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FM 34-10-6/ST
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CHAPTER 9
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MEASURES AND INSTRUMENTATION INTELLIGENCE
OPERATIONS (MASINT)
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MASINT uses information gathered by technical instruments such as radar, lasers, passive
Electro-optical sensors, radiation detectors, seismic, and other sensors to measure objects
and/or events to identify them by their signatures. Division MASINT sensors are limited to the
Ground Surveillance Radar (GSR) and Remotely Monitored Battlefield Sensor System
(REMBASS), Improved REMBASS (IREMBASS), and REMBASSII.
SECTION I – MISSION
9-1. The GSR and REMBASS provide combat information and targeting data through the
detection and location of moving targets. Their primary functions are forward, flank, or rear
security and early warning, target acquisition and limited assistance to friendly force movement
control.
SECTION II – EXECUTION
9-2. The only MASINT units organic to the division are the MASINT Platoon in the DS MI
companies of the divisional MI Battalion. The platoons are integrated within the supported
brigade’s reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition plan to identify and locate the
threat along the brigade’s front, flank, or rear and to provide early warning, surveillance, and
target acquisition. They provide coverage on routes or areas not easily accessible or desirable
for maneuver forces. The deployment of the Ground Surveliiance Radars (GSRs) and the
REMBASS are METT-TC driven.
MASINT PLATOON
9-3. The Division XXI MASINT Platoon represents the consolidation of the Army of the GSRs
and REMBASS teams into a platoon. The consolidation of the two sections into one platoon
however limits the simultaneous use of both systems, since the same prime mover carries both
systems. The Platoon consists of a platoon headquarters and two MASINT squads, containing
GSR and REMBASS capability. The platoon headquarters collocates with the DS MI Company
command post. The two squads deploy forward of the platoon headquarters and form either
sensor strings or a GSR baseline.
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MASINT Platoon Headquarters
MASINT Squad
MASINT Squad
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Figure 9-x. MASINT Plt, DS MI Company, MI Battalion, Division XXI
Platoon Headquarters.
9-4. The platoon headquarters consists of a platoon leader and a platoon sergeant. They work
together to ensure the subordinate squads are deployed, employed, and supported in
accordance with the DS MI Companies operations order and the supported unit commander’s
guidance. In accordance with standard troop leading procedures, the platoon leader is
responsible for coordinating the movement and link up of platoon elements that might be
attached to a battalion or company.
MASINT Squad.
9-5. Each squad contains 12 soldiers and has the capability of being deployed in either a GSR
or REMBASS mode. The squad has two prime movers carrying all equipment, limiting its ability
to perform both missions simultaneously. A squad tasked with both REMBASS and GSR
missions may have to emplace the REMBASS and leave a dismounted team to monitor that
system while displacing to conduct the GSR mission.
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MASINT Section Leader
Five MASINT Operators
MASINT Team Leader
Five MASINT Operators
Figure 9-2. MASINT Squad
REMBASS OPERATIONS.
9-6. The MASINT platoon leader, and squad leaders, in conjunction with the supported unit
S2/3, conduct an in-depth map reconnaissance of the desired coverage area prior to REMBASS
deployment. Once planned locations for the strings have been plotted and concealed routes to
these locations have been selected, a ground reconnaissance is done to verify the map
reconnaissance and the deployment plan. During the ground reconnaissance the platoon or
team leader may find better locations to employ the sensors and relays than revealed by the
map reconnaissance. Upon completion of the ground reconnaissance, the leader briefs the
supported S2 either in person or via FM. The sensor strings are emplaced once the plan has
been approved. Emplacement, and subsequent maintenance operations on emplaced strings,
occur at a time (usually at night) to minimize the chance of compromise by the local population
or hostile forces. The S2 provides light data and a local population assessment to help
determine the best emplacement time.
9-7. REMBASS teams require additional support in certain environments. In a SASO, where
mines are prevalent, a REMBASS team requires engineer support and MP canine support to
temporarily clear the string emplacement areas. Any large-scale obstacles are identified in the
ground reconnaissance and cleared by engineers prior to the insertion by the REMBASS team.
Prior planning reduces emplacement time and minimizes both the risk of compromise and the
physical risk to the soldiers emplacing the sensors. Contingency areas for REMBASS are
identified through map reconnaissance and ground reconnaissance well before emplacement,
requiring only a quick validation before execution.
