Section 3 – Movement to Contact

4-55. Movement to contact is a type of offensive operation designed to develop the situation and establish or regain contact. It ends when enemy contact is made. The platoon usually conducts movement to contact as part of an Infantry rifle company or larger element. Based upon the mission variables of METT-TC (I), the platoon may conduct the operation independently. Search and attack, and cordon and search are variations of a movement to contact (see note below).

Note. In an environment focused on stability operations, the Infantry platoon typically operates under more restrictive rules of engagement (ROE) and will typically conduct either a cordon and search or search and attack when conducting a movement to contact. Cordon and search is a variation of movement to contact where a friendly force isolates and searches a target area (FM 3-90). Search and attack is variation of a movement to contact where a friendly force conducts coordinated attacks to defeat a distributed enemy force (FM 3-90). (See ATP 3-21.10 and ATP 3-21.20 for additional information on each variation.)

Conduct Of A Movement to Contact

4-56. Purposeful and aggressive movement, decentralized control, and hasty deployment of formations from the march to conduct offensive operations characterize the movement to contact. The fundamentals of movement to contact—

  • Focus all efforts on finding the enemy.
  • Make initial contact with the smallest force possible, consistent with protecting the force.
  • Make initial contact with small, mobile, self-contained forces to avoid decisive engagement of the main body on ground chosen by the enemy. This allows the leader maximum flexibility to develop the situation.
  • Task-organizes the force and uses movement formations to deploy and attack rapidly in all directions.
  • Keep subordinate forces within supporting distances to facilitate a flexible response.
  • Maintains contact regardless of the COA adopted once contact is made.

Organization of Forces

4-57. The Infantry rifle platoon normally conducts movement to contact as part of a company within the battalion; however, based on the mission variables of METT-TC (I)it can conduct the operation independently. As an example, the platoon may conduct a movement to contact prior to occupation of a screen line (see FM 3-98) or to expand an airhead line, assault objective, or security area boundary (see FM 3-99). Because the enemy situation is not clear, the platoon moves in a way that provides security and supports a rapid buildup of combat power against enemy units once they are identified. If no contact occurs, the platoon might be directed to conduct consolidate on the line, objective, or boundary. The platoon leader analyzes the situation and selects the proper movement formation and movement technique (see chapter 3 section II) to conduct the mission. The leader reports all information rapidly and accurately and strives to gain and maintain contact with the enemy. The platoon leader retains freedom of maneuver by moving the platoon in a manner that—

  • Employs a movement formation and technique that keeps the bulk of the platoon out of contact and able to maneuver when making contact.
  • Rapidly develops the situation to gain understanding of the disposition of threat forces.
  • Ensures continuous, effective overwatch of moving elements.
  • Ensures the platoon’s elements are not fixed in position by enemy fires.
  • Gains fire superiority when in contact to suppress enemy forces.

Note. In both the offense and defense, forms of contact occur when a unit encounters any situation that requires an active or passive response to a threat or potential threat. The nine forms of contact are direct; indirect; nonhostile; obstacle; CBRN; aerial; visual; electromagnetic; and influence. The conduct of tactical offensive and defensive operations most often involves contact using the visual, direct, and indirect forms.

4-58. When the Infantry rifle platoon conducts a movement to contact within the Infantry rifle company as part of the Infantry battalion’s independent movement to contact, the battalion normally organizes (as a minimum) with its companies and platoons allocated within the forward security force and a main body. (See figure 4-5 on page 4-22.) The forward security force generally comprises a reconnaissance and surveillance force (can be detailed from both the maneuver companies and the scout platoon), an advance guard, and flank and rear security. The main body consists of forces not detailed to security duties. Combat elements of the main body prepare to respond to enemy contact with security forces. Fire support teams (FISTs) may displace forward so they can respond to calls for fire immediately. The main body follows the advance guard and keeps enough distance between itself and the advance guard to maintain flexibility. The Infantry battalion commander may designate a portion of the main body as the reserve. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Figure 4-5. Notional organization of forces for a movement to contact

