Section 6 – Fighting Position Construction

5-221. Whether the defending unit is in a defensive perimeter or on a deliberate ambush line, the unit seeks cover from fire and concealment from observation. From the time the unit prepares and occupies a fighting position, the unit continues to improve its positions. How far the unit gets depends on how much time it has, regardless of whether it is a hasty position or a well-prepared one with OHC.

Characteristics Of A Fighting Position

5-222. Defending units occupying immediately establish hasty fighting positions and designate sectors of fire. Depending on time available, units continue to improve their positions through depth and adding frontal, flank, rear, and OHC.

Leader Responsibilities

5-223. Leaders ensure assigned fighting positions enable Soldiers to engage the enemy within the Soldiers’ assigned sector of fire to the maximum effective range of the Soldiers’ weapon (terrain dependent) with grazing fire and minimal dead space. Leader responsibilities include:

• Protect Soldiers.
• Plan and select fighting position sites.
• Provide materials.
• Supervise construction.
• Inspect periodically.
• Request technical advice from engineers as required.
• Improve and maintain unit survivability continuously.
• Determine if need to build up or build down OHC.

Sectors Of Fire And Weapons Emplacement

5-224. Though fighting positions provide maximum protection for Soldiers within the fighting position, the primary consideration is always given to sectors of fire and effective weapons employment. Weapon systems are sited where natural or existing positions are available, or where terrain will provide the most protection while maintaining the ability to engage the enemy. To maximize the capabilities of a weapon system, always consider the best use of available terrain and how to modify it to provide the best sectors of fire.

Cover

5-225. The inclusion of natural cover afforded by the terrain enhances protection. Cover protects against small arms fire and indirect fire fragments. The different types of cover, frontal, flank, rear, and OHC, are used to make fighting positions. Positions are connected by tunnels and trenches to move between positions for engagements or resupply, while remaining protected. Natural covers such as rocks, trees, logs, and rubble are best, because it is hard for the enemy to detect. When natural cover is unavailable, use dirt removed from the hole to construct the fighting position. Improve the effectiveness of dirt as a cover by putting it in sandbags. Fill sandbags only three quarters full to alleviate gaps in the cover.

Concealment

5-226. Concealment hides the position from enemy detection. When a position can be detected, it can be hit by enemy fire. Natural, undisturbed concealment is better than man-made concealment. When digging a position, Soldiers try not to disturb the natural concealment around the position. Unused dirt (not used for front, flank, or rear cover which must be concealed) from the hole is placed behind the position and camouflage. Natural, undisturbed concealment material that does not have to be replaced (rocks, logs, live bushes, and grass) is best, but avoid using so much camouflage that the position looks different from its surroundings. Man-made concealment must blend with its surroundings so that is cannot be detected and must be replaced if it changes color or dries out. Protection through concealment requires the position to be undetectable from a minimum distance of at least 35 meters.

Priority Of Work

5-227. Leaders establish priorities of work that may include but is not limited to posting local security, preparing appropriate fighting positions for all weapon systems, assigning sectors of fire, emplacing antiarmor assets such as Javelins (or M3 MAAWS) and protective obstacles (mines/wire), and rehearsals. Building fighting positions is woven into the defender’s priority of work (see paragraphs 5-149 to 5-160) and is directly limited by levels of security established (see paragraphs 5-139 to 5-148), and that the platoon leader will develop a plan for any internal or external resources (for example, pioneer tools and engineering assets).

Note. Firing from fighting positions or enclosures is prohibited for the M3 MAAWS. (See TC 3-22.84 for additional information on ammunition firing restrictions.)

Hasty And Deliberate Fighting Positions

5-228. Fighting positions protect Soldiers by providing cover from direct and indirect fires and concealment through positioning and proper camouflage. Because the battlefield conditions confronting Soldiers are never standard, no single standard fighting position design fits all tactical situations. The two types of fighting position are hasty and deliberate. The one constructed depends on time and equipment available, and the required level of protection. Fighting positions are designed and constructed to protect the individual Soldier and the Soldier’s weapons system.

