Everything you wanted to know about med ops

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Medical Platoon
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TASK FORCE COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT GUIDE TABLE
OF CONTENTS PAGE Chapter
1 TACTICAL DECISION MAKING, MISSION ANALYSIS,
4 TROOP LEADING
PROCEDURES Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS
35 Chapter 3 COMBAT HEALTH
SUPPORT IN A MANEUVER TASK FORCE
75 Chapter 4 MEDICAL EVACUATION

87 Chapter 5 MEDICAL PLATOON
EXECUTION CHECKLIST
100 Chapter 6 MISCELLANOUS MEDICAL
AND GENERAL INFORMATION 157
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Chapter 1 TACTICAL
DECISION MAKING, MISSION
ANALYSIS TROOP LEADING PROCEDURES TASKS
PAGE Troop Leading Procedures Step by
Step Process 6 Combat
Health Support Mission Analysis
10 Combat Health Support
Staff Estimate
11 OCOKA 12 METT-TC


13 Medical Platoon Warning Order (WARNO)
15 Medical Platoon
Time Management Example/Timeline
17 Information required in a Task Force
Operations Order, Paragraph 4

19 Task Force Medical Platoon Operations
Order (OPORD) 20 Task Force
Medical Platoon Execution Matrix
23 Fragmentary Order (FRAGO)

24 Backbrief and Briefback Format

26 Rehearsal Checklist

27 Medical Platoon Pre-Combat Checklist
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• Chapter 1 TACTICAL
  DECISION MAKING
• AND MISSION ANALYSIS
• Steps and Procedures
• Reference ARTEP 7-94-MTP
• TROOP-LEADING
  MILITARY BATTLEFIELD
• PROCEDURES DECISION-MAKING
  PROCESS VISUALIZATION

1. RECEIVE AND ANALYZE THE MISSION

• MISSION ANALYSIS (METT-TC)
• MISSION
• ENEMY
• TERRAIN AND WEATHER
• TROOPS
• TIME AVAILABLE
• CIVILIAN CONSIDERATIONS

2. ISSUE A WARNING ORDER
See the terrain
3. MAKE A TENTATIVE PLAN
DEVELOPMENT OF COURSES OF ACTION
ANALYSIS OF COURSES OF ACTION
See the enemy
COA COMPARISON
4. INITIATE MOVEMENT
5. CONDUCT RECONNAISSANCE
6. COMPLETE THE PLAN
SELECTION OF COA
See yourself
REFINEMENT OF PLAN, INTEGRATION OF CS AND CSS,
AND DEVELOPMENT OF BRANCH PLANS
7. ISSUE THE ORDER
8. SUPERVISE REFINE
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• Chapter 1 TACTICAL DECISION MAKING
• AND MISSION ANALYSIS
• Steps and Procedures
• Reference ARTEP 7-94-MTP
• 1. Platoon leader receives the mission (Step 1,
  TLPs).
• Clarifies any questions.
• Coordinates with personnel as needed.
• 2. Platoon leader analyzes mission to identify
  the following-
• Mission and intent of the commander two levels
  up.
• Mission and intent of the immediate commander.
• Specified, implied, and mission-essential
  tasks.
• Constraints and limitations.
• Purpose.
• 3. Platoon leader produces-
• A restated mission that contains the units
  mission-essential tasks and the purpose for which
  they were assigned.
• A tentative time schedule (Reference Medical
  Platoon Timeline, page 17).

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• Chapter 1 TACTICAL DECISION MAKING
• AND MISSION ANALYSIS
• Steps and Procedures
• Reference ARTEP 7-94-MTP
• 8. Platoon leader makes a tentative plan (Step
  3, TLPs). Platoon leader at a minimum-
• Uses the estimate of the situation to analyze
  METT-TC information.
• Develops courses of action.
• Includes significant mission specific factors
  which any course of action must satisfy.
• Identifies assumptions about the situation on
  which the analysis is based.
• Produces at least two general courses of action
  that can accomplish the mission but that are
  different enough to allow useful analysis.
• Makes a reconnaissance plan that-
• Compares the advantages, disadvantages and risk
  of each course of action.
• Identifies the key leaders in each course of
  action.
• Identifies the critical events.
• Identifies the most dangerous contingencies.
• 9. Platoon initiates movement (Step 4, TLPs), as
  required, for the quartering party, selected
  elements, or the entire platoon-
• Follows instructions for movement given in the
  warning order.

