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

FM 3-19.4
selectively clear fields of observation. Ensure that MP
are not seen when entering and leaving an OP/LP.
Equip OP/LP teams to observe the area, report information,
protect themselves, and call for and adjust indirect
fire. OPs/LPs on a defensive perimeter need secure communications.
Use of field phones or secured radios are
usually best. However, messengers can be used. OPs/LPs
may use portable radios to supplement wire communication.
One MP observes the area while a second MP provides
local security and records and reports information.
The third MP rests or provides backup security. The
team members switch jobs every 20 to 30 minutes
because the observer's effectiveness decreases quickly
after that time. The observer needs—
• Amapofthearea.
• A compass.
• Communication equipment (wire and radio).
• Observation devices, such as binoculars,
observation telescope, and NVDs.
• An SOI extract.
• The report formats contained in the SOP.
• A radio (this may be the only means of
communication from a remote site like a DZ or
an LZ).
POSITION OBSERVATION AND LISTENING POSTS
4-81. Place OPs/LPs either in a linear configuration or
in-depth. Linear placement (Figure 4-5) allows the platoon
to observe the assigned sector from several OP/LP
sites, reducing the chance of the enemy entering the sector
without being observed. This method works well
when the platoon has been assigned a large sector with
few avenues of approach or is in desert-type terrain. Indepth
OP/LP placement (Figure 4-6, page 4-40) allows
the platoon to observe the entire sector by placing OP/LP
sites where the platoon can observe the most likely avenuesofapproachinthesectoraswellasalongthesector
4-38 Combat Operations