Hasty Fighting Position

5-229. Hasty fighting positions, used when there is little time for preparation, should be behind whatever cover is available. However, the term hasty does not mean that there is no digging. If a natural hole or ditch is available, use it. This position should give frontal cover from enemy direct fire but allow firing to the front and the oblique. When there is little or no natural cover, hasty positions provide as much protection as possible.

5-230. A shell crater, which is 2 to 3 feet (0.61 to 1 meter) wide, offers immediate cover (except for overhead) and concealment. Digging a steep face on the side toward the enemy creates a hasty fighting position. A small crater position in a suitable location can later develop into a deliberate position.

5-231. A skirmisher’s trench is a shallow position that provides a hasty prone fighting position. When immediate need for shelter from enemy fire, and there are no defilade firing positions available, lie prone or on the side, scrape the soil with an entrenching tool, and pile the soil in a low parapet (wall) between the body and the enemy. To form a shallow, body-length pit quickly, use this technique in all but the hardest ground. Orient the trench so it is oblique to enemy fire. This keeps the silhouette low and offers some protection from small-caliber fire.

5-232. The prone position is a further refinement of the skirmisher’s trench. It serves as a good firing position and provides better protection against the direct fire weapons than the crater position or the skirmisher’s trench. The position should be about 18 inches deep and use the dirt from the hole to build cover around the edge of the position (see figure 5-25 on page 5-86).

Figure 5-25. Prone position

Deliberate Fighting Positions

5-233. Deliberate fighting positions are modified hasty positions prepared during periods of relaxed enemy pressure. Positions must provide Soldiers protection from direct and indirect fires. Soldier construct parapets retaining walls 39 inches (minimum) thick (length of M4 rifle [stock extended] or length of M7 rifle [stock extended/without suppressor] plus 6 inches) and 10 to 12 inches (length of a bayonet) to the front, flank, and rear. Whether building up, or building down, OHC should be a minimum of 18 inches thick (length of an extended entrenching tool) to protect against overhead burst. Leaders identify requirements for additional OHC based on threat capabilities.

Note. The following fighting position dimensions use the M4 rifle (or M7 rifle when fielded [stock extended/without suppressor]) with an approximant length of 33 inches/stock extended.

Two-Soldier Fighting Position with Built-Up Overhead Cover

5-234. Soldiers prepare a two-Soldier position in four stages. Leaders inspect the position at each stage before the Soldier moves to the next stage.

Stage 1 – Establish Sectors and Decide Whether to Build Overhead Cover Up or Down (H+0 to H+.5 Hours)

5-235. Leaders establish sectors of fire (see figure 5-26) and decide whether to build OHC up or down. Leaders consider the mission variables of METT-TC (I) to decide on the most appropriate fighting position to construct. For example, due to more open terrain the leader may decide to use built-down OHC.

Figure 5-26. Establishment of sectors of fire and building method

5-236. Leader’s checklist—

• Site position:
  • Check fields of fire from prone.
  • Assign sectors of fire (primary and secondary).
  • Emplace aiming and limiting stakes.
  • Emplace grazing fire logs or sandbags.
  • Decide whether to build OHC up or down, based on potential enemy observation of position.
• Prepare:
  • Scoop out elbow holes.
  • Trace position outline.
  • Clear primary and secondary fields of fire.
• Inspect:
  • Site location tactically sound.
  • Low profile maintained.
  • OHC material requirements identified according to paragraphs 5-260 to 5-266.

Stage 2 – Place Supports for Overhead Cover Stringers and Construct Parapet Retaining Walls (H+.5 to H+1.5 Hours)

5-237. During stage 2, Soldiers place supports for OHC stringers and construct parapet retaining walls. Stringers are long horizontal timbers, beams, poles, or pickets to support the roof (see table 5-6 on page 5-94). The parapet retaining wall supports the stringers and protects the front and rear edges of the roof. For an example, see figure 5-27 on page 5-88.

Figure 5-27. Placement of overhead cover supports and construction of retaining walls

5-238. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • OHC supports to front and rear of position:
    • Ensure at least 1 foot (about 1 helmet length) or 1/4 cut, whichever is greater, distance from the edge of the hole to the beginning of the supports needed for the OHC.
    • If logs or cut timber are used, secure in place with strong stakes about 2 to 3 inches in diameter and 18 inches long (short U-shaped picket will work).
    • Dig in stringer support (front and rear) about 1/2 the height.
  • Front retaining wall–at least 10 inches high (2 filled sandbags in-depth) and approximately 2 and 1/3 M4s/M7s long.
  • Rear retaining walls–at least 10 inches high and 1 and 1/3 M4s/M7s long.
  • Flank retaining walls:
    • At least 10 inches high and 1 and 1/3 M4s/M7s long.
    • Start digging hole; use soil to fill sandbags for walls.
• Inspect preparations:
  • Setback for OHC supports–minimum of 1 foot or 1/4 depth of cut.
  • Front retaining wall–at least 10 inches high (2 filled sandbags in-depth) and approximately 2 and 1/3 M4s/M7s long.
  • Rear retaining walls–at least 10 inches high and 1 and1/3 M4s/M7s long.
  • Flank retaining walls–at least 10 inches high and 1 and 1/3 M4s/M7s long.

Stage 3 – Dig Position, Build Parapets, and Place Stringers for Overhead Cover (H+1.5 to H+6 Hours)

5-239. During stage 3, Soldiers dig position, build parapets, and place stringers. For an example, see figure 5-28.

Figure 5-28. Dig position and build supports

5-240. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • Dig position:
    • Maximum depth is armpit deep (if soil condition permits).
    • Use spoil from hole to fill parapets in order of front, flanks, and rear.
    • Dig two grenade sumps in the floor (one on each end). If the enemy throws a grenade into the hole, kick or throw it into one of the sumps. The sump will absorb most of the blast. The rest of the blast will be directed straight up and out of the hole. Dig the grenade sumps as wide as the entrenching tool blade; at least as deep as an entrenching tool and as long as the position floor is wide (see figure 5-29 on page 5-90).
    • Dig a storage compartment in the bottom of the back wall; the size of the compartment depends on the amount of equipment and ammunition to be stored (see figure 5-30 on page 5-90).
    • Dig walls vertically.
    • If site soil properties cause unstable soil conditions, construct revetments, and consider sloping walls.
    • Sloped walls: First dig vertical hole and then slope walls at a 1:4 ratio (move 1 foot horizontally for each 4 feet vertically).
  • Install revetments to prevent wall collapse and/or cave-in:
    • Required in unstable soil conditions.
    • Use plywood or sheeting material and pickets to revet walls.
    • Tie back pickets and/or posts.
  • Place OHC stringers (see figure 5-31, reference paragraph 5-261):
    • Stringer: 2 inches x 4 inches, 4 inches x 4 inches, or pickets (U-facing down).
    • Standard OHC stringer length 8 feet (allows for length if sloping of walls occurs).
    • L equals stringer length and H equals stringer spacing.
    • Second layer of sandbags in front and rear retaining walls removed to place stringers. Replace these sandbags on top of stringers once stringers are properly positioned.
• Inspect:
  • Stringers firmly rest on structural support.
  • Stringer spacing based on values found on paragraph 5-261.
  • Lateral bracing placed between stringers at OHC supports.
  • Revetments built in unstable soil to prevent wall cave-in; walls sloped ifneeded.

Figure 5-29. Grenade sumps

Figure 5-30. Storage compartment

Figure 5-31. Build parapets and place stringers

Stage 4 – Install Overhead Cover and Camouflage (H+6 to H+11 Hours)

5-241. During stage 4, Soldiers install OHC and camouflage (they continue tore-camouflage throughout occupation as required) their position. See figure 5-32.