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• Chapter 1 TACTICAL DECISION MAKING
• AND MISSION ANALYSIS
• Steps and Procedures
• Reference ARTEP 7-94-MTP
• 12. Platoon leader issues an order to
  subordinate leaders (Step 7, TLPs)(reference
  Medical Platoon OPORD, page 20).
• Provides ample subordinate leader planning and
  preparation time by the 1/3 to 2/3 guide.
• Clarifies any questions.
• 13. Platoon leader coordinates for the mission.
• Platoon leader request CS assets (MPs/Engineers)
  to aid the mission.
• Platoon leader or representative coordinates
  plans and actions with higher, adjacent, and
  supported units.
• Scheme of maneuver.
• Current intelligence/Medical threat.
• Control measures/Graphics.
• Communications and signals.
• Time schedules.
• Additional support requirements.
• Platoon leader (or platoon sergeant/section
  leader) receives attachments, as time permits,
  briefed on-

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• Chapter 1 TACTICAL DECISION MAKING
• AND MISSION ANALYSIS
• Steps and Procedures
• Reference ARTEP 7-94-MTP
• 15. Platoon leader plans sustainment of combat
  health support operations.
• Platoon sergeant determines anticipated medical
  supplies and equipment general supplies and
  ammunition requirements.
• Platoon leader establishes and carries out a
  rest plan for all platoon members (particularly
  key personnel and leaders) based on the unit SOP,
  mission analysis, and current orders.
• Platoon sergeant coordinates with CTCP for
  supplies to support CHS plan.
• 16. Platoon monitors actions of higher,
  adjacent, and supporting units.
• Enemy friendly locations or actions.
• Orders from higher headquarters to other units.
• 17. Platoon leader issues order or modifies the
  original plan. Order or change must be explained
  in terms of -
• Current platoon mission.
• Higher commanders mission.
• Enemy friendly situation.
• Terrain.

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• Chapter 1 COMBAT HEALTH
  SUPPORT PLANNING
• Mission Analysis
• Reference FM 8-55, FM 71-123
• 1. Arrive at the Tactical Decision Making
  Process (TDMP) with current status of assets
• Personnel.
• Vehicles.
• Critical Class VIII Deficiencies.
• 2. Then read the Brigade CSS Annex
• Identify higher/adjacent CHS elements (location
  of treatment
• teams/AXPs/Patient Collection Points)
• Identify available evacuation resources
  (Ground/Air)
• Identify area of operation (See terrain)
• 3. Analyze the Mission. To ensure effective
  support, CHS operators and planners must
  understand the commander's tactical plans and
  intent. They must know--
• What each of the supported elements are doing.
• When they are doing it.
• How they are doing it.

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Chapter 1 COMBAT HEALTH
SUPPORT STAFF ESTIMATE Reference FM 8-55 1.
MISSION. Restated mission resulting from the
mission analysis. 2. SITUATION AND
CONSIDERATIONS. a. Characteristics of
area of operations. (1) Weather. How
will different military aspects of weather affect
specific staff area of concern and resources?
(2) Terrain. How will aspects of the
terrain affect specific staff areas of concern
and resources. (3) Other Key Facts.
Analyses of political, economic, sociological,
psychological, cultural and environmental
infrastructure, as they relate to the area.
b. Enemy Forces. Enemy dispositions,
composition, strength, capabilities, and COAs as
they affect specific staff area of concern.
c. Friendly Forces. (1) Friendly
courses of action. (2) Current
status of resources within staff area of
responsibility. (3) Current status
of other resources that affect staff area of
responsibility. (4) Comparison of
requirements versus capabilities and recommended
solutions. (5) Key considerations
(evaluation criteria) for COA supportability.
d. Assumptions. 3. COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT
ANALYSIS. Analyze each COA using key
considerations (evaluation criteria) to determine
advantages and disadvantages. a. Patient
Estimates (where, when, how many). b.
Support Requirements. c. Resources
Available. d. Courses of Action (supporting
the commanders course of action) 4.
EVALUATION AND COMPARISON. Compare COAs using
key considerations (evaluation criteria). Rank
order of COAs by supportability. Comparison
should be visually supported by a decision
matrix. 5. RECOMMENDATIONS AND
CONCLUSIONS. a. Recommended COA based on
the comparison (most supportable from specific
staff perspective). b. Issues,
deficiencies, and risks with recommendations to
reduce their impacts.

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Chapter 1 OCOKA Reference
FM 71-2, FM 71-2 1. Observation and fields of
fire. Consider the ground thats allows
observation of the enemy throughout the area of
operation. Consider fields of fire in terms of
the characteristics of the weapons available to
the unit e.g. maximum effective range,
requirement for grazing fire, arming range and
time of flight for anti-armor weapons. 2. Cover
and concealment. Look for terrain that will
protect unit from direct and indirect fires
(cover) and from aerial and ground observation
(concealment). 3. Obstacles. In the attack,
consider the effect of restrictive terrain on the
units ability to maneuver. In the defense,
consider the advantage of tying obstacles to the
terrain to disrupt, turn, fix, or block an enemy
force and protect your unit from enemy
assault. 4. Key terrain. Key terrain is any
locality or area whose seizure or retention
affords a marked advantage to either combatant.
Consider key terrain in your selection of
objectives, support positions, and routes in the
offense, and on the positioning of your unit in
the defense. 5. Avenues of approach. An air or
ground route of an attacking force or a given
size leading to its objective or key terrain in
its path. In the offense, identify the avenue
of approach that affords the greatest protection
and place the unit at the enemys most vulnerable
spot. In the defense, position key weapons along
the avenue of approach most likely to be used by
the enemy.
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Chapter 1
METT-TC (Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time
Available, and Civilians) Reference FM 71-1, FM
71-2 1. Mission. Analyze the platoon mission
within the frame work of the battalion
commanders intent (two levels up). a.
What role will the platoon play during different
phases of the battalion operation? b. What
platoon tasks are essential to the success of the
battalion and platoon missions? 2. Enemy.
Analyze the enemy force, capabilities, and the
platoon vulnerabilities. a. What type of
force, tactics and weapons system is the enemy
likely to employ against the platoon? b.
What weaknesses in the platoon could an enemy
exploit? c. During the mission, when will
the platoon have the greatest exposure to enemy
action, and what is that action likely to be? 3.
Terrain. Analyze the positive and negative
effects of terrain upon the platoon mission using
the acronym OCOKA. a. What effect will the
terrain have upon the platoon mission in the
terms of tasks that the platoon will have to
accomplish because of the terrain? b. Where
(location) and when (phase of the operation) will
the terrain benefit the enemy? c. Where
(location) and when (phase of the operation) will
the terrain benefit the platoon? 4. Troops
Available. What are the strengths and
capabilities of a. The soldiers in the
platoon plus attachments? b. The vehicles
and equipment in the platoon? c. What
additional support can be used to enhance the
platoon capabilities?
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Chapter 1 METT-TC
(Mission, Enemy, Terrain, Troops, Time
Available, and Civilians) Reference FM 71-1,
71-2 5. Time Available. Allot time based on
the tentative plan and any changes to the
situation. a. Time for planning by leaders
(1/3 of available time). b. Time for
soldier preparation tasks and rehearsals (2/3 of
time available). c. Backward plan from
mount up, not move out. e.g. (1) 1600 -
cross LD. (2) 1545 - convoy to staging
area. (3) 1520 - mount up and line up. (4)
1500 - break. (5) 1400 - final PCI. (6)
1300 - platoon rehearsal and final AAR. (7)
1130 - squad PCI, rehearsals and AARs (8)
1015 - platoon order. (9) 0915 - warning
order, squad preparation activities. (10) 0800
- receive mission. 6. Civilians. Identify any
civilian considerations that may affect the
mission. These factors may include refugees,
humanitarian assistance requirements, or specific
considerations related to the applicable ROE and
or ROI.
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Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON
LEADERS WARNING ORDER (WARNO) WARNING ORDER
(Short Format) 1. What ________________________
____________________________________ _____________
__________________________________________________
_____ ____________________________________________
________________________ _________________________
___________________________________________ (Situa
tion Mission Tasks) 2. Who
