FM 3-19.4 - Army Electronic Publications & Forms - U.S. Army

FM 3-19.4
• Preparing fighting positions.
• Installing communication.
• Emplacing obstacles and mines.
• Improving primary fighting positions to include
overhead cover.
• Preparing
positions.
alternate and supplementary
• Stockpiling ammunition, food, and water.
• Preparing
positions.
routes and trenches between
• Developing a counterattack plan.
4-49. Using the IPB process can help the platoon predict
threats to base security. Platoons must be aware of the
enemy's location, organization, direction of movement,
and strength. In the same regard, platoons must have
effective OPSEC to deny similar friendly information to
the enemy. Platoons can continually improve base
defenses by considering what avenues of approach and
methods of attack the enemy could use, given the
vulnerabilities of the platoon's base. The base defense
plan must have overlays depicting weapons positions,
sectors of fire, final protective fires, and reaction force
contingencies. Plans are updated as often as possible.
4-50. The base’s reaction force efforts are coordinated
with the designated-area response force. Platoon leaders
develop detailed employment plans and exchange as
much information as possible with the response force
and TCF commander before they are needed. Although
the base’s reaction force usually would not fight beyond
the perimeter of the base, the reaction force must be
ready to assist the response force or TCF when it
arrives. The following should be considered:
• Command relationships before, during, and after
linkup.
• Coordination of fire support before, during, and
after linkup.
4-20 Combat Operations