Figure 5-32. Install built-up overheard cover

5-242. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • Install OHC:
    • Use plywood, sheeting mat, or fighting position cover for dustproof layer (could be boxes, plastic panel, interlocked U-shaped pickets. Standard dustproof layer is 4 feet by 4 feet sheets of 3/4-inch plywood centered over dug position.
    • Nail plywood dustproof layer to stringers.
    • Use minimum of 18 inches of sand-filled sandbags for overhead burst protection (4 layers). As a minimum, these sandbags must cover an area that extends to the sandbags used for the front and rear retaining walls.
    • Use plastic or a poncho for waterproofing layer.
    • Fill center cavity with soil dug from hole and surrounding soil (see figure 5-33).
  • Camouflage position—use surrounding topsoil and camouflage screen systems.
• Inspect:
  • Dustproof layer-plywood or panels.
  • Sandbags filled 75 percent capacity.
  • Burst layer of filled sandbags at least 18 inches deep.
  • Waterproof layer in place.
  • Camouflage in place.
  • Position undetectable at 35 meters.
  • Soil used to form parapets, used to fill cavity, or spread to blend with surrounding ground.

Figure 5-33. Two-Soldier fighting position with built-up overhead cover

5-243. Table 5-6 on page 5-94 lists a summary of considerations for the construction of a deliberate fighting position.

Table 5-6. Considerations for construction

Two-Soldier Fighting Position with Built-Down Overhead Cover

5-244. A two-Soldier fighting position with built-down OHC lowers the profile of the fighting position (see figure 5-34), which aids in avoiding detection. Leader’s checklist remains the same as stated previously for a built-up OHC fighting position. However, there are three major differences and/or concerns as stated in paragraphs 5-245 through5-247.

5-245. Maximum height. The maximum height above ground for a built-down OHC should not exceed 12 inches. Parapets may be used up to a maximum height of 12 inches. Leaders must ensure that Soldiers taper OHC portions and parapets above ground surface to conform to the natural lay of the ground.

5-246. Adequate fighting space. The position is a minimum of 3 and 1/2 M4s/M7s in length. This provides Soldiers adequate fighting space between the end walls of the fighting position and the built-down OHC. This requires an additional 2.5 hours to dig.

5-247. Firing platform construction. When firing, Soldiers must construct a firing platform in the natural terrain upon which to rest their elbows. They position the firing platform to allow the use of the natural ground surface as a grazing fire platform.

Figure 5-34. Two-Soldier fighting position with built-down overhead cover (overhead view)

5-248. Figure 5-35 on page 5-96 view A depicts a fighting position in which no parapets are used, and the OHC is flush with the existing ground surface. View B depicts a Soldier utilizing a firing platform.

Figure 5-35. Two-Soldier fighting position with built-down overhead cover (side view)

One-Soldier Fighting Position

5-249. When a one-Soldier fighting position is required, (for example, for an ammunition bearer in a machine gun team), except for its size, a one-Soldier position is built the same way as a two-Soldier fighting position. The hole of a one-Soldier position is only large enough for the Soldier and personal equipment. The one-Soldier fighting position does not have the security of a two-Soldier position; therefore, it must allow a Soldier to shoot to the front or oblique from behind frontal cover.

Machine Gun Fighting Position

5-250. Machine gun fighting positions are usually positioned on a flank, so the gun’s designated FPL lies obliquely to the position, firing across the platoon’s front (see figure 5-36). When terrain does not support an FPL, the gun is laid on a PDF. A PDF or FPL is always the primary sector of fire and is fired from the tripod. To establish the orientation of the machine gun fighting position, the crew first positions the tripod on the designated PDF or FPL and then identifies the secondary sector of fire. The fighting position is then built around these two points.

5-251. Two Soldiers (gunner and assistant gunner) are required to work the weapon system. Therefore, the hole is shaped so both the gunner and assistant gunner can get to the gun and fire it from either side of the frontal protection. The gun’s height is reduced by digging the tripod platform down as much as possible. However, the platform is dug to keep the gun traversable across the entire sector of fire. The tripod is used on the side with the primary sector of fire, and the bipod legs are used on the side with the secondary sector. When changing from primary to secondary sectors, the machine gun is moved but the tripod stays in place. When a machine gun has only one sector of fire, the team digs only half of the position.