In Bosnia, REMBASS teams had completed map and ground reconnaissance for all resettlement
areas not yet opened for resettlement. This allowed the teams to move sensor strings from
freshly quietInareas
to newly
opened Operations.
resettlement areas with the majority of support effort already
REMBASS
Support
Of Offensive
accomplished.
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9-8. Offensive operations, including exploitation and pursuit, present only limited opportunities
for REMBASS employment. REMBASS is placed on lightly defended flanks of the advancing
forces to provide early warning of enemy threats. REMBASS can also be effective when
emplaced deep in the threat’s rear area to provide indications of movement, reinforcement,
withdrawal, or threat intentions. However this requires emplacement by special operations
forces, long range surveillance personnel or the air dropping of the REMBASS sensors.
REMBASS In Support of Defensive Operations.
9-9. REMBASS is used, in the defense, as an early warning system to provide information of
enemy movement and locations. The amount of activity detected by each sensor string or field
may provide indications of main or supporting attacks. The sensor strings are used to identify
threat movement along avenues of approach. REMBASS is also utilized as an economy of
force measure on lightly defended flanks to provide early warning of threat attempts to conduct
envelopments or to identify unexpected avenues of enemy advance. The sensor grid consists of
two or more strings emplaced in rows to monitor the entire area of concern. The grid is usually
used for area surveillance to detect penetration or occupation of an area by the threat, when the
threat avenue of approach is unknown.
REMBASS Rear Area Operations.
9-10. REMBASS provides support to economy of force in protecting the support areas. Sensor
strings can be used to cover avenues of approach from the flanks into the support area. Sensor
grids can be used to monitor areas that provide the threat with landing zones for air insertions of
Special Forces or air assault troops.
REMBASS In Support Of SASO.
9-11. In the SASO environment, REMBASS is used for base camp perimeter security and to
monitor areas that are of command concern but are not accessible to regular US presence due
to force protection, economy of force requirements, or political considerations. Examples
include but are not limited to resettlement areas, cleared and uncleared routes, suspected
infiltration routes for arms, drugs etc, and weapon storage sites. The commander is then able to
cue patrols to potential trouble areas or problems. In many cases, REMBASS operations are
integrated into other ongoing operations to give them access to desired emplacement areas.
GSR OPERATIONS.
9-12. The MASINT platoon leader, and squad leaders, in conjunction with the supported unit
S2/3, conduct an in-depth map reconnaissance of the desired coverage area prior to GSR
deployment. This is followed by a ground reconnaissance. In addition to system locations and
concealed routes to these locations, the MASINT platoon leaders uses the map and ground
reconnaissance to determine alternate positions and exfiltration routes should the GSR team be
forced to evacuate their positions due to enemy activity or compromise. Upon completion of the
ground reconnaissance, the leader backbriefs the supported S2 in person or via FM.
Emplacement of the systems occurs once the new plan has been approved. Emplacement and
subsequent maintenance operations occur at a time (usually at night) to minimize the chance of
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compromise by the local population or hostile forces. The S2 provides light data and a local
population assessment to help determine the best emplacement time.
GSR In Support Of Offensive Operations.
9-13. GSRs are primarily limited to flank security during offensive operations due to the speed at
which the situation develops. The flank security provides early warning to help prevent
envelopment of the supported unit. However, during consolidation after offensive operations,
GSRS are layered with reconnaissance elements to help determine the threat’s forward trace in
order to prevent surprise from a counterattack.
GSR In Support Of Defensive Operations.
9-14. GSR is used to:
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Monitor choke points and other critical points such as bridges and defiles. The GSR can
cue artillery and combat engineer units as the threat enters these critical points.
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Search likely avenues of approach into defensive areas. GSRs used on the flanks detect
threat movement at the maximum range. Early detection of a possible envelopment force is
crucial to the supported commander’s decision cycle. This role is especially crucial during
hours of darkness and reduced visibility.
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Cue the fire support system as the threat enters designated kill zones. With proper planning
and employment, GSR increases the timeliness and effectiveness of long-range fires.
Additionally, GSRs assist target acquisition during darkness or limited visibility.
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Provide coverage of areas not otherwise observed. Because of its wide capability, GSRs
are an effective economy of force asset. It provides coverage of areas where patrols,
outposts, or other elements are unable to operate in or cover.
GSR In Support Of Rear Area Operations.
