SOJT-AC 21 JAN 98
MEMORANDUM FOR RECORD
SUBJECT: Cover Sheet for Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
1. This Block of instruction is rated at MEDIUM level intensity of training.
2. This program of instruction contains the following documents:
a. Summary / Instructor's Guide.
b. Program of Instruction.
c. USARSO Form 36 Risk Assesment Worksheet
3. This POI was last reviewed and approved on __________________.
4. POC for this POI is Team #1, A Company at 289-6260.
ROBERT G. JOHNSON
MAJ, SF
Commanding
SUMMARY / INSTRUCTOR'S GUIDE
JUNGLE COMBAT TECHNIQUES, POI # 0110 21 JAN 98
1. Instructional Intent:
a. Narrative: The Jungle Combat Techniques instruction consists of three phases: Phase I consists of JOTB Cadre led instruction (talk thru/walk thru) on the following tasks: Move Tactically, Cross a Danger Area, and Battle Drills: React to Contact and Platoon Attack. Phase II is the unit’s Prepare for Combat phase in preparation for the STX lane. During this phase, the unit will rehearse the techniques taught in phase I and conduct pre combat inspections prior to executing the lane. Phase III consists of the Platoon Attack STX lane and AAR. The AAR will be facilitated by the JOTB Cadre. The training ends with an instructor summary of the day’s training.
b. Hours / Method / Ratio: 1/C/1:40 1.5/PE/1:40 2.5/PE/1:40 3/PE/1:40
c. References:
(1) FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
(2) ARTEP 7-8 Mission Training Plan for Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
(3) ARTEP 7-8-DRILL
(4) FM 90-5 Jungle Operations
2. Training Objectives:
a. Task: Understand the Special Considerations of Jungle Terrain.
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Become familiar with the effects of jungle terrain on combat operations IAW FM 90-5
b. Task: Select the Proper Movement Formation
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each movement formation in the jungle environment using the criterias: MTETT, Control, Security, Flexibility, and Fire Capability/Restriction.
SUMMARY / INSTRUCTOR’S GUIDE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI# 0110
c. Task: Operate Using the Jungle Movement Formation
Conditions: Instructor led talk-thru/walk-thru with the platoon in a jungle environment with all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment.
Standard: The platoon moves utilizing the Jungle Movement Formation IAW FM 90-5.
d. Task: Identify and Cross a Danger Area
Conditions: Instructor led talk-thru/walk-thru with the platoon in a jungle environment with all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP.
e. Task: Conduct Battle Drill 1A: Platoon Attack.
Conditions: Given a platoon in a jungle environment with all TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours. Given an OPORD and a dedicated OPFOR element.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP, ARTEP 7-8-Drill, and FM 90-5.
3. Safety and Environmental Considerations:
a. Hazards: (See USARSO Form 36)
b. Controls: (See USARSO Form 36)
c. Medical Requirements: Organic medic with platoon. A minimum of one qualified Combat Lifesaver with complete Combat Lifesaver bag per platoon.
4. Advance Assignments: None
SUMMARY / INSTRUCTOR’S GUIDE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI# 0110
5. Unit Training Concept:
a Narrative: The Jungle Combat Techniques instruction consists of three phases: Phase I consists of JOTB Cadre led instruction (talk thru/walk thru) on the following tasks: Move Tactically, Cross a Danger Area, and Battle Drills: React to Contact and Platoon Attack. Phase II is the unit’s Prepare for Combat phase in preparation for the STX lane. During this phase, the unit will rehearse the techniques taught in phase I and conduct pre combat inspections prior to executing the lane. Phase III consists of the Platoon Attack STX lane and AAR. The AAR will be facilitated by the JOTB Cadre. The training ends with an instructor summary of the day’s training.
b. Phases:
(1) Phase I Class (talk thru/walk thru) 2.5 HRS.
(2) Phase II Platoon Prepare for combat 2.5 HRS.
(3) Phase III STX Lane: Platoon Attack 3 HRS..
(4) Summary 15 min.
c. Time Schedule:
(1) 0630-0700 Movement to training site
(2) 0700-0800 Conference
(3) 0800-0930 Instructor led talk thru/walk thru
(4) 0930-1200 Platoon Rehearsals/Prepare for combat
(5) 1200-1500 STX Lane: Platoon Attack/AAR
(6) 1500-1515 Summary
6. Uniform and Equipment:
a. Instructors: Face and hands camoflaged, booney hat, BDUs, LBE, MX radio.
b. Students: Blank firing adapters, Kevlar, BDUs, LBE, all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment.
