View the complete version here: www.amazon.com/dp/1533408491

Previous: A-52: Observation and Fields of Fire

A-56. Leaders look at the terrain, foliage, structures, and other features along avenues of approach (and on objectives or key terrain) to identify sites offering cover (protection from the effects of direct and indirect fire) and concealment (protection from observation). In the defense, weapon positions must be both lethal to the enemy and survivable to the Soldier. Cover and concealment is just as vital as clear fields of fire. Cover and concealment can be either part of the environment or something brought in by the unit to create the desired effect. Both offensive and defensive considerations must be made:

• Offensive considerations include:
  • What axes afford both clear fields of fire and cover and concealment?
  • Which terrain provides bounding elements with cover and concealment while increasing lethality?
• Defensive considerations include:
  • What locations afford cover and concealment as well as good observation and fields of fire?
  • How can friendly and enemy forces use the available cover and concealment?

Next: A-57: Conclusions From Terrain Analysis

Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad