MSL 201, lesson 7b

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Defense I
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Purpose of the Defense
The general task and purpose of all defensive
operations is to defeat an enemy attack and gain
the initiative for offensive operations. A
platoon may conduct the defense for some of the
following reasons

• Gain Time
• Retain key terrain
• Facilitate other operations
• Preoccupy the enemy in one area
• Erode enemy forces
• Disrupt or Disorganize
• Delay
• Defeat an attacking enemy
• Deny an area to an attacking enemy
• Protect a flank

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Characteristics of the Defense

• Preparation
• Security
• Disruption
• Massing effects
• Flexibility

4
Sequence of the Defense

• Occupation
• Approach of the enemy main attack
• Enemy assault
• Counterattack
• Consolidation and reorganization

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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work

• Stage 1
• Emplace local security (all leaders).
• Position and assign sectors of fire for each
  squad (platoon leader).
• Position and assign sectors of fire for the CCMS
  and medium machine gun teams (platoon leader).
• Position and assign sectors of fire for M249 MG,
  grenadiers, and riflemen (squad leaders).
• Establish command post and wire communications.
• Designate FPLs and FPFs.
• Clear fields of fire and prepare range cards.
• Prepare sector sketches (leaders)
• Dig fighting positions

FM 3-21.8, paragraph 8-91, pages 8-20 to 8-21.
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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work

• Stage 2
• Establish communication and coordination with the
  company and adjacent units
• Review sector sketches
• Emplace antitank and Claymore mines, then wire
  and other obstacles
• Mark or improve marking for TRPs and other fire
  control measures
• Improve primary fighting positions and add
  overhead cover
• Stage 3
• Prepare supplementary and then alternate
  positions (same procedure as the primary
  position)
• Establish sleep and rest plans
• Distribute and stockpile ammunition, food, and
  water
• Dig trenches to connect positions
• Continue to improve positionsconstruct
  revetments, replace camouflage, and add to
  overhead cover

Unit priorities of work are normally found in
SOPs. However, the commander will dictate the
priorities of work for the company based on the
factors of METT-TC. Several actions may be
accomplished at the same time. Leaders must
constantly supervise the preparation of fighting
positions, both for tactical usefulness and
proper construction.
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Defense Techniques Reverse Slope
8
Defense Techniques Reverse Slope
The platoon leaders analysis of the factors of
METT-TC often leads him to employ his forces on
the reverse slope (Figure 8-15). If the rifle
squads are on a mounted avenue of approach, they
must be concealed from enemy direct fire
systems. This means rifle squads should be
protected from enemy tanks and observed
artillery fire.
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Defense Techniques Perimeter Defense
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Defense Techniques Perimeter Defense
Figure 8-14. Perimeter defense with rifle team in
reserve. NOTE A variant of the perimeter
defense is the use of the shaped defense, which
allows two of the platoons squads to orient at
any particular time on any of three engagement
areas.
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Defense Techniques Defense in Sector
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Defense Techniques Mutually Supporting Battle
Positions
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Types of Fighting Positions

• Number of Personnel
• Types of Weapons
• Time available
• Terrain

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Hasty Fighting Position
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One-Soldier Fighting Position
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Two-Soldier Fighting Position
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Stages of Fighting Position Preparation
Stage 1
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Stages of Fighting Position Preparation
FRONT WALL Two sandbags high by two M16s
HELMET
Stage 2
FLANK WALL Two sandbags high by One M16 long
FLANK WALL Two sandbags high by One M16 long
REAR WALL One sandbags high by one M16s

• The front wall is two to three sandbags (or
  logs) high.
• For a two-soldiers position, it is about two
  M16 long.
• The flank walls are the same height, but only
  one M16 Long.
• The rear wall is one sandbag high by one M16
  long.
• If logs are used, they must be held firmly in
  place with
• strong stakes about 2 inches to 3 inches in
  diameter
• and 18 inches long.
• The leader inspect the position.

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Stages of Fighting Position Preparation
FRONTAL COVER
GRENADE SUMPS
FLANK COVER
FLANK COVER
Stage 3
STORAGE AREA
HOLE IS ARMPIT DEEP
REAR COVER

• The position is dug armpit deep.
• The parapets are filled in order
• of front, flanks, and rear
• The parapets and the entire
• position are camouflaged.

• Grenade sumps are dug and the
• floor sloped toward them
• Storage areas for the two rucksacks
• May also be dug into the rear wall
• The leader inspects the position

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Stages of Fighting Position Preparation
Stage 4
LOGS (overhead cover)

• Five to six log 4 to 6 inches in diameter and
  two M16s long are placed
• over the center of the position
• Waterproof (plastic bags, poncho) are placed on
  the top of these logs
• Six to 8 inches of dirt of sandbags are put on
  the top of the logs
• The overhead cover and the bottom of the
  position are camouflaged
• The leader inspects the position

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Summary

• Purposes
• Characteristics
• Sequence of the defense
• Priorities of work
• Types of defense
• Types of Fighting Positions
• Stages of preparation