7. Instructor Checklist:
SUMMARY / INSTRUCTOR’S GUIDE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI# 0110
a. Location:
(1) Pavon Hill VIC PA 125312
(2) LZ Utter VIC PA 105298
(3) KD Range VIC PA 143345
b. Prior Coordinations: Team Chief coordinates with Company Commander 24 Hrs. prior. Friday prior to picking up the rotation the JCT lanes will be checked. Gather all the charts and draw artillery simulators from company operations. Sunday during leaders brief, pass out the JCT coordination memo and OPORD for the Platoon Attack STX to the first unit commander who is going through JCT on Monday morning.
c. Instructor Equipment Required:
(1) Flip Charts with appropriate manuals, POI folder and MILES cards.
(2) 3 Motorolas with extra batteries (1 for OC, 2 for OPFOR element)
(3) Risk Assessment Worksheet (USARSO Form 36)
LESSON OUTLINE
JUNGLE COMBAT TECHNIQUES, POI # 0110 21 JAN 98
1. Instructional Intent
a. Narrative: The Jungle Combat Techniques instruction consists of three phases: Phase I consists of JOTB Cadre led instruction (talk thru/walk thru) on the following tasks: Move Tactically, Cross a Danger Area, and Battle Drills: React to Contact and Platoon Attack. Phase II is the unit’s Prepare for Combat phase in preparation for the STX lane. During this phase, the unit will rehearse the techniques taught in phase I and conduct pre combat inspections prior to executing the lane. Phase III consists of the Platoon Attack STX lane and AAR. The AAR will be facilitated by the JOTB Cadre. The training ends with an instructor summary of the day’s training.
b. Hours/ Method/Ratio: 1/C/1:40 1.5/PE/1:40 2.5/PE/1:40 3/PE/1:40
c. References:
(1) FM 7-8 Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
(2) ARTEP 7-8 Mission Training Plan for Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad
(3) ARTEP 7-8-DRILL
(4) FM 90-5 Jungle Operations
2. Training Objectives:
a. Task: Understand the Special Considerations of Jungle Terrain.
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Become familiar with the effects of jungle terrain on combat operations IAW FM 90-5.
b. Task: Select the Proper Movement Formation
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each movement formation in the jungle environment using the criterias: MTETT, Control, Security, Flexibility, and Fire Cpability/Restriction.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
c Task: Operate as a Platoon Using the Jungle Movement formation
Conditions: Instructor led talk-thru/walk-thru with the platoon in a jungle environment with all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours.
Standard: The platoon moves utilizing the Jungle Movement Formation IAW
FM 90-5.
d. Task: Identify and Cross a Danger Area
Conditions: Instructor led talk-thru/walk-thru with the platoon in a jungle environment with all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP.
e. Task: Conduct Battle Drill 1A: Platoon Attack
Conditions: Given a platoon in a jungle environment with all TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours. Given a OPORD and a dedicated OPFOR element.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP, ARTEP 7-8-Drill, and FM 90-5.
3. Safety and Environmental Considerations:
a. Hazards: (See USARSO Form 36)
b. Controls: (See USARSO Form 36)
c. Medical Requirements: Organic medic with platoon. A minimum of one qualified Combat Lifesaver with complete Combat Lifesaver bag per platoon.
4. Advance Assignments: None
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
5. Introduction:
a. Gain Attention: Good morning men, for the next hour we are going to discuss Combat Techniques in a Jungle Environment ( Chart #1, Jungle Combat techniques). Remember, I said techniques. The principles in any combat mission do not change, however the techniques in which we accomplish the mission must sometime be modified to suit a particular environment. You should already be knowledgeable in the doctrine of FM 7-8, 7-10, 90-5, and FM 7-8 MTP. In this class you will be shown techniques on how to apply the doctrine to a jungle environment. After this discussion you will be given the opportunity to practice the different techniques at platoon level.
b. Orient Students:
(1) Lesson Tie In: Being able to conduct Jungle Combat Techniques correctly will greatly improve your platoons ability to successfully conduct Jungle operations during the STX and FTX week here at Fort Sherman.
(2) Motivation: As infantrymen it is vital that we are able to conduct jungle combat operations to enable us to close with and destroy the enemy in a Jungle environment.