5-252. With a three-Soldier crew for a machine gun, the (ammunition bearer) digs a one-Soldier fighting position (see paragraph 5-249) to the flank. From this position, the Soldier can see and shoot to the front and oblique. Usually, the one-Soldier position is on the same side of the machine gun as its FPL or PDF. From that position, the Soldier can observe and fire into the machine gun’s secondary sector and, at the same time, see the gunner and assistant gunner. The ammunition bearer’s position is connected to the machine gun position by a crawl trench so that the ammunition bearer can bring ammunition to the gun or replace the gunner or the assistant gunner.

Figure 5-36. Machine gun fighting position with firing platforms

Stage 1 – Establish Sectors (Primary and Secondary) and Outline Position (H+0 to H+.5 Hours)

5-253. Leader’s checklist—

• Site position:
  • Check fields of fire from prone.
  • Assign sectors of fire (primary and secondary) and FPL or PDF.
  • Emplace aiming stakes.
  • Emplace grazing fire logs or sandbags.
  • Decide whether to build OHC up or down based on potential enemy observation of position.
• Prepare:
  • Mark position of the tripod legs where the gun can be laid on the FPL or PDF.
  • Trace position outline to include location of two distinct firing platforms.
  • Clear primary and secondary fields of fire.
• Inspect:
  • Site location tactically sound.
  • Low profile maintained.
  • OHC material requirements identified according to paragraphs 5-261 to 5-265.

Stage 2 – Dig Firing Platforms and/or Place Supports for Overhead Cover Stringer and/or Construct Parapet Retaining Walls (H + .5 to H + 1.0 Hours)

5-254. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • OHC supports to front and rear of position-OHC centered in position and supports placed according to steps established for stage 2 of the two-Soldier fighting position.
  • Rear retaining walls–Construction steps same as those established for stage 2 of the two-Soldier fighting position.
  • Start digging hole:
    • First dig firing platforms 6 to 8 inches deep and then position machine gun to cover primary sector of fire.
    • Use soil to fill sandbags for walls.
• Inspect:
  • Setback for OHC supports–minimum of 1 foot or 1/4 depth of cut.
  • Dig firing platforms to a depth of 6 to 8 inches.
  • Before moving to stage 3, position the machine gun to cover sector of fire.
  • Ensure machine gun can traverse sector freely.

Stage 3 – Dig Position, Build Parapets, and Place Stringers for Overhead Cover (H+1.0 to H+7 Hours)

5-255. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • Dig position:
    • Complete digging the position to a maximum depth if armpit deep around the firing platforms.
    • Use soil from hole to fill parapets in order of front, flanks, and rear.
    • Dig grenade sumps and slope floor toward them.
  • Install revetments to prevent wall collapse and/or cave-in if needed–follow same steps established for two-Soldier fighting position.
  • Place OHC stringers (see figure 5-31 on page 5-91, reference paragraph 5-240):
    • Follow same steps established for two-Soldier fighting position.
    • Minimum stringer length is 8 feet.
• Inspect:
  • Depth of cut is at least armpit deep (if soil conditions permit).
  • If unstable soil conditions exist, then revet walls.
  • Stringers firmly rest on structural support.
  • Lateral bracing of stringers placed between stringers at OHC supports.

Stage 4 – Install Overhead Cover and Camouflage (H+7 to H+12 Hours)

5-256. Leader’s checklist—

• Prepare:
  • Install OHC—for a machine gun position that is built the same as OHC for a two-Soldier fighting position.
  • Camouflage position:
    • Use surrounding topsoil and camouflage screen systems.
    • Ensure no enemy observation within 35 meters of position.
    • Use soil from hole to fill sandbags, OHC cavity, or spread to blend in with the surrounding ground.
• Inspect:
  • Dustproof layer—plywood or panels.
  • Sandbags filled 75 percent capacity.
  • Burst layer of filled sandbags at least 18-inches deep.
  • Waterproof layer in place.
  • Camouflage in place.
  • Position undetectable at 35 meters.
  • Soil used to form parapets, used to fill cavity, or spread to blend with surrounding ground.