__________________________________________________
__________ _______________________________________
_____________________________ ____________________
________________________________________________ _
__________________________________________________
_________________ (Specific Tasks to
Subordinates) 3. How _________________________
___________________________________ ______________
__________________________________________________
____ _____________________________________________
_______________________ __________________________
__________________________________________ (Tentat
ive Execution Plan) 4. When ___________________
________________________________________ _________
__________________________________________________
________ _________________________________________
__________________________ _______________________
____________________________________________ (Pre-
Execution Time Schedule) 5. Where
__________________________________________________
________ _________________________________________
__________________________ _______________________
____________________________________________ _____
__________________________________________________
____________ (Time
Location of OPORD Rehearsal)
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Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON
LEADERS WARNING ORDER (WARNO) 1. Situation
a. Brief description of enemy situation if
changed. ________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
________________________________ b. Brief
description of friendly situation if
changed. _________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_______________________________ 2. Mission
Short, concise statement of task and
purpose. _________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_______________________________ 3. Execution
Tentative concept of the operation including
a. Time schedule for OPORD all pre-execution
tasks. ___________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________________________________________
b. Mission tasks to subordinates
_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_______________________ c. Rehearsal tasks
and location. ____________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________ 4. Service Support If
different from TACSOP. ___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_________ ________________________________________
____________________________ 5. Command and
Signal a. Location of CP. _________________
__________________________________________________
_ b. SOI in effect. ________________________
____________________________________________
c. Signal/code words. ___________________________
_________________________________________
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Chapter 1 MEDICAL
PLATOON
TIMELINE/TIME MANAGEMENT EXAMPLE
Defend NLT BMNT 030600 MOPP2NLT
030430 022200 Medical Platoon
Reconnaissance Complete (Task Force) 022000 EEN
T 021900 Medical Coordination Complete (C Med,
Adj Unit, TF) 021800 BDE CSS Rehearsal 021600 P
latoon Rehearsals Complete 021500 TF CSS
Rehearsal 021430 Platoon PCCs/PCIs Complete
021300 TF Maneuver Rehearsal Platoon
Conducts Priorities of Work Platoon Conducts
Movement Limited Visibility 020700 Pl
atoon Leader Issues his OPORD
020600 BMNT / TF OPORD Issued Med PL Completes
Medical Platoon OPORD Med PL Finalizes
CSS/Medical Annex Med PL Conducts Wargaming at TF
TOC Med PL Issues WARNO3 to Platoon Med PL
Develops Medical COA and Analyzes it with the TF
COAs Med PL Issues WARNO2 to Platoon Med PL
Conducts Mission Analysis/Medical
Estimates 012000 EENT Med PL Issues WARNO1
to Platoon 011900 Med PL at TF TDMP
Total time available 36 hours (Daylight
16 hours) (Limited Light 20 hours) Minus 15
hours Total available time 21 hours
MINUS Receipt of order 2.5 hours Task
Force troop 12.5 hours leading procedures
15 hours
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Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON
TIMELINE TIME
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LIMITED VISIBILITY
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• Chapter 1 TASK FORCE OPERATIONS
  ORDER
• PARAGRAPH 4 - SERVICE SUPPORT
• Medical Evacuation Hospitalization
• Medical evacuation hospitalization.
• Location of casualty collection points (in each
  phase of the operation).
• Location of task force aid station(s) during
  the battle (in each phase of the operation).
• Primary/alternate and dirty/clean evacuation
  routes.
• Method of marking vehicles with wounded.
• Plan for non-standard evacuation.
• Procedures for evacuation of wounded.
• AXP locations.
• FSMC or unit level II medical care.
• Patient decontamination operations and
  locations.
• Air MEDEVAC frequency and LZ Operations.

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• Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON LEADERS
• OPERATIONS ORDER FORMAT
• Task Organization - changes in normal unit
  organization for this mission.
• 1. Situation.
• a. Enemy Forces (and battlefield
  conditions).
• (1) Weather and light data.
• Precipitation.
• Temperature.
• Other weather conditions (wind, dust, or fog).
• Light data
• BMNT __________ Sunrise __________
• Sunset __________ EENT __________
• Moonrise __________ Moonset __________
• Percent illumination __________
• (2) Terrain (Factors of OCOKA)
• Observation and fields of fire.

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• Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON LEADERS
• OPERATIONS ORDER FORMAT
• 3. Execution (Cont.)
• a. Concept of Medical Support for the Task
  Force.
• (2) Mission Essential Platoon Task(s).
• Patient decontamination locations operations.
• Decontamination points.
• Dirty and clean evacuation routes.
• AXP locations.
• FSMC or echelon II locations.
• Plan for non-standard evacuation.
• Air MEDEVAC frequency and LZ operations.
• Location of casualty collection points (in each
  phase of the operations).
• Method of marking wounded on the battlefield.
• Procedure for evacuating wounded.
• (4) Engineer Support.
• (5) Military Police Support

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Chapter 1 MEDICAL PLATOON LEADERS
OPERATIONS ORDER FORMAT 4. Service Support
(Cont.). c. Personnel. (1) EPW collection
point. (2) Individual replacements. (3)
Uniform and equipment. 5. Command and Signal.
a. Command. (1) Chain of command. (2)
Location of platoon/squad leader in formation and
at the objective. (3) Succession of command if
not IAW SOP. b. Signal. (1) SOI index in
effect. (2) Listening silence, if
applicable. (3) Methods of communication in
priority. (4) Emergency signals, visual
signals. (5) Code words.
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Chapter 1 TASK FORCE
MEDICAL PLATOON EXECUTION MATRIX
NOTES/REMARKS
FSMC FREQUENCY
FSMC CALL SIGNS
TASK FORCE CASUALTY MARKING SYSTEM URGENTS
__________________________________________________
________________ PRIORITY _______________________
___________________________________________ ROUTIN
E _______________________________________________
___________________ AID STATION MARKING DAY
__________________________________________________
____________________ NIGHT________________________
______________________________________________ PAT
DECON STATIION MARKING SYSTEM DAY
__________________________________________________
____________________ NIGHT________________________
______________________________________________
SPECIALTY PLTS/ATTACH MENTS COMBAT HEALTH SUPPORT
PLAN
CASUALTY/CHEM CAS ESTIMATE
AIR MEDEVAC PLATFORMS AVAIL.
AIR MEDEVAC FREQUENCY
ENGINEERS
ADA
NON-STANDARD EVAC
DIRTY/CLEAN ROUTES
SCOUTS
MORTARS
TRMT TM A LOCATIONS
TRMT TM B LOCATIONS
PATIENT DECON SITES
OF URGENT
OF PRIORITY
OF ROUTINE
OF KIA
PHASES/H-HOUR
TRIGGERS FOR BAS
FSMC LOCATIONS
AXP LOCATIONS
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Chapter 1 FRAGMENTARY ORDER
(FRAGO) Task Organization 1. Situation
a. Enemy _______________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
b. Friendly ________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
______ 2. Mission ____________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
______________________________________ 3.
Execution a. Concept - Operation
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
____________________________________________ _____
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_____ b. Tasks to Subordinates
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
____________________________________________ _____
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_____ c. Coordinating Instructions
_________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
___________
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Chapter 1 FRAGMENTARY ORDER (FRAGO) 4.
Service Support (other than SOP) a.
Company Trains __________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
______ b. Material and Services
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
________________________________________ c.
Personnel ______________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__ d. Medical ___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
_____________ 5. Command Signal (other than
SOP) a. Command __________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
____ b. Signal ___________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
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• Chapter 1 BRIEF BACK BACKBRIEF
  FORMATS
• Once the OPORD is issued, the platoon leader may
  be required to brief the commander on what he
  understands the OPORD requirements to be. This
  ensures that the platoon leader understands what
  is expected of him and what the support
• requirements are and, provides the commander the
  opportunity to provide additional guidance, if
  required. (This procedure is sometimes referred
  to as a brief back.) The information consists of
  the
• Task organization.
• Enemy situation.
• Mission analysis.
• Specified tasks.
• Implied tasks.
• Restrictions / constraints.
• Key coordinating instructions.
• Questions or assumptions required for planning.
• Once the platoon leader determines how he will
  support the plan and prior to issuing that
  guidance to the platoon (platoon order), the
  platoon leader will brief the commander on what
  the platoon order will contain. (This process
  may be referred to as a backbrief.)
• Task organization.
• Enemy situation.

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• Chapter 1
  REHEARSAL CHECKLIST
• 1. Before the Rehearsal. Consider time
  available.
• Know specific mission essential tasks
  (PLT/SQD/IND) plus critical personnel equipment
  requirements.
• Know the teaching order of the tasks (time
  available).
• All tasks in chronological order.
• Critical tasks in chronological order.
• Teach leaders their individual and collective
  tasks.
• Sand table or easel drawing.
• Platoon, squad critical leader tasks step by
  step.
• Decision synchronization points.
• Picture of success for each sub element.
• Standard(s) for sub element rehearsals,
  equipment and personnel inspections.
• 2. During the Rehearsal - Consider time
  available.
• Sub leaders teach the plan. Talk thru
  crawl-walk-run.

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• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKLIST FOR
  CLASS VIII
• Authorized number of days of supply are on
  hand.
• Medications, reagents, and other time-sensitive
  supplies are current.
• Accountability of controlled substances is
  maintained.
• Oxygen on hand.
• Medical equipment is on hand and calibrated, as
  required.
• Medical maintenance/repair support is
  coordinated.
• Push package from FSB coordinated.
• Estimated expenditures forwarded to FSB.
• Re-supply method confirmed with the FSB.

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• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKLIST FOR GROUND
  AMBULANCES
• Authorized MES are on hand.
• Medical equipment is complete and serviceable.
• Authorized medical gases (oxygen) are on hand
  and serviceable.
• Authorized medications are on hand and current.
• Packing list is available.
• Strip maps and/or road maps with overlays are
  available.
• On vehicle equipment (OVM) is on hand.
• Log book is present and current.
• All drivers are licensed.

