Infantry Drills

3-83: Priority of Work



Previous: 3-81: Follow Through

3-83. Priority of work is a set method of controlling the preparation and conduct of a defense. Tactical SOPs should describe priority of work including individual duties. The platoon leader changes priorities based on the situation. All leaders in the platoon should have a specific priority of work for their duty position. Although listed in sequence, several tasks are performed at the same time. An example priority of work sequence is as follows:

  • Post local security.
  • Position and assign sectors of fire for each BFV or ICV.
  • Establish the platoons reconnaissance and surveillance.
  • Position Javelins, machine guns, and Soldiers; assign sectors of fire.
  • Position other assets (platoon command post).
  • Designate final protective lines and final protective fires.
  • Clear fields of fire and prepare range cards and area of operations sketches.
  • Adjust indirect fire final protective fires. The firing unit fire direction center should provide a safety box clearing of all friendly units before firing adjusting rounds.
  • Prepare fighting positions.
  • Install wire communications, if applicable.
  • Emplace obstacles and mines.
  • Mark (or improve marking for) target reference points and direct fire-control measures.
  • Improve primary fighting positions such as overhead cover.
  • Prepare alternate and supplementary positions.
  • Establish sleep and rest plan.
  • Reconnoiter movements.
  • Rehearse engagements and disengagements or displacements.
  • Adjust positions and control measures as required.
  • Stockpile ammunition, food, and water.
  • Dig trenches between positions.
  • Reconnoiter routes.
  • Continue to improve positions.

Next: 3-84: Platoon Leader

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