Control Measures

4-59. Execution of a movement to contact usually starts from an LD at the time specified in the operation order (OPORD). The unit’s movement is controlled by phase lines, contact points, and checkpoints as required. The depth of the movement to contact is usually controlled by a limit of advance—a phase line used to control forward progress of the attack (ADP 3-90)—or a forward boundary—a boundary that delineates the forward edge of a unit’s area of operation (FM 3-90). A lateral boundary is a boundary defining the left or right limit of a unit’s assigned area (FM 3-90). One or more objectives is designated to limit the extent of the movement to contact and to orient the force. However, these are often terrain-oriented (commonly called march objectives)and used only to guide movement. Although movement to contact may result in taking a terrain objective, the primary focus should be on the enemy force. The leader can designate a series of phase lines successively becoming the new rear boundary—a boundary that delineates the rearward limits of a unit’s assigned area (FM 3-90)—of forward security elements as the force advances. Each rear boundary becomes the forward boundary of the main body and shifts as the security force moves forward. The rear boundary of the main body designates the limit of responsibility of the rear security element. This line also shifts as the main body moves forward. When enough information is available to locate a significant enemy force(s), then another type of offensive operation (for example, an attack) should be conducted. (See FM 3-90 for additional information.)

Sequence of Events, Example

4-60. Most platoon movement to contacts will follow a sequence of events as part of a larger movement to contact. This sequence of events is used for discussion purposes and is not the only way to sequence a movement to contact. With any sequence, leaders understand events will vary depending on the mission variables of METT-TC (I) and to some degree, events will overlap. The sequence of events includes:

  • TAA.
  • Reconnaissance and surveillance.
  • Movement to the LD.
  • Movement after the LD.
  • Initial engagement (transition to a maneuver plan).

Tactical Assembly Area

4-61. A tactical assembly area is an area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location where units make final preparations (precombat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line of departure (JP 3-35). Prior to establishing the TAA, a quartering party—a group dispatched to a new assigned area in advance of the main body (FM 3-90)—secures, reconnoiters, and organizes the TAA before the main body’s arrival and occupation. A quartering party is a group of unit representatives dispatched to a probable new site of operations in advance of the main body. Guides within the quartering party guide the different elements of the main body into assigned locations within the TAA.

4-62. Once the TAA is established, the platoon prepares for upcoming operations and leaders plan, direct, and supervise mission preparations. This time allows the platoon and squads to conduct precombat checks (PCCs), precombat inspections (PCIs), rehearsals, and sustainment activities. The platoon typically conducts these preparations within a company TAA, as it rarely occupies its own TAA. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Reconnaissance And Surveillance

4-63. All leaders should aggressively seek information about the terrain and enemy. Because the enemy situation and available planning time may limit a unit’s reconnaissance and surveillance activities, the platoon usually conducts reconnaissance to answer the CCIRs. An example is reconnoitering and timing routes from the TAA to the LD. The platoon may augment the efforts of the battalion scout platoon to answer the CCIRs. For example, the platoon may conduct an area or zone reconnaissance to reconnoiter an identified named area of interest (NAI). A named area of interest is a geospatial area or systems node or link against which information that will satisfy a specific information requirement can be collected, usually to capture indications of enemy and adversary courses of action (JP 2-0). Other forms of reconnaissance and surveillance provided to the platoon may include information from maps and terrain software/databases and unmanned aircraft systems. Updates from reconnaissance and surveillance activities can occur at any time while the platoon and squad are planning for, preparing for, or executing the mission. As a result, leaders must be prepared to adjust their plans.

Movement To The Line of Departure

4-64. The platoon and squad typically move from the TAA to the LD as part of the company movement plan. This plan may direct the platoon or squad to move to an attack position—the last position an attacking force occupies or passes through before crossing the line of departure (ADP 3-90)—and await orders to cross the LD. If so, the platoon leader reconnoiters, times, and rehearses the route to the attack position. Squad leaders know where they are to locate within the assigned attack position. The company commander may order all platoons to move within a company formation from the TAA directly to the point of departure—the point where the unit crosses the line of departure and begins moving along a direction of attack (ADP 3-90). If one PD is used, it is important the lead platoon and trail platoons reconnoiter, time, and rehearse the route to the point. This allows the company commander to maintain synchronization. To maintain flexibility and to maintain synchronization, a PD along the LD may be designated for each platoon. Movement to and/or across the LD may entail a forward passage of line (see chapter 6 section III for additional information).