Close-Combat Missile Fighting Position

5-257. The CCMS available to the Infantry rifle platoon is the Javelin Missile System (medium). The organization of Javelin CCMSs within the Infantry rifle platoon includes two Javelins teams within each Infantry weapons squad of the platoon. The AT4 CCMS system is available within each Infantry rifle squad. Paragraphs 5-258 and 5-259 discuss close combat missile fighting positions for the AT4 and Javelin.

AT4 Position

5-258. The AT4 is fired from any of the previously described fighting positions. However, all Soldiers must be alert to the hazards posed by backblast, particularly in terms of positioning fighting positions in depth, when firing from a two-Soldier position, or the risk of backblast deflection from walls, parapets, large trees, or other objects to the rear of the weapon. The front edge of a fighting position is a good elbow rest to help the Soldier steady the weapon and gain accuracy. Stability is better if the body is leaning against the position’s front or sidewall.

Standard Javelin Fighting Position with Overhead Cover

5-259. The standard Javelin fighting position has cover to protect Soldiers from direct and indirect fires (see figure 5-37). The position is prepared the same as the two-Soldier fighting position with two additional steps. First, the back wall of the position is extended and sloped rearward, which serves as storage area. Secondly, the front and side parapets are extended twice the length as the dimensions of the two-Soldier fighting position with the Javelin’s primary and secondary seated firing platforms added to both sides.

Figure 5-37. Standard Javelin fighting position

Note. When a Javelin is fired, the muzzle end extends 6 inches beyond the front of the position, and the rear launcher extends out over the rear of the position. As the missile leaves the launcher, stabilizing fins unfold. Soldiers must keep the weapon at least 6 inches above the ground when firing to leave room for the fins. OHC that would allow firing from beneath it is usually built if the backblast area is clear.

Class IV Material Requirements For Standard Overhead Cover

5-260. The Infantry rifle platoons works within the plan and assigned priorities of work to maximize the timely completion of all fighting positions. As the platoon begins preparations, the battalion establishes combat and field trains and begins to work the defensive logistical concerns that will assist the establishment of the defense, and the coordination with company trains to meet the platoon’s Class IV requirements (see paragraphs 5-261 to 5-266).

Note. Typically, each Soldier carries five to seven sandbags which is the starting set for building up the position.

5-261. Lateral supports and stringers:

• Cut timber:
  • 4 inches by 4 inches by 6 feet; Used for supports (need total of 3 each [2 inches front and 1 in rear]).
  • 4 inches by 4 inches by 8 feet; Used for stringers (need total of 9).
• Stringers spaced 6 inches on center.
• Single U-shaped picket beams:
  • Use pickets or cut timber for supports (6-foot length).
  • If used for supports, need 6 each 6-foot pickets for supports (3 front and 3 rear).
  • Need 11 each 8-foot pickets for stringers spaced 5 inches on center; open side facing down.

5-262. Dustproof layer:

• One (1) sheet of 3/4- or 1-inch plywood.
• (4 feet by 4 feet) for two-Soldier position and two sheets (4 feet by 4 feet) for machine gun position.
• See summary of materials (reference paragraph 5-266) for other materials to be used.

5-263. Sandbags:

• Front retaining wall, 12 each.
• Flank and rear retaining walls, 6 each times 3 equals 18 each.
• OHC: 76 each sandbag completely covers first layer while next 3 layers form perimeter only. These 3 layers form a cavity to be filled with surrounding soil to meet minimum 18-inch cover. Reference figure 5-32 on page 5-92 to visualize this process. Plan on one 75 percent full sandbag to be 10 inches by 15 inches by 5 inches.
• Position needs (limiting stakes and grazing fire, for example) 10 each.
• Total sandbags equal 116 each.

5-264. Waterproofing. Use poncho or plastic sheeting.

5-265. Revetments. 4 feet by 6 feet sheets of plywood and 3 each 6-foot U-shaped pickets for each front and rear wall.

5-266. In a combat situation, the Soldier may need to improvise construction of a survivability position by using materials not normally associated with the construction. Examples of field-expedient construction materials are listed in table 5-7.

Table 5-7. Field-expedient material

Next Page : Chapter 6 – Tactical Enabling Operations and Activities