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

FM 3-19.4
• Extend counterreconnaissance patrols 3 to 5
kilometers outside the perimeter, based on
terrain. This reduces the risk of fratricide,
especially at night.
• Coordinate critical defense assets. Synchronization
of indirect fires, air defense resources, tactical
aircraft, engineers, dismounted troops,
armored vehicles, naval surface fire support, and
helicopters can produce a combined-arms effect.
• Balance base security with political and legal
constraints. This fundamental is especially
critical in a low-intensity conflict environment.
• Know the law of war and ROE. Base
commanders and their subordinates must
comply with ROE. In joint-service operations,
reconcile inconsistencies with ROE.
6-55. A base or base cluster has certain inherent
capabilities which allows it a degree of defense. Each
base has a BDOC that plans, coordinates, and
supervises base defense operations. The BDOC initiates
contingency planning that enables the base to—
• Increase the manning posture of the base as the
threat level increases.
• Detect and defeat the threat within its
•
capabilities.
Defend against heavier enemy forces until the
response force is committed.
• Maintain control of the fight within the base.
• Support the fire and movement of the response
force operating outside the base.
6-56. Each base cluster has a BCOC to monitor base
defense plans and establish the base cluster response
force. The BCOC—
• Provides C 2 of resources for planning, coordinating,
and supervising the defense of the base cluster.
Area Security 6-19