Movement After The Line Of Departure

4-65. A movement to contact usually starts from a line of departure—in land warfare, a line designated to coordinate the departure of attack elements (JP 3-31)—at the time specified in the OPORD or fragmentary order (FRAGORD). The platoon leader controls the movement to contact of the platoon by using phase lines, contact points, and checkpoints as required and controls the depth of the movement to contact by using an LOA or a forward boundary. March objectives (one or more) may be used to limit the extent of the movement to contact and orient the force. This movement is often terrain-oriented and used only to guide the force. Although a movement to contact may result in taking a terrain objective, the primary focus should be on the enemy force. When the platoon leader has enough information to locate significant enemy forces, the leader should plan another type of offensive action.

4-66. Platoon leaders plan the approach for the movement to contact, ensuring synchronization, security, speed, and flexibility by selecting the platoon’s routes, movement formation, and movement technique. Leaders must be prepared to make contact with the enemy. They must plan accordingly to reinforce the company commander’s needs for synchronization, security, speed, and flexibility. During the movement to contact, the platoon leader may exercise disciplined initiative and alter the platoon’s movement formation and movement technique or speed to maintain synchronization with the other platoons and squads. This retains flexibility for the company commander.

Initial Engagement

4-67. Usually within the platoon’s movement technique (see paragraphs 3-85 to 3-97)during a movement to contact, the lead element, (usually a fire team or rifle squad) will make the initial contact with the enemy. Upon making contact, the lead element deploys and report, and evaluated and develops the situation. The lead element determines the size and activity of the enemy force and avoids being fixed or destroyed. If possible, the lead element avoids detection. When the enemy is moving, the lead element determines the direction of movement and the size and composition of the force. After evaluating and developing the situation, the element leader proposes a COA to use against the enemy. The element leader or attached FO can disrupt lead enemy forces by placing indirect fires on the enemy forces. Speed of selecting a COA and execution is critical when the enemy is moving. When the enemy is stationary, the lead element determines if the enemy is occupying prepared positions and is reinforced by obstacles and minefields. The lead element tries to identify any crew-served weapon or antitank (AT)weapon positions, the enemy’s flanks, and gaps in positions. The lead element passes this combat information and proposed COA to the platoon leader to assess the information and further develop the situation, if required. Developing the situation and achieving an understanding of the enemy force is critical to deciding how to continue the engagement.

4-68. When the rifle platoon (or the platoon is the lead element of a company advance guard) is committed as the advance guard, the squad (see figure 4-6 on page 4-27), or platoon (see figure 4-7 on page 4-40) maneuvers to overpower and destroy a small security team or squad-size element, respectively. Commitment against a larger force or an enemy strong point normally requires the deployment of the movement to contact’s main body (see ATP 3-21.10). The advance guard protects the main body by fixing enemy forces, which allows the movement to contact’s main body to retain its freedom to maneuver. In developing the situation, the advance guard platoon leader/commander maintains pressure on the enemy by fire and movement. The advance guard probes and conducts a vigorous reconnaissance of the enemy’s flanks to determine the enemy’s exact location, composition, and disposition. Once contact is made with an enemy force, there are one of five planned options—attack, defend, bypass, delay, or withdraw.

Figure 4-6. Initial engagement, example (squad assault)

4-69. During planning, the five options are war-gamed, generating branch plans and decision points based on the current situation. The lead element within the platoon/company, most likely the lead team/squad of the lead squad/platoon respectively, conducting the advanced guard develops the situation and reports, generating a decision by the higher commander. The decision points determined during war gaming define the conditions in terms of the enemy and friendly strengths and dispositions that are likely to trigger the execution of each option. Likely locations of enemy engagements are based on known or suspected enemy locations. The higher commander states the bypass criteria for the advance guard recognizing the loss of tempo that is created by the lead element fighting every small enemy force it encounters. Bypass criteria are measures established by higher echelon headquarters that specify the conditions and size under which enemy units and contact may be avoided (FM 3-90). Normally, the higher commander makes the final decision for execution of an option based on the progress of the initial engagement of the advance guard. The movement to contact generally ends with the commitment of the main body. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Operations Process

4-70. In addition to the fundamentals of the operations process described in ADP 5-0, when planning and preparing for a movement to contact the platoon leader and subordinate leaders within the platoon recognize complexity; balance resources, capabilities, and activities; recognize planning horizons; and avoid pitfalls throughout the operations process.