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• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKLIST FOR THE
  MEDICAL
• 
  TREATMENT FACILITY
• All authorized shelters are on hand and
  serviceable.
• All authorized collective protective equipment
  is on hand and serviceable.
• Procedures for management of medical waste are
  established.
• Provisions for water supply are coordinated.
• Patient protection measures are instituted.
• Ambulance turnaround is planned for and
  established.
• Area for patient decontamination operations is
  planned for and established, when required.
• Camouflage materiel is available if authorized
  for use.
• Medical unit identification markers (in
  accordance with the Geneva Conventions) are on
  hand.
• Triage and evacuation signs for day/night
  operations are on hand.
• LZ marking kit with pegs/stakes on hand.
• Litters and litter stands on hand.
• Treatment, sickcall, patient decon/treatment
  MESs are on hand.
• All special medial equipment tested and
  serviceable.
• Oxygen on hand.
• Communication equipment on hand and serviceable.

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• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECK ON NUCLEAR,
  BIOLOGICAL,
• AND
  CHEMICAL EQUIPMENT
• Individual protective equipment (CPOG and MOPP)
  is on hand and serviceable. (One set is issued
  and the extra set remains in supply.)
• Protective masks are issued and serviceable.
• Nerve agent antidote is available and
  distributed (as required).
• Convulsant antidote for nerve agent (CANA) is
  available and distributed (as required).
• Decontamination apparatus is complete and
  serviceable.
• Basic load of decontamination supplies is on
  hand
• M291 Skin DECON Kits
• M295 IEDK
• DS2
• Super Tropical Bleach STB
• Chemical agent alarms are on hand and
  serviceable.
• M256A1 detector kits issued.
• NBC contamination marking kits are distributed.
• NBC teams are trained and briefed on the
  current threat and contingency plan.
• Coordination for patient decontamination team
  support (non-medical) is completed.
• Patient protective wraps are on hand, if
  authorized.

31
31

• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKLIST OF
  PERSONNEL
• Ensure soldiers are in the correct uniform.
• Ask questions to ensure that soldiers have been
  briefed on mission and situation.
• Implement appropriate MOPP level.
• Check for drivers license.
• Brief soldiers on operations safety and
  environmental injuries.
• Individual equipment is on hand and stowed
  properly.
• Soldier fed and briefed on future meal
  consumption.
• Identification (ID) tags, ID card, Geneva
  Convention Card, multifunctional automated record
  card (MARC) are on hand and serviceable.
• Camouflage self and equipment.

32
32

• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKLIST ON
  COMMUNICATIONS
• EQUIPMENT
• Radios are operational (communications check
  conducted).
• Telemedicine equipment is available and
  operational, if available.
• Speech security equipment functional.
• Radios filled with one extra battery on hand.
• Frequencies are set.
• Matching units are operational.
• Antennas tied down properly.
• Connectors clean and serviceable.

33
33

• Chapter 1 PRECOMBAT CHECKS FOR
  VEHICLES
• Loads are according to load plan load plan
  posted in the vehicle.
• Hazardous cargo properly identified and stored
  toward rear of vehicle for easy access and
  inspection.
• Ammunition issued and properly stored.
• Vehicle fuel tank topped off.
• Package POL products and small arms lubricant
  present.
• Water cans full.
• MREs issued and stowed.
• First aid kits present and complete.
• Operators' manuals and lubrication orders are
  present for the vehicle, radios, and associated
  equipment.
• Critical toll and basic issue items (BII) are
  present.
• Vehicle dispatch is complete DA Form 2404 is
  complete no deadline deficiencies exist.
• Before operation PMCS has been completed.
• Wheeled vehicles hardened with sandbags.
• M11/M13 Decon apparatus present.
• Fire extinguisher present.
• Fire evacuation and vehicle rollover drills
  complete.
• Chem-lights/other signal equipment present.

34
34
Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS Reference FM 71-1, FM 71-2, FM 71-3,
FM 7-90 TOPIC/INFORMATION PAGE
Combat Operations In The Offense. Purpose
of Offensive Operations.
36 Characteristics
of Offensive Operations.
36 Sequence of Attack.

36 Forms of Maneuver.

37 Movement Techniques and
Formations.
41 How the Threat Defends.

44 Conducting Attacks.

45 Combat Operations In the Defense.
Purpose of Defensive Operations.
53
Characteristics of Defensive Operations.
53 Framework
of the Defense.
54 How the Threat
Attacks.
56 Sequence of the
Defense.
56 Types of Defensive
Operations.
58 Combat Operations in
the Reserve. Counterattack.

65 Spoiling Attack.

65 Block, Fix, or Contain.

66 Reinforce.

66 Rear Operations.

66 Combat
Operations in Other Tactical Operations.
Retrograde Operations. 67
Delay. 69 Withdrawal/Retiremen
t. 70 Passage of Lines.
70 Relief.