(3) Scope: During this period of instruction we will discuss MTETT, movement techniques, danger areas, and the platoon attack. As a result of this training your platoon will be able to conduct combat operations in a jungle environment IAW FM 7-8, ARTEP 7-8 MTP, and FM 90-5.
6. Body:
a. Task: Understand the Special Considerations of Jungle Terrain.
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Become familiar with the effects of jungle terrain on combat operations IAW FM 90-5.
(1) First Teaching Point:
(a) The jungle is different from any other terrain in the world:
(b) The dense vegetation in the jungle will slow movement to 500 meters an hour on the average; it may get as slow as 300 meters per hour depending on the mission.
(c) Dense vegetation can restrict visibility to only a few feet.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(d) As a rule jungle terrain is steep and mountainous.
(e) The weather is hot and humid; here in Panama the humidity averages about 85%.
(f) A jungle environment will normally have numerous streams and rivers not all of which are on the map. Conversely not all the streams on the map are on the ground.
(g) Large amounts of precipitation during the rainy season can severely hamper movement.
b. Task: Select the Proper Movement Formation
Conditions: Instructor led instruction with visual aids.
Standard: Understand the strengths and weaknesses of each movement formation in the jungle environment using the criterias: MTETT, Control, Security, Flexibility, and Fire Capability/Restriction.
(1) First Teaching Point:
(a) In a squad or platoon size element, select the proper movement formation that allows your unit to move effectively in a jungle environment, taking into consideration the acronym MTETT.
(b) One major concern in conducting combat operations in a jungle environment is movement from one point to another, due to the rugged terrain and thick vegetation. When selecting an appropriate movement formation, we need to consider the acronym MTETT. There are five proponents of MTETT, which we will discuss.
(c) Emphasis will be on the first three:
1. Mission: What is your MISSION?
2. Terrain: What type of TERRAIN are we going to cross?
3. Enemy: What is the likelihood of ENEMY contact and their strength?
4. Time: How much TIME do I have available for movement?
5. Troops Available: How many TROOPS available do I have?
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(2) Second Teaching Point: After considering MTETT, we can then select our movement formation. The formation selected should provide you the following characteristics:
(a) Control: It must be easy to control in rough terrain and thick vegetation. Element leaders must maintain visual or vocal contact with their subordinates and leaders as well.
(b) Security: It must provide 360 degree so that the unit cannot be surprised by the enemy.
(c) Flexibility: It should provide you with good dispersion laterally and in depth enabling the leader to establish contact with the smallest element and still react effectively to the threat.
(d) Fire capability/Restriction: It should provide a high volume of firepower to the flank without masking fire to the front and rear.
(e) Keep these characteristics in mind. Now let’s discuss some movement formations and their advantages and disadvantages.
(3) Third Teaching Point: Now lets look at the most commonly used fire team formations. The Fire Team Wedge and File. These formation are primarily used by the fire team when it travels separate or as part of the squad. The wedge provides the best dispersion both laterally and in depth. However, it isn’t the easiest formation for use in the jungle. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of these formations based on those four characteristics when incorporated in a jungle environment.
(a) Control:
1. Wedge: Advantage, easier to maintain control in thick terrain
Disadvantage, it demands a slower rate of movement
2. File: Disadvantage, due to rough terrain and thick vegetation in the jungle, sometimes control is lost. Advantage, it allows a faster rate of movement.
(b) Security:
1. Wedge: Provides good all around security
2. File: Excellent security to the flanks but lacking front and rear.
:
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(c) Flexibility
1. Wedge: Advantage, if terrain permits, the easiest formation to maneuver from.
2. File: Disadvantage, the most difficult formation to maneuver from in restrictive terrain.
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction:
1. Wedge: High volume of fire to the front and rear, slightly restricted to the flanks
2. File: Advantage, high volume of firepower to the flanks, very limited to the rear and front.
(4) Fourth Teaching Point: Squad Line: The squad line formation is mostly used in the assault or when searching for the enemy. Let’s look at it’s advantages and disadvantages:
(a) Control: Extremely difficult to control because of the inability to maintain visual contact with the team leaders
(b) Security: Excellent security to the front and rear but severely restricted to the flanks.
(c) Flexibility: If contact is made front or rear the squad is well situated to deal with it; but, the entire squad makes contact making maneuvering extremely difficult.
