x. Assists in vehicle recovery.3. If vehicle rolls onto side:a. Soldier in lower position, if able:i. Unbuckles seat belts.ii. Assists Soldiers in higher positions to release seat belts and lower carefully.b. Crew, if doors are jammed:i. Exits through hatch or cargo area if possible.ii. Works as a team to open jammed doors.Critical ThinkingeConsider the statement, “Battle drills prepare Soldiers for unknown situations forwhich they have no specific training.” Do you agree? Why or why not?

Battle Drills ■ 297eCONCLUSIONIn combat, rapid execution of battle drills saves lives. Only through repetition willperforming these drills become second nature for you and your Soldiers. Trainingshould not only be repetitive, but should incorporate a wide variety of scenariosand conditions—direction of contact, type of enemy element, terrain, levels ofvisibility, varying weather, non-combatants, etc. Chances are that the first timeyou and your platoon make contact with a live enemy force, there will bevariables unique to the situation that you could not predict or rehearse. Yet yourwell-trained platoon will still be able to execute, thanks in part to its mastery ofbattle drills.Learning Assessment1. How do battle drills differ from other combat operations?2. Describe the relationship between Battle Drill—React to Contact and theother battle drills discussed in this chapter.3. Compare and contrast battle drills and SOPs.Key Wordsbattle drillsuppressive firesconsolidate and reorganizeReferencesARTEP 7-1-DRILL, Warrior Battle Drills. 20 July 2006.Artillery Specialist Earns Bronze Star. (4 November 2003). Soldier Stories. Retrieved 8 April2005 from http://www4.army.mil/ocpa/soldierstories/story.php?story_id_key=5375SH 21-76, Ranger Handbook. July 2006.Center of Army Lesson Learned (CALL), COIN Patrolling, No 08-11, April 2008.