Note. The Army’s framework for exercising command and control is the operations process (plan, prepare, execute, and assess). See ADP 5-0 and FM 5-0 for additional information.

Plan

4-71. As in any type of operation, the platoon leader plans to focus operations on finding the enemy and then delaying, disrupting, and destroying each enemy force as much as possible before direct-fire range. During troop leading procedures (TLP), the platoon leader analyzes the terrain to include enemy air avenues of approach and the enemy’s most dangerous COA as determined in the war-gaming portion of the TLP. (See chapter 2 for additional information on TLP.) Due to the uncertainty of the enemy’s precise location, the analysis during TLP may consist of multiple contingencies and branch plans. Because of the platoon’s vulnerability, by the nature of a movement to contact, the enemy must not be underestimated.

4-72. The plan for the movement to contact addresses not only actions anticipated by the platoon leader based on available intelligence products and assessments, but also the conduct of meeting engagements—combat action that occurs when a moving force engages an enemy at an unexpected time and place (FM 3-90)—at anticipated times and locations where they might occur. The platoon leader enhances platoon security through a thorough analysis of the enemy as part of step 3 of TLP (make a tentative plan). The interpretation of the intelligence preparation of the operational environment (known as IPOE) products provided by the battalion through the company, and on-going understanding of the company commander’s visualization of the enemy and indicating danger areas where the platoon is most likely to make contact shapes the outcome of the enemy analysis. In analyzing the enemy, the platoon leader must understand the IPOE. Although the platoon leader does prepare IPOE products for use in preparation of analysis, and orders, the leader does not prepare individual products for subordinates. The platoon leader must be able to use the products of the battalion’s IPOE effectively during mission analysis and be able to inform subordinates based on the compilation of platoon and higher IPOE products.

4-73. During the mission analysis conducted during step 3 of TLP, consideration of terrain and weather help to identify potential danger areas that are likely enemy defensive locations, engagement areas, observation posts, and obstacles. Fire support plans target potential danger areas, and they become on-order targets placed into effect and cancelled as the lead element can confirm or deny enemy presence. Air-ground operations enable fire superiority when organized correctly to fire immediate suppression missions to help maneuver forces get within direct-fire range of the enemy. The platoon movement to contact order must address coverage of these danger areas not only based on actions anticipated but also on available intelligence products and assessments.

4-74. Lead elements of the movement to contact should have sufficient uncommitted forces to develop the situation without requiring the deployment of the main body in most cases. The platoon leader can rely on fire support assets to weight lead element combat power, but still provides the lead element with the combat multipliers (for example, internal to the platoon—a machine gun team, external to the platoon—company mortars, and/or external to the company—combat engineers) they need to accomplish their mission. The frontage assigned to the platoon and delegated to lead elements in a movement to contact must allow them to apply sufficient combat power to maintain the momentum of the operation. The frontage should also provide for efficient movement of the force.

4-75. Unless there is a specific need to designate a main effort, the platoon leader may choose to retain control of any attached or organic assets. In this case, the platoon leader would designate a main effort and weight it accordingly upon contact with the enemy. Bypass criteria, which are measures during the conduct of a movement to contact, may be established by higher headquarters that specify the conditions and size under which enemy units and contact may be avoided. Bypass criteria are clearly stated by the higher commander, and dependent on the mission variables of METT-TC (I). Criteria may also include maneuver around an obstacle or position to maintain the momentum of the operation.

4-76. A platoon leader uses the minimal number and type of control measures possible in a movement to contact because of the uncertain enemy situation. Control measures from higher may include designation of a platoon AO with left, right, front, and rear boundaries, or a separate AO bounded by a continuous boundary (noncontiguous operations). Boundaries are used to separate elements and clearly establish responsibilities between different elements. The platoon leader may further divide the AO into subordinate unit AO to facilitate subordinate unit actions.