(d) Fire Capability/Restrictions: While the Line formation leaves the squad free to use all of it’s weapons to the front and rear the squad is fighting on a two man front to the left or right flank.
(5) Fifth Teaching Point: Squad File: The formation most often used by units in the jungle is the SQUAD FILE, also known as the RANGER FILE. There are two applications of this formation. We will discuss both. This formation is used when visibility is poor due to terrain, vegetation or weather conditions. Let’s look at the advantages and disadvantages of the ranger file application when used in the jungle environment.
(a) Control: Advantage, easiest formation to control.
(b) Security: Good security to the left and right but poor to the front and rear
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(c) Flexibility: Disadvantage, most difficult formation from which to maneuver.
(d) Fire Capability/Restrictions: Advantage, high volume of fire to the flanks, but, masks most fire to the front and rear.
(6) Sixth Teaching Point: Squad Column: The squad column is the best formation to use when the terrain permits. Let’s look at it closer:
(a) Control: Advantage, the squad leader has visual contact with both his team leaders
(b) Security: Advantage, provides good all around security
(c) Flexibility: Can move either team in any direction but slowly.
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction: Allows free use of almost all the squads weapons in any direction.
(7) Seventh Teaching Point: Platoon Vee: Is a formation that can be used when the platoon is uncertain of the enemy exact location and contact is expected. It has some advantages and disadvantages:
(a) Control: The platoon leader only has control of his platoon by radio with the risks that go with loss of communications.
(b) Security: Poor, the platoon does not have continuos 360 degree security.
(c) Flexibility: This is a cumbersome formation to maneuver from; very time consuming
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction: Because the Platoon leader does not have visual contact with his squad leaders the risk of fratricide is unacceptably high.
(8) Eigth Teaching Point: Platoon Column: Is the best all around formation for making contact with the enemy IF the terrain permits; lets see what it’s advantages and disadvantages are:
(a) Control: The platoon leader has visual contact with one squad leader his FO and one MG team.
(b) Security: Good all around security.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(c) Flexibility: The platoon makes contact with the smallest possible element and is in a good position to react if contact is made to the front but remember: there is no "rear" in the jungle.
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction: The platoon has the ability to use its squad weapons as a unit without excessive masking of fires.
(9) Ninth Teaching Point: Platoon File: Platoon file is the formation the platoon habitually uses in the jungle; it is the best formation for restrictive terrain but lets look at it closer:
(a) Control: Is extremely poor. The platoon leader only has control of his FO and one gun team.
(b) Security: Excellent to the flanks but poor to the front and rear.
(c) Flexibility: When a 32 man platoon is in a file it can stretch 160 meters making it all but impossible to maneuver from.
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction: The file has the same advantages and disadvantages as discussed at the squad level
(10) Tenth Teaching Point: Platoon Jungle Movement Formation : The platoon jungle movement formation was designed by the cadre at JOTB to capitalize on the strengths of both the ranger file and the wedge formation within the restrictive terrain found in most jungle environments around the world. While it is an excellent formation there are some disadvantages, the possibility of a break in contact at major obstacles due to there being multiple routes and the increased effectiveness of any indirect fires that should land on the platoon. Having said that let’s analyze the jungle movement formation using our four evaluation criteria:
(a) Control: Excellent the platoon leader has visual contact with two of his squad leaders, FO and one MG team.
(b) Security: Provides excellent 360 degree security.
(c) Flexibility: The platoon is positioned to make contact to the front or flanks.
(d) Fire Capability/Restriction: The platoon can fire most of its weapons in any direction except the rear.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
c. Task: Identify and Cross a Danger Area
Conditions: Instructor led talk-thru/walk-thru with the platoon in a jungle environment with all platoon TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP
(1) First Teaching Point: Danger Areas: Now that you have selected your movement formation, you are ready to conduct your movement. During jungle movement as in any terrain, you will eventually encounter danger areas that must be cleared and crossed. You must be able to identify and negotiate danger areas effectively in a jungle environment.
(a) Roads and Trails: These are considered danger areas because they are likely areas for ambushes and expose you to the enemies observation and fire. Cross the road or trail near a bend, a narrow spot, or in the low ground.
(b) Streams: They are considered danger areas for the same reasons as roads and trails. Ambushes are likely to be placed at crossing points, foot bridges and water resupply points, especially if movement patterns have been set by the units. You should select a narrow spot in a stream that offers concealment on both flanks.