71 Breakout from
Encirclement.
72 Linkup.
73 Guard. 73
35
35
Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS
Offensive Operations Reference FM 7-10,
7-20, 71-1, 71-2 1. PURPOSE OF OFFENSIVE
OPERATIONS A. Defeat enemy forces. B. Secure
key or decisive terrain. C. Deprive the enemy of
resources. D. Gain information. E. Deceive and
divert the enemy. F. Hold the enemy in
position. G. Disrupt an enemy attack. 2.
CHARACTERISTICS OF OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS A.
SURPRISE Achieved when the enemy cannot react
effectively to the task force commanders scheme
of maneuver, achieved by thorough recon and
surveillance, striking at an unexpected direction
at unexpected time or using deception
efforts. B. CONCENTRATION The massing and
synchronization of over whelming combat power
against an enemy weakness. C. SPEED The task
force quickly moves to take advantage of enemy
weaknesses. Speed in execution is key to denying
the enemy time to reposition or reorient to meet
an attack. D. FLEXIBILITY The ability to
divert from the plan and exploit success by
maintaining freedom of maneuver. Flexibility in
planning results from wargaming. E. AUDACITY
The willingness to risk bold action to win. The
commander is quick and decisive, and willing to
take prudent risks based on sound tactical
judgement, personnel observation of the terrain,
and first-hand knowledge of the battle. 3.
SEQENCE OF AN ATTACK. A. RECONNAISSANCE. Begins
as soon as possible after the task force receives
its mission. Gathers information on avenues of
approach, obstacles, and the enemy positions in
order to plan the attack. Continues throughout
the attack. B. MOVEMENT TO A LINE OF DEPARTURE.
When attacking form positions not in contact,
tasks forces often stage in rear assembly areas,
road march to attack positions behind friendly
unit in contact with the enemy, conduct a passage
of lines, and begin the attack.
36
36

• Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
  OPERATIONS
• 
  Offensive Operations
• Reference FM 7-10, 7-20, 71-1, 71-2
• C. MANEUVER. The task force maneuvers to a
  position of advantage.
• D. DEPLOYMENT. The task force deploys to attack
  or to fix the enemy if bypassing.
• E. ATTACK. The enemy position is attacked by
  fire, assaulted, or bypassed.
• F. CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION OR
  CONTINUATION. The task force eliminates
  resistance and prepares for or conducts further
  operations.
• 4. FORMS OF MANEUVER.
• A. ENVELOPMENT. The preferred form of maneuver.
  The attacker strikes the enemys flank or rear.
  The envelopment caused the enemy to fight in a
  direction from which he is less prepared.
  Requires an assailable flank, flank found by
  aggressive reconnaissance.
• One or more companies or teams make
• supporting attacks to fix the enemy.
• Other companies of the task force
• maneuver against the enemys flank or
• rear.

37
37
Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS
Offensive Operations Reference FM 7-10,
7-20, 71-1, 71-2 PENETRATION IS PLANNED IN THREE
PHASES Step 1 - The isolation of the site
selected for penetration.
(Step 1) - Figure 2-2. Step 2 - Initial
penetration of the enemy position. Dismounted
infantry company teams breach the close-in
obstacles and seize enemy positions behind these
obstacles. These teams widen and hold the
shoulders of the initial penetration. This
penetration is overwatched and supported by other
elements of the task force. (Step
2) - Figure 2-3.
38
38
Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS
Offensive Operations Reference FM
7-10, 7-20, 71-1, 71-2 Step 3 - Exploitation of
the penetration. Other companies complete the
destruction of the enemy position and move to
deeper objectives. (Step 3) -
Figure 2-4. D. FRONTAL ATTACK. The frontal
attack is the least preferred form of maneuver.
In the frontal attack, the task force uses the
most direct routes to strike the enemy along his
front. This attack is normally employed when the
mission is to fix the enemy in position or
deceive him. Although the frontal attack strikes
the enemys front within the zone of the
attacking force, it does not require that the
attacker do so on line or that all subordinate
unit attacks be frontal. Frontal attacks,
unless in overwhelming strength, are seldom
decisive. E. INFILTRATION. The purpose of an
infiltration is to move by stealth to place a
maneuver force in a more favorable position to
accomplish the mission. This is a preferred form
of infantry maneuver, because it permits a
smaller force to use stealth and surprise to
attack a larger or fortified force. Infiltration
helps avoid detection and engagement. Movement is
usually by foot or air but can be by vehicle or
watercraft. Along with other units, an
infiltrating force can attack the rear and flanks
of enemy forward positions to accomplish its
mission and as a means to facilitate a
penetration of a larger force. It can also attack
lines of communication, administrative rear
installations, headquarters, CPs, and CS or CSS
activities and facilities. Infiltrating units can
seize key terrain, destroy critical
communications nodes, and interfere with the
resupply and reinforcement of enemy positions.
39
39
Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
OPERATIONS
Offensive Operations Reference FM 7-10,
7-20, 71-1, 71-2 E. INFILTRATION (Cont.)
(a) Types. (1) Land. Infiltration by
foot is most common but infiltration by vehicle
is also possible. It is most feasible in areas
with large gaps between forces or where flanks
might be impossible to secure. Many infiltrations
have been conducted by vehicle, especially when
force-to-space ratios were small. (2)
Water. Forces can infiltrate by sea or inland
waterway. (b) Advantages. Infiltration can
be used when enemy firepower discourages the use
of another form of maneuver or when a light force
is employed against a mechanized or motorized
force. Infiltration can panic and disorganize an
enemy oriented physically and mentally to fight
to the front. This can sometimes cause the enemy
to withdraw even if he is too strong to be driven
out by other means. (c) Disadvantages. The
main disadvantage of an infiltration is that
small infiltrating elements can be destroyed
piecemeal if the defending force detects them.
Infiltration requires time and for small-unit
leaders to have excellent navigational skills.
For an infiltration to be successful, all forces
must link up as planned behind enemy lines.
(d) Conditions. The commander's knowledge of
enemy dispositions and the battalion's ability to
conceal plans and movements allows infiltration
over rough terrain, heavily wooded terrain
against a widely dispersed enemy or in a front
with fluid positions. (1) A rough,
almost inaccessible location is best for an
infiltration. (2) Darkness and bad
weather reduce the chance that the enemy will
detect the infiltration. (3)
Infiltration should be conducted through areas
not occupied or covered by enemy surveillance and
fire. (4) The local population should
be avoided unless known to be friendly. Civilians
positively confirmed as friendly can help with
the infiltration and can be used as guides.
40
40

• Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
  OPERATIONS
• 
  Offensive Operations
• Reference FM 71-1, 71-2, 71-3
• 5. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES AND FORMATIONS.
• A. MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES. The three movement
  techniques are traveling, traveling overwatch,
  and bounding overwatch. Usually, the task force
  does not move as a unit using one movement
  technique. Rather, the task force commander
  designates the movement technique to be used by
  the lead unit(s). Movement techniques end upon
  enemy contact. The unit begins its actions on
  contact and the overwatching force begins its
  suppressive fire.
• B. FORMATIONS. The tack force may move in any
  of six basic formations Column, wedge, V,
  echelon, line, and box or diamond. The task
  force may use more than one formation in a given
  movement especially true when the terrain
  changes during movement. Other factors are
  distances of the move and enemy disposition.
• (1) Column formation. The
  task force moves in column formation
• when early contact is not expected, and
• the objective is far away. Normally the lead
• element uses traveling overwatch while
• the following units are traveling.
• Considerations are as follows
• Speed of movement, easy to control, useful
• in defiles or dense woods.
• Provides for quick transition.

41
41

• Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
  OPERATIONS
• 
  Offensive Operations
• Reference FM 71-1, 71-2, 71-3
• (3) V Formation. The V formation
• disposes the task force with two
• companies abreast and one trailing.
• This arrangement is most suitable to
• advance against a threat know to be
• to the front of the task force. It may
• be used when enemy contact is
• expected and the location and
• disposition of the enemy is know.
• Considerations are as follows
• Hard to reorient control is difficult in
• heavily wooded areas.
• Provides for good firepower forward and
• to the flanks. Figure 2-6
  (V Formation).

42
42

• Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
  OPERATIONS
• Offensive
  Operations
• Reference FM 71-1, 71-2, 71-3
• (5) Line formation. The line formation
• arranges the task force with the company
• teams abreast. Since it does not dispose
• company teams in depth, the line provides
• less flexibility of maneuver than other
• formations. It is used when continuous
• movement with maximum firepower to the
• front is required.
• Considerations are as follows
• Permits maximum firepower to the front.
• Difficult to control.
• Facilitates the use of speed and shock
• in closing with the enemy.

43
43

• Chapter 2 TASK FORCE TACTICAL
  OPERATIONS
• How The Threat Defends
• Reference FM 71-1 and 71-2
• 1. The threat normally uses motorized rifle
  units to defend and used tank forces in the
  counterattack. Other key notes in how the
  threat defends are as follows
• Perceives the hasty defense as the most
  probable form of defense, as it allows for a
  rapid transition to offensive operations.
• It is most vulnerable to an attack.
• When halted for more than a few hours, makes
  the transition from a hasty defense to a prepared
  defense organized in successive belts and
  ech