9-15. GSR provide support to economy of force in protecting the support areas. Can be used to
monitor approaches to primary threat rear targets. Provide coverage to areas that provide the
threat with landing zones for air insertions of Special Forces or air assault troops.
GSR In Support Of SASO.
9-16. In the SASO environment, REMBASS is used for base camp perimeter security and to
monitor areas that are of command concern but are not accessible to regular US presence due
to force protection, economy of force, or political considerations. Examples include but are not
limited to resettlement areas, cleared and uncleared routes, suspected infiltration routes for
arms, drugs etc, and weapon storage sites. The commander is then able to cue patrols to
potential trouble areas or problems. In many cases, REMBASS operations are integrated into
other ongoing operations to give them access to desired emplacement areas.
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SECTION III – COMMAND, CONTROL, AND COMMUNICATIONS
9-17. Effective MASINT operations require the clear designation of the support relationships,
leaders, facilities, and communications channels that support dissemination of MASINT
products and enable command and control of the MASINT Platoon.
COMMAND AND CONTROL
9-18. The MI battalion commander through the DS MI Company directs the deployment,
operations, and redeployment of the MASINT platoon. Normally, the chain of command runs as
follows: Brigade, DS MI Company, MASINT platoon, MASINT Squad, teams. Under specific
METT-TC task organization, the chain of command could be brigade, battalion, MASINT
platoon, MASINT squad, and teams. Several variations are possible, but these are METT-TC
driven and will be completely spelled out in the OPORD for the mission.
Mission Management.
9-19. The Brigade S2 is responsible for providing the DS MI Company commander with the
NAIs, specific information requirements, high pay-off target lists, the attack guidance matrix, and
current order of battle information, ISR graphics, threat databases, and target identifications,
necessary to conduct collection missions. In the case of the platoon being attached to a
battalion, the battalion S2 provides the MASINT platoon leader with the above information. The
DS MI Company Commander provides the above named information tailored to the needs of the
MASINT platoon along with the operations graphics and order.
Terrain Management.
9-20. The MI Battalion S3 through the DS MI Company commander coordinates with the
maneuver brigade S3 for movement and sites within the brigade’s area of control. The DS MI
Company commander coordinates with the maneuver battalion S3s and appropriate
subordinate units for movement and sites within the brigade’s forward area. Coordination for
sites within the forward area should include arrangements for the physical security of the site
and medical evacuation procedures. The MASINT platoon leader coordinates with the platoon
leader(s) where his squads are operating to ensuring site deconfliction and fratricide prevention.
In the case of the MASINT platoon being attached to a maneuver battalion, the battalion S3 is
responsible for coordinating the MASINT platoons operations sites with the company and
separate units under the battalion’s control.
COMMUNICATIONS ---------------------------UNDER CONSTRUCTION-----------------------------9-21. The MASINT Platoon operates several communications and processing systems. These
systems provide the framework needed to coordinate the tasking, reporting, command and
control, and service support of MASINT teams spread across the width and depth of the area of
operations. Communications redundancy ensures the loss of any one system or command post
does not severely disrupt operations. When tasked with simultaneous REMBASS and GSR
missions, the MASINT squad has to be capable of monitoring two communications nets (it may
be providing GS to the brigade with its REMBASS while simultaneously provide DS to a
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maneuver battalion with its GSR systems. It must likewise be capable of communications in
mounted and dismounted modes.
ADD FIGURES
Reporting
9-22. The mechanism for reporting will be specifically covered for each specific operation in the
OPORD for that mission based off of METT-TC considerations and organization. However, in
general the following is the general reporting mechanism when the DS MI Company supports a
brigade and its subordinate elements are not attached to maneuver battalions. The MASINT
team reports (if operating away from the squad) would report to its squad leader on the
assigned FM frequency. The MASINT squad reports its consolidated information to the platoon
headquarters. The platoon headquarters reports via the designated means (usually the
command net) to the DS MI Company headquarters. The DS MI Company headquarters
reports the information on the O/I net to the Brigade S2. If the task organization has the
MASINT platoon attached to a maneuver battalion, the team still reports to the squad. The
squad reports on the platoon net to the platoon headquarters. The platoon headquarters
reports to the attached battalion S2. The battalion S2 reports the information to the Brigade S2.
The platoon will still be responsible for reporting administrative and logistical information to the
DS MI Company commander, so once the attached relationship ends the command has an
accurate status of personnel and equipment issues.
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