(c) Open Areas, (Large and Small): They are considered danger areas due to the likelihood of enemy attack, either by small arms or indirect fire observation.
(d) Villages: Villages are considered danger areas due to their being likely places for the enemy to hide, booby traps, and unnecessary exposure to enemy observation and fire. Villagers sympathetic to the enemy may report your location and collect intellegence. Pass villages on the downwind side and well away from them. Avoid any animal which might reveal the presence of the platoon (dogs, geese, pigs, etc.).
(2) Second Teaching Point: Avoid danger areas whenever possible. However, when you must cross a danger area, you must:
(a) Establish rally points near and far side.
(b) Secure the near side (right, left and rear flank security).
(c) Recon and secure the far side
(d) Cross the danger area quckly and quitely.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(3) Third Teaching Point: Most danger areas that you will encounter here in the jungle are linear danger areas. When crossing a linear danger area, the main objective is to cross safely and as quickly as possible without compromising the unit. The clearing
team will have to determine which clearing technique they use. Large open areas are crossed using the "box" method. We are now going to cover linear danger areas only.
(a) The point man identifies a possible danger area and stops the platoons movement. He then signals back using hand and arm signals.
(b) The platoon leader or the platoon sergeant moves forward to confirm the danger area.
(c) The platoon leader informs all the squad leaders of the situation and tentatively establishes the near side and the far side rally points.
(d) The flank squad leader directs positioning of the near side security on his flank.
(e) The platoon leader recons the danger area and selects the crossing points that provide the best cover and concealment.
(f) When the near side security is in place, the platoon leader directs the clearing team to cross the danger area.
(g) The clearing team clears the far side by using the best method for the terrain and visibility. They should clear an area big enough for the entire unit.
(h) The clearing team leader establishes an OP forward of the cleared area.
(I) The clearing team leader signals that the area is clear.
(j) The flank squads send a fire team across to establish far side security
(k) The platoon leader selects the method the platoon will use to cross the danger area. This can be one man at a time, by buddy team, or fire team.
(l) The platoon quickly and quietly crosses the danger area.
(m) The near side security element crosses the danger area where the platoon crossed. They should cover any tracks left by the platoon.
(n) Once across the danger area, the platoon begins moving slowly on azimuth.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(o) The platoon sergeant initiates the headcount for the center file. When the hand & arm signal reaches the platoon leader he signals the flank squad leaders to initiate
a headcount. Once accountability has been established movement resumes at normal speed.
d. Task: Conduct Battle Drill 1A: Platoon Attack
Conditions: Given a platoon in a jungle environment with all TO&E weapons and equipment during daylight hours. Given a OPORD and a dedicated OPFOR element.
Standard: IAW the subtasks and standards of ARTEP 7-8 MTP, ARTEP 7-8-Drill, and FM 90-5.
(1) First Teaching Point: Battle Drills: Remember, battle drills require minimal verbal orders to be accomplished. They apply to platoon size or smaller elements. They are trained responses to enemy contact or leader’s order. Although there are many battle drills, today we will discuss the ones you will be using during your next three weeks.
(2) Second Teaching Point: React to Contact. Now let’s place ourselves with our units moving through the jungle. We receive enemy fire from the front. We must react quickly if we expect to survive.
(a) Team/Squad leaders locate and engage known or suspected enemy positions with well aimed fire and pass information to the squad/platoon leader.
(b) Fire team leaders control fires using standard fire commands (initial and supplemental) containing the following elements:
1. Alert.
2. Direction.
3. Description of target.
4. Range.
5. Method of fire (manipulation, and rate of fire).
6. Command to fire.
(c) Soldiers maintain contact with the soldiers on their left and right.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(d) Soldiers maintain contact with their team leaders and report location of enemy positions.
(e) Leaders check the status of their personnel.
(f) Team/Squad leaders maintain contact with the squad/platoon leader.
(g) The squad/platoon leader:
1. Moves up to the fire team/squad in contact and links up with its leader (The platoon leader brings his RTO, and one MG team; since almost all chance contacts will be danger close the FO does not necessarily need to see the target. Fires may be more effective if used to isolate the enemy or block his escape). The platoon sergeant also moves forward with the second MG team and links up with the platoon leader, ready to assume control of the base-of-fire element. Enroute to the point of contact the PSG spot checks security to ensure the platoon maintains 360 degree security and doesn’t suffer "target fixation".
