6-63. Security is measures taken by a military unit, activity, or installation to protect itself against all acts designed to, or which may, impair its effectiveness (JP 3-10). Maintaining security is a constant theme of tactical movement (see section VIII). Security can prevent enemy surprise. Security requires everyone to concentrate on the enemy. This means leaders and Soldiers must be proficient in the basics of tactical movement (see chapter 3). Failure to attain proficiency diverts attention away from the enemy, thereby directly reducing the platoon’s ability to fight.
Planning And Preparation
6-64. During planning and preparation for movement, leaders analyze the enemy situation, determine known and likely enemy positions, and develop possible enemy courses of action (COAs) and contact. After first considering the enemy and terrain, leaders determine what security measures to emplace during tactical movement.
Enemy
6-65. Leaders must decide whether they are going to move aggressively to make contact, or stealthily to avoid contact. Either way, leaders must anticipate enemy contact throughout. If possible, leaders should avoid routes with obvious danger areas such as built-up areas, roads, trails, and known enemy positions. If these places cannot be avoided, risk management should be conducted to develop ways to reduce danger to the platoon or squad. If stealth is desired, the route should avoid contact with local inhabitants, built-up areas, and natural lines of drift.
6-66. Movement techniques help the leader manage the amount of security the platoon has during movement. Traveling is the least secure and used when contact is unlikely. Traveling overwatch is used when contact is likely but not imminent. Bounding overwatch is used when contact is imminent. The leader establishes the probable line of deployment (PLD) to indicate where the transition from traveling overwatch to bounding overwatch should occur. When in contact with the enemy, the platoon transitions from movement to maneuver (fire and movement) while the leader conducts actions on contact. (See figure 6-7 on page 6-24.)
Figure 6-7. Movement to maneuver
Terrain
6-67. Platoon and squads enhance their own security during movement using covered and concealed terrain; the use of the appropriate movement formation and movement technique; the actions taken to secure danger areas during crossing; the enforcement of noise, light, and emissions control (for example, thermal and electronic) discipline; and use of proper individual camouflage techniques. When planning and preparing for movement, leaders must consider how terrain affects security while simultaneously considering METT-TC (I). Some missions may require the platoon or individual squad to move on other than covered and concealed routes. While leaders may not be able to prevent the unit’s detection, they can ensure it moves on the battlefield in a time and place for which the enemy is unprepared. Particularly when moving in the open, leaders must avoid predictability and continue to use terrain to their advantage.
Execution
6-68. During execution, leaders enforce camouflage discipline (Soldiers and their equipment). Leaders ensure the camouflage used by their Soldiers is appropriate to the terrain and season. Platoon standard operating procedures (SOPs) specify elements of camouflage, noise and light discipline and emissions control; security halts; and actions at security halts.
Camouflage, Noise, And Light Discipline And Emissions Control
6-69. The platoon is visible to enemy forces and target acquisition capabilities on every spectrum, including visible light, sound, and across the electromagnetic spectrum. The platoon must take steps to eliminate or minimize all these signatures to prevent targeting. Natural or artificial materials may be used as camouflage to confuse, mislead, or evade the enemy. Leaders ensure all elements abide by strict execution of noise (this includes carried equipment) and light discipline and emissions control (for example, thermal and electronic). Infrared lights can provide additional illumination when necessary; however, peer threat forces can easily detect it. Radios and command and control systems all emit detectable signatures and must be used carefully; for instance, minimizing transmissions, reduced power settings, masking signals with terrain, and so forth, can help reduce the likelihood of detection. Cell phones must not be used under any circumstances.
Dismounted Security Halts
6-70. Units conducting tactical movement frequently make temporary halts. These halts range from brief to extended periods. For short halts, platoons use a cigar-shaped perimeter intended to protect the force while maintaining the ability to continue movement. When the platoon leader decides not to resume tactical movement immediately, the platoon leader transitions the platoon to a perimeter defense. The perimeter defense is used for longer halts or during lulls in combat.
Note. During short halts, Soldiers use a brief relief bag or cat-hole latrine. The cat-hole latrine is dug about 1 foot deep and wide, and it is completely covered and packed down after use. In temporary AAs (1 to 3 days), the straddle trench latrine is used unless permanent facilities are provided. (See ATP 4-25.12 for additional information on basic field sanitation.)
Cigar-Shaped Perimeter
6-71. When the unit halts, if terrain permits, Soldiers should move off the route and face out to cover the same sectors of fire they were assigned while moving, allowing passage through the center of the formation. This results in a cigar-shaped perimeter. Actions by subordinate leaders and their Soldiers occur without an order from the leader. Soldiers initially take a knee; however, if the platoon does not begin movement quickly, they automatically move to a covered position and take up a prone position facing out. If the halt lasts more than a few minutes, leaders reposition their Soldiers as necessary to take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire.
Perimeter Defense
6-72. When operating independently, the platoon uses a perimeter defense during extended halts, resupply, issuance of platoon orders, or lulls in combat. Normally the unit first occupies a short halt formation. Then after conducting a leader’s reconnaissance of the position and establishing security, the unit moves into the perimeter defense.
Mounted Security Halt
6-73. When vehicles are attached, the platoon (squad when moving independently) employs the coil, herringbone, and triangle “Y” formations to maintain 360-degree security when stationary. The coil provides all-round security and observation when the platoon is stationary. The platoon also uses the coil for tactical refueling, resupply, and issuing orders. When in a coil, leaders post security. (See figure 6-8.)
Figure 6-8. Coil formation
6-74. The patrol leader uses the herringbone and triangle during temporary halts or when getting off a road to allow another unit to pass. It lets the patrol move to covered and concealed positions off a road or from an open area and establishes all-round security without issued detailed instructions. The truck commander repositions their vehicles as necessary to take advantage of the best cover, concealment, and fields of fire. Fire team members dismount and establish security. (See figures 6-9 and 6-10.)
Figure 6-9. Herringbone formation
Figure 6-10. Triangle Y formation
Action At Halts
6-75. Table 6-3 lists the standard actions taken at halts by the Soldier, squad leader, and platoon leader.
Table 6-3. Actions at halts
Next Page : Section 7 – Security Operations