Conduct a Defense by a Platoon
Task 071-430-0006
Ref. FM 71-1, 7-7, 7-7J, 7-8
Instructor:
Prepare to learn…
TASK: Conduct a Defense by a platoon
Conditions: Given a specified area to defend, a platoon
with TOE equipment, and a requirement to defend that
area.
Standards: Engaged the enemy threat IAW the defensive
plan, fires controlled, retained terrain, and destroyed or
repelled the threat.
TERMS FOR THE CLASS:
OP’s
 OBSERVATION POST
 LP/OP LISTENING POINT OBSERVATION
POST
OPFOR
 OPPOSING FORCES
CP
 COMMAND POST
ANTI ARMOR WEAPONS
 SUCH AS MK-19
 AT4
 50cal
 M203
DEAD SPACE
 ANY AREA THAT OFFERS ENEMY COVER OR
CONCEALMENT, (most often used in
association with range cards)
FPL
 FINAL PROTECTIVE LINE
 THE LINE YOU DON’T WANT THE ENEMY TO
CROSS
INTERLOCKING FIRES
 A SYSTEM WHERE FIRE SECTORS LINK TO
CAUSE DAMAGE TO ANYONE ATTEMPTING
TO GET INTO YOUR PERIMETER
 EXTREMELY EFFECTIVE WHEN APPLIED
CORRECTLY
SECTOR OF FIRE
 A POSITION ASSIGNED TO A POSITION THAT
GIVES IT A “SLICE” OF THE PERIMETER THAT
IT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR
 ENGAGING OUT OF YOUR SECTOR COULD
LEAD TO FRIENDLY FIRE SITUATIONS
INDIRECT FIRE
 USUALLY A SHELL OR OTHER EXPLOSIVE
DEVICE LAUNCHED ON YOUR POSITION
FROM A COMFORTABLE DISTACE AWAY
 THESE ATTACKS ARE RARELY IF EVER
COUNTER ATTACKED
 THE ONLY DEFENSE IS TO MOVE
LOCATIONS
AVENUE OF APPROACH
 THE PATH OR AREA THAT YOU THINK THE
ENEMY WILL USE
 OFTEN REFFERED TO AT “THE MOST LIKELY
AVENUE OF APPROACH”
 NEVER USE THIS AVENUE IF POSSIBLE
RECONNOITER
 LONG VERSION OF RECON, LOOK AT,
CHECK OUT
FIELDS OF FIRE
 SERIES OF SECTOR FIRES THAT ARE
LINKED TO MAKE UP THE FIELDS OF FIRE
SIT REP
 SITUATION REPORT
 ANY UPDATE GIVEN ABOUT YOUR
SITUATION
 SUCH AS SALUTE REPORT, LACE REPORT,
ETC
DECISIVELY ENGAGED
 YOUR POSITION IS KNOWN BY THE ENEMY
AND IT IS UNDER ATTACK
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
 HELICOPTER/JET SUPPORT
DISTIBUTION AND RATE OF FIRE
 WHERE
 WHEN
 HOW MUCH
LIFT FINAL PROTECTIVE FIRE
 CAN ALSO BE CALLED A LIFT AND SHIFT
 YOUR POINT OF KILL IS MOVED
 MAY HAPPEN WHEN A LARGE INFLUX OF
ENEMY IS CONCENTRATED IN AN AREAL,
OR DURING FLANKING MANUVERS
SHELREP/MORTREP
 SHELL REPORT OR MORTAR REPORT
 IT IS A SITREP SENT WHEN YOUR AREA IS
SHELLED
LACE REPORT
 USUALLY GIVEN AFTER A MISSION OR
DURING A RECONSOLIDATION PERIOD
 LIQUID
 AMMO
 CASUALTIES
 EQUIPMENT
REDISTRIBUTE/RECONSOLIDATE
 SEE WHAT YOU HAVE
 SPREAD IT AROUND
 SUCH AS: AMMO, WEAPONS, WATER, FOOD,
ANYTHING YOU NEED TO SUCCEED
STANO DEVICES
 NIGHT VISION DEVICES
 STANO IS A COMPANY THAT PRODUCES
NIGHT VISION EQUIP
Organize For PLT Defense
 Search area to ensure it is free of enemy, mines,
and booby traps
 Establish local security
 Monitor area for NBC contamination
 Assign sectors to sub elements using the
minimum personnel necessary to ensure the
security of the unit area.
 Position M8 alarm to provide NBC Warning
Performance Steps
Analyze the mission.
 Issue a warning order.
 Make a tentative plan.
 Conduct a reconnaissance.
 Start necessary movement or preparations.
 Complete the plan.
 Occupy the position.
 Emplace early warning devices.
 Emplace hasty minefields.
 Establish communication systems.
 Stockpile ammo, water, food, and other supplies.
 Engage the enemy at maximum range.

Troop Leading Procedures
Receive Mission
1.
2. Issue Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
Receive the Mission
Begins with receipt of initial WARNORD or OPORD
Platoon Leader determines probable mission
Platoon Leader conducts initial time analysis
The receive-the-mission step is intended to get
the planning and preparation process underway
by enabling him to prepare and issue a Warning
Order as quickly as possible.
FM 7-8, pg 2-4
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission
Issue Warning Order
2.
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
Issue Warning Order
Usually given orally.
Follows the 5 paragraph OPORD format
Includes:
Unit’s probable mission
PLs initial time planning timeline
Any additional information available
Initial instructions
This enables the squads and other subordinate
units to begin the parallel planning process
FM 7-8, pg 2-4
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission
2. Issue Warning Order
Make a Tentative Plan
3.
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
FM 7-8, pg 2-3
Make a Tentative Plan
(Tools of the Platoon Leader)
Army’s decision making process for tactical situations at
Company Level.
FM 71-1, FM 7-8
Continuous process
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
Make a Tentative Plan
1.
2.
3.
4.
Mission Analysis
Course of Action Development
Analysis of Course of Action
Course of Action Comparison
5. Course of Action Selection
“If the PL (due to time constrains), is unable to
develop more than one COA, step 4 does not apply”
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
MET-T
(METT-TC)
M
T
E
T
T
C
ISSION ANALYSIS
ERRAIN AND WEATHER
NEMY SITUATION
ROOPS AVAILABLE
IME AVAILABLE
IVILIANS
Guides the platoon leader
through the decision making process
FM 7-8, pg 2-8
Step 1: Mission Analysis
(Analysis of the Mission)
Identify Purpose
Specified & Implied Tasks
Limitations
Identify Mission Essential Task
Commanders Mission, Concept
& Intent 1 & 2 LEVELS UP
Results in the Restated
Mission
Mission Analysis
(METT-TC)
M ISSION ANALYSIS
T ERRAIN AND WEATHER
E NEMY SITUATION
T ROOPS AVAILABLE
T IME AVAILABLE
C IVILIANS
Guides the platoon leader
through the decision making process
Terrain Analysis
(Military Aspects of Terrain)
O bstacles
C over and Concealment
K ey Terrain
O bservation and Fields of Fire
A venues of Approach
Terrain Analysis
(Obstacles)
What is an obstacle?
Any natural or manmade obstruction that canalizes, delays,
restricts or diverts movement
How are obstacles classified?
Existing and reinforcing
FM 34-130, pg 2-14
Obstacles cont’d
(Terrain Classification)
Unrestricted:
Indicates terrain free of constraints to movement.
Nothing needs to be done to enhance mobility
Restricted:
Hinders movement to some degree
Little effort is needed to enhance movement but units cannot
move to preferred speeds or combat formations
Severely Restricted:
(GREEN)
Hinders or slows movement in combat formations unless some
effort is made to enhance mobility
(GREEN)
FM 34-130, pg 2-15
Terrain Analysis
(Avenues of Approach)
An air or ground route of an attacking force of a given
size leading to its objective or to key terrain in its path.
Mobility Corridor - Areas where a force will be canalized
due to terrain restrictions. They allow military forces to
capitalize on the principles of mass and speed.