4-77. The movement to contact usually starts from an LD at the time specified in the OPORD. The platoon leader controls the operation by using phase lines, contact points, and checkpoints as required. The platoon leader may control the depth of the movement to contact by using an LOA or a forward boundary. One or more objectives to limit the extent of the movement to contact and orient the force may be established. These control measures along with mission orders, coupled with battle drills and formation discipline, synchronize the movement to contact. When an axis of advance is used, for example, in limited visibility, the risk of enemy forces outside the axis not being detected, and thus being inadvertently by passed must be understood. The platoon leader plans for the array and disposition of forces (for example, a hasty defense) when contact with the enemy is not made, or at the end of the movement to contact. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Prepare

4-78. During preparation, the platoon leader and subordinate leaders must receive the most current information from organic and higher echelon information collection assets. The company commander must ensure that FRAGORDs are published and that plans are updated to reflect any changes to the platoon’s mission. The platoon leader must ensure subordinates understand the company commander’s intent and concept of operations and the platoon’s concept of operations and platoon’s intent, in addition to their individual missions even as new information becomes available. The platoon leader uses confirmation briefs, back briefs, and rehearsals to ensure missions are understood and all actions are integrated and synchronized. Simple plans that are flexible and rehearsed repetitively against various enemy conditions and that rely on established tactical standard operating procedures (SOPs) are essential to success.

4-79. Subordinate unit preparations are reviewed to ensure they are consistent with the platoon leader’s intent and concept of operations. Subordinate rehearsals should emphasize movement through danger areas, actions on contact, passage of lines, and transitions. The platoon leader and subordinate leaders ensure subordinate units (to include attachments) understand assigned missions during movement and maneuver options during execution. Plans are war-gamed and rehearsed against enemy COAs that would cause the platoon and/or squads to execute various maneuver options at different times and locations. The goal is to rehearse situations that may arise during execution to promote flexibility while reinforcing the platoon leader’s intent.

4-80. The platoon leader seeks to rehearse the operation from initiation to occupation of the final march objective or LOA. Rehearsals include decision points and actions taken upon each decision. Often, the platoon leader prioritizes maneuver options and enemy COAs to be rehearsed based on the time available. The rehearsal focuses on locating the enemy, developing the situation, executing transition to a maneuver option, exercising direct and indirect fire control measures, and exploiting success. The rehearsal must consider the potential of encountering stationary or moving enemy forces. (See chapter 2 for additional information on preparation activities, specifically inspections.) Other actions to consider during rehearsals include—

  • Lead element actions on contact.
  • Actions to cross danger areas.
  • Main body (participating as or in advance guard), making contact with a small enemy force.
  • Main body (participating as or in advance guard), making contact with a large force beyond its capabilities to defeat.
  • Main body (participating as or in advance guard), making contact with an obstacle reconnaissance forces and surveillance assets did not identify and report.
  • Flank/rear security force (participating in higher echelon movement to contact), making contact with a small force.
  • Flank/rear security force (participating in higher echelon movement to contact), making contact with a large force beyond its capability to defeat.
  • Actions to report and bypass—a tactical mission task in which a unit deliberately avoids contact with an obstacle or enemy force (FM 3-90)—of an enemy force (based on bypass criteria).
  • Maneuver options and transitions.

Execute

4-81. During execution, the platoon moves rapidly to maintain the advantage of a rapid tempo. However, the platoon leader must balance the need for speed with the requirement for security. The platoon leader bases the decision on the effectiveness of higher echelon reconnaissance and surveillance efforts, effects of terrain, and the enemy’s capabilities. The platoon leader closely tracks the movement and location of subordinate squads, attachments, and adjacent units. This ensures that battalion and/or company security forces provide adequate security for the main body and that they remain within supporting range of the main body, mortars, and field artillery. The platoon synchronizes its actions with adjacent and supporting units, maintaining contact and coordination as prescribed in orders and unit SOP. The following paragraphs discuss executing a movement to contact (the platoon is subordinate to the company for this discussion) using the four-step tactical framework of the offense discussed earlier in this chapter.

Find the Enemy

4-82. Reconnaissance forces and surveillance assets focus on determining the enemy’s dispositions, providing the platoon leader through the company with relevant combat information. This relevant information helps to ensure subordinate squads and attachments are committed under optimal conditions. The platoon leader uses all available sources of intelligence and combat information to find the enemy’s location and dispositions. With this information, the platoon leader and squad leaders work to ensure that the platoon, as the lead element of the company, makes enemy contact with the smallest element possible to preserve combat power and conceal the size and capabilities of the company main body following the lead element.

