Squad Tactics: Defense

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Squad Tactics Defense
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Purpose of the Defense

• Defeat enemy attacks
• Buy time
• Hold key or decisive terrain
• Economize the Force
• Develop conditions favorable for resuming the
  offense

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Characteristics of the Defense

• Preparation
• Security
• Disruption
• Massing Effects
• Flexibility

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Overview of Defense

• Prepare for Combat
• Move to Defensive Positions
• Establish Defensive Positions
• Locate the Enemy
• Initiate Contact/Actions on Enemy Contact
• Fight the Defense
• Consolidate and Reorganize

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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work I

• Establish local security
• Position key weapon systems and teams
• Assign sectors of fires
• Designate FPLs and FPFs
• Position other assets attached to the platoon
• Establish the CP and wire communications

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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work II

• Clear fields of fire and prepare range cards and
  sector sketches
• Coordinate with adjacent units left, right,
  forward, and to the rear
• Prepare primary fighting positions
• Emplace obstacles and mines
• Mark or improve marking the TRPs and other fire
  control measures

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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work III

• Improve primary fighting positions
• Prepare alternate fighting positions
• Establish a sleep and rest plan
• Reconnoiter routes
• Rehearse engagements, disengagements, and
  counterattack plans

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Defensive Positions - Priority of Work IV

• Adjust positions or control measures as required
• Stockpile ammunition, food, and water
• Dig trenches to connect positions
• Continue to improve positions

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Locate the Enemy

• Establish and maintain LP/OPs
• Establish RS Patrols
• All Soldiers look and listen
• Technology Aids
• Night vision devices (NVDs)
• Thermal Imagery devices
• Binoculars
• PEWS

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Fight the Defense

• PL determines ability to destroy enemy
• If yes, fight the deep battle first with indirect
  fires and close air support
• Control fires and increase intensity as enemy
  closes
• Control and distribute fires using trigger lines

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Consolidate and Reorganize

• Reestablish security
• Re-man key weapons
• Provide first aid for wounded
• Repair damaged obstacles
• Replace mines and booby traps
• Redistribute ammunition and supplies

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Defense Summary

• Prepare for Combat
• Move to Defensive Positions
• Establish Defensive Positions
• Locate the Enemy
• Initiate Contact/Actions on Enemy Contact
• Fight the Defense
• Consolidate and Reorganize