FM 34-130, pg 2-18
Terrain Analysis
(Key Terrain)
Any locality or area the seizure, retention, or control of
affords a marked advantage to either combatant.
Examples:
Terrain with good observation over AAs
Terrain providing cover of an obstacle
Road junctions or communication centers used for
sustainment
FM 34-130, pg 2-17
Terrain Analysis
(Observation and Fields of Fire)
Observation is the ability to see the threat either
visually or through use of surveillance devices.
Fields of Fire are areas that a weapon or group of
weapons may effectively cover with fire from a given
position.
FM 34-130, pg 2-10
Terrain Analysis
(Cover and Concealment)
Cover is protection from the effects of direct and
indirect fires.
Concealment is protection from observation.
FM 34-130, pg 2-11
Terrain Analysis
Additional Considerations:
Vegetation
Surface Soil
Drainage
Slope
Transportation (LOC)
Canopy
FM 34-130, pg 2-16
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission
2. Issue Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
Initiate Movement
May occur at any point in the Troop Leading Process
Examples:
Move main body to Area of Operations
Send out recon teams
Begin gathering necessary equipment
Begin rehearsing drills you anticipate using
FM 71-1, pg 2-30
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission
2. Issue Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
Leader’s Reconnaissance
Plan and conduct leader’s recon for every mission.
If recon reveals a change in the situation, the plan must
be adjusted accordingly.
Recon must avoid detection while trying to confirm or
deny the leader’s assumptions.
May be conducted at Company, Platoon or Squad level.
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
Leader’s Reconnaissance
The smaller the element, the better the chances are of
avoiding detection
At a minimum, take a leader from each squad or key
element
LDR must specify what information is needed to confirm
the plan
Two types
Long Range-Outside small arms fire
Short Range-Inside small arms fire
FM 7-8, pg 2-9
Leader’s Reconnaissance
Leader must determine:
His information requirements
Priorities of requirements
Assets available
Security requirements
Time available
Most critical information
needed
Leader provides specific
guidance on:
Tasking of troops and equip.
Time schedule
Special equipment required
Likely contingency plans
Fire support
Withdrawal from the OBJ
Linkup plan
FM 71-1, pg 2-32
Troop Leading Procedures
1. Receive Mission
2. Issue Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
Plan
Complete the Plan
The Tools of the Platoon Leader and COA become the
OPORD
IPB results = Para. 1a.
Mission analysis = Para. 2, 1b., Para. 3b., c., & d., and Para 5
COA with analysis = Para 3, 4, 5
Complete a second, more detailed, wargame resulting in the
subparagraphs of Para 3, as well as 4 and 5
What is IPB ?
Systematic, continuous process of analyzing the threat
and the environment in a specific area.
Determines the threat’s likely COA
Describes the environment your unit is operating in.
Helps the Platoon Leader selectively apply and
maximize his combat power at critical points in time and
space.
FM 101-5, pg 5-6
Troop Leading Procedures
The order of these steps
doesn’t change
Steps 4-7 are
interchangeable.
Step 8 occurs throughout
the process.
1. Receive Mission
2. Issue Warning Order
3. Make a Tentative Plan
4. Initiate Movement
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete Plan
7. Issue OPORD
8. Supervise
The Process
Troop Leading
Procedures
1. Receive and Analyze
the Mission
2. Issue a Warning Order
Military Decision
Making Process
Battlefield
Visualization
Mission Analysis (METT-T)
• Mission
• Enemy
• Terrain (and Weather)
• Troops
• Time Available
“See the Terrain”
3. Make a Tentative Plan
Development of COA
Analysis of COA
4. Initiate Movement
“See the Enemy”
COA Comparison
5. Conduct Recon
6. Complete the Plan
7. Issue the Order
8. Supervise & Refine
Selection of COA
Refinement of plan,
Integration of CS, CSS,
and development of branch
plan
“See Yourself”
FM 71-1 pg 2-10
Occupy the position.
 Establish local security.