Fix the Enemy

4-83. Once contact is made, security forces and main body forces brings overwhelming fires onto the enemy to prevent the enemy, for example, from conducting a withdrawal, spoiling attack, or organizing a defense. Lead elements maneuver as quickly as possible to find gaps—areas free of obstacles that enable forces to maneuver in a tactical formation (FM 3-90)—in the enemy’s defense or where to position an attack on an assailable flank of the enemy. While assessing the situation the platoon leader continues to gather as much information as possible about the enemy’s dispositions, strengths, capabilities, and intentions. As more information becomes available, lead elements and the main body attack to destroy or disrupt enemy command and control centers, fire control nodes, and communication nets.

4-84. The security force leader, (for example, the platoon leader), initiates the platoon’s maneuver at a tempo the enemy cannot match, since success in a meeting engagement(see paragraph 4-72) depends upon actions on contact. The security force, in this case the platoon, does not allow the enemy to maneuver against the protected main body of the company. The organization, size, and combat power of a security force are major factors determining the size of the enemy force it can defeat without deploying the main body. The techniques the security force leader employs to fix—a tactical mission task in which a unit prevents the enemy from moving from a specific location for a specific period (FM 3-90)—the enemy when both forces are moving are different from those employed when the enemy force is stationary during the meeting engagement. In both situations, when the security force cannot overrun the enemy by conducting a hasty operation, (for example, a frontal attack [see paragraph 4-14]), a portion of the main body is deployed. When this occurs, the unit is no longer conducting movement to contact but an attack. (See section IV for additional information on hasty versus deliberate operations and the attack.)

Finish the Enemy

4-85. If the security force, (for example, the platoon), cannot overrun the enemy with a frontal attack or by attacking an assailable flank of the enemy, the security force leader then fixes the enemy, if possible. The main body commander then quickly maneuvers units of the main body to conduct an attack (for example, an attack on an assailable flank) that overwhelms the enemy force before it can react or be reinforced. The main body commander attempts to defeat the enemy in detail while still maintaining the momentum of the advance. Defeat in detail is concentrating overwhelming combat power against separate parts of a force rather than defeating the entire force at once (ADP 3-90). Defeat in detail can occur sequentially or separately. It may finish during follow through. After an attack, the main body resumes the movement to contact and establishes another lead element (security force) moving ahead of the main body along the direction of attack or to the next march objective. If the enemy is not defeated in detail, the commander has two main options: bypass or transition to a more deliberate operation (for example, to attack or defend).

4-86. Once the forward security element, (for example, the platoon), commits to fixing the enemy main body units deploy rapidly to the vicinity of the contact. The main body commander coordinates forward passage through security forces in contact as required. The intent is to deliver the assault before the enemy can deploy or reinforce engaged forces. The main body commander or a higher commander may order an attack from a march column, for example, platoon(s) or company, from one of the main body’s columns, while the rest of the main body deploys. The commander also can wait to attack until bringing the bulk of the main body forward. This avoids piecemeal commitment except when rapidity of action is essential, combat superiority at the vital point is present and can be maintained throughout the attack, or when compartmentalized terrain forces a different COA. When trying to conduct an envelopment (see paragraph 4-15), the commander focuses on attacking the enemy’s flanks and rear before the enemy prepares to counter these actions. The commander uses the security force to fix the enemy while the main body maneuvers to look for an assailable flank. Elements of the main body also can be used to fix the enemy while the security force finds the assailable flank. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

Follow Through

4-87. If the enemy is defeated, the unit transitions back into movement to contact and continue to advance. The movement to contact terminates when the unit reaches the final march objective or LOA, or transitions to a more deliberate operation, attack, area defense, or retrograde.

Assess

4-88. By the nature of a movement to contact, when the enemy situation is vague or not specific enough to conduct another operation, the platoon leader assesses and reassesses the mission prior to and during the movement to contact. Assessment is the continuous monitoring and evaluation of a current situation, and the progress of an operation. It involves deliberately comparing forecasted outcomes to actual events to determine the overall effectiveness of force employment. Assessment allows the platoon leader to maintain accurate situational awareness and to a lesser degree situational understanding. Continued monitoring and evaluation of the current situation helps the platoon leader make timely and accurate decisions. Assessment of effects is determining how the platoon actions have succeeded against the enemy. Effects typically are assessed by measure of performance and measure of effectiveness. (See ATP 3-21.10 for additional information.)

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