Platoon in the Defense

Question 1

(2) Types of Defenses

Answer 1

Hasty: organized while in contact with the enemy or when contact is imminent and time available to organize is limited
Deliberate: organized when out of contact with the enemy or when contact with the enemy is not imminent and time for organization is available. A deliberate defense normally includes fortifications, strongpoints, extensive use of obstacles, and fully integrated fires

Question 2

(3) Types of Defensive Operations

Answer 2

Mobile: mobile defense destroys an attacking enemy through maneuver and offensive action
Area: distributes the bulk of the defending force on terrain where the decisive battle is to be fought
Retrograde: Organized movement away from the enemy. A transitional operation, the retrograde defense occurs within a larger scheme designed to regain the initiative from the enemy

Question 2

(10) Characteristics of the Defense

Answer 2

• Maneuver
• Preparation
• Defense in Depth
• Mass & Concentration
• Flexibility
• Use of terrain
• Mutual Support
• Surprise
• Knowledge of the Enemy
• Local Security

Question 3

(7) Steps of EA Development

Answer 3

1. Identify all likely EN avenues of approach (METT-TC)
2. Determine EN likely SOM (EMLCOA)
3. Determine where to kill the EN (CG/CV/EXP)
4. Emplace weapons systems (Direct fire planning) [SOM]
5. Plan and integrate obstacles [SOM]
6. Plan and integrate indirect fires (organic/ non-organic) [FSP]
7. Conduct EA Rehearsal [S in BAMCIS]

Question 4

Scheme of Maneuver in the Defense (TDOOTS)

Answer 4

T: Type & Method of defense (Area defense using Battle Position)
D: Distribution of forces (Main effort, SE1, SE2, SE3, etc.)
O: Orientation (Cardinal direction, South)
O: Occupation method (Crows foot, bent L, etc.)
T: Tactical Control Measures (TCMs) this includes every TCM to get the platoon from the Assembly Area to the defense and every TCM within the defense (TRPs, Trigger lines, etc.)
S: Security plan (Security postures such as stand-to, LP/OPs, patrolling efforts, etc.)

Question 5

Priorities of Defensive Leader’s Recon

Answer 5

The number one priority for a defensive leader’s reconnaissance is to identify/confirm the engagement area. All other aspects of the defense will be based on the specific selection of an engagement area.

1.) ID/confirm all enemy avenues of approach
2.) ID/confirm enemy’s most likely course of action (EMLCOA), this identifies
the location of the engagement area
3.) ID squad sectors of fire and location of crew-served weapons
4.) Mark sectors of fire, TRPs, trigger lines, etc.
5.) Confirm and/or refine occupation plan, marking designated release points