Locate Ops to make
maximum use of long-range observations.
Squad/Team Operates an OP
(Position Ops to provide early warning of OPFOR
attack or activity)
*Position within range of supporting small arms fire
*Provide early warning out to a range that denies
OPFOR observation or direct fire
Observation Post
 Provide cover and concealment for the
occupant.
 Conceal routes to and from Ops
 Emplace expedient early warning devices
 Establish coms from OP’s to CP’s (wire
supplemented by radio/messenger)
Observation Post
 Demonstrate correct use of current challenge
and password for personnel
 Reposition OP’s at alternate OP sites when
required by changing visibility conditions
Occupy the position.
 Establish local security.
Locate Ops to make
maximum use of long-range observations.
 Position key weapons.
Position Weapons
 Designate Primary, Alternate and supplementary
fighting positions for key weapons.
 Position machineguns to allow grazing fire along
the most likely dismounted avenues of approach
 Position anti-armor weapons to cover likely
armor avenues of approach.
Position Weapons
 Ensure positions are mutually supporting along
armor and dismounted infantry avenues of
approach
 Position M203 grenade launcher to cover dead
space in terrain outside hand grenade range
 Prepare range cards for all machinegun and
anti-armor weapons positions.
Position Weapons
 Improve alternate and supplementary fighting
positions as time permits
Prepare Platoon Fire Plan
 Indicate all machinegun and/or anti-armor
weapons plan
 Indicate primary direction of fire or final
protective for each machinegun
 M249 positions have interlocking fires across the
platoon front/adjacent units/and cover man made
and natural obstacles
Platoon Fire Plan
 Show sectors of fire for all weapons, and overlap
at not less than 40 Meters (within terrain
limitations
 Indicate prominent terrain features
 Indicate OP and CP
 Integrate indirect fire targets if available
 Complete data section of fire plan
Construct Positions
 Place fighting
positions to engage in designated
sector of fire
 Cover the most dangerous avenue of approach
first.
 The range and type of weapon determine the
sector of fire
Construct Positions
 Assign all personnel to a fighting position
 Physically reconnoiter to the front of each
position to become familiar with terrain and to
locate dead space
 Emplace Claymore mines
 Clear fields of fire
 Prepare range cards
 Prepare fighting positions
Construct Positions
 Prepare overhead cover for fighting positions
 Camouflage position from ground and aerial
observation
 Stockpile ammunition, food, and water
 Ensure crew served weapons can’t be seen from
at least 40m to the front
Construct Positions
 Construct alternate and supplementary fighting
positions
 Continue to improve fighting positions
Emplace Early Warning Devices
 Platoon early warning system is used, if
available (PEWS).
 Trip flares are set out
 Improvised early warning devices can be used.
Emplace hasty minefields and
other obstacles
 These should
fire.
be covered by observation and
Establish Communications
 Use wire as primary means of Commo if
available
 Ensure OP’s and subordinate element leaders
can communicate with PLT CP
 Establish communications between CP and
higher HQ
 Plan and provide for alternate Commo
Stockpile Supplies
 Ammo, water, food, and other supplies.
 Ensure that materiel is protected from direct fire
 Ensure overhead protection is provided.
Engage Enemy
 Engage at maximum range
 Use direct and indirect fires
 Hit the enemy while at minefields and obstacles
 Break up enemy formations
 If enemy assaults, call for FPF of small arms,
machine guns, mortars and artillery
Reorganize
 Reestablish the Chain of Command
 Send SITREP to higher
 Redistribute ammunition
 Man OP’s, Key weapons, and positions
 Treat and evacuate injured as nec.
 Submit casualty reports
 Update personnel roster and CM
Review
 Analyze the mission
 Issue a WARNO
 Make a tentative plan
 Conduct a recon
 Start movement
 Complete the plan
 Occupy the position
Review
 Emplace early warning devices
 Emplace hasty minefields and other obstacles
 Establish commo
 Stockpile supplies
 Engage the enemy at maximum range
QUESTIONS?
PLEASE ASK