Rifle Platoon in the Defense

What are the 10 characteristics of the defense?

FKDSLUMMMP

Flexibility

Knowledge of the enemy

Defense in depth

Surprise

Local security

Use of Terrain

Maneuver

Mass and concentration

Mutual support

Preparation

What are the three types of defensive operations?

Mobile Defense

Area Defense

Retrograde

What are the six defensive methods?

Battle position

Strongpoint

Perimeter

Reverse slope

Linear

Sector

What is the sequence of the defense?

Reconnaissance, Security Operations, and Enemy Preparatory Fires

Occupation and Preparation

Approach of the Enemy Main Attack

Enemy Assault

Counter Attack

Consolidation and Reorganization

What are the 7 key steps in preparing a defensive position (Engagement Area)?

Step 1 - Identify all avenues of approach

Step 2 - Determine likely enemy SOMs

Step 3 - Determine where to kill the enemy

Step 4 - Emplace weapon systems (Target reference points, Trigger lines, Target precedence)

Step 5 - Plan and integrate obstacles

Step 6 - Plan and integrate IDF (Long range fires, Close in fires, Final Protective Fires)

Step 7 - Conduct engagement area rehearsals

The scheme of maneuver for a defensive order is issued in what format?

TDOOTS

What does TDOOTS stand for?

Type/Method of defense

Distribution of Forces

Orientation

Occupation method

Tactical Control Measures

Security plan

What is it called when the platoon is at 100% security?

Stand-to

What are the four types of battle positions the platoon commander can create?

Primary

Alternate

Supplementary

Subsequent

When is a primary position used?

The best place to accomplish the assigned mission. It is frequently focused on the enemy's most likely avenue of approach

When is an alternate position used?

Where a unit can still accomplish its assigned mission, but that is occupied when the primary BP becomes either untenable or unsuitable.

When is a supplementary position used?

Allows a unit to address unexpected enemy schemes of maneuver. For example, they may cover the flank of the primary positions.

When is a subsequent position used?

Preplanned position to which a unit expects to move during the course of the defensive battle. A unit may have a series of subsequent BPs, each of which may have its own set of alternate and supplementary positions.

Who occupies supplementary positions during the enemy assault?

The least engaged unit.

How is defense in depth achieved?

Engaging the enemy at the earliest opportunity with patrols and LP/OPs.

Employing weapons at maximum effective range. Using blocking positions, obstacles, and supplementary positions throughout the engagement area.

Planning for decisive use of the least engaged unit and fire support units at the decisive moment in the engagement