2. Determines whether or not his squad/platoon must move out of the enemy’s kill sack.
3. Determines whether or not he can gain and maintain suppressive fires with his element already in contact (based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fires against the element in contact).
4. Make an assessment of the situation. He identifies-
a. The location of the enemy position and obstacles.
b. The size of the enemy force. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of the enemy strength).
c. Enemy’s vulnerable flanks.
d. Covered and concealed flanking routes to the enemy position.
e. Determine the next course of action (for example, fire and movement, assault, breach, knock out bunker).
f. Reports the situation to the platoon leader/company commander and begins to maneuver.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
g. Calls for and adjusts indirect fire.
h. Team leaders lead their team by example.
i. Leaders relay all commands and signals from the platoon chain of command.
(3) Third Teaching Point: Platoon Attack: The platoon is moving as part of a larger force conducting a movement to contact, a hasty or a deliberate attack.
(a) Actions on enemy contact: When enemy contact is made:
1. The squad in contact reacts to contact. It attempts to achieve suppressive fires with one fire team and maneuver the other fire team to attack the enemy flank. The squad leader notifies the platoon leader of his action.
2. The PL, RTO, and one machine gun team moves forward.
3. The PSG moves forward with the second machine gun and links up with the PL. If directed, he assumes control of the base of fire element and positions the machine gun to add suppressive fire against the enemy.
4. The PL reports the contact to the company commander and begins to assess the situation. Remember: If the enemy element is smaller than a platoon (one machine gun) his platoon can assault. If the the enemy is a larger than a platoon (two or more machine guns) then its a company mission.
(b) If the squad in contact cannot destroy the enemy element, the SL reports to the PL. Then the following actions take place:
1. The squad in contact establishes a base of fire. The SL deploys his squad to provide effective, sustained fires on the enemy position. The SL report his final position to the PL.
2. The remaining squads (not in contact) take up covered and concealed positions in place and maintains security to the flanks and rear of the platoon.
3. The PL moves forward with his RTO, FO, and one machine gun team.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
(h) Locate the enemy
1. The SL of the squad in contact reports the enemy size and location, and any other information to the PL. The PL completes the SL’s assessment of the situation.
2. The squad continues to engage the enemies position.
3. The PSG moves forward with the second machine gun team and links up with the PL.
(i) Suppress the enemy
1. The PL decides if the squad in contact can gain suppressive fire against the enemy based on the volume and accuracy of the enemy’s return fire.
2. If the answer is YES, he directs the squad (with one or both machine guns) to continue to suppress the enemy:
a. The squad in contact destroys or suppresses enemy weapons that are firing most effectively against it; normally crew-served weapons.
b. The squad in contact places screening smoke (M203) to prevent the enemy from seeing the maneuver element.
3. If the answer is NO, the PL deploys another squad and the second machine gun to suppress the enemy position. (The PL may direct the PSG to position this squad and machine gun teams to a better support by fire position).
(j) The PL determines if the platoon can gain suppressive fire against the enemy.
1. If the answer is YES, he continues to suppress the enemy with the two squads and two machine guns:
2. The PSG assumes control of the base-of-fire element (squad in contact, the MG teams, and any other squads designated by the PL).
3. The MG teams take up covered and concealed position and suppresses the enemy position.
4. FO calls for and adjusts fire based on the PL’s directions. (The PL does not wait for indirect fires before continuing his actions).
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
5. If the answer is still NO, the PL deploys the last squad to provide flank and rear security and to guide the rest of the company forward as necessary, and reports the situation to the Company Commander. Normally the platoon will become the base-of-fire element for the company and may deploy the last squad to add suppressive fires. They continue to suppress or fix the enemy with direct and indirect fire, and responds to orders from the Company Commander.
(k) Attack. If the squad(s) in contact with the machine gun(s) can suppress the enemy, the PL decides if the remaining squad(s) not in contact can maneuver. He assesses the following:
1. The location of enemy positions and obstacles.
2. The size of the enemy force engaging the squad. (The number of enemy automatic weapons, the presence of any vehicles, and the employment of indirect fires are indicators of enemy strength.)
3. Vulnerable enemy flank.
4 Covered and concealed flanking routes to the enemy position.
(l) Based on his evaluation the PL maneuvers the squad(s) into the assault:
1. Once the PL has ensured that the base-of-fire element is in position and providing suppressive fires, he leads the assaulting squad(s) to the assault position.
2. Once in position, the PL gives the prearranged signal for the base-of-fire element to lift or shift direct fires to the opposite flank of the enemy position. The assault element MUST maximize and maintain effective fires throughout the assault. Handover of responsibility for direct fires from the base-of-fire element to the assault element is critical.
3. The platoon FO shifts indirect fires to isolate the enemy position.
4. The assaulting squad(s) fight through enemy position using fire and maneuver. The PL controls the movement of the squads. He assigns specific objectives for each squad and designates the main effort or base maneuver element. (The base-of-fire element must be able to identify the near flank of the assaulting squad(s).
5. In the assault the SL decides the way in which he will move the elements of his squad based on the volume and accuracy of enemy fire against his squad and the amount of cover afforded by the terrain. In all cases, each soldier uses individual movement techniques as appropriate.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
6. The SL designates one fire team to support the movement of the team by fire.
7. The SL designates a distance or direction for the team to move. He accompanies one of the fire teams.
8. Soldiers must maintain contact with team members and leaders.
9. Soldiers time their fire and reloading to sustain their rate of fire.
10. The moving fire team goes to the next covered position. Teams use the wedge formation when assaulting. Soldiers move in rushes or by crawling.
11. The SL directs the next team to move.
12. If necessary, the TL directs soldiers to bound forward as individuals within buddy teams. Soldiers coordinates their movement and fire with each other within the buddy teams. They maintain contact with their TL.
13. Soldiers fire from covered positions. They select the next covered position before moving. They either rush forward (no more than 5 seconds), or use high or low crawl techniques based on terrain and enemy fires.
14. If the answer is NO, or the assaulting squad(s) cannot continue to move, the PL deploys the squad(s) to suppress the enemy and reports to the Company Commander. The platoon continues suppressing enemy positions and responds to the orders of the Company Commander.
(m) Consolidate. Once the assaulting squad(s) has seized the enemy position, the PL establishes local security. The platoon must prepare to defeat an enemy counterattack. The platoon is most vulnerable at the conclusion of the assault.
1. The PL signals for the base-of-fire element to move up into designated positions.
2. The PL assigns sectors of fire for each squad.
3. The PL positions key weapons to cover the most dangerous avenue(s) of approach.
4. The PSG begins coordination for ammunition resupply.
5. Soldiers take up hasty defensive positions.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
6. The PL and his FO develop a quick fire plan.
7. The squads place out OP’s to warn of enemy counterattacks.
(n) Reorganize. The platoon performs the following tasks only after it completes the consolidation of the objective:
1. Reestablish the chain of command.
2. Redistribute and resupply ammunition.
3. Man crew-served weapons first.
4. Redistribute critical equipment.
5. Treat casualties and evacuate wounded.
6. Fill vacancies in key positions.
7. Search, Silence, Segregate, Safeguard, and Speed EPW’s to collection points.
8. Collect and report enemy information and material.
9. Squad leaders provide liquid, ammunition, casualty , and equipment (LACE) reports to the PL.
10. The PL consolidates LACE reports and passes them to the Company Commander (or XO).
11. The platoon continues the mission after receiving guidance from the Company Commander. The company follows the success of the platoon’s flanking attack.
LESSON OUTLINE: Jungle Combat Techniques, POI # 0110
7. Conclusion:
a. Retain Attention: Your ability to perform Jungle Combat Techniques could be the difference between success or failure in a jungle environment. Remember, your unit could be deployed anywhere in the world !
b. Summary: During the past two and a half hours we have discussed and practiced, Movement techniques, Danger areas, and Platoon Attack. Gentlemen, in
a jungle environment, given a training lane, and an azimuth, you will demonstrate your ability to conduct combat operations IAW FM 7-8, ARTEP 7-8 MTP, FM 90-5. Remember, the principles in combat do not change, however, we need to keep in mind that the techniques in which we use to accomplish the mission must sometimes be modified to suit a particular environment. You will have two and a half hours to conduct your rehearsals pre-combat inspections prior to conducting your STX lane. By the end of this training your platoons should be able to operate successfully in the jungle.
c. Application: These jungle combat techniques will be used during the STX and FTX here in Fort Sherman where you will have to fight at the platoon and company level.
d. Closing Statement: Gentleman, I challenge you to master these Jungle Combat Techniques so that you will be able to close with and destroy the enemy. What are your questions concerning jungle combat techniques?