Previous: H-14: Breaching Fundamentals
H-15. Suppression is a tactical task used to employ direct or indirect fires or an electronic attack on enemy personnel, weapons, or equipment to prevent or degrade enemy fires and observation of friendly forces. The purpose of suppression during breaching operations is to protect forces reducing and maneuvering through an obstacle. Suppression is a mission-critical task performed during breaching operation. Suppression generally triggers the rest of the actions at the obstacle. Fire control measures ensure all fires are synchronized with other actions at the obstacle. Although suppressing the enemy overwatching the obstacle is the mission of the support force, the breach force should provide additional suppression against an enemy the supporting force cannot suppress.
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Go Back To: U.S. Army FM 3-21.8: The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad