NONRESIDENT

TRAINING
COURSE
March 1996

Seabee Combat
Handbook, Volume 2
NAVEDTRA 14235

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 Although the words “he,” “him,” and
“his” are used sparingly in this course to
enhance communication, they are not
intended to be gender driven or to affront or
discriminate against anyone.

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.

 COMMANDING OFFICER
NETPTDC
6490 SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD
PENSACOLA, FL 32509-5237
Errata #2 07 May 01
Specific Instruction and Errata for
Nonresident Training Course
SEABEE COMBAT HANDBOOK, VOLUME 2, NAVEDTRA 14235

1. This errata supersedes all previous errata. NO attempt has been made to
issue corrections for errors in typing, punctuation, etc., that do not affect
your ability to answer the question or questions.

2. To receive credit for deleted questions, show this errata to your local
course administrator (ESO/scorer). The local course administrator is directed
to correct the course and the answer key by indicating the questions deleted.
3. Assignment Booklet, NAVEDTRA 14235

Delete the following questions and leave the corresponding spaces blank
on the answer sheets:

Question
1-43

2-10

2-56

3-34
4. Change the following items in the Assignment Booklet, NAVEDTRA 14235:

a. Question 4-9 page 19; change the question's stem to read "The
depth of a platoon defense is the distance between the squad's primary
positions and the rearward extension of what other position?"

b. Question 4-57 page 23; change the question's stem to read "...
occupied by the convoy commander?"

C. Change figure 5B, item C, page 27 to read "Immediate Assault

Drill."

d. Question 6-33 page 33; change the question's stem to read "...
conducting detailed troop decon (DTD)?"

e. Question 6-46 page 34; change the question's stem to read "... a
sanitizing solution at station 7, . . . ."

f. Question 6-58 page 35; change the question's stem to read "... the
primary task of DED station 4?"
 PREFACE
By enrolling in this self-study course, you have demonstrated a desire to improve yourself and the Navy.
Remember, however, this self-study course is only one part of the total Navy training program. Practical
experience, schools, selected reading, and your desire to succeed are also necessary to successfully round
out a fully meaningful training program.

THE COURSE: This self-study course is organized into subject matter areas, each containing learning
objectives to help you determine what you should learn along with text and illustrations to help you
understand the information. The subject matter reflects day-to-day requirements and experiences of
personnel in the rating or skill area. It also reflects guidance provided by Enlisted Community Managers
(ECMs) and other senior personnel, technical references, instructions, etc., and either the occupational or
naval standards, which are listed in the Manual of Navy Enlisted Manpower Personnel Classifications
and Occupational Standards, NAVPERS 18068.

THE QUESTIONS: The questions that appear in this course are designed to help you understand the
material in the text.

VALUE: In completing this course, you will improve your military and professional knowledge.
Importantly, it can also help you study for the Navy-wide advancement in rate examination. If you are
studying and discover a reference in the text to another publication for further information, look it up.

1996 Edition Prepared by

EOC Ricky P. Baptista

Published by
NAVAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER

NAVSUP Logistics Tracking Number

0504-LP-026-8730

i
 Sailor’s Creed

“I am a United States Sailor.

I will support and defend the

Constitution of the United States of
America and I will obey the orders
of those appointed over me.

I represent the fighting spirit of the

Navy and those who have gone
before me to defend freedom and
democracy around the world.

I proudly serve my country’s Navy

combat team with honor, courage
and commitment.

I am committed to excellence and

the fair treatment of all.”

ii
 CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE

1. Organization and Operation of the Combat Operations Center . . . 1-1

2. Organization and Operation of the Company Command Post . . . . 2-1
3. Setup and Control of Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC) . . . . . . 3-1
4. Planning and Development of Defense Tactics . . . . . . . . . . . . 4-1
5. Counter Ambush Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5-1
6. CBR Decontamination . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6-1
APPENDIX
I. Glossary of Common Military Terms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AI-1
II. Overlay Techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AII-1
III. Characteristics of TOA Weapons for an NMCB . . . . . . . . . AIII-1
IV. Decontaminants . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AIV-1
V. Decontamination of Specific Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AV-1
VI. Work/Rest Table . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AVI-1
VII. Acronyms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . AVII-1
VIII. References Used to Develop This TRAMAN . . . . . . . . . AVIII-1
INDEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . INDEX-1

...
iii
 SUMMARY OF
SEABEE COMBAT HANDBOOK
TRAINING MANUALS

VOLUME 1
Seabee Combat Handbook, Volume 1, NAVEDTRA 12003, consists of chapters
on the History and Organization of the Seabees and Laws of War; Special Clothing
and Equipment; Service Rifle and Pistol Marksmanship; Combat Maneuvers,
Formation, Patrols, and Ambushes; Land Navigation; Evasion, Survival, and
Escape; Individual Protection Measures; Entanglements; Chemical, Biological, and
Radiological (CBR) Defense; First Aid and Field Sanitation; Organic
Communications Equipment; Hand Grenades, Land Mines, and Booby Traps;
Organic Support Weapons: M203 and Machine Guns; and Organic Support
Weapons: 60mm Mortar and AT4.

VOLUME 2

Seabee Combat Handbook, Volume 2, NAVEDTRA 12004, consists of chapters

on Organization and Operation of the Combat Operations Center; Organization and
Operation of the Company Command Post; Setup and Control of Medical
Evacuation (MEDEVAC); Planning and Development of Defense Tactics; Counter
Ambush Techniques; and CBR Decontamination.

iv
 INSTRUCTIONS FOR TAKING THE COURSE

ASSIGNMENTS assignments. To submit your assignment

answers via the Internet, go to:
The text pages that you are to study are listed at
the beginning of each assignment. Study these https://courses.cnet.navy.mil
pages carefully before attempting to answer the
questions. Pay close attention to tables and Grading by Mail: When you submit answer
illustrations and read the learning objectives. sheets by mail, send all of your assignments at
The learning objectives state what you should be one time. Do NOT submit individual answer
able to do after studying the material. Answering sheets for grading. Mail all of your assignments
the questions correctly helps you accomplish the in an envelope, which you either provide
objectives. yourself or obtain from your nearest Educational
Services Officer (ESO). Submit answer sheets
SELECTING YOUR ANSWERS to:

Read each question carefully, then select the COMMANDING OFFICER

BEST answer. You may refer freely to the text. NETPDTC N331
The answers must be the result of your own 6490 SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD
work and decisions. You are prohibited from PENSACOLA FL 32559-5000
referring to or copying the answers of others and
from giving answers to anyone else taking the Answer Sheets: All courses include one
course. “scannable” answer sheet for each assignment.
These answer sheets are preprinted with your
SUBMITTING YOUR ASSIGNMENTS SSN, name, assignment number, and course
number. Explanations for completing the answer
To have your assignments graded, you must be sheets are on the answer sheet.
enrolled in the course with the Nonresident
Training Course Administration Branch at the Do not use answer sheet reproductions: Use
Naval Education and Training Professional only the original answer sheets that we
Development and Technology Center provide— reproductions will not work with our
(NETPDTC). Following enrollment, there are scanning equipment and cannot be processed.
two ways of having your assignments graded:
(1) use the Internet to submit your assignments Follow the instructions for marking your
as you complete them, or (2) send all the answers on the answer sheet. Be sure that blocks
assignments at one time by mail to NETPDTC. 1, 2, and 3 are filled in correctly. This
information is necessary for your course to be
Grading on the Internet: Advantages to properly processed and for you to receive credit
Internet grading are: for your work.

• you may submit your answers as soon as COMPLETION TIME

you complete an assignment, and
• you get your results faster; usually by the Courses must be completed within 12 months
next working day (approximately 24 hours). from the date of enrollment. This includes time
required to resubmit failed assignments.
In addition to receiving grade results for each
assignment, you will receive course completion
confirmation once you have completed all the

v
PASS/FAIL ASSIGNMENT PROCEDURES For subject matter questions:

If your overall course score is 3.2 or higher, you E-mail: n314.products@cnet.navy.mil

will pass the course and will not be required to Phone: Comm: (850) 452-1001, Ext. 1826
resubmit assignments. Once your assignments DSN: 922-1001, Ext. 1826
have been graded you will receive course FAX: (850) 452-1370
completion confirmation. (Do not fax answer sheets.)
Address: COMMANDING OFFICER
If you receive less than a 3.2 on any assignment NETPDTC (CODE N314)
and your overall course score is below 3.2, you 6490 SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD
will be given the opportunity to resubmit failed PENSACOLA FL 32509-5237
assignments. You may resubmit failed
assignments only once. Internet students will For enrollment, shipping, grading, or
receive notification when they have failed an completion letter questions
assignment--they may then resubmit failed
assignments on the web site. Internet students E-mail: fleetservices@cnet.navy.mil
may view and print results for failed Phone: Toll Free: 877-264-8583
assignments from the web site. Students who Comm: (850) 452-1511/1181/1859
submit by mail will receive a failing result letter DSN: 922-1511/1181/1859
and a new answer sheet for resubmission of each FAX: (850) 452-1370
failed assignment. (Do not fax answer sheets.)
Address: COMMANDING OFFICER
COMPLETION CONFIRMATION NETPDTC (CODE N331)
6490 SAUFLEY FIELD ROAD
After successfully completing this course, you PENSACOLA FL 32559-5000
will receive a letter of completion.
NAVAL RESERVE RETIREMENT CREDIT
ERRATA
If you are a member of the Naval Reserve, you
Errata are used to correct minor errors or delete will receive retirement points if you are
obsolete information in a course. Errata may authorized to receive them under current
also be used to provide instructions to the directives governing retirement of Naval
student. If a course has an errata, it will be Reserve personnel. For Naval Reserve
included as the first page(s) after the front cover. retirement, this course is evaluated at 9 points.
Errata for all courses can be accessed and (Refer to Administrative Procedures for Naval
viewed/downloaded at: Reservists on Inactive Duty, BUPERSINST
1001.39, for more information about retirement
https://www.advancement.cnet.navy.mil points.)

STUDENT FEEDBACK QUESTIONS COURSE OBJECTIVES

We value your suggestions, questions, and In completing this nonresident training course,
criticisms on our courses. If you would like to you will demonstrate a knowledge of the subject
communicate with us regarding this course, we matter by correctly answering questions on the
encourage you, if possible, to use e-mail. If you following: Organization and Operation of the
write or fax, please use a copy of the Student Combat Operations Center; Organization and
Comment form that follows this page. Operation of the Company Command Post;
Setup and Control of Medical Evacuation
(MEDEVAC); Planning and Development of
Defense Tactics; Counter Ambush Techniques;
and CBR Decontamination.
vi
 Student Comments
Course Title: Seabee Combat Handbook, Volume 2

NAVEDTRA: 14235 Date:

We need some information about you:

Rate/Rank and Name: SSN: Command/Unit

Street Address: City: State/FPO: Zip

Your comments, suggestions, etc.:

Privacy Act Statement: Under authority of Title 5, USC 301, information regarding your military status is
requested in processing your comments and in preparing a reply. This information will not be divulged without
written authorization to anyone other than those within DOD for official use in determining performance.

NETPDTC 1550/41 (Rev 4-00)

vii
 CHAPTER 1

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE COMBAT

OPERATIONS CENTER

Efficiently organized and executed command and seven primary engineer (fig. 1-1) assets spread out
control operations are essential for any combat among the elements.
operation to be successful. Many battles have been The four elements (fig. 1-2) are as follows:
lost because of poor execution of command and
control activities. A major reason for the success of . Command Element (CE)
Operation Desert Storm was the manner each unit . Ground Combat Element (GCE)
maintained and supported a vigorous command and
. Aviation Combat Element (ACE)
control structure.
. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE)
A comprehensive knowledge about higher and
lower echelons in the area of operations assigned to a
Seabee battalion is crucial to personnel executing
command and control functions. This chapter
provides detailed information on the Combat
Operations Center (COC). Also, described in this
chapter is the Marine Air-Ground Task Force
(MAGTF).
NOTE: During combat operations, Seabee units
are normally assigned to a MAGTF.

ORGANIZATION OF THE MARINE

AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE (MAGTF)

A Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF) is

normally formed for combat operations in which
substantial Marine aviation and Marine ground units
participate. Trends in national strategy show that the
most probable employment of MAGTFs will be in the
execution of force-in-readiness missions.
Accomplishment of such missions requires the
employment of MAGTFs as landing forces in Figure 1-1.—Primary MAGTF Engineer Assets.
amphibious operations and later operations ashore.
The MAGTFs must have the capability in such
commitments to operate in close coordination with
other U.S. Armed Forces and the forces of Allied
nations. MAGTFs are characterized by operational
concepts, organizational structures, equipment, and
systems that are suited for employment in
Navy-Marine, joint, or combined operations.
The fact that a Seabee battalion is attached to a
MAGTF during combat makes it critical that you
understand the MAGTF organization. No matter how
large, a MAGTF consists of at least four elements with Figure 1-2.—Elements of a MAGTF organization.

1-1
COMMAND ELEMENT (CE) through facilities provided by the ACE. He normally
appoints the commander of the ACE to act as the
The Command Element (CE) is the MAGTF MAGTF tactical air commander (TAC).
headquarters and is established for effective planning
and execution. It extends and complements the COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
capabilities of subordinate MAGTF elements but do ELEMENT (CSSE)
not duplicate them under normal circumstances.
Direct liaison among the four elements is desirable to The Combat Service Support Element (CSSE)
achieve the necessary coordination required for the provides the combat service support (CSS) to the
effective conduct of air-ground operations. MAGTF that is beyond the organic capability of the
subordinate elements. Depending on the assigned
A CEC officer is attached to the Command mission, it is task organized to provide all of
Element, engineer staff. The CEC officer serves as an the following functions: supply, maintenance,
advisor to the MAGTF engineer officer on matters engineer, medical/dental, automated data processing,
relating to the capabilities and employment of the material-handling equipment, personal services, food
Naval Construction Force. A large portion of the services, transportation, military police, disbursing,
MAGTF Command Element is concerned with and financial management.
matters involving higher, adjacent, and supporting
commands.
SEPARATE TASK ORGANIZATIONS

GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE) Although there are always four major elements
within a MAGTF, separate task organizations required
The Ground Combat Element (GCE) is a task to perform combat support or combat service support
organization tailored for the conduct of ground functions may be formed. Naval Construction Force
maneuver operations. The GCE is constructed around Units come under this type of organization. Under
a combat infantry unit, and it also includes appropriate these circumstance, the NCF is OPCON (see
combat support and combat service support (CSS) Glossary) to the MAGTF commander within the
units. Command Element (fig. 1-3).
Normally, there is only one GCE in the MAGTF.
A requirement for more than one GCE may occur in TYPES OF MAGTFs
certain operational situations, such as joint or
combined operations. The type of MAGTF Seabees would be supporting
is dictated by the contingency. The three types of
AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT (ACE) MAGTFs are as follows:
. Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU)
Normally, there is only one Aviation Combat
Element (ACE) in a MAGTF. This element is l Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward (MEF-F)
task-organized for the conduct of tactical air
. Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF)
operations. It includes the aviation commands
(including air control agencies), combat support, and
combat service support units required for the mission. MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (MEU)
The varied aviation resources of a Marine Aircraft
The Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is a task
Wing (MAW) and appropriate force units provide
organization that is normally commanded by a colonel
these capabilities.
and is capable of performing combat operations of a
At the Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF) and limited scope. The MEU is the air-ground team
Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward (MEF-F) level, organization that is normally used for routine, forward
the ACE includes both fixed-wing and helicopter afloat, and deployment requirements. The MEU
assets as well as an air defense capability. provides an immediate reaction capability to crises
and, when committed, is normally supported from its
Air operations are conducted under the principle
sea base. Normally, an Air Det from a Seabee
of centralized control at the MAGTF level. When the
battalion is assigned to an MEU (fig. 1-4).
MAGTF commander assumes responsibility for
control of air operations, he or she exercises control The MAGTFs elements for a MEU are as follows:

1-2
 Figure 1-3.—MAGTF command relationships.

Figure 1-4.—MEU command relationships.

1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): Normally, a from the force service support group (FSSG) with
battalion landing team (BLT). Only under unusual appropriate attachments from division and wing assets.
cinnunstances would the GCE consist of two BLTs.
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY
2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE): Normally, a
FORCE-FORWARD (MEF-F)
composite helicopter squadron. However, in certain
instances, the ACE may consist of an attack squadron,
a helicopter squadron, and elements of an observation The Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward
(MEF-F) (formerly called Marine Expeditionary
squadron.
Brigade [MEB]) is a task organization that is normally
3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): commanded by a brigadier general. An MEF-F is
Within an MEU, normally called a service support capable of conducting operations in low- and
group (MSSG). The MSSG is task-organized primarily mid-intensity conflict environments. During

1-3
potential crises, the MEF-F maybe forward deployed tailored for any intensity of combat and to any
afloat for an extended period to provide immediate geographic environment. The CEC officer attached to
response. Under these conditions, MEF-F combat the Command Element, engineer staff, is the liaison
operations may be supported from the sea base, between the MEF engineer staff and NCF units (fig.
facilities ashore, or a combination of the two. The 1-5).
MEF-F is normally organized to wcomplish a mission
The regiments will be OPCON to the MEF’s
of limited scope and an NMCB is normally assigned
Command Element and all other NCF units will be
to an MEF-F. The MAGTFs elements of an MEF-F
OPCON to the regiments (fig. 1-6).
are as follows:
The MAGTFs elements of an MEF are as follows:
1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): Normally, the
GCE is a regimental landing team (RLT). 1. Ground Combat Element (GCE): The GCE is
usually a Marine division with the appropriate combat
2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE) Normally,
units. Certain situations may require more than one
the ACE is a Marine Aircraft Group (MAG) that can
GCE in the task organization, conceivably up to two
provide all of the functions of Marine aviation. Unlike
reinforced Marine divisions.
the MEU, the Aviation Combat Element of the MEF-F
is organized and equipped for early establishment 2. Aviation Combat Element (ACE): The ACE is
ashore. Should the landing area not contain suitable usually a Marine Aircraft Wing task organized to
airfields, an expeditionary airfield will be developed conduct all types of tactical air operations. The element
using assets organic to the MEF-F. is designed for operations in an expeditionary
environment. Certain situations may require more than
3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE):
one ACE in the task organization, conceivably up to two
The CSSE is a brigade service support group (BSSG).
Marine Air Wings (MAWs).
The BSSG is task-organized primarily from the force
service support group (FSSG) with appropriate 3. Combat Service Support Element (CSSE): The
attachments from division and wing assets. CSSE is the force service support group (FSSG) with
appropriate attachments from division and wing assets.
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY
FORCE (MEF) REAR AREA SECURITY

The Marine Expeditionary Force (MEF), the Throughout the spectrum of conflict, rear support
largest of the MAGTF, has many variations in its task areas have increasingly become major targets.
organization structure. It is commanded by either a Modern weaponry has made rear areas extremely
major general or a lieutenant general, depending on its vulnerable. Rear area security must counteract the
size and mission. The MEF can conduct a wide range effects of modem weaponry to protect rear support
of amphibious and ashore operations. An MEF can be areas. Seabees are primarily assigned to the rear area

Figure 1-5.—Marine Expeditionary Force Engineer Branch.

1-4
 Figure 1-6.—MEF major subordinate commands.

and therefore must be familiar with the rear area REAR AREA SECURITY
organization. COORDINATOR (RASC)

The main objective of rear area security (RAS) is The CSSE or the ACE commander is usually
to minimize the effects of an enemy attack. Tactics
appointed by the MAGTF commander to coordinate
used by the RAS include measures taken prior, during,
rear mea security (RAS) and normally functions as the
and after an enemy airborne attack, sabotage,
rear area security coordinator (RASC). The RASC
infiltration, guerrilla action, or initiation of
monitors the day-today operations of the rear area
psychological or propaganda warfare. The MAGTF
through the combat service support operations center
rear area is the area extended rearward from the rear
(CSSOC) and the rear area operations center (RAOC).
boundary of the Ground Combat Element (GCE) to
The NCF commander coordinates with the RASC to
the MAGTF rear boundary.
ensure that NCF assets and capabilities are
The objective of RAS is to provide defense for all incorporated into the RAS effort.
forces operating within the MAGTF rear area so those
functions associated with rear area operations, in PROVISIONAL SECURITY FORCES
support of combat operations, are not interrupted. All
units in the rear area must be prepared to defend An MEF RASC can organize two types of
themselves to accomplish this objective. A cluster provisional security forces: the previsional mobile
concept is used within the rear area so base facility security platoons (PMSPs) and the provisional
operations centers are established. An NMCB has a helicopter-borne security company (PHSC).
formidable array of weapons and has a significant MAGTFs, smaller than an MEF, will have a tailored
capability for defensive operations within the rear provisional security force. Based on the mission and
area. threat assessment, these units can be used to support
local defense efforts in the support of the RAS. These
units should be included in your defense plan.
BASE FACILITY COMMANDER

Provisional Mobile Security

The base facility commander is responsible for the Platoons (PMSPs)
facility assigned to him or her. Each unit is assigned
to a base facility and reports to the base facility The force service support group (FSSG), located
commander by way of the COC (fig. 1-7). within the rear area, can field two provisional mobile

1-5
 Figure 1-7.—Security of base facilities.

security platoons (PMSPs) to act as a quick reaction 4. Provide for the collection, processing, and
force in support of RAS efforts. The PMSPs can be evacuation of enemy prisoners of war (POW) and
tasked with the following missions: civilian internees in the MAGTF rear am.
Relief/rescue of attacked installations/units
Route patrolling and convoy protection COMBAT OPERATIONS CENTER
(COC)
Surveillance/reconnaissance
Defense of possible enemy drop/landing zones
The COC is established to provide the battalion
Finding, fixing, destroying enemy forces
commander centralized command and control
operating in the rear area
facilities for all combat tactical and operational
operations conducted under his or her command. It is
Force Service Support Group
the focal point for the battalion and the terminating
Military Police
point for all tactical and nontactical radio nets.
The force service support group military police The primary purpose of the COC is to monitor and
are the MPs for the rear area and can be tasked with record the tactical and nontactical operations of the
the following missions: battalion continually. The specific composition and
1. Provide military police to conduct battlefield functions of the COC will vary with the desires of the
circulation control for the MAGTF (material supply individual commander. Normal COC functions
routes security). include the following:

2. Provide military police for law enforcement, Receiving and recording operational reports
criminal investigation, U.S. prisoner confinement, and from subordinate elements and companies
counteract terrorist activities.
Maintaining current plots of the friendly and
3. Establish surveillance and conduct route enemy situations and displaying this
reconnaissance in the MAGTF rear area. information within the COC

1-6
 Preparing and submitting operational reports to supporting elements visit the COC. These include the
higher headquarters following:
Providing dedicated communication channels At least two dismount and two entry points are
for tactical and operational reporting used to reduce traffic concentrations.
Transmitting orders and tactical decisions of the Passenger dismount points are concealed from
battalion commander to companies subordinate direct observation.
elements, and higher headquarter as required
Vehicles are parked and camouflaged in one or
Monitoring the progress of the battalion’s more parking areas within the local security
tactical operations and expeditiously reporting perimeter of the COC.
significant events or incidents to the S-3 or the
commander Construction of new roads into or by the COC is
normally prohibited. To lessen the chance of
Advising the fire support coordination center
detection by the enemy, you can use existing
(FSCC) and interested staff sections of events or
roads.
infomation of immediate concern to them
Vehicles entering or departing the area of the
Serving as the principal point of contact for
COC are required to use exits that are concealed
liaison personnel from subordinate, supporting,
by are cover or camouflage.
or adjacent tactical elements
The COC controls the battalion’s tactical nets COMMUNICATIONS
established by higher headquarters. A COC normally
has direct sole-user telephone circuits (hot lines) to Superior communication is critical to COC
major subordinate tactical units and to the COC of operations. The location of the COC is one of the
higher headquarters. Besides voice radio nets and factors that determines the communication assets
telephones, the battalion’s COC normally maintains required when establishing a communication plan.
direct teletype links with major subordinate elements Also affected by the location of the COC is the
and with the COC of higher headquarters. location of the “Antenna Farm” discussed later in this
chapter.
The operations officer (S-3) exercises staff
supervision over the COC in coordination with the DEFENSE AND SECURITY
training (S-7) and intelligence officer (S-2).
To protect the COC from a direct attack or enemy
LOCATION OF THE COMBAT infiltration, you must consider vital defense and
OPERATIONS CENTER (COC) security measures, such as the following:
1. Security force: A well-trained and organized
When establishing a COC, you should give special
security force assigned to the COC.
consideration to location. The location of the COC
must be hard to detect by enemy forces, easy to defend, 2. Terrain that enhances security: An area of
and be established in a centralized location that is irregular, well-forested ground hampers aerial
easily accessible to battalion personnel. Other factors observation and, if it includes high brush and low trees
to consider are centralized communications and as well, it makes enemy ground observation more
vehicle traffic. difficult. Full use is made of natural cover,
concealment, and supplementary camouflage
Centralized Communications measures. Individual camouflage discipline is rigidly
The main COC is centrally located to each enforced.
company’s command post to ensure positive control 3. Location: Located near a unit that can assist in
by the battalion commander. furnishing security.
Vehicle Traffic 4. Entanglements: Barbed and tactical wire
entanglements.
As previously stated, the COC is the principal
point of contact for liaison personnel from 5. Night noise and light discipline: Ensure the
subordinate, supporting, or adjacent tactical elements. generator supplying power to the COC is located a good
Strict traffic control measures are essential when these distance from the COC and is sandbagged to muffle the

1-7
sound of the generator. Also, ensure the tent used for ORGANIZATION OF THE COMBAT
the COC maintains light discipline. OPERATION CENTER

The internal organization of the COC may vary

ALTERNATE COC
with each battalion commander or contingency
operations. Written Standard Operating Procedures
In case the COC is destroyed, an alternate COC is (SOPS) are established to avoid any confusion (fig.
established. All the consideration for a COC am 1-8). Personnel duties, maps, and various boards are
duplicated in the alternate COC. Location of the usually standard within any COC organization.
alternate COC is away from the main COC and
PERSONNEL AND THEIR DUTIES
security is similar to the main COC. In the event the
main COC is destroyed, operations are expediently The operations officer (S-3) is primarily
assumed in the alternate COC. responsible for coordinating, organizing, operating,

Figure 1-8.—Internal arrangement of COC.

1-8
and training COC watch stander personnel. Personnel Verifies correct communication security
are kept to a minimum to simplify operational measures are used by all assigned communi-
efficiency. The following watch sections are manned cators.
on a 24-hour basis: Determines communication nets for all outgoing
message traffic.
Intelligence Watch Officer (S-2)
Requests technical assistance in case of
equipment or net failure.
Provides complete supervision of handling and
processing information relating to intelligence. Informs the COC watch officer the status of all
nets.
Gathers and distributes information gained from
intelligence (INTEL) sources. Maintains a log on radio nets, noting opening
and closing times, frequency changes, traffic
Prepares written and oral briefings as required.
delays, or other pertinent incidents.
Maintains overlays for the enemy situation map
(INTEL MAP). Communicators (Radio/Telephone
Operators [RTOs])
Promptly informs the operations officer (S-3) of
significant or unusual incidents. . Monitors and operates radios and switchboards
as assigned.
Supervises the maintenance of the intelligence
situation bead, such as enemy and friendly l Familiar with authentication and encryption
updates. methods.
. Message drafting.
COC Watch Officer
Messengers/Security
Before assuming watch, reads message board, is . Performs all duties as assigned.
briefed on the present situation from the current . Ensures all personnel entering the COC appear
COC watch officer, and makes liaison with other on the access list.
staff sections.
FSC Watch Officer
During watch, keeps current on the tactical
situation, makes routine decisions, and notifies Advises the battalion commander on all fire
S-3 of incidents of an unusual nature. support matters.
Reads all incoming and outgoing messages. Ensures fire support plans are carried out with
Takes action by delivering messages to the the fire support means available.
cognizant section and ensures the appropriate Approves or denies all calls for fire missions.
action is taken.
Distributes target information through FSC
•Has releasing authority on all outgoing channels to senior, subordinate, and adjacent
messages. units.
Maintains close communication with the
Journal Clerk
battalion’s Fire Direction Center (FDC) by
monitoring the mortar platoon’s call for fire net
. Maintains the unit journal according to
(COF).
established practice.
Maintains a map of the area of operations (AO).
Communications Chief Verifies all on call targets.
Requests fire support from higher or adjacent
Supervises the actions of the communication units.
personnel, such as radio and telephone operators
(RTOs). Plotters
Ensures incoming and outgoing messages . Ensures the proper maintenance of section
adhere to established routing procedure. journals, situation charts, and maps

1-9
 . Assists the section watch officer as required. Report status
Equipment status
NBC/CBR Officer
Call signs and requencies
The NBC/CBR officer plays a critical role in the Convoy status
early warning of a nuclear, biological, or chemical
Casualties wounded/KIA
attack. The NBC/CBR officer should hold the proper
Naval Enlisted Classification Code (NEC) to fill this Food/water/ammo status
position proficiently. The NBC/CBR officer’s duties The INTEL map should show the following:
include the following:
Enemy troop disposition/strength within the AO
Responsible for organizing, training, and
supervising personnel assigned to the battalion’s Enemy equipment/weapons
decontamination teams. Weather and astronomical data
Monitors all incoming messages related to NBC corridors/fallouts
weather information.
The INTEL charts should show the following:
Responsible for all outgoing and incoming NBC
l Current INTEL
reports.
. Challenge and passwords
Establishes NBC fallout zones to provide early
warning of an NBC attack. . Current MOPP level
Advises the section watch officer on the setting
COMMUNICATION PLAN
of mission-oriented protective posture levels
(MOPP levels).
On a modern battlefield, the ability of a battalion
commander to pass information between his or her
CHARTS AND MAPS
troops and superiors is critical for the success of any
mission. An uncomplicated, reliable, flexible, and
The types of charts and maps required within the
responsive communication plan will enable the
COC vary according to the mission and the battalion
battalion commander to carry out his or her
commander. All charts and maps must be visible to
operational plans effectively. A well-thought-out
all personnel in the COC. Ensuring proper placement
communication plan is paramount to command and
enables all personnel standing watch in the COC to
control. Communication is the instruments by which
monitor current situations and to respond to any
a battalion commander makes his or her orders known
incoming messages expediently. The maps and charts
and, as such, is the voice of the command.
provide detailed operations and INTEL information.
Communication permits the battalion commander to
Also posted in the COC is a clipboard for an
exercise command and control of assigned forces,
incoming/outgoing message reading file.
supporting fires, and combat service support over
The operation map shows the area of operation larger areas. Any transmission speaks only for and
and should include the following: with the authority of the battalion commander who
originates the transmission. A secondary purpose of
Friendly troop positions including the
communications is to simplify the transfer of
battalion’s fire plan
information between individuals and groups of
Current locations of command posts in the area individuals that is necessary to the exercise of
of operation command and control.
Location and status of patrols Since the COC is the nerve center for the battalion
Landing zone locations and the terminating point for all tactical and
nontactical radio nets, a well-thought-out
NBC corridors/fallouts communication plan must be established. Like
The operation charts should show the following: everything else, the communication plan is based upon
the mission. The communication officer is usually
Personnel strength
tasked with the development of the communication
POWs or EPWs plan. He or she should include in the plan

1-10
communication requirements for the COC, the setup of cliffs, buildings, densely wooded areas, and other
a remote antenna farm, and a communication network. obstructions.
Other factors that must be considered are physical
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
security and a location where terrain will not interfere
with transmissions. A relatively flat hilltop is usually
Communication requirements within the COC
the most desirable site location.
may vary according to the mission but the
communication equipment used to fulfill the
COMMUNICATION NETWORK
requirements is the same. Communication equipment
will include one radio per operating net and field
A communication network is a written detailed
telephones (TA-312/PT) for S-3, S-2, and FSC. In
plan accompanied with a wire and radio plan detailing
general the requirements are as follows:
where each type of communication equipment
1. AN/PRC-77 or AN/PRC-119A: Radios used to transmits to (figs. 1-9 and 1-10).
communicate with the base facility commander,
company command posts, convoys, forward observer, To produce a communication network, you must
and other units located within the base facility. know what frequency nets will be required for the
mission. Higher authority will issue a
2. TA-312/PT (Field Phone): A direct phone line Communication Electronic Operating Instruction
to the company command posts and the Fire Direction (CEOI) to assist you with determining the frequency
Center (FDC battalion mortars). nets required.
3. AN/PRC-104: A high-frequency (GF) radio CEOI contains the technical guidance required to
usually used to communicate with higher authority establish and maintain communications in support of
outside the base facility. operations. The CEOI provides the details required to
4. SB-22/PT: A switchboard used to connect coordinate and control the various communications
numerous TA-312s. means and functions within a unit. This document
normally contains call signs, call words, and
5. AN/GRA-39: A remote unit that enables the
frequencies to be used by designated operating units.
operator to transmit and receive voice communication
By providing a standardized source of information,
through a radio set from a distance of up to 2 miles. It
the CEOI enhances both operational communications
is used to link radio communication from a remote
capabilities and communications security. In case of
antenna farm to the COC.
loss or compromise, the standardized format
simplifies rapid identification, destruction, and
ANTENNA FARM
replacement. The following information and
instructions are normally included in the CEOI:
The antenna farm or communication site is the
primary location of various antennas and General communications instructions
communication equipment needed to establish
Call sign assignments
communication in the field. Special consideration is
given for selecting a location for the antenna farm Frequency assignments
because all radio communication in the COC depends Radio net circuit designator
on it.
Wire/cable trunk circuit designations
An important consideration in selecting your site
is accessibility. Time should not be wasted by Wire/cable tagging codes
establishing accessibility. Whenever possible, a site Telephone directory names and numbers
should be located near good reads. This will minimize
Teletype and data muting indicators
any difficulty in supplying the site with water, fuel,
oil, food, and ammunition. Identification and marking panel codes

Avoid obstructions like steel bridges, Signal panel message instructions

underpasses, power lines, or power units that can Pyrotechnic and smoke codes
cause a weak or distorted signal coming from your
communication equipment. Better results are Ground-air signals
obtained when the antennas are high and clear of hills, Sound warning signals

1-11
 Figure 1-9.—COC wire plan.

General cryptographic instructions . Effective authentication tables

Cryptographic devices to be used Each CEOI is classified according to content.
General classification of the CEOI is based on the
Current effective editions of the cryptographic
highest classified instruction it contains. Some of the
key lists
frequency nets that may be listed in the CEOI and may
Codes and ciphers be required in the COC areas follows:

Passwords/challenge 1. Battalion Command Net: Establishes

communication to the companies for administrative and
General authentication instructions logistics issues.

1-12
 Figure 1-10.—COC radio plan.

2. Battalion Tactical Net: Establishes 4. Regimental Tactical Net: Establishes

communication from the battalion’s COC to the
communication to the companies for tactical
regiment when the battalion is OPCON to the regiment.
purposes and various reports, such as SPOT, Used for tactical purposes and various reports, such as
SALUTE, AMMUNITION, CAUSALITY, and SPOT, SALUTE, AMMUNITION, CAUSALTY, and
SITREPS. SITREPs.
3. Regimental Command Net: Establishes 5. Base Facility Command Net: Establishes
communication from the battalion’s COC to the communication from the battalion’s COC to the base
regiment when the battalion is OPCON to the regiment. facility commander. Used for administrative and
Used for administrative and logistics issues. logistics issues.

1-13
 6. Base Facility Tactical Net: Establishes . ROUTINE: 3-4 hours or start of business on
communication from the battalion’s COC to the base the following day.
facility commander. Used for tactical purposes and
various reports, such as SPOT, SALUTE, The message is passed to the communication chief
AMMUMTION, CAUSALITY, and SITREPS. who checks the message for form at, spelling, and
legibility. After checking the message, the
7. Conduct of Fire Net: Establishes communica- communication chief passes the message with all
tion from the battalion’s COC to the battalion’s Fire copies to the COC watch officer. The COC watch
Direction Center (FDC). Used by the companies to call officer assigns the action as appropriate and indicates
in fire missions and by the fire support coordinator to the action section on the message, such as FSC and
call in fire support. S-2. The watch officer gives the original to the journal
8. Rear Area Operating Command Net: clerk for logging, gives one copy to the action section,
Establishes communication, u s u a l l y b y a and places one copy on the reading board.
high-frequency radio (HF), from the battalion’s COC to
higher authority (i.e., RASC) located outside the base Incoming messages received by runner or field
facility, such as RAOC. telephone are handled in the same manner as incoming
radio messages, except they are delivered to the COC
9. Communication Coordination Net: Used solely
watch officer without routing through the
for communication problems within the battalion.
communication chief.
10. Alert/Broadcast Net (HF): Used to pass alert
warning traffic or general traffic about all (or the
OUTGOING MESSAGES
majority) of the units within the area of operations.

OPERATION OF THE COMBAT The originating staff sections, such as FSC and
OPERATION CENTER S-2, prepare an original and two copies of each
message prepared. All copies are passed to the COC
Once you know the units within your area of watch officer. The COC watch officer reviews the
operations, who you are OPCON to, and have message, signs the releasing block, and passes one
established a communication network, a Standard copy to the journal clerk for logging. The COC watch
Operating Procedure (SOP) instruction for the officer then gives the original plus one copy to the
Combat Operation Center should be prepared. All key communication chief. The communication chief
personnel involved with the operations of the COC passes one copy to the communicator. After
should be involved. Special consideration must be transmission, the communicator returns this copy with
given to message handling procedures, situation the time of transmission indicated back to the
boards, unit journal, fire support coordinator, and staff communication chief. The communication chief
briefings. returns a copy to the originator. The COC watch
NOTE: The following paragraphs contain a officer gets the original with the time of transmission
typical SOP for the Combat Operation Center. The noted. The original is then placed on the outgoing
one you may be tasked to design maybe different but reading board after the journal clerk logs the time of
should contain the same basic topics. transmission.

INCOMING MESSAGES SITUATION BOARDS

All incoming radio traffic will be written down on

authorized message pads with an original plus two Each cognizant staff section, such as Ops and
copies (fig. 1-11). INTEL, is responsible for maintaining current
situation maps and other tactical information aids.
A guide for handling messages is as follows: Close monitoring of the developing tactical situation
FLASH: Not fixed. Handle as fast as humanly is required to ensure that request for support or
possible; objective is less than 10 minutes. information are provided expeditiously. The COC
watch officer should ensure that any information
IMMEDIATE: 30 minutes-1 hour.
requiring the updates of maps or charts is forwarded
PRIORITY: 1-3 hours. to the staff sections rapidly.

1-14
 Figure 1-11.—COC message handling routing.

UNIT JOURNAL FIRE SUPPORT COORDINATOR

The unit journal provides a summary of activities This activity is included in the COC only when the
that is used by commanders and oncoming duty battalions are using their mortars or providing liaison
with higher commands for supporting arms. The FSC
personnel to determine the current tactical situation.
maintains maps, charts, and target lists for use during
It covers a 24-hour period beginning at 0001 local the defense.
time. The journal clerk prepares the journal under the
direction of the COC watch officer. All items will be STAFF BRIEFINGS
entered in a brief, accurate form. Periodic reports, The operations officer (S-3) coordinates briefings
such as SITREPs, will be referenced only. that present the current tactical situation to the

1-15
battalion commander. The order for this staff task organization or to any element within the
brief is Intel (S-2), communication chief (S-3), MAGTF.
and FSC.
Seabees play a vital role in rear area security.
They are expected to know the organization in the rear
SUMMARY area from the rear area operations commander
(RAOC) to the base facility commander (BF). The
rear area is broken down into clusters called base
To be proficient while performing duties facilities. Seabees must know how to command,
related to COC operations, you must see the “Big control, and defend the area assigned to them within
Picture.” Part of the “Big Picture” is to know the base facility.
about the MAGTF organization. There are three
types of MAGTFs: Marine Expeditionary Force It is important that you understand your duties as
(MEF), Marine Expeditionary Force-Forward well as all of the other duties in the COC. Training is
(MEF-F), and Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). the key. A well-thought-out communication plan and
All MAGTFs contain four elements: Command standard operating procedures within the COC will
Element, Ground Element, Aviation Element, and help to eliminate the “fog of war.” As our motto states:
Combat Service Support Element. Seabees can “we do more then just build; we can defend what we
be attached to any type of MAGTF as a separate build.”

1-16
 CHAPTER 2

ORGANIZATION AND OPERATION OF THE COMPANY

COMMAND POST

In the previous chapter, we learned about the 4. Preparing and submitting operational reports to
importance of a proficient Combat Operations Center the COC concering the company.
(COC). For a Combat Operations Center to be 5. Providing dedicated communication channels
effective, it must receive accurate information for tactical and nontactical operations to the COC and
immediately from the companies assigned to the unit. to the platoon commanders.
The line companies (Alfa, Bravo, Charlie) man the
defensive lines that are the battalion’s portion of the 6. Transmitting orders and tactical decisions of the
defensive perimeter in the rear area or the Forward battalion’s COC to the platoons as required.
Edge of the Battle Area (FEBA); therefore, they are 7. Monitoring the progress of the battalion’s
the “eyes and ears” of the COC. Company command tactical operations and reporting immediately to the
posts are established to help the companies maintain COC any significant event or incident concerning the
command and control of their perspective companies. company’s area of responsibility.
This chapter provides detailed information about the
company command post and how the data it provides LOCATION
to the COC is vital to an effective command and
control system. The location considerations of the company CP
are similar to the location considerations of the COC.
COMPANY COMMAND POST The company CP must be hard to detect from enemy
forces and must be easy to defend and easily accessible
The company command post (CP) is the central to battalion personnel. Other factors to consider am
point from which company operations are directed. centralization, traffic, communications, and defense
The CP is established to provide the company security.
commander centralized command and control
facilities for the platoons assigned to the company. Centralization
The platoon commanders report all activities to the
company CP, regardless of their magnitudes, The company command post is located rear of the
concerning their perspective platoons. The company forward platoons manning the defensive perimeter or
CP reports to the COC all information concerning the the FEBA and is centered among those platoons to
company. enhance the execution of command and control
The specific composition and functions of the operations.
company command post vary with the mission
Traffic
assigned to the company. The normal functions of the
company CP are similar to the COC and include the
All of the traffic entering the company CP is by
following:
foot. Personnel approaching and returning to their
1. Receiving and recording operational reports fighting positions from the company CP should do so
from the COC. by alternate routes. When this rule is not followed, a
beaten path leading to the company CP for the enemy
2. Maintaining current maps and overlays of
to follow will result.
friendly and enemy situations within the company’s
area of responsibility. This information is displayed
Communication
within the company command post.
3. Maintaining current maps and overlays of the Communication is vital to the company CP for the
company’s patrol routes and other routes that may come effective exercise of command and control. The
in contact with the company’s area of responsibility. company CP must have constant communication with

2-1
the platoon commanders, the listening posts (LP), and accurate information pertaining to the company’s area
the observation posts (OP). The platoon commanders of responsibility.
must have constant communication with the troops on 4. Ensure incoming and outgoing messages follow
the front lines. A break in communication can cause
established routing procedures.
massive confusion and could result in heavy casualties
and the loss of lives. Communications is covered in 5. Retain releasing authority on all outgoing
depth farther on in this chapter. messages.
6. Provide complete supervision of operations in
Defense and Security the company CP.

Defensive and security measures for the company Watch Petty Officer
CP are similar to that of the COC. The major
exception is that the company CP is not as fortified as 1. Handle and process information relating to
the COC. For example, barbed and tactical wire intelligence.
entanglements are not used around the company CP
2. Gather and distribute information gained from
because of the constant flow of traffic entering the CP.
intelligence sources.
The company commander is concerned principally
with the defense of the company’s area of 3. Maintain overlays of the enemy situation map
responsibility. pertaining to the company’s area of responsibility.
4. Promptly inform the watch chief of significant
ORGANIZATION OF THE COMPANY
or unusual incidents.
COMMAND POST
5. Maintain overlays of the company’s patrols and
The internal organization of the company CP convoys.
varies with each company or contingency operation.
6. Supervise the action of the communication
Written Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) are
personnel.
established to avoid any confusion. Personnel duties,
maps, and various boards are usually standard within 7. Verify correct communication security measures
any company CP. are being used by all assigned communicators.

The company commander is responsible for Communicator

coordinating, organizing, operating, and training
watch standing personnel for the company CP. The 1. Monitor radio nets as assigned.
number of personnel assigned to the watch stations,
which are manned on a 24-hour basis, is normally 2. Use all necessary measures to minimize
maintained at the minimum needed to meet interception or jamming of transmission.
operational requirements. The watch personnel and
their duties are as follows: Messengers/Security

1. Perform all duties as assigned.

Watch Chief
2. Ensure only authorized personnel enter the
1. Before assuming watch, the watch chief should company CP.
read the message board, be briefed on the current
situation from the current watch chief, and then make CHARTS AND MAPS
liaison with the COC.
The types of charts and maps required within the
2. During watch, keep current on the tactical
company CP vary according to the mission and the
situation of the battalion, make routine decisions
company commander. All boards and maps must be
concerning the company, and notify the company
visible to all personnel in the company CP. This
commander of incidents of an unusual nature.
arrangement enables all personnel standing watch in
3. Read all incoming and outgoing messages. the company CP to visualize current situations and to
Take the appropriate action on messages received from help them to respond to any incoming messages
the COC. Ensure the COC immediately receives quickly and accurately.

2-2
 NOTE: Also posted in the company CP is a COMMUNICATION PLAN
clipboard that serves as an incoming/outgoing
message reading file. Like the COC, a company communication plan
needs to be prepared. Communication is essential for
AREA MAP the company commander to pass information between
the troops and the COC. An uncomplicated, reliable,
flexible, and responsive communication plan will
Unlike the COC, there is only one map to maintain
enable the company commander to carry out
in the company CP. This map displays the “big
operational plans generated from the COC effectively.
picture” of the companies with emphasis on each
company’s fire plan and area of responsibility. The The communication officer is responsible for the
area map includes the following: units overall communication plans. The company
commanders work with the communication officer for
1. Friendly troop positions in the company’s area the development of a company communication plan
of responsibility and communication assets needed by the companies.
2. Detailed company fire plan that includes The company commander should include in the plan
claymore mines, tactical entanglements, listening and communication requirements for the company and a
observation posts, and early warning devices such as communication network.
trip flares.
COMMUNICATION REQUIREMENTS
3. On call targets with the designator of the target
established by the COC Communication requirements within the
4. Current location of the COC company CP vary according to the mission, but the
communication equipment used to fulfill the
5. Location and status of patrols or convoys requirements is the sane. Communication equipment
6. Landing zone (LZ) locations includes the following:

7. NBC corridors/fallouts 1. AN/PRC-77 or AN/PRC-119A: Radios used to

communicate with the COC, the convoys, the forward
8. Overlay of known enemy positions
observers, the listening posts, and the patrols.

CHARTS 2. TA-312/PT (Field Phone): A direct phone line

to the COC, to the platoon commanders, and from the
platoon commanders to the troops manning the lines.
The charts posted in the CP give personnel a quick
Usually a TA-312/PT is run from the platoon
picture of the current situation. Items that need to be
commander’s fighting position to the squad leader’s
displayed on charts are not limited but should at least
fighting position or a crew-served weapon fighting
include the following:
position on the lines.
Company strength 3. SB-22/PT: The switchboard used to connect
Report status of reports sent and in process numerous TA-312s.

Equipment status COMMUNICATION NETWORK

Call signs and frequencies
A communication network is established similar
Convoy status to the one covered in chapter 1. The platoon
Food/water/ammo status of the company commander should also submit a platoon wire net and
radio net plan. The network should have a graphical
Enemy equipment/weapons
display of all communication wire linkups and radio
Weather and astronomical data nets monitored by the company and platoons,

NBC corridors/fallouts NOTE: Figures 2-1 and 2-2 are wire and radio
plans pertaining to an ideal situation. The one you will
Challenge and passwords including the
be tasked to design should be tailored according to the
alternative for the next 24 hours
assets available, the local terrain, and the area of
Current MOPP level responsibility assigned to the company.

2-3
 Figure 2-1.—Company CP wire plan.

Figure 2-2.—Company CP radio plan.

2-4
 The company commander should receive a copy SOP FOR OUTGOING MESSAGES
of the Communication Electronic Operating
Instruction (CEOI) to find out the radio nets the The watch petty officer prepares one original and
company is required to monitor. The contents of a two copies of all outgoing messages. All copies are
CEOI are discussed in chapter 1. There are normally passed to the watch chief. The watch chief reviews
only two frequency nets that a company CP is required the message, signs the releasing block, files one copy,
to monitor: and forwards two copies to the communicator. The
communicator logs one copy and transmits the
1. Battalion Command Net One: Establish
message. After transmission, the communicator
communication from the companies to the COC for returns the original copy, with the time of transmission
administrative and logistics issues. shown, back to the watch petty officer. The watch
2. Battalion Tactical Net Two: Establish chief receives the original with the time of
communication from the companies to the COC for transmission noted. The original is placed on the
tactical purposes. Used for various reports, such as outgoing reading board.
SPOT, SALUTE, AMMUNITION, CAUSALITY, and
NOTE: When the watch petty officer is
SITREPS.
preoccupied, the watch chief prepares outgoing
messages.
OPERATION OF THE COMPANY
COMMAND POST
REPORTING PROCEDURES
A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
Reporting procedures must be established for the
instruction for the company CP should be prepared.
company CP to be effective. The use of standardized
All key personnel involved with the operations of the
reports speeds information flow and simplifies
company CP should participate in the preparation of
support requests. Proper communication procedures,
the SOP. Special consideration must be given to
including encryption of sensitive information, must be
message-handling procedures and situation boards.
followed in submitting all reports. Every person in the
The following paragraphs contain a typical SOP company must know the proper reporting procedures.
for the company CP. The one you may be tasked to Information from the lines must get relayed back to
design may be different but should contain the same the company CP in an accurate and timely fashion.
basic topics. Formats for reports may vary from unit to unit. The
two most commons are the SALUTE and SPOT
SOP FOR INCOMING MESSAGES reports.
The platoon commander receives information
All incoming radio traffic should be written down
from the lines by landline or radio. The primary
on authorized message pads that allow the preparation
means of communication between the platoon
of an original plus two copies.
commander and squad leaders are wire. Messengers,
NOTE: A guideline for handling messages is in visual signals, personal contact, or whistles may be
chapter 1. used when they are more appropriate than phones and
radios.
The communicator passes an incoming message
to the watch petty officer who checks the message for As previously mentioned, the location of field
format, spelling, and legibility. After checking the phones on the lines is dictated by the assets available,
message, the watch petty officer should pass the the terrain, and the size of the area of responsibility
message with all copies to the watch chief who will assigned to the company. The platoon commander
decide the appropriate action to take. The original must be able to relay information quickly and
plus one copy is then filed and one copy is placed on accurately. The platoon commander must also have
the reading board. complete command and control of the squads and
crew-served weapons assigned to the platoon.
Incoming messages received by the runner or by
the field telephone are handled in the same manner as The ideal situation is for the platoon commander
incoming radio messages. When the watch petty to have a TA-312/PT (field phone) at each squad
officer is preoccupied with other events, messages leader’s fighting position or crew-served weapon
should be routed directly to the watch chief. position. The field phones will tie into a switchboard

2-5
(SB-22/PT) located in the platoon commander’s Activity, Location, Unit, Time, Equipment). The
fighting position. The platoon commander will be tied company CP relays the information to the COC with
into the company CP. Figure 2-3 shows an ideal radio a SALUTE report.
network.
A SPOT report is a hastily modified SALUTE
The platoon commander relays the information to report containing less detail. An example of the
the company CP, using the acronym SALUTE (Size, difference between the two reports is when the

Figure 2-3.—Various platoon and radio net illustration.

2-6
company is engaged in a fire fight on the lines. The AREA MAPS AND CHARTS
platoon commander must concentrate on the fire fight
and has little time to send a formal SALUTE report to The watch petty officer is primarily responsible
for maintaining the situation map and other tactical
the company CP. Several SPOT reports are used to
information aids; however, this task is usually shared
maintain communication with the company CP. The
with the watch chief. The watch chief ensures that any
company CP is also busy concentrating on the fire information requiring the updates of maps or charts is
fight and will relay several SPOT reports to the COC. quickly carried out.
When the fire fight is over, the company CP will send
the COC a formal SALUTE report based from the SUMMARY
SPOT reports.
As you can see from this chapter, the company CP
A SALUTE report is used when the observed plays a vital role in relation to the COC and the overall
activities of the enemy do not pose a threat to the defense plans of the battalion. The organization of the
company CP is similar to the COC but on a smaller
company. This gives the platoon commander and the
scale. The primary difference is the communication
company CP time to evaluate the situation and to send
from the defensive lines or the FEBA to the company
the COC a formal SALUTE report. CP. Emphasis is placed on defending the company’s
area of responsibility while keeping the COC
The important thing is to keep the COC informed informed. A SPOT report is a rapid way to inform the
COC of vital information and should be followed up
of everything and maintain the top priority of
with a SALUTE report. The COC depends on the
defending the company’s area of responsibility. What
company CP for accurate and concise information.
may not seem like vital information to you may be Strong coordination between the COC and the
vital information to someone else. When in doubt company CP can ensure a victorious outcome for any
send a SPOT or SALUTE report. combat mission assigned to a Seabee organization.

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 CHAPTER 3

SETUP AND CONTROL OF MEDICAL EVACUATION

(MEDEVAC)

Medical evacuation and casualty care are

responsibilities shared by everyone involved with
command and control activities. All personnel
assigned to the unit must be aware of casualty facilities
and medical evacuation procedures (MEDEVAC). A
well-developed MEDEVAC plan will not only save
lives but will also ensure the unit is ready for present
and future missions. The loss of any Seabee because
of a poor MEDEVAC plan is inexcusable and can
result in a disastrous lack of firepower when it is most
needed. This chapter covers in depth the setting up of
a landing zone, the landing zone brief, the medical
evacuation request, and the medical evacuation
procedures.
Figure 3-1.—Helicopter landing zone (LZ).
LANDING ZONE/SITE/POINTS

A helicopter landing zone (LZ) is a specified site and one landing point for resupplies, troop
ground for landing helicopters to embark or movement, or medical evacuations.
disembark troops or cargo. A landing zone is
designated by a code name. It may include one or PREPARATION OF THE LANDING ZONE
more landing sites.
When planning the preparation of an LZ, you
Depending upon the terrain and the size of the should take several factors into consideration. First,
Seabee unit, you can divide the LZ into several you should know what type of helicopters will be
landing sites. A landing site is a specific location using the landing zone. The Combat Operation Center
within a landing zone in which a single flight of (COC) can provide this type of information. Second,
helicopters may land to embark or disembark troops you must consider the Seabee unit’s position in
or cargo. Landing sites are designated by color, such relation to the enemy. Security troops must establish
as landing site red. A landing site contains one or a 360-degree perimeter around the landing zone to
more landing points (fig. 3-1). defend the LZ. A third factor is the time it will take
to prepare the landing zone. And a fourth factor
A helicopter landing point is an area within a considered is the equipment needed to prepare the LZ.
landing site where an individual helicopter can land.
Landing points are designated by two-digit numbers, Approaches and Exits
such as landing point 12. For pathfinder purposes, the
landing points are identified by the use of smoke or air The ground approaches to the LZ and exits from
panels. For night operations, you can mark the the LZ must be free of major obstacles that might
landing points with some type of low-intensity light. obstruct landing or takeoffs, such as tall trees,
A general rule is to position landing points ten times telephone poles, or power lines. Approaches and exits
as far from an obstacle as the obstacle is high (10:1 should also be clear of obstructions that are 10 meters
ratio). or higher, extending at least 50 meters in the direction
of approach and exit paths. The rule of thumb for
NOTE: In most cases, a Seabee unit will be determining the distance required between the landing
required to construct a landing zone with one landing point and a high obstruction is a 10:1 ratio. This

3-1
means that the distance a landing point is located from blades or turbine intakes, causing serious damage.
a tree is ten times the height of the tree. Shallow water, less than 18 inches deep and with a
firm bottom, can be used as a landing site.
Example: A helicopter landing or taking off near
a 30-foot tree needs at least 300 feet of horizontal Winds
clearance (fig. 3-2).
When the wind at ground level exceeds 10 knots,
Ground Obstacles the helicopter must land into the wind.

Obstacles on the ground, such as stumps or rocks, LANDING SITE DIMENSIONS

should not exceed 1 foot in height on level ground and
should be less on sloping ground. Landing site dimensions vary, depending on the
number of landing points required. For each landing
Gradient (Slopes) point, a fuselage safe circle is cleared of all obstacles,
such as stumps, rocks, or bushes. Clear a rotor safe
Ground slope has a considerable effect on
circle of all obstacles that could obstruct the rotor
selecting a landing site or landing point within the LZ.
blades (fig. 3-3).
A helicopter cannot land safely in locations where the
ground slopes more than 14 degrees. When pilots land When there is to be more than one landing point
on a slope, they prefer to land uphill because of the within the landing site, separate the landing points so
tail down attitude of the helicopter. the helicopters can simultaneously land safely in the
landing site. Use figure 3-4 as a guide in selecting the
Surface Conditions appropriate size landing zone.
Mud, excessive dust, and loose debris are
MARKING THE LANDING ZONE
considered undesirable surface conditions for
helicopters. Mud causes a helicopter to become Once you have established the LZ, the landing
bogged down. Excessive dust reduces visibility and sites, and the landing points, you need to direct the
compromises the location of the site. Loose debris is helicopter to the location of the LZ. The proper
dangerous because they are sucked up into the rotor marking of the LZ will aid the pilot in locating it.

Figure 3-2.—Horizontal clearance.

Figure 3-3.—Landing point dimensions.

3-2
 Figure 3-4.—Landing zone diameter.

Recommendations for marking an LZ and for guiding 2. Night landing: The organization and use of an
a helicopter to an LZ are as follows: LZ at night or during periods of low visibility is more
complex compared to daytime operations. Special
1. Daylight landing: The landing zone is
lighting equipment or field expedients as required.
equipped with a means of showing wind direction and
velocity. This is usually accomplished by the use of a. You must indicate outlines of landing zones
smoke or by verbal radio message. Expedient methods by low-intensity markers.
for determining wind direction and velocity are as
b. You must show obstacles near the landing
follows:
zone by low-intensity markers or voice radio
a. Grass drop method. Extend your arm instructions.
straight out and drop the grass from your hand. Point
Another method of guiding the aircraft to the zone
the extended arm at the dropped grass on the ground.
is vector instructions. This is simply relaying
The angle between the arm and the body divided by four
instructions to the pilot by radio. For example, the
is the wind velocity in knots.
radio operator spots the helicopter. Using a compass,
b. Angle of smoke method. Observe the the radio operator shoots an azimuth of 135 degrees
angle at which smoke blows. The wind speed is as from the LZ to the helicopter and quickly computes a
follows: back azimuth of 315 degrees. The radio operator then
transmits the following message:
—If smoke goes straight up, no wind.
—If smoke blows at a 30-degree angle, wind “HOME WISH, THIS IS FLIGHT BEE . . .
is 3-5 knots. VECTOR THREE ONE FIVE TO LANDING ZONE
HAWK . . . OVER.”
—If smoke blows at a 60-degree angle,
wind is 5-7 knots. The pilot then acknowledges the message and takes up
the correct heading of 315 degrees. The term vector is
—If smoke blows along the ground, wind
always used in a situation like this to prevent
exceeds 8 knots.
misunderstanding. As the helicopter approaches, minor
Use smoke and landing zone panels to mark a corrections will probably be necessary. These are given
landing zone by day. Both should be the same color as corrections to the original heading b y the following:
as the designation of the landing zone. This will aid
“HOME WISH, THIS IS FLIGHT BEE. . . COME
the pilot in locating the landing zone, Mark obstacles
RIGHT FIVE DEGREES OF PRESENT COURSE. . .
that cannot be removed within the landing zone with
OVER.”
single red panels staked to prevent uprooting by rotor
wash. When the tactical situation does not allow the use
of a compass, you can vector the helicopter to an LZ
SECURITY CAUTION: If smoke is used to mark the by using the clock system:
landing zone, use only as needed and do not tell the
pilot the color of smoke; ask the pilot to acknowledge “HOME WISH, THIS IS FLIGHT BEE . . . MY
the color after the smoke grenade is set off. POSITION IS AT YOUR NINE O’CLOCK . . .
OVER.”

3-3
 The aircraft would then execute a 90-degree turn
to the left.

LANDING SIGNALMAN
ENLISTED (LSE) SIGNALS

Once the pilot has located the LZ, you can now
help the pilot land the helicopter. These signals are
visual arm-and-hand signals used by personnel to
“talk” to the pilot of the landing helicopter. The
confidence of the pilot in the LSE’s signals depends
on the precise manner in which the LSE gives the
signal. Movements are sharp and precise. LSE’s Figure 3-5.—Prepare for guidance.
signals are executed exactly as prescribed. The LSE
must always remain alert for signals from the pilot.
During night operations, LSEs must use illuminated
wands. During a landing approach, the LSE’s
functions areas follows:

1. Inform the pilot of the approaching helicopter

that you are the LSE. You do this by means of the
Prepare for Guidance signal.
2. Indicate the landing point to the pilot by
positioning yourself 25 meters in front of and 10 meters
to the right of the landing point as the pilot looks at it.
Figure 3-6.—Forward.
3. Aid the pilot in landing safely on the landing
point. The pilot is responsible for the approach and
landing of the helicopter. However, the pilot relies
heavily on the LSE to provide warning of conditions of
which he or she is not aware of and to direct the
helicopter to a safe landing point.
4. The only signal that the LSE must give to the
pilot on the deck is the Wave-Off signal. All other
signals are advisory signals to the pilot. The decision
to acceptor reject the signal is solely the responsibility
of the pilot. Responsibility for the safety of the aircraft
can never be relinquished to the LSE. The Wave-Off Figure 3-7.—Backward.
signal is given when it is not safe for the helicopter to
land.
5. Indicate to the pilot when it is safe to take off.

NOTE: Figures 3-5 through 3-14 are Initial

Terminal Guidance LSE signals that are standard
throughout the Marine Corps. Any misunderstandings
that may arise about signals are clarified by close
coordination with the supporting helicopter unit. The
signals are used for daytime operations. Signals given
at night are executed in the same manner except that
Figure 3-8.—Hover.
an illuminated amber director’s wand (Chem Lite) is
held in each hand.

3-4
 Figure 3-12.—Upward.

Figure 3-13.—Takeoff.
Figure 3-9.—Move right/left.

Figure 3-10.—Downward.

Figure 3-14.—Wave-off.

LANDING ZONE BRIEF

When a helicopter has to land for troop

pickup/drop, resupply, MEDEVAC, or for any other
reason, the pilot must have certain information to
ensure a safe landing. This information is provided in
Figure 3-11.—Land. a landing zone brief (fig. 3-15).

3-5
 Figure 3-15.—Landing zone brief.
Each line of the landing zone brief is explained Line 3: Your call sign.
below.
Line 4: Self-explanatory.
Line 1: The mission number will be assigned to Line 5: List the methods of marking the LZ. For
the pilot by Direct Air Support Center example, smoke, air panels, signal
(DASC) personnel. Under normal mirrors, lights, and so forth.
circumstance this line is not used by Line 6: State the direction from which the wind is
Seabee units. coming and the wind speed if known.
Line 2: Give at least a six-digit grid to identify Line 7: State the elevation of the LZ (air is thinner
the location of the LZ. at higher altitudes) and the size of the LZ.

3-6
 Line 8: An obstacle is anything higher or deeper request. The format in figure 3-17 contains all the
than 1 foot on the LZ or anything near the information required in a MEDEVAC request. The
LZ that may create a hazard to the aircraft. format may change slightly at diffenmt organizations.
Explain where the obstacles are in relation
to the LZ. MEDEVAC PROCEDURES

Line 9: State where friendly troops are in relation to

The importance of a well-thought-out MEDEVAC
the LZ.
plan cannot be emphasized enough. The lives of
Line 10: State the location of the enemy in relation to everyone in the unit depend on it. All personnel
the LZ. assigned to the unit must know the MEDEVAC
procedures. The elements requiring special
Line 11: Self-explanatory.
consideration are litter bearers, ambulance, battalion
Line 12: Self-explanatory. aid station, and LZ security.
Line 13: State the direction and distance the
helicopter can fire without endangering LITTER BEARERS
friendly troops.
Litter bearers should be personnel, such as
Line 14: If possible, the approach heading should be
messcooks, personnelmen, and yeomen, from
into the wind. The retirement or departure
Headquarters Company. The litter bearers are
should be clear of enemy positions.
assigned as stretcher teams with the COC being the
Line 15: The different helicopters used for prime coordinator for their utilization. The COC
MEDEVAC operations vary in the number will inform the battalion aid station for their
of personnel and equipment they assistance. Many variations occur however, and it
can transport. Increased elevation and must be emphasized that this source of litter bearers
temperature decrease the weight capacity of is not taken for granted. Platoon commanders and
a helicopter. A helicopter pilot must know the company chief must be assured of an adequate
exactly the number of personnel and what number of litter teams. Eight men per company are
type of equipment is to be transported. considered adequate unless mass casualties are
anticipated. Other sources of litter bearers are as
Line 16: Anything not previously mentioned that
follows:
could help the pilot in anyway.
1. Members of the platoon. This source is
MEDICAL EVACUATION REQUEST mentioned only to be discouraged, although it will be
(MEDEVAC) well recognized that in an emergency this may be the
only source available. Utilization of platoon personnel
A MEDEVAC request contains all the information manning the defensive lines or FEBA may result in a
that Direct Air Support Center (DASC) personnel disastrous lack of fire power when it is most needed for
need to dispatch a helicopter to your position. In a defense.
combat situation, the Combat Operation Center 2. Members of the reserve platoon. Here again it
(COC) routes the request from the battalion aid station
is recognized that in an emergency, this source must be
to higher headquarters. Higher headquarters will used. However, to rely on this source is not a good
route the request to DASC personnel. In extreme
practice because the reserve platoon is critically needed
situations where communication to the COC or the
during a heavy attack; therefore, if the platoon is used
battalion aid station is interrupted, platoon
for casualty evacuation, the company commander may
commanders or company commandes should have
be caught shorthanded.
the knowledge and capabilities to request a
MEDEVAC. The operation plan (OPLAN) will When a casualty occurs, the wounded person, if
explain the routing of a MEDEVAC request. A possible, should go to a relatively protected location
MEDEVAC request does not actually bring the away from the defensive lines or FEBA. The word
helicopter to the LZ. The request simply identifies the is then quietly passed to the CP for a corpsman or
requesting unit, location of the LZ, and describes the litter bearer. The CP will then inform the COC for
casualty. The DASC will make the necessary action. Passing the word back quietly and
arrangements/decisions concerning the MEDEVAC expeditiously is important. Loud shouting for a

3-7
corpsman by all the troops in the vicinity can Litter bearers are vital for the survival of a
have a demoralizing effect on other troops. casualty, in the maintenance of good morale,
Incidents have occurred when inexperienced and most of all to prevent loss of firepower for
troops have panicked because of frenzied the defending platoons. For these reasons, it is
shouting of the whole squad for a corpsman to vital that provisions for litter bearers be included
take care of a single casualty. in the MEDEVAC plan.

Figure 3-16.—Sample of landing zone brief.

3-8
 Figure 3-17.—MEDEVAC request.

AMBULANCE MEDEVACed). Other functions of the battalion aid

station are to give further first aid, check for continued
An ambulance is normally stationed at the hemorrhage, rebandage where needed, and apply
battalion aid station (BAS) and functions as far splints if needed. Seriously wounded casualties are
forward as the terrain and enemy activity permits. The given supportive therapy for shock in the form of
ambulance is primarily used to prevent the prolonged plasma and serum albumen in preparation of a
carrying of litters. When the ambulance is called MEDEVAC. Once the medical staff has determined
forward, explicit instructions are given as to routes the priority of the casualties requiring a MEDEVAC
taken and the exact location to which it is to go. and those not expected to survive the flight, the COC
Ambulances frequently draw enemy mortar and is contacted and sends a MEDEVAC request to higher
artillery fire; therefore, they should not be brought up authority. It is recommended that the chaplin is
to an area under direct observation of the enemy. available for those not expected to survive.

BATTALION AID STATION SECURITY

The battalion aid station is the central location that Once the MEDEVAC request has been sent to
all casualties are taken to before any type of higher authority, the COC will quickly activate the
evacuation. Medical staff personnel are the only security team. The security team (React Force) is
personnel qualified in determining whether a casualty responsible for securing the LZ, establishing
must be evacuated (commonly referred to by the term communication, landing, and assisting the loading of

3-9
the helicopter. Also controlled by the security team is arrange the casualties in that order. Casualties must
the staging area for those requiring MEDVAC. A be tagged with their name, rank, SSN, unit, and type
member of the security team is established as a “Pit of injuries. All loose articles of clothing, such as 782
Boss” that will control the litter bearers and all gear, are removed from the casualties.
movement of the wounded to the LZ.
Landing and Loading the Helicopter
Securing the LZ

Weapons and personnel required to secure an LZ Once the pilot has acknowledged the location of
are dictated by the size and terrain of the LZ. A the LZ by means discussed previously in this chapter,
360-degree perimeter must be established around the landing signalman enlisted signals are used to land the
LZ. All likely avenues of approach and sectors of fire helicopter. Only one person is designated as the
must be covered. Helicopter pilots will not land if landing signalman. Once the helicopter has landed
they feel the LZ is not properly secured. and a representative disembarks the aircraft, the
landing signalman directs the representative to
Establishing Communication the senior medical staff personnel in charge. The
helicopter representative will coordinate with the
Simultaneously, communication personnel medical staff representative on how the casualties are
assigned to the security team will establish to be loaded on the aircraft. Once all the casualties
communication at the landing site. It is important that have been MEDEVACed, the COC will send a
communication personnel know the proper mission SALUTE and WIA (or Casualty CASREP) report to
frequency for contacting the pilot and keeping in higher headquarters.
contact with the COC. The type of communication
equipment needed depends on the terrain of the LZ. SUMMARY
Usually, two PRC 119As that are equipped with a
AS-3683 10-foot whip antenna are used. Two radios Evacuation by helicopter is the ideal evacuation
are required because communication must be method. This type of evacuation is usually available
maintained with both the pilot and the COC. day or night. However, helicopters should be used
with discretion as their number is usually limited and
Casualties
they draw enemy fire when observed. The individual
Seabee should be taught basic first aid and, if
Once the LZ has been secured, casualties are
wounded, to remain calm. If the wound is minor, a
transported from the battalion aid station to the
buddy should apply a battle dressing and continue to
landing point by any means necessary. The casualties
deliver fire until the action lessens. The ability of a
are arranged in priorities and according to the capacity
buddy to give first aid depends on the tactical
of the helicopter.
situation. Properly establishing an LZ and mutes to
When en route to the LZ, the helicopter pilot the LZ from the BAS is important to any MEDEVAC
should inform the communicator at the LZ of the plan. Pilots are just as concerned for their safety as
capacity of the helicopter and if a corpsman is onboard you are about your troops safety. Remember, proper
the helicopter. For example, the pilot will inform the setup and control of MEDEVAC procedures are
communicator that the helicopter has room for three critical and will ensure that the individual Seabee will
litters and one walk-on. The medical staff will then be back to build and fight another day.

3-10
 CHAPTER 4

PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT OF DEFENSIVE

TACTICS
Seabee battalions are primarily a defensive forward defense area, and the reserve area. Each
unit during combat and must consider the of these areas is allocated forces and fires as a part
planning of defensive tactics as top priority. Poor of the complete defense plan (fig. 4-1).
planning of defensive tactics will not only
endanger the battalion but will also endanger all Security Area
other units involved with the operation. Other
units assigned to the theater of operation depend The battalion security area begins at the FEBA
on Seabee units to defend their area of or the defensive perimeter and normally extends
responsibility. Defensive operations for Seabee 500 meters to the front and to the flanks of the
battalions include those actions taken for battalion. Depending on where battalion security
destroying or trapping a hostile force, denying an elements are used, this area can be increased.
enemy access to an area and reducing the Seabee forces in the security area include the
capabilities of the enemy. The goal is to listening post, the observation post, and the
accomplish these actions with minimum or no patrols that furnish information about the enemy;
losses to the battalion. This chapter covers in delay, deceive, and disrupt the enemy as much as
depth the concept of defense, the fundamentals of possible. Division forces, operating deep in the
defense, the types of defense, and the platoon, security area (beyond 500 meters), will consist of
squad, and fire team defensive positions. Also general outposts (GOPs), combat outposts, flank
covered are the crew-served weapons employment, security forces, division aerial surveillance
the platoon fire plan, and the company fire plan. elements, and patrols. As a platoon commander or
Although this chapter speaks mainly of defensive patrol leader, you must be aware of all forces
tactics for a Seabee battalion, Seabee units can operating in the security area.
also implement the context of this chapter.

CONCEPT OF DEFENSE

In the defense, the defender takes every

opportunity to seize the initiative and to destroy
the enemy. The defender seizes the initiative by
forcing the enemy to react in conformity with the
defensive plan of the battalion and exploiting the
enemy weaknesses. As a platoon commander or
assistant company commander, it is important for
you to know how the defensive plan relates to the
overall defensive operation. Seabees are required
to set up a defensive perimeter or, in extreme
cases, defend the Forward Edge of the Battle Area
(FEBA). The defensive tactics used in each case
are similar.

NOTE: For simplicity purposes the defensive

perimeter or the defensive lines will be referred to
as the FEBA.

DEFENSIVE AREAS

defensive areas, established at the defensive

perimeter or FEBA, include the security area, the Figure 4-1.—Battalion defensive areas.
4-1
Forward Defense Area (FDA) Unfortunate indeed is the platoon commander or
assistant company commander who is unable to read
The forward defense area extends rearward from this “writing.” The intelligent leader knows that
the defensive line or FEBA to the rear boundaries of terrain is a major ally and that it virtually decides the
the frontline companies that are used as the forward positioning of platoons and squads in the defense. The
defense echelon of the battalion. The composition of defender retains control of terrain features essential to
the forward defense echelon depends upon the form of observations, communications, and maneuver of
defense used. reserves. Denying the enemy the use of terrain that
might jeopardize the mission of the battalion is the
Reserve Area major role of a defender.

Extending from the rear boundary of the forward To read the “writing on the ground,” you can
defense echelon (frontline companies) to the rear organize the analysis of weather and terrain primarily
boundary of the defense of the battalion is the reserve around the following set of military considerations
area. The reserve forces and those uncommitted (KOCOA):
forces under battalion control occupy positions in the Key terrain
reserve area and add depth to the defensive position.
The reserve is the principal means by which the Observation and fields of fire
battalion commander influences the defensive battle Concealment and cover
and regains the initiative.
Obstacles to movement
FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENSE Avenues of approach

Effective defensive actions are achieved by a These considerations are discussed in the
blend of the principles discussed below. The degree following paragraphs. While the discussions of these
to which each principle applies will vary with the considerations focus on terrain, weather and terrain
mission and the situation. This is decided only after are inseparable. Terrain that offers good traffic
consideration of all the principles (fig. 4-2). conditions when dry may be impassable when wet. A
hill that provides good observation on a clear day may
PROPER USE OF TERRAIN not provide any visibility on a rainy day or at night.

Maneuvers that are possible and dispositions that Key Terrain

are essential are indelibly “written on the ground.”
Key terrain features must be considered in
formulating defensive tactics. Their selection is based
PROPER USE OF TERRAIN on the mission of the command. Tactical use of terrain
often is directed at increasing the ability to apply
SECURITY
combat power. Also considered is channeling the
MUTUAL SUPPORT enemy into the beaten zone of organic weapons
maintained by the battalion. The selection of key
DEFENSE IN DEPTH terrain varies with the following:

ALL-AROUND DEFENSE . Level of command

COORDINATED FIRE PLAN l Type of unit

. Mission of the unit
USE OF BARRIERS
Seabees are normally a service support unit for the
FLEXIBILITY
Marine Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). Service
MAXIMUM USE OF OFFENSIVE ACTION support units need roads over which to move supplies
and secure areas in which to construct facilities.
DISPERSION Aviation units need high terrain on which to set up
radars and communication facilities and large, flat
Figure 4-2.—Fundamentals of defense. areas for airfields.

4-2
Observation and Fields of Fire 2. Concealment is the protection from observation
or surveillance both air and ground. Some examples
Observation and fields of fire are so closely that provide ideal concealment are as follows
related that they are considered together. Fields of fire
Woods
are based on observation because a target must be seen
to bring effective fire upon it. Underbrush

The observation considerations are as follows: Snowdrifts

. Weather conditions Tall grass

. Time of day Cultivated vegetation

. Vegetation Other features that deny observation
. Surrounding terrain Terrain that provides concealment may or may not
The highest terrain features are generally ideal for provide cover.
observation. However, during times of poor visibility,
positions in low areas that the enemy must pass Obstacles to Movement
through may provide better observation.

The field of fire is the area a weapon or group of Obstacles are anything, including a natural or
weapons may cover effectively with fire from a given artificial terrain feature, that stops, impedes, or diverts
position. When you are selecting a field of fire for a military movement. Entanglements are set up as
weapon, it is critical to know the capabilities of the obstacles along the FEBA or the defensive perimeter
weapon. Positioning an M60E3 machine gun with a to channel the enemy into the beaten zone of various
400-meter field of fire is poorly using the weapons weapons held by the defending unit.
capability considering the weapon has a maximum
effective range 1,100 meters. The object is to engage Avenues of Approach
the enemy as far out as possible.
Avenues of approach are routes the enemy is likely
Cover and Concealment
to travel to reach its objective. When setting up the
defense positions, the platoon commander visualizes
Cover and concealment is used together to
all possible enemy avenues of approach into the area.
provide protection from the effects of fires and
observation. An evaluation of the avenues of approach,
1. Cover is protection from the effects of fire. together with key terrain features, serves as the basis
Examples of ideal cover are as follows: for positioning platoons or squads for planning fire
support. The area selected for defense should afford
Rocks
good observation, fields of fire, and adequate cover
Shell craters and concealment to the defending forces. The
Ditches or quarries defender applies the principles of camouflage and
continuously improves camouflage throughout the
Buildings defensive operation.
Caves
Sunken roads SECURITY

River banks
Security consists of those measures that prevent
Walls surprise, avoid annoyance, preserve freedom of
Folds in the ground action, and deny to the enemy information about our
forces. Security is not only keeping watch to detect
Highway fills
the enemy but also deceiving the enemy as to the
Areas that provide cover from direct fire may strength of the battalion, location of the weapons, and
or may not protect against the effects of indirect other valuable information. Using camouflage
fire. effectively is very important to security.

4-3
MUTUAL SUPPORT aviation support usually provided by the Marine Air
Group (MAG). Coordination between the companies
A well-developed defense plan includes mutual is also critical. The fire of the squad forces the enemy
support from adjacent units. Seabee units are to slowdown and deploy, thus creating a target for the
normally attached to an MAGTF and have a variety of mortar crew of the battalion, adjacent companies, or
mutual support. However, conditions, created by supporting weapons. This makes the squads a key
wide unit separation, increase the problem of element in a coordinated fire plan.
achieving mutual support. Support of adjacent units
by fire can be hampered by distances that exceed the COORDINATED BARRIER PLAN
ranges of the supporting units organic weapons and
must be considered when seeking mutual support. Using barriers, either natural or man-made,
Mutual support becomes critical when conducting a can channel, direct, restrict, or stop enemy
convoy. Normally the convoy will travel out of range movement. The effective use of barbed wire and
from a Seabee unit’s organic weapons, so mutual concertina, claymore mines, antitank mines, and
support from adjacent units becomes critical. antipersonnel mines, and the effective use of the
terrain add to the defense of the battalion.
ALL-AROUND DEFENSE Natural obstacles must be exploited. The creation
or exploitation of barriers must be coordinated at
Although the platoon commander positions the all echelons of the command.
squads toward the expected direction of an enemy
attack the platoon must be prepared to defend against FLEXIBILITY
an attack from any direction. The possibility of
multi-direction enemy attacks, including A platoon commander must continually develop
helicopterborne or airborne attack, increases the various courses of action to meet the enemy threat.
importance of this principle. All-around defense is Being flexible is to ask yourself, What should I do if
best achieved by early warning and the rapid shifting the enemy does this?
of platoons into supplementary fighting positions to
counter a developing attack. The topic of fighting DISPERSION
positions is discussed further in this chapter. Early
warning capability provided by air defense elements Normally in a defensive situation, squads are
of the Marine Aircraft Wing (MAW) can provide limited to how spread out they are over a wide area.
defense against helicopterborne or airborne attacks. Firing positions are assigned and should be close
enough to provide interlocking fire. They should not
IN-DEPTH DEFENSE be close enough so an enemy machine gun or mortar
can wipe out an entire fire team or an entire squad.
Maximum defense in depth is required to absorb The degree of dispersion will be influenced primarily
an enemy attack within the battle area. Defense in by the mission and by the following:
depth applies to the squad level by engaging the enemy
. Terrain
at maximum small-arms range as it advances and
continuing this fire until the enemy has been stopped. . Friendly and enemy air situation
The requirement for depth is increased when the l Mobility of opposing forces
enemy is superior in mobility or has the capability of
destroying or rupturing defensive positions by using . Enemy nuclear capability
nuclear weapons. Organized in-depth positions must . Responsiveness of friendly nuclear and
control key terrain, block avenues of approach, reduce conventional fire support
the defender’s vulnerability to nuclear weapons, and
assist the maneuver of the reserve troops. USE OF TIME AVAILABLE

COORDINATED FIRE PLAN Since the defender can examine the terrain in
detail and plan its best use, every effort is made to
Coordination of all fire from weapons organic and prepare the defense in advance. The time available for
supporting the battalion is considered. Included in a planning and preparing for the defense will influence
coordinated fire plan is naval gunfire and tactical the following:

4-4
 Tactical employment of the companies the enemy, firing positions should be selected that allow
the fire of all or most of the weapons can be brought to
Preparation of obstacles
bear on the enemy simultaneously.
Coordination of fire from each company
The following paragraphs will discuss what forms
Coordination of supporting fire
a basic defensive firing position.
Priority for performance of tasks
The effectiveness of the defense depends not only SECTOR OF FIRE
on the time available for its planning and preparation
but also on its advantageous use during the preparation A sector of fire (fig. 4-3) is an area of responsi-
phase. This fundamental also applies after the
bility assigned to a squad, a platoon, or a crew-sewed
preparation phase because improvement continues weapon to be covered by fire. The squad sector of fire
during the defense. is divided into fire teams and individual sectors of fire
to cover the entire squad sector by fire. Sectors of fire
POSITIONING THE SQUAD IN THE
ensure mutual support by overlapping the individual
DEFENSE
and fire team sectors. Normally, the squad leader is
not assigned an individual sector of fire since the
The effectiveness of a unit in combat is largely
primary duty in the defense is directing and
dependent on selecting firing positions that allow the
controlling the squad. Located within each sector of
weapons of the unit to be used effectively and to keep
fire are lateral and forward limits.
the enemy from using their weapons. A primary duty
as a platoon commander or squad leader for a rifle 1. Lateral Limits: Readily identifiable terrain
platoon is positioning the squads in the defense. features are selected to show the line of sight along each
When you are employing a squad in the defense, it is side of the sector. Two stakes are firmly placed near the
good to review your previous experiences as a squad position of a weapon to show the lateral limits for
member. Reflect upon the reasons you were periods of reduced visibility.
positioned as a rifleman, grenadier, or other member
2. Forward Limits: The forward limit is
of a squad to better determine what type of defensive
firing position is needed. There are many points to established at the range at which the weapon will open
fire. When possible, a terrain feature is selected to
consider in selecting a firing position. Some of these
locate the forward limit. This allows the squad leader
are as follows:
a method of control to open fire on the enemy at a
1. Mission: If the mission of the unit is to defend precise time to maximize effectiveness.
an airfield, the firing positions of the unit must facilitate
the accomplishment of the mission, despite how good
other firing positions may be.
2. Enemy: The capabilities of an enemy usually
determine how he will attack. Mechanized units
usually attack through fields and other open terrain
where they can use the speed of their vehicles to an
advantage. Infantry units, however, seek to use the
cover and concealment provided by woods and other
close terrain. Firing positions that are ideal for
defending against mechanized units maybe useless for
defending against infantry units.
3. Observation and Fields of Fire: Seek to fire
on the enemy when he cannot fire on you and do not let
the enemy fire on you when you cannot fire on him.
4. Plan of Defense/Scheme of Maneuver: How
the battalion commander plans to use the companies
will influence the selection of firing positions. For
example, if the battalion commander plans to surprise Figure 4-3.—Sector of fire.

4-5
FIGHTING POSITIONS squads, and crew-served weapons are assigned
primary positions.
A fighting position is a location on the ground
from which fire is delivered by an individual, a fire Alternate Fighting Position
unit (squad or fire team), or a crew-served weapon.
Before you select a fighting position, the assigned Alternate positions are not normally assigned to
sector of fire is carefully examined from various individuals or squads within the platoon. They are
locations. Examining is done in the prone position to used primarily by crew-served weapons. An alternate
ensure effective coverage of the sector of fire. The position is located so that a crew-served weapon can
positions must provide the following: continue to cover the original assigned sector of fire
when the primary position becomes unsuited for
Desired support of the sector carrying out that mission.
Good fields of fire
Supplementary Fighting Position
Maximum use of available cover and
concealment Supplementary positions are prepared to guard
Facilitate effective fire control by the unit leader against attack from directions other than those from
which the main attack is expected. A supplementary
Carefully examine assigned sectors of fire from position is a secondary position that does not cover the
the prone position, and then select a fighting position same sector of fire as the primary position.
to ensure effective coverage of the sector. Primary, Supplementary positions are for security reasons and
alternate, supplementary, and battle fighting positions ensure protection, when occupied against surprise
must be established (fig. 4-4). enemy attack from an unexpected direction.
Movements to supplementary positions and concealed
NOTE: Range cards must be completed for each
routes are covered to avoid enemy detection.
fighting position. Range cards will be discussed
further in this chapter.
Battle Position

Primary Fighting Position The battle position is where the main effort of
defense is concentrated. Companies and platoons are
The primary fighting position is the best assigned battle positions. The battle position is made
available position from which the assigned up of a series of sectors of fire that support and
sector of fire can cover. Individuals, fire teams, interlock one another. Based on the battle position of
the company, platoon battle positions are assigned a
right and left limit of fire in which gunfire can be
delivered.

PRINCIPAL DIRECTION Of FIRE (PDF)

A principal direction of fire (PDF) is a specific

direction within a sector of fire of a flat trajectory
weapon including crew-seined weapons. The PDF is
designated as the primary fire mission for that weapon.
Never assign more than one PDF per weapon.
Assign a PDF using a terrain feature. Using a stake to
guide the PDF during reduced visibility is vital to the
effective firing of a PDF (fig. 4-5).

The PDF is used as follows:

1. To cover a gap in a final protective line (FPL)
of a crew-served weapon
2. To cover a specific terrain feature endangering
Figure 4-4.—Defensive firing positions. the company or platoon battle position, such as draws,

4-6
 Figure 4.6.—Fire team fire plan.

The fire plan includes the following:

Figure 4-5.—Principal direction of fire. • Individual sectors of fire

that may seine as an avenue of approach or a • Individual fighting positions

hilltop that may serve as a possible enemy vantage
point • Automatic riflemen PDF assigned by the
squad leader or platoon commander
3. To protect a crew-served weapon by firing
across its front • Crew-served weapon positions

4. To augment the band of flank fire placed • Key terrain features

immediately in front of the FEBA or the defensive
line when them are no visible targets of • Position of the fire team leader
opportunity to the front
INDIVIDUAL SECTORS OF FIRE
FIRE TEAM IN THE DEFENSE
If practical, each member in the fire team
A primary duty of a squad leader is to organize should cover the entire sector of fire of the fire
the fire teams in the defense. This is accomplished team. The same terrain featues are used to show
by specifying a sector of fire for the squad and the limits.
PDF for each automatic rifleman. The squad
leader must inform the fire team leader of any INDIVIDUAL FIGHTING POSITIONS
crew-served weapons, augmented from the
weapons platoon, which will help in covering the Each member of the fire team is located so as to
assigned sector of fire. The squad leader and the occupy an assigned position that allows the team
fire team leader will select terrain features to to cover, by fire, the assigned sector. Positions
show lateral and forward limits of the assigned maybe prepared as single-or double-fighting holes;
sector of fire. The mission of the fire team is to however, double holes are preferred. If double-
stop the enemy forward of the FEBA or to repel fighting holes are prepared, the automatic
the enemy by close combat if the enemy reaches rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman will
the FEBA. pair off. Crew-served weapons fighting positions
are more detailed and will be discussed further in
FIRE PLAN this chapter.

The fire team leader formulates a fire plan to The interval between fighting positions within
cover the entire sector assigned by the squad a fire team varies between 5 to 20 meters. In
leader with the heaviest possible volume of fire dense terrain, single-fighting positions are usually
(fig. 4-6 and appendix II). prepared and are 5 meters apart, In open terrain,
single holes may be 10 meters apart; double-
fighting positions, 20 meters apart.
4-7
AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN . Observe the squad leader.

Since the automatic rifles are the backbone of the FIRE PLAN SKETCH
defense of the squad, the squad leader selects the exact
fighting position. The remainder of the fire team is A sketch of the fire plan is submitted by the fire
then positioned around the automatic rifles. The PDF team leader to the squad leader. The magnetic North
of the automatic rifles are selected by the platoon line provides a reference to show the direction the fire
commander or the squad leader. team is facing. Figure 4-7 shows the meaning of the
various symbols.
RIFLEMAN
SQUAD IN THE DEFENSE
A rifleman is positioned so he can cover the entire
The platoon commander assigns each squad a
fire team sector. The position must provide support
defensive mission specifying a sector of fire and a
and protection for the automatic rifleman.
primary position. Terrain features are selected to show
the lateral and forward limits of the sector of fire of
GRENADIER
the squad. The platoon commander designates the
general firing positions and the PDF for specific
The squad leader positions the grenadier where the automatic rifles or crew-served weapons, which are
M203 grenade launcher is most effective. In combat, critical to the defense of the entire platoon.
the grenadier is usually close to the squad leader. The Designated on-call targets are established and
squad leader may choose to use the grenadier to cover coordinated with the Combat Operation Center
dead space in the defense. (COC). Supplementary positions are assigned to the
squads for all-around defense and to protect the flanks
FIRE TEAM LEADER or the rear of the platoon (fig. 4-8 and appendix II).

Usually the position of the fire team leader is at SQUAD FIRE PLAN
the center of the fire team from which he can perform
the following: The squad leader formulates a basic squad fire
plan to occupy physically the assigned primary
l Observe the entire fire team and its sector of fire.
position and to cover, by fire, the sector assigned by
. Direct the fire of the automatic rifle. the platoon commander. The fire plan includes the

Figure 4-7.—Fire plan sketch and symbols.

4-8
 or crew-served weapon; however, this responsibility y
may be delegated to the squad leader. If so, the squad
leader will designate the PDF for each automatic
weapon or crew-served weapon.

SQUAD LEADER POSITION

The position of the squad leader is usually slightly

to the rear of the fire teams and to the center of the
squad. From this position the squad leader should be
able to observe the following:

. Assigned sector of fire.

. Observe as much of the squad as possible.
l Maintain contact with the platoon commander.
Figure 4-8.—Squad position.
SQUAD FIRE PLAN SKETCH

assignment of the sectors of fire of the fire team and

Based upon the fire plan sketch received from the
PDF for automatic rifles or crew-served weapons (fig.
fire team leaders, the squad leader prepares a squad
4-9).
fire plan sketch. Two copies are prepared-one for the
squad leader and the other for the platoon commander
FIRE TEAM POSITIONS
(fig. 4-10 and appendix II).
Fire teams are distributed so they physically The sketch should include the following:
occupy the assigned position and can cover, by fire,
the assigned sector. The fire teams are normally Fire team positions and sectors of fire
placed abreast, firing the FEBA. Terrain dictates Position and PDF of the automatic rifles
the effective placement of the individual members
of each fire team. Place crew-served weapons first, Crew-served weapons position
so the position of the squad can provide close-in Primary fire missions (FPL or PDF)
protection for these weapons.
Approved on-call targets
AUTOMATIC RIFLES Squad leader position
Terrain features and estimated ranges to them
The platoon commander norm ally designates the
general firing position of a specific automatic weapon Direction of magnetic North

Figure 4-9.—Squad fire plan.

4-9
 Figure 4-10.—Squad fire plan sketch.

PLATOON IN THE DEFENSE terrain or the flank of an adjacent platoon. A distance

from the FEBA to the rear is also described (fig. 4-11).
Located within the assigned company battle area
FRONTAGE
is the platoon defense area. The company commander
assigns the platoon a frontage. The frontage left and The terrain and the size of the company battle area
right limits are taken from a reference point on the dictates the frontage assigned to a platoon. Physical

Figure 4-11—Frontline platoon defense area.

4-10
frontage is the area that is physically occupied by the terrain and a sector of fire. The plan of defense results
platoon. It can be up to 450 meters. from the estimate of the situation and the
fundamentals of defense of the platoon commander
DEPTH discussed previously in this chapter.

The depth of a platoon defense area is the distance FIRE SUPPORT PLAN
between the squad primary positions and the rearward
extension of their supplementary positions. It maybe The platoon commander coordinates with the
up to 200 meters. weapons platoon commander concerning crew-served
weapons and final protective lines (FPLs). The
SECURITY AREA defensive fire plan of the platoon is integrated with the
fire plan of the company.
The platoon is assigned part of the company
security area forward of the FEBA. This is the area Once the primary positions of the squads are
where the company sends out patrols. It is important determined, the platoon commander selects the sector
as a platoon commander to know when and where a of fire of the squad. The sectors of the squads overlap
patrol will cross into his security area Coordination and cover the portion of the company battle position
between platoon commanders and the company assigned to the platoon. The sectors of fire of the flank
commander on the positions of listening posts, squads overlap the adjacent platoon’s flank squad’s
observation posts, and early warning devices is sectors of fire, and the interlocking fire provides
essential. mutual support (fig. 4-1 2).

PLAN OF DEFENSE When a gap exits between adjacent platoons,

proper coverage is accomplished by use of indirect fire
The plan of defense of the platoon commander (fig. 4-13).
consists of a well-developed fire support plan that is
integrated with the fire support and barrier planning PLATOON FIRE PLAN SKETCH
of the company. Close combination with the other
platoon commanders assigned to the company is The platoon commander prepares a fire plan
critical. Basically, the plan of defense of the platoon sketch or overlay based from the fire plan sketches of
consists of assigning each squad a position on the the squad leader. A platoon fire plan sketch or overlay

Figure 4-12.—Mutual support provided by flank fire.

4-11
 Figure 4-13.—Coverage for a gap.

is submitted to the company commander for approval Clear fields of fire.

(fig. 4-14 and appendix II).
Assign sectors of fire and PDFs.
The sketch or overlay includes the following:
Prepare fighting positions.
Squad primary position and sectors of fire
Plan, coordinate, and plot available fire support.
Positions and PDFs for all automatic rifles
including crew-served weapons Install tactical and supplementary wire.
Location of platoon or company observation Lay and bury wire for the final communication
post network.
FPLs of all weapons located in platoon defense Prepare other obstacles including claymores and
area protective wire.
On-call targets
Prepare alternate positions.
Barriers and early warning devices
Prepare supplementary positions.
Claymore mines
NOTE: The platoon commander must have
ORGANIZING THE PLATOON constant communication with the squad leaders and
IN THE DEFENSE the company CP.

The task of organizing the platoon in the defense

begins immediately upon arrival of the company. CREW-SERVED WEAPONS
Work commences in the order of priority established
by the company commander. Top priorities for the Crew-served weapons are the fire support
platoon normally include the following actions in elements of the rifle companies. The weapons
order of importance: platoons and the 60-mm mortar platoons are
l Establish security. responsible for the crew-served weapons. Their
purpose is to provide each company with organic
. Hastily set up a communication network. machine gun support, mortar fire support, and antitank
l Position automatic and crew-served weapons. defense capability.

4-12
 Figure 4-14.—Platoon fire plan sketch.

WEAPONS PLATOON Weapons Platoon Commander

Similar to the rifle platoons, the weapons platoon

Alfa, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta companies each commander must have constant communication with
have a weapons platoon. Terrain will dictate the the squad leaders responsible for the crew-served
number of crew-served weapons assigned to each weapon teams. The weapons platoon commander
platoon. The weapons platoon is normally composed conducts his reconnaissance with the company
of the following crew-sewed weapons: commander or is directed to conduct it separately. In
either case, the weapons platoon commander plans the
M60E3 machine gun employment of the weapons platoon. During the
planning, it is important that the weapons platoon
.50 caliber machine gun commander works with the rifle platoon commanders.
The planning includes the following:
M19 grenade launcher
Fighting positions for crew-served weapons
M136, 84-mm launcher AT4 antitank weapon
FPLs and PDFs for machine guns
Primary and alternate positions for machine
NOTE: Refer to the Seabee Combat Handbook, guns
Volume 1, for the characteristics of crew-served
Sector of fire for each machine gun squad
weapons and the weapons platoon organization.

4-13
 Sectors of fire for each assault team Use of .50 Caliber Machine Gun
Covered waiting positions for the assault teams
In general, the roles of the .50 caliber machine gun
Primary and alternate positions for the assault are similar to the M60E3. The major difference is that
teams the .50 caliber machine gun ammunition can penetrate
light armor. The additional roles of the .50 caliber
The selection of the weapons platoon commander
machine gun are as follows:
is the substance of recommendations made to the
company commander for the primary defensive l Provide protection for motorized movements.
employment of the weapons platoon. While on
. Destroy lightly armored vehicles.
reconnaissance, the weapons platoon commander also
selects supplementary positions, as necessary, from . Defend against low-flying hostile aircraft.
which the machine gun team may perform other
defensive missions. M19 Grenade Launcher

Fire Support Plan The role of the M19 grenade launcher is similar to
the M60E3 and .50 caliber machine guns. The weapon
The company commander exercises control of the can be used to provide indirect or direct firing. Like
weapons platoon through the weapons platoon most machine guns, the M19 grenade launcher can be
commander. He exercises control for the most mounted on a vehicle.
effective defensive employment of the company. The
weapons platoon commander ensures its effectiveness AT4 Antitank Weapon
by preparing a detailed plan consistent with the
recommendation accepted by the company Primarily, the M136, 84-mm AT4 antitank weapon
commander. A fire support plan is prepared by the is used against armored personnel carriers; however,
weapons platoon commander. The plan is based upon it can be used to disable a battle tank by striking the
an estimate of the situation, the fundamentals of side or rear of the tank The AT4 can be fired from the
defense previously discussed, and a sound knowledge right shoulder only.
of crew-sewed weapon employment.
MACHINE GUN TACTICAL
M60E3 Machine Gun Section EMPLOYMENT

The basic unit of machine gun employment in

The machine gun section is a major element of fire
defense is the squad. Machine gun squads consist of
support for stopping the enemy assault immediately in
a squad leader and two four-man machine gun teams.
front of the battle area. In a well-organized defense,
Machine guns used on the FEBA are normally used by
most of the final protective fire (FPF) of the company
squads.
is delivered by the machine gun section. The positions
of the machine guns are planned primarily for this
Employment of Machine Guns
purpose. Roles of the M60E3 machine gun section are
as follows:
Machine gun squads used on the FEBA are
Support the rifleman in the offense and defense. normally assigned a final protective line (FPL) and a
sector of fire or a principal direction of fire (PDF).
Provide heavy volumes of controlled, accurate,
Both machine guns of the squad fire the same general
and continuous fire.
FPL and sector of fire from positions a minimum of
Engage predetermine targets under all visibility 35 meters apart.
conditions.
Based on terrain, it may be necessary to split some
Provide long range, close defensive, and final squads to provide effective machine gun coverage. A
protective fries (FPFs). machine gun squad is split when each of its guns has
Basis for FPFs in the overall defensive fire plan. been assigned a different firing mission; that is, a
different final protective line or principal direction of
Cover likely avenues of approach.
fire and sector of fire. A machine gun squad is split
Provide grazing fire. only when necessary. If the squad is split, the two

4-14
guns should be used as close to each other as the Machine Gun Sector of Fire
machine gun fire plan will allow. This action ensures
interlocking fire, ease of control, and supplies (fig. A sector of fire is assigned to each machine gun
squad. A machine gun sector of fire does not normally
4-15).
exceed 800 roils (45 degrees). Adjacent machine gun
squad sectors should overlap. Preferably, the final
Machine Gun Final Protective Lines protective line comprises the near boundary of the
sector. It maybe located within the sector when the
grazing fire is slightly more frontal than desirable and
Effective final protective fire is characterized by
machine gun fire coverage closer to the FEBA is
the following: required.

1. Flanking: Maximum flanking fire is desirable.

Machine Gun Principal Direction of Fire
The more frontal the fire, the less effective the coverage
of the company front. When the terrain does not allow for an effective
2. Interlocking: Interlocking fire adds to the final protective line, machine guns on the FEBA may
effectiveness of the fire plan. Such fire reduces the be assigned principal directions of fire for covering
number of gaps in the final protective lines and provides dangerous avenues of approach. In such situations,
the principal direction of fire may fall within the sector
mutual support between adjacent units.
of fire or comprise either of its boundaries.
3. Grazing: Final protective lines are located to
NOTE: A machine gun cannot be assigned a final
obtain maximum grazing fire. Grazing fire is fire in
protective line (FPL) and a principal direction of fire
which the trajectory of the bullets does not rise above
(PDF).
the height of a man, standing. On flat or uniformly
sloping terrain, machine gun fire grazes to a maximum Machine Gun Communications
range of 700 meters from the gun. Figure 4-16 shows
a proper technique for graphically displaying final Whenever possible, the primary positions of the
protective fire and gaps in its grazing fire on an overlay machine gun squad are provided with sound-powered
or sketch. telephone communications on the company wire net

Figure 4-15.—Machine guns split.

4-15
 Figure 4-16.—Machine guns FPL and grazing fire.

to the weapons platoon commander. If time permits, AT4 Sectors of Fire

wire is laid to alternate and supplementary positions.
Messengers are used when wire communications are
Each assault squad is assigned sectors of fire to
inoperative or have not been installed.
ensure that all avenues of approach for armor vehicles
are covered and to provide overlapping areas of
AT4 TACTICAL EMPLOYMENT antimechanized responsibility. The size of the sector
is limited only by the available observation and fields
of fire. The assignment of a sector of fire does not
The assault squad is the basic unit for the tactical preclude firing at targets outside the sector. When the
employment of the AT4 antitank weapon. Because of squad is used as a unit, both assault teams are assigned
the short range of the AT4, they are normally the same sector. When the squad is split, the two teams
positioned with the frontline platoons to provide may be physically located in proximity but are
close-in antitank defense. The weapons platoon responsible for separate sectors. Fire planning should
commander normally uses a messenger to avoid splitting assault squads unless absolutely
communicate with the assault squads. necessary.

Positions of Assault Squads 60-MM MORTAR TACTICAL

EMPLOYMENT

The location of the best observation and fields of

fire covering the avenues of approach for armor In the defense, final protective fire of a single
vehicles dictates the positioning of assault squads. A mortar covers an area of approximately 50 by 50
primary and several alternate firing positions are meters. A FPF may be located within 60 meters of the
prepared from which each avenue of approach can be FEBA. Thus the 60-mm mortar can cover small gaps
covered. When the armor threat develops, the squad or dead space in the machine gun FPF close to the
moves by covered routes to the previously prepared FEBA. Firing positions for mortars should be located
positions. between 150 and 300 meters to the rear of the FEBA.

4-16
Communications upon an enemy penetration of an adjaent company or
platoon and to provide all-around defense.
Communication to the mortar platoon starts at the
Fire Direction Center (FDC). Companies requesting AT4
a fire mission do so by contacting (FDC). The FDC
will plot the fire mission and issue fire commands to Assault squads, whose primary missions are to cover
the mortar section leader responsible for the mortar avenues of apprach to the FEBA, may be required to
gun crew. Forward observers (FOs) assigned to the prepare supplementary positions. The supplementary
mortar platoon communicate with the FDC directly. positions are to cover avenues into the flanks and rear of
FDC must seek approval for all fire missions from the the company. Assault squads support the defense by fire
Fire Support Coordinator (FSC) located in the COC. from planned supplementary positions when an armor
threat fails to develop.
Sectors of Observation
60-mm Mortars
Sectors of observations are critical for mortar fire
to be effective. The mortar platoon is not assigned a Supplementary positions are infrequently
sector of fire but must be able to provide coverage established for a 60-mm mortar squad section.
throughout the battalion security area. Rifle platoon However, fire within the battle area is planned to
commanders must ensure that their assigned battle provide for supporting frontline rifle units when they
area is covered by overlapping sectors of observation. are forced to move to supplementary positions.
Forward observers (FOs) from the mortar platoon are
usually assigned this task, but it may be necessary for RANGE CARDS
the rifle companies to assist the FOs. Personnel from
the rifle companies assigned as FOs must be able to Once a machine gun team is deployed in a
call in a fire mission and do so via the platoon defensive position and the gun laid, the squad leader
commander and the company CP. must ensure that range cards have been completed.
Two sets of range cards must be made for every
Rate and Duration of Fire fighting position. Range cards are very important and
are used for several purposes. The squad leader
In the absence of any instructions, the normal rate forwards one copy as soon as possible to the platoon
of fire is nine rounds per minute for the first 2 minutes commander. The platoon commander ensures the card
and six rounds per minute after that for the duration of is accurate and then forwards it on to the company CP.
final protective fire (FPF). The FDC chief will Range cards are the basis for the fire plan of the
normally specify the number of rounds to be expended company. All supporting fire, security sectors, and
on each target to the section leader. The COC, upon defensive coordination are planned using machine gun
approval from the battalion commander, sets the fire as the base from which to build.
number of rounds to be fired for FPF. Consideration The second copy of the range card will be kept by
is given to the ammunition on hand, nonorganic the gun team. The card is used by members of the gun
support available, anticipated resupply schedule, area team to fire at predetermined targets or to help in range
to be covered, and enemy activity. estimations to other targets. Range cards may be
passed on to a relieving battalion. Patrols from
SUPPLEMENTARY MISSIONS companies or other units may want to look at the range
cards to identify final protective lines. Patrols need to
Both the machine gun squad and the assault squad know of any dead space to ensure that they are clear
may be positioned and employed in performing of infiltrators and where to take cover during an FPF.
supplementary missions in defense.
COMPLETING A RANGE CARD
Machine Guns
Range cards must be neat, clear, and prepared
Machine gun squads, employed on the FEBA or using a universal format. Observe the range card
in the reserve area, prepare supplementary positions symbols and sample range card shown in figures 4-17
from which to cover sectors of fire different from and 4-18 as each component is explained below. (see
their primary sectors. Missions are usually based appendix II)

4-17
 Figure 4-17.—Range card symbols.

1. Identification Block: This block identifies 4. Magnetic Orientation Line and Location
what gun the card was drawn for and on what date it was Grid Coordinates: These are the two methods used so
drawn. For security reasons, the unit should only be that the CP, the battalion, or other units can positively
identified to company level. locate a gun position. The magnetic orientation line
2. Weapon Symbol: The correct symbol for a method is a line drawn from a prominent terrain feature
machine gun is a single dot with a solid arrow extending that is located preferably behind friendly lines. It is a
out in the direction of the FPL or PDF. The dot single-solid line drawn from a prominent terrain
represents the location of the gun. Record the magnetic feature to the gun position with several arrow heads
azimuth of the FPL or PDF along this line. pointing in the direction of the gun position; the
magnetic azimuth in roils from the prominent
3. Magnetic North Arrow: This arrow is drawn terrain feature to the gun position is recorded on the
from the dot that represents the gun position in the line.
direction that represents North from the gun position if
you were looking out toward your sector of fire. The NOTE: One degree is equal to 17.7778 mils.
correct symbol for North is au arrow with a single barb. Example: To convert an azimuth of 140 degrees,

4-18
 Figure 4-18.—Range card with an FPL.

simply multiply 140 by 17.7778 which equals areas. Record the near and far limits of the dead space
2488.892. Round up to 2,489 mils. in meters or record the range next to the ends of the
shaded areas.
The grid coordinates method is where the grid of
the gun position is recorded next to the dot in the 7. Terrain Features: Draw only those terrain
machine gun symbol. Only one of these two methods features that significantly add to the clarity of the range
to locate the position of the gun is needed. card. If a terrain feature is drawn, draw it to the correct
perspective.
5. Sector Limits: Sector limits are drawn as
broken lines ending in arrow heads. When you are 8. Location of Friendly Troops/Equipment:
using an FPL, only one sector limit will be drawn Draw in any friendly positions or equipment that is
because one is located in the same location as the FPL. either in or near the sector limits of the machine gun.
Clearly label them with both a description, range, and
6. G r a z i n g F i r e : If an FPL is used, a
direction.
heavy-shaded area is drawn along the inside of the FPL,
which will show the limits of the grazing fire. Show 9. Targets: Draw targets to perspective and label
any dead space by breaks in the grazing fire by shaded them with a number. The number one target will be

4-19
either the FPL or the left sector limit. If the FPL is on be the right sector limit. The trees at the bend in the
the right sector limit, number all other targets creek in front of the gun position is the left limit.
sequentially from right to left; at all other times, number Interlocking fire for the FPF will be obtained from the
targets from left to right. There are two approved third squad gun team attached to the first platoon.
methods for recording target data. One method is to Using a compass or GPS, the gun team has located the
record data directly on the sketch along the line leading gun at grid coordinate 94576259. The grid is also 750
to the target. Another method is to use a data block at meters from the water tower that is located on a
the bottom or reverse side of the range card. ’ magnetic back azimuth of 5,980 mils. The FPL lies
on a magnetic azimuth of 4,250 mils.
Range Card for an FPL
Figure 4-20 shows the beginning stages of the
The following scenario is to illustrate how a range range card. It shows the weapon symbol, the magnetic
card is prepared for an FPL. Figure 4-19 provides an North arrow, the magnetic orientation line and
illustration of a tactical field setting to help you. location grid coordinates, the sector limits, and the
grazing fire.
Scenario
Figure 4-21 shows the completed range card.
A machine gun fire team from the weapons Details have been added, such as the unit identification
platoon is attached to the second platoon of Charlie block, the terrain features, the location of friendly
Company deployed along a low ridge overlooking a troops or equipment, and the targets with their
narrow valley. The weapons platoon squad leader, individual data.
along with the other gun team, is supporting another
company. The creek bottom across the valley is
Range Card for a PDF
suspected of being a major infiltration route for the
enemy. On the second platoon’s right limit is the first
platoon. Bravo Company joins the second platoon on The range card for a PDF is very similar to an FPL
the left limit. The second platoon commander has range card. The only real difference is the machine
informed the machine gun team leader that the gun is gun symbol. A PDF does not align with a sector limit.
to be positioned on the left flank of the platoon. The
team leader informs the machine gun team to lay the The following scenario is to illustrate how to
gun to be able to fire an FPF across the front of the prepare a range card for a PDF. Figure 4-22 provides
ridge. The line formed by the base of the ridge is to an illustration of a tactical field setting.

Figure 4=19,-Panoramic view of tactical area.

4-20
Figure 4-20.—Beginning of a range card.

Figure 4-21.—Completed range card.

4-21
 Figure 4-22.—Panoramic view of tactical area.

Scenario troops or equipment, and the targets with their

individual data.
A machine gun fire team has been attached to the
third platoon of Alfa Company. The squad leader and EXPEDIENT METHODS OF LAYING
another gun team have become casualties. The FOR PREDETERMINED FIRE
platoon is deployed in a tree line overlooking a bridge.
The enemy is suspected to have infiltrated the village During different tactical situations, a T and E
on the other side of the river. The mission of the mechanism (refer to Seabee Combat Handbook,
platoon is to stop any attempt from the enemy to cross Volume 1, for predetermined fire) may not be
the river via the bridge. The first platoon is to the right available. This may be due to the lack of either a T
of the third platoon, and Bravo Company has joined and E mechanism or a tripod or a system is needed
the third platoon on the left. The commander of the that is more applicable to firing at night. Whatever
third platoon has informed the machine gun team the reason, the following methods can be just as
leader that the machine gun fire team is to be deployed effective:
on the left flank of the platoon. The team leader is to
get the best angle to fire across the bridge. The team 1. Muzzle Stakes: This method is good for night
leader informs the machine gun fire team to lay the firing. It requires no illumination to lay on a target and
gun on a PDF centered on the bridge. The lone tree can be used with or without a T and E mechanism. It is
on the immediate right is the right sector limit, and the most effective when used with your gun mounted on a
leftmost edge of the grove of trees across the river is tripod. It can be used from a bipod mount if a notched
the left sector limit. Using a compass or GPS, the stake is used to stabilize the rear of the weapon. Each
machine gun fire team has located the gun at grid target is designated by driving a stake into the ground
coordinate 468262. The grid is also 350 meters from under the muzzle. Drive the stake into a position and
a road junction that is located on a magnetic back to a depth that will result in the gun being correctly
azimuth of 5,420 mils. The PDF lies on a magnetic aimed when the muzzle is lowered directly over the
azimuth of 4,120 mils. stake (fig. 4-25). The gun is tripod-mounted and will
use swinging traverse fire.
Figure 4-23 shows the beginning stages of the
range card. It shows the weapon symbol, the magnetic 2. Notched Log under Muzzle: Instead of using
North arrow, the magnetic orientation line and individual stakes, this method uses a log or board under
location grid coordinates, the sector limits, and the the muzzle. This method is also used for night fire.
PDF. Notches are cut into the log or board to the depth and
position required to fire on each target. This method is
Figure 4-24 shows the completed range card. very limited in depth, but if the ground that is fired over
Details have been added, such as the unit identification is level or uniformly sloping, this may not be a problem
block, the terrain features, the location of friendly (fig. 4-26).

4-22
Figure 4.23.—Beginning of a range card.

Figure 4-24.—Completed range card.

4-23
 Figure 4-25.—Muzz1e stakes.

Figure 4-26.—Notched log method.

3. Forked Stakes: This is a method that works

or find naturally forked stakes. The front of the gun is
well with your gun supported by a biped only. To use
supported by the biped, and the rear is supported by the
this method, make a set of stakes with notches in the top
forked stakes. It is essential that a set of U-shaped pits

4-24
 Figure 4-27.—Forked stake method.

are dug under the feet of the bipod to rotate in. If the COMPANY FIRE PLAN
feet of the bipod move about freely without being
contained in these pits, the accuracy of the fire will be All the platoon commanders submitted their fire
reduced (fig. 4-27). plans to the company CP. The company CP compiles
the information and prepares a company fire plan.
4. Notched Log under Receiver: This method Items that must be included on the company fire plan
works similar in principle to the fork method. Instead include the following:
of having notched stakes for each target, a log is
Each primary and secondary position of the
substituted under the receiver with notches cut to the
platoon
correct depth and in the correct spot for direction. The
biggest drawback here is the limited depth of target you Each sector of fire of the platoon
can engage; however, if the ground is level and Position and PDF for each automatic rifle
uniformly sloped, this may not be a factor (fig. 4-28).
Location of the platoon or the company
5. Aiming Stakes and Tape: This method is observation post
unique because it is the only method that does not
Location of the platoon or the company listening
restrict the free movement of the gun. Although it is
post
more accurate than most others, it also consumes the
most time and requires the use of some material that will Location of the forward observer (FO)
not always be available. To use this method, you must FPLs of all weapons located in each defense area
mount the gun on a tripod and have the T and E of the platoon
mechanism in place. To implement this method, you On-call targets
will need luminous tape and one stake for each target
Barriers and early warning devices
and each sector. Figures 4-29 and 4-30 show this
method with an M19. Claymore mines

4-25
Figure 4-28.—Notched log under receiver.

Figure 4-29.—Base stake technique.

4-26
 l Layout of barbed-wire entanglements
HORIZONTAL LOG OR BOARD 0 Patrol routes
USED WITH THE TRIPOD-
l Evacuation routes
MOUNTED MKW MACHINE GUN
The company CP will submit the fire plan to the
SECTOR LlMlT COC. The COC compiles the information and
prepares a battalion fire plan similar to the items
required in a company fire plan.

S-Y

Planning and development of defensive tactics

take a lot of time and coordination. All company
commanders, platoon commanders, and squad leaders
must be involved. Communication between them is
essential for developing defensive tactics. A
well-thought-out defensive plan will surely be an
asset.

“Know the enemy, know yo,urself; your victory

will never be endangered. Know the ground, know the
weather; your victory will then be total.” Sun Tzu
Figure 4930.~Aiming stakes used with a log. (500 B.C.)

4-27
 CHAPTER 5

COUNTER AMBUSH TECHNIQUES

Seabees spend a considerable amount of time 4. The enemy will use electrically detonated mines
convoying ‘from the bivouac area to project sites. This to disable vehicles and cause personnel casualties.
makes it important for you to know and understand These mines may consist of artillery shells and mortar
proper convoy procedures. COMSECONDNCB/ rounds as well as conventional mines.
COMTHIRDNCBINST. 3 122.1 provides the guidance
you need for convoy procedures. Another good PREPARATION OF VEHICLES
source for convoy procedures is the FMFM 4-9, Motor
Transport. This chapter will focus on techniques for
Occupants traveling in vehicles must have
use in counter ambush operations that supplement
all-around observation and fields of fire and can throw
established tactical procedures. It includes counter
or fire grenades without hindrance. They must be able
ambush preparations for motorized units and
to exit from the vehicle rapidly with minimum
immediate action drills.
restriction. For these reasons the configuration of
vehicles, such as a 6 by 6 cargo truck, must be altered.
COUNTER AMBUSH TECHNIQUES The following measures are taken to “harden” a
FOR CONVOYS vehicle and provide its occupants with a degree of
protection:
Experience in fighting terrorists and guerrillas has
shown that they favor the ambush anytime a favorable 1. Canvas, bows, windshields, and doors are
situation exists. The ambush of units traveling in a removed.
motor convoy is not difficult and can be very costly if 2. The tailgate is lowered to a horizontal position.
you do not take time to prepare vehicles and occupants A piece of pipe, wood, or metal is affixed to the vehicle
before contact. in a vertical position extending above the driver’s head.
This will prevent decapitation from wire stretched
across the road.
CHARACTERISTICS OF
A vEHICUI.diR AMBUSH 3. Sandbags are placed on the floorboards and bed
of the vehicle. For a 6 by 6 truck, a single row of
sandbags is placed on the bed of the truck. Then
A convoy is never safe from a guerrilla ambush.
sandbags are stacked five layers high down each side of
There is no set pattern for a likely area for an ambush.
the truck. This provides protection from most small
Ravines, defiles, and heavily wooded or
arms. A total of 70 to 100 sandbags is required for each
jungle-covered areas are most favorable but ambushes
truck This load plus troops and equipment weight
are equally likely to be conducted in villages or in flat permits off-highway operation without undue wear on
terrain that offers a minimum of cover and
the vehicle. A wooden bench or packs rigged down the
concealment. The most common characteristics of an
middle of the bed provide the troops with seats (fig.
ambush are as follows:
5-l.)
1. The ambush lasts the minimum time necessary 4. Sections of scrap armor plate may be used to
to accomplish the mission. reinforce sandbags in the bed of the vehicle.
2. The ambush occurs in two phases-a short
period of heavy fire followed by an assault of the ORGANIZATION OF OCCUPANTS
ambushed vehicles to capture equipment, to complete
the annihilation of personnel, and to destroy vehicles.
Encounters with a guerrilla ambush are sudden,
3. The basic ambush weapons are small arms. short, and unexpected. The opportunity to inflict
These are augmented by machine guns, rocket casualties upon the guerrillas is lost if your troops are
launchers, and recoilless rifles. not organized and well-drilled to take immediate

5-l
 5. The remaining occupants are positioned in the
bed of the vehicle, each facing outboard.
6. The maximum number of people in the bed of a
hardened 6 by 6 truck should not exceed 13 (fig. 5-2).

CONVOY COMMANDER
The position of the convoy commander is where
he or she can best control the convoy. This position
should never be the lead vehicle. A second in
command and a vehicle commander for each vehicle
are designated by the convoy commander. Briefing by
the convoy commander before departure is detailed
and explicit. All drivers and vehicle commanders are
present. The briefing includes the following:
Formation (close column, open column, or
infiltration)
Timings

Figure 5-1.—Hardened vehicle. Route

Speed
offensive action. The organization of a rifle squad as
Order of march (organization of vehicles and
occupants of a 6 by 6 truck is as follows:
vehicles intervals)
1. A vehicle commander is designated for each
Communication (radio frequencies, horn
vehicle. The squad leader is usually the vehicle commander
signals, and arm signals)
and is positioned in the bed of the vehicle where he or she
can best control the squad and operator of the vehicle. NOTE: Figure 5-3 shows recommended arm
signals. It is important that each member of the
2. An assistant driver (shotgun rider) capable of
operating the vehicle is seated in the cabin with the
driver. The shotgun rider is armed with a M-203
grenade launcher with the M-16 as a automatic rifle.
After debarkation, the shotgun rider remains with the
vehicle to act as close protection for the driver and
vehicle. He or she does not accompany maneuvers
executed by the occupant squad.
3. Four comer sentries are positioned in the bed of
the vehicle. The two at the front observe an arc of 90
degrees from the front to each side. The two at the back
observe an arc of 90 degrees from the back to each side.
When possible, each sentry is armed with an automatic
rifle. If the vehicle is ambushed, the sentries fire
immediately from their positions within the vehicle.
Their fire covers the debarkation of the occupants if the
vehicle is halted in the ambush killing area. They also
help the vehicle commander by notifying the
commander of any convoy formation.
4. If a machine gun team is traveling with the
occupant squad, it should be positioned facing out the
rear of the vehicle and be prepared to debark
expeditiously, bringing fire to bear on the enemy and Figure 5-2.—Organization of occupants in a hardened 6 x 6
covering the debarkation of the four corner sentries. truck.

5-2
Figure 5-3.—Convoy arm signals.

5-3
convoy know what the arm signals mean no matter employed. The most logical course of action after
which arm signals are used. dismounting is to take cover, immediately establish a
base of fire, and use a maneuver element against the
Procedure when communication is lost
enemy ambush positions. Speed of execution is
Action on vehicle breakdown critical.
Actions on ambush
COUNTERACTION TACTICAL
Action in danger areas CONSIDERATIONS
Call for fire procedures
Check points The most effective counteraction to ambushes is a
flanking attack by elements not in the killing zone
Location of friendly forces
quickly followed by relentless pursuit of the enemy.
Attention must be given to the following tactical
AMBUSH DEFENSE AND ACTION ON
considerations:
CONTACT
1. In actions when no troops have entered the
Whatever the precautions and preparations, the killing zone, the convoy commander launches an
ambush is nearly always an unexpected encounter. immediate flanking attack on the enemy position, using
Counter ambush drills are simple courses of action supporting fires from machine guns and mortars.
designed to deal with the problem of the unexpected
2. Fire in the killing zone may be from only one
encounter. They call for immediate, positive, and
side of the road with a small holding force on the
offensive action. The action on ambush is to drive
opposite side. To contain the convoy element in the
through the ambush area or stop before running into
killing zone, the enemy will place mines and booby
it, then to attack the enemy immediately from the flank
traps on the holding force side. Take care when
or the rear. When vehicles are fired upon, the
assaulting the main ambush force because mines are
following actions are taken:
commonly used to protect its flanks.
1. Drivers attempt to drive through the killing
3. In actions where some portions of the vehicles
zone.
are ahead and out of the killing zone and the remainder
2. Personnel return fire immediately. are halted short of the zone, the portion that has not yet
entered the killing zone initiates the flanking attack. If
3. When vehicles are clear of the killing zone, they
the convoy commander is not pressent, the senior vehicle
are halted. Occupants dismount and take immediate
commander takes command and directs the attack.
offensive action against the enemy positions.
Troops in vehicles which are ahead of the killing zone
4. Subsequent vehicles approaching the killing dismount. Under the command of the senior vehicle
zone halt short of the zone. Occupants debark and take commander, the troops return to the vicinity of the
immediate offensive action against the enemy killing zone and exploit the situation.
positions.
4. The best way an armored vehicle can help in
If hardened vehicles are forced to halt in the counter ambush action is by moving into the killing
killing zone, all available weapons are used to return zone to engage the enemy at short range. In this way it
fire immediately. Occupants remain in the vehicle. On can give good covering fire to the flanking attack or
the first perceptible slackening of enemy fire, provide protection for those troops caught in the killing
occupants dismount. When riding in a “soft” vehicle zone.
and caught in a killing zone, occupants dismount
It is possible that the convoy commander may be
immediately. In both cases, occupants dismount
killed, wounded, caught in the killing zone, or
under the covering fires of the four corner sentries,
who initially remain aboard. The occupants then positioned on the wrong side of the zone. It is
deploy to the side directed by the vehicle commander essential that all vehicle commanders and squad
leaders know their responsibilities for organizing and
and take the enemy under fire to cover the dismount
directing a counter ambush action. This is clearly
of the four sentries.
stated in unit convoy orders and emphasized at
After dismounting, if no cover is available, an briefings. The techniques outlined above are
immediate frontal assault against the enemy is practiced repeatedly until the reaction procedures

5-4
become a predrille d re sponse, permitting immediate vehicles, a damaged bridge, or other obstacles,
and positi .ve action on ambush personnel will dismount, take cover, and return a
maximum volume of fire on enemy positions.
AMBUSH DEFENSE FOR AN Security troops from vehicles that have passed
UNBLOCKED ROAD through the ambush area dismount and prepare to
attack the flanks of the ambush position. Leave a
Guerrillas are seldom able to contain an entire security force behind to protect these vehicles.
convoy in a single killing zone. This is because of the Personnel in vehicles that have not entered the killing
extensive road space occupied by even a platoon size zone follow the same procedure. Before attempting to
convoy, and because security or lack of available flank the ambush force, the convoy commander
forces may limit the size of the ambushing force. should ensure that the force will not be in the vicinity
More frequently, a part of a convoy, either head, tail, of any fire missions. w
or a section of the main body, is ambushed.
When a security escort is provided and a combat
That part of a convoy that is in the killing zone and emergency arises, the convoy commander retains
receiving fire must drive out of the ambush if the road operational control unless the command responsibility
to the front is open. Vehicles disabled by enemy fire has previously been assumed by the area commander
are left behind or, if blocking the road, are pushed out in whose zone the convoy is operating. Normally, the
of the way by following vehicles. Armored escort security force will take action to neutralize the
vehicles must not block convoy vehicles by halting in ambush while the convoy escapes from the killing
the traveled portion of the road to return fire. Vehicles zone.
that have not entered the killing zone must not attempt
to do so. They should stop and personnel should If immediate air or artillery support is available,
dismount and take defensive positions. Elements of personnel will be restricted to a specified distance
the convoy should not fire on suspected enemy from the road to avoid casualties from friendly fire. In
positions without coordinating with the escort forces. this situation, personnel in the killing zone establish a
The escort vehicles may have left the road in an base of fire, while others take up defensive positions
attempt to overrun hostile positions. Other actions around their vehicles. Everyone waits while
available to convoy personnel for the neutralization of supporting fire is called in on the enemy positions.
the ambush force are as follows:
When the enemy is defeated or has retreated, the
1. Direct any vehicles mounted with weapons to road must be cleared and convoy movement resumed
lay down a heavy volume of fire on the ambush force. as soon as possible. Wounded personnel are
evacuated, usually by helicopter. When disabled
2. Call for artillery fire on enemy positions.
vehicles cannot be towed, their cargo is distributed
3. Call for close air support on enemy positions. among other vehicles if time permits. When it is not
feasible to evacuate vehicles and/or cargo, they will
4. Call for reaction forces.
be destroyed upon order from the convoy commander.
5. Direct all nondriving personnel to place a heavy When possible, radios and other critical items will be
volume of fire on enemy forces as rapidly as possible, recovered before the vehicles are destroyed. Under no
as vehicles move out of the killing zone. circumstances Will anything in the convoy be allowed
A motor transport convoy with a limited escort is to fall into enemy hands.
seldom able to defeat a hostile force and should not
attempt to do so. When part of the convoy is isolated CONVOY DEFENSE, MINES, AND
in the killing zone, vehicles that have not entered the BOOBY TRAPS
ambush area should turn around and return to the
nearest secured area until supporting forces can clear Mines and booby traps are frequently used by
the ambush. ambush forces. Command-detonated mines are often
used to start an ambush. Mines will also be planted
AMBUSH DEFENSE FOR A along the shoulder of the road. This is for harassment
BLOCKED ROAD and interdiction. A booby trap system may be used
against personnel in vehicles. They could consist of
When an element of a convoy is halted in the hand grenades attached to tree branches over the road
killing zone and is unable to proceed due to disabled where antennas or other projections from vehicles will

5-5
snag and detonate the grenades. Claymore mines may 1. Prescribe alarm signals.
be suspended from trees and command detonated
2. Give instructions for immediate action to take
when a vehicle passes. The following guidelines have when under attack.
proved effective in decreasing damage by mines in
convoy operations: 3. Prescribe actions to take in the absence of

1. Follow the tracks of the vehicle in front.

4. Make sure that defense procedures are
2. Avoid driving on the shoulder of the road.
rehearsed.
3. Whenever possible, do not run over foreign
5 Review the procedures with convoy personnel
objects, brush, or grass in the road. before the convoy moves out.
4. Avoid fresh earth in the road.
The convoy commander must remember that
5. Watch local national traffic and the reactions of enemy pilots may do the following:
people on foot. (They will frequently give away the
1. Tries to surprise the convoy.
location of any mines or booby traps.)
2. If aircraft attack from higher than 350 meters,
6. Heavy vehicles, such as tanks, are useful in
exploding small mines when deployed in front of the small-arms fire will not have much of a chance
against them but air defense weapons can be used
convoy.
against them.
7. Wear protective equipment (protective helmets
and armored vests). 3. Will fly at high speed, using high-G maneuvers
and evasive action to make air defense weapons and
small-arms fire less effective.
CONVOY DEFENSE FOR SNIPER FIRE

Lookout Procedures
Exercise caution when sniper fire is received to
ensure that any return fire does not harm friendly
Air guard duties are assigned to each individual
troops or civilians in the area. The best action to take
throughout the convoy, and each person is given
is passive, and you should ensure that all personnel
specific search areas (scanning patterns). As much as
wear protective helmets and armored vests. All
vehicle configuration will allow, search areas assigned
vehicles should move through the area without
should cover a full 360 degrees in overlapping sectors.
stopping. Escort personnel must notify the march
If the road march lasts more than an hour, Seabees
element commander by giving a prearranged signal,
should take turns at air guard duty. Scanning for a long
such as a smoke grenade, thrown in the direction of
period (over 30 minutes) dulls the ability to spot
fire. Any attempt to locate and destroy the sniper must
aircraft.
be long-range fire. The convoy commander may order
additional fire or supporting forces into the area to
destroy, capture, or drive off the sniper. Convoy Camouflage and Concealment
personnel should be aware that a heavy volume of fire
is frequently used by the enemy to slow down a Camouflage and concealment techniques are used
convoy before an ambush. to make it more difficult for the enemy to spot the
convoy. Not much can be done to change the shape of
CONVOY DEFENSE AGAINST a vehicle moving down the road, but the type of cargo
AN AIR ATTACK being transported can be disguised or conceded by
covering it with a tarpaulin. Bulk fuel transporters
(tankers/refuelers) are usually priority targets. By
The air threat varies from armed helicopters to
rigging tarps and bows over the cargo compartment,
high-performance aircraft. Convoys face the greatest
you can conceal the nature of the cargo from the
danger of an air attack while moving along open roads
enemy pilot. Other effective cover and concealment
and during halts where there is no overhead cover. An
measures are as follows:
air attack is a type of ambush; therefore, many
procedures used during a ground ambush are also 1. Operators must be trained to break the shape of
applicable to the air attack. For example, the convoy the vehicle as seen from the air by looking for a bush, a
commander must do the following: tree, or other means of concealment as they disperse.

5-6
 2. Smooth surfaces and objects (windshields, Firing Positions for Small
headlights, and mirror) will reflect light and attract the Arms against Aircraft
attention of the pilot. All shiny items should be
camouflaged or covered before the convoy moves out Except for the prone firing position, the basic
(fig. 5-4). firing stances of the rifleman remain the same. A
rifleman quickly learns that he or she wants to fire
If vehicles are not painted in a pattern to blend
from some type of cover or concealment; therefore,
with the terrain and to break the outline, you can use you should look for a tree or a large rock to help
mud to achieve this effect.
support the weapon and provide some protection.

Communications Security The M-60 machine gunner should also fire from a
protected position if possible. In a real emergency,
Communications equipment can be very useful another Seabee can act as a hasty firing support for the
for controlling convoys. But it can also help enemy machine guns. The M-2 .50 caliber machine gun can
pilots find you. Use the radio when necessary, but be only be used from the ring mount of dedicated
brief. vehicles. The following are tips for Small-Arms Air
Defense:
ACTIVE DEFENSE AGAINST
1. Fire at any attacking aircraft using all available
AIRCRAFT
weapons.
The convoy commander may choose between an 2. Fire at the nose of an aircraft.
active and a passive defense against the air threat. In
3. Volume of fire is the key; everybody fires.
an active defense, the amount of fire a logistic convoy
can bring to bear on attacking aircraft is usually 4. Lead aircraft crossing your position (M-16,
limited. It is limited to the number of vehicles with M-60, and M-2 should lead jets by the length of one
mounted machine guns and the individual weapons of football field).
vehicle operators and assistant operators. However, 5. Take cover if you have time.
convoy personnel should not be led to think that trying
to shoot down an attacking airplane with small-arms 6. Support your weapon, if possible.
weapons is fruitless. In the Korean conflict, the U.S. 7. Lie on your back if caught in the open so you
Air Force lost 544 aircraft to combined small-arms can fire upon the aircraft.
and air defense fire. Over North Vietnam, small arms
contributed to significant losses of U.S. aircraft. 8. Mounted M-60s and M-2s should aim slightly
During the Middle East War in 1973, units on both above the nose of the aircraft for head-on targets.
sides used small-arms weapons to drive off, damage,
or destroy attacking aircraft. Passive Measures

NOTE: The key to effective small-arms fire For a logistic convoy without significant
against aircraft is volume. Put up a large volume of firepower, passive measures are most effective. The
fire with small caliber weapons. Accuracy is not key here is to prevent attacks by hostile aircraft.
important; volume is! Dispersion is the key for air defense. The formation
used by the convoy is a type of passive defense. The
convoy commander must decide whether to use an
open, closed, or infiltration column. Distance
between vehicles must be flexible. It should vary
from time to time during a march. Factors influencing
selection of the best vehicle distance include the
following:
Mission
Cover and concealment along the route
Length of the road march
Figure 5-4.—Cover portions of vehicles that reflect light. Type of road surface

5-7
 Types of vehicles route markers are needed. The close column is
generally used at night because air attack threats are less
Nature of cargo
likely. It is also used over poorly marked routes when
Enemy threat (ground or air) visual contact between vehicles is essential and in areas
Presence of defense support where hostile action is not imminent. Seabees found
this formation to be a success in crowds during
Small-arms potential Operation Restore Hope in Somalia, Africa. The close
The following are types of formation a convoy column prevented crowds from coming between the
commander may choose for passive air defense: convoy and disrupting the movement of the convoy.

1. Close Column. Each vehicle follows the 2. Open Column. In open column formations
vehicle ahead at a distance sufficient to ensure against distances between vehicles are increased to enhance
collision. The gap specified is dependent upon road dispersion. This formation offers an advantage in that
conditions, weather conditions, terrain, and convoy fewer vehicles are likely to be damaged from
security requirements. Close column formation eases air-delivered rockets, cannons, or cluster bomb units.
column control and intracolumn communications. An open column increases the degree of passive
During daylight hours, fewer guides, traffic escorts, and protection against hostile observation and attack. It

TYPE WHEN DENSITY SPEED ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES

FORMATION USED PER MILE/KM mi/h/km/h

Close Night, poorly 67/40 10/16 Full traffic capacity of road Quick dispersion is
marked routes, or can be used. Control is difficult. The column is
in congested areas. better. Fewer guides, easily detected. May cause
escorts, and route markers congestion at point of
are needed. arrival. Requires careful
scheduling and control to
avoid blocking at
intersections. Causes
driver fatigue.
Open Daylight 20/12 15/24 Less chance of enemy Command and control are
observation or attack. difficult. Proper vehicle
Cargo moves faster. Driver spacing is hard to keep.
fatigue is reduced. Fewer
accidents, very flexible.
Infiltration Daylight, con- 10 or less per Various Provides maximum More time required to
gested areas. hour security and deception. complete the move.
Heavy traffic High speeds are possible. Column control is nearly
crosses route. Other traffic has little impossible. Drivers can
effect on individual trucks. get lost. Specific details
Does not hinder cross must be provided each
traffic. d river. Maintenance,
refueling, and messing are
difficult to arrange.
Vehicles may bunch up,
causing close columns to
form. Requires experienced
drivers. Orders are not
easily changed.
The unit cannot be
redeployed as a unit until
the last vehicle arrives at
destination.
Figure 5-5.—Types of column formation.

5-8
permits greater highway speeds with safety and Continue to March
provides for greater flexibility in highway use.
However, open columns make control more difficult for The mission and/or terrain may dictate that the
the convoy commander when it is necessary to give march continue. If this is the case, the convoy speed
orders to stop, to continue, to disperse and seek should be increased. Continuing the march offers the
concealment, or to engage aircraft. Moreover, the advantage of preventing a moving target and making
column is more likely to be attacked since it is exposed it more difficult for the enemy to hit. Disadvantages
for a longer period of time. If attacked, its defense is exist in that detection is easier and volume and density
less effective because small-arms fire is less of small-arms fire are reduced.
concentrated.
3. Infiltration. In infiltration formations, Stop the Convoy
vehicles are dispatched as follows:
If the convoy commander chooses to halt the
a. Individually
convoy, the vehicles simply pull to the shoulders of
b. In small groups the road. This technique has several advantages:
c. At irregular intervals 1. Harder for the pilot to see the convoy.
d At a rate that minimizes changes in the 2. Easy to continue the march.
average traffic density and prevents massing of vehicles
3. Volume and density of organic weapons will be
Average distance between vehicles and groups is greater than if the convoy disperses.
decided by the rate at which vehicles are dispatched. However, a disadvantage exists in that a convoy
Deception is provided by intermingling various types stopped on the open road makes a good target for
of vehicles and by permitting passing within the enemy troops. The enemy has a better chance of
column. Infiltration may provide the best passive causing serious damage.
defense against hostile observation and attack;
however, it provides the least active defense capability
Disperse the Convoy
if individual or small groups of vehicles are attacked.
This method permits individual vehicles to travel at
high speeds and cause less cross traffic interference. A simple technique that a convoy commander can
It permits use of a route on which heavy traffic use in dispersing vehicles is to establish a method in
normally precludes the entire unit moving at one time Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). SOPs will
(fig. 5-5). emphasize that in case of an air attack odd-numbered
vehicles go to the left, and even-numbered vehicles go
to the right. The key to dispersion is not to make two
PASSIVE REACTIONS TO straight lines out of what was one long line; the
AIR ATTACKS vehicles must be staggered. This should not be a
problem if the drivers have been trained to go to trees,
bushes, and folds in the ground that will give
Seeing the enemy first has long been established concealment (fig. 5-6).
as an element of survival in any combat situation. The
advantages of seeing enemy aircraft first is largely Once the convoy is dispersed, all personnel,
self-evident, and the importance cannot be except vehicular mounted weapons gunners, dismount
overemphasized. All convoy personnel must be and take up firing positions. Advantages of this
thoroughly briefed as to their responsibilities in the system are that it is more difficult for the enemy pilot
employment of effective scanning techniques. When
aircraft are spotted or early warning is received, the
convoy commander has three options:

Continue to march.

Have the convoy immediately stop in place.

Disperse quickly to concealed positions. Figure 5-6.—Vehicles dispersed and in concealed positions.

5-9
to detect the vehicles and get multiple hits. However, The convoy should only be halted when the
this method has several disadvantages: artillery concentration is ahead of the convoy. The
convoy commander should look for an alternate route
1. Easier for the enemy pilot to spot the convoy as
around the impact area and the convoy should remain
it begins to disperse.
prepared to move out rapidly.
2. Volume and density of small-arms fire are
The missions and/or terrain may require the
reduced.
convoy to continue. If this is the case, increase speed
3. Takes longer to reorganize the convoy after the and spread out to the maximum extent the terrain will
attack. allow. Casualties can be reduced by the following:
Avoiding the impact area
ARTILLERY OR INDIRECT FIRE
Increasing speed
Enemy artillery units or indirect fire weapons may Increasing dispersion
be used to destroy logistic convoys or to harass and
interdict the forward movement of supplies and Wearing individual protective equipment
personnel. Artillery fires are either preplanned fire or Using the vehicle for protection
fires called in and adjusted on a target of opportunity
by a forward observer. Of the two, the adjusted fires IMMEDIATE ACTION DRILLS
present the more complex problem as the artillery
barrages can be adjusted to follow the actions of the The guerrilla normally seeks contact with
convoy. organized units only under favorable tactical
circumstances; for example, ambushes. When contact
Active Defense is made under less favorable circumstances, the
guerrilla attempts a rapid withdrawal. In either case,
Active defensive measures against artillery are small-unit encounters with guerrillas are likely to be
limited but must not be overlooked. It is important sudden, violent, and of short duration. Slow reactions
that several personnel are highly capable of calling in to an ambush can result in excessive losses or the loss
a fire mission. Active measures would include the of an opportunity to punish the guerrilla unit. Contact
following: is often made at close range, particularly when
operating in jungle, temperate zone forests, woods, or
1. Directing counterbattery fire if the direction and heavy brush. Immediate action drills aid small units
approximate distance to the enemy artillery can be in reacting quickly and properly.
estimated.
Immediate action drills are predrilled,
2. Directing small-arms fire or artillery fires prerehearsed reactions to contact or anticipated
against the enemy forward observer if they can be contact with the enemy. Immediate action drills are
located. most frequently used by rifle platoons and squads.
3. Coordinating air strikes against the enemy They are used during the conduct of foot patrols and
artillery. dismounted movements in close terrain against
guerrillas.
Passive Defense
The variety of drills is limited only by the
imagination and initiative of the unit leader and the
The convoy commander has three passive defense state of training of the unit. It is impractical to develop
options when confronted with incoming artillery drills covering every contingency; however, it is
rounds. The options are as follows: important to develop a drill for each of the most
l Halt in place. frequently occurring situations. The response to a
given situation must not be stereotyped, as the enemy
l Continue to march. may ultimately capitalize upon rigid adherence to the
l Disperse quickly to concealed positions. same tactics.

Regardless of the option selected, the actions to be Immediate action drills stress simplicity,
taken and the signal directing the action should be aggressiveness, and rapid execution. They demand
covered in the unit SOP. alertness and a high state of individual training. Drills

5-10
are of little value to a unit in which the individual freezes in their tracks with their weapons in the firing
Seabee lacks proficiency in the fundamental combat position.
skills.
2. Different trails—If the guerrillas are
approaching on a route different from that of the Seabee
VEHICLE UNLOADING DRILL
unit, the unit remains on the trail in a freeze position.
The unit leader signals Commence Firing when the
When a vehicle is forced to halt in the killing zone guerrillas present a suitable target.
of an ambush, the debarkation of occupants must be
organized and predrilled. On order or signal, the 3. Same trail—On initially sighting the enemy, the
response must be immediate and each person must act freeze is executed. The individual making the sighting
swiftly to move to the proper position. Confusion is indicates the number of enemy by silent signal and then
thus overcome and immediate offensive action against moves off the trail. Each individual relays the signal
the enemy is more likely to be effective. When the and moves off the trail on the same side used by the
vehicle is halted, the actions are as follows: originator. It is essential that the entire unit move to the
same side of the trail. Speed of execution and silent
1. If the vehicle is hardened, the vehicle movements are mandatory. Any unnatural sound may
commander acts approxiately as previously discussed. cause the guerrillas to turn and flee. Each member of
The vehicle commander then commands “DEPLOY the unit takes up a firing position facing the direction of
RIGHT (OR LEFT),” to show the direction in which the enemy approach. The unit leader initiates the ambush
occupants are to assemble after dismounting. by firing his or her weapon. In the event the guerrillas
2. Sentries throw smoke grenades and open fire sight and fire upon a unit member other than the unit
leader, that individual fires and springs the ambush.
immediately on the ambush positions. The grenadier,
if one is aboard the vehicle, fires on the ambush
IMMEDIATE ASSAULT DRILL
position.
3. Occupants, under cover of fire from the sentries, The immediate assault is a tactic used during an
dismount over both sides of the vehicle and move to the unexpected encounter at close quarters. It is a
side of the vehicle indicated in the command. As few predrilled response to situations in which the
occupants as possible attempt to dismount over the guerrillas and the Seabee unit become aware of each
tailgate of the vehicle. other simultaneously. The immediate assault drill is a
rapidly executed frontal assault.
4. When the occupants have dismounted, the
sentries dismount under covering fire from troops on 1. The drill is usually initiated by the first member
the ground. of the unit who sights the enemy. He or she fires at the
enemy and shouts a prearranged signal showing the
5. The driver and assistant driver dismount in the
direction of the encounter; for example, “enemy front
direction indicated by the vehicle commander.
(left, right), charge.”
6. When all occupants are out of the vehicle, action
2. The signal is repeated by each individual.
is taken as previously mentioned in this chapter.
3. The unit adopts the line formation, oriented in
FREEZE AND HASTY AMBUSH DRILL the indicated direction of contact. A predesignated
subordinate unit is withheld from the line to protect the
The freeze and hasty ambush is a drill designed to flanks and rear.
deal with the meeting engagement. The drill is 4. The unit leader sounds a prearranged assault
undertaken when the unit has sighted guerrillas signal.
approaching but has not yet been seen by them.
Immediate action is taken to ambush the guerrillas 5. The assault is pressed forward until halted by
when their approach is moving on a trail different or the unit leader, usually when the guerrillas are no longer
the same used by the unit. insight.

1. Freeze—When the guerrillas are sighted, the COUNTER AMBUSH DRILL

unit is halted by silent signal, such as an arm and hand
or other prearranged special signal. The signal is There is no generally accepted immediate action
relayed to each member of the unit, and each member for foot troops when ambushed. Adherence to the

5-11
principle of security in avoiding an ambush is easier example, by voice “ambush front (left, right)” or by
than to escape from one. When ambushed, violent and whistle or other signals.
concerted reaction is required to prevent annihilation. 2. Previously determined ambushed elements,
Units must have a prearranged plan, known to every
execute an immediate assault.
troop, which allots a specific immediate action to each
individual according to his or her location and 3. Previously determined base of fire elements
function in the formation. from personnel not yet engaged in the ambush, assume
base of fire positions. These fires simultaneously
Entire Unit in Killing Zone support encircling maneuver elements and the
personnel in the killing zone.
It is seldom possible to find covered or concealed 4. The encircling attack units move out in a
positions within the killing zone from which to prearranged envelopment of the enemy flank and/or
exchange fire with the enemy. The unit may execute rear (fig. 5-7).
the immediate assault in the direction shown by the
unit leader. The direction shown is normally the NOTE: Take care in assaulting the main ambush
weakest point in the ambush and is a prearranged force, as mines are commonly used to protect its
counter ambush drill. flanks.

The unit may initially execute a preplanned 5. Whenever possible, the enemy rear is
movement to a position outside the killing zone enveloped. The assault by the encircling units drives
indicated by the unit leader. Normally, the position is the enemy into the fires of the base of fire elements.
one that provides cover and concealment and is the
location from which a subsequent drill is undertaken SUMMARY
to eliminate the enemy.
The company commander must train his or her
troops in convoy defensive techniques. OPSEC
Leading Element in Killing Zone
measures must be considered during the planning
process and practiced during day-to-day hauling
When only the foremost elements of the unit are
operations. The primary types of engagement likely
caught in the killing zone, an immediate encircling
to be encountered during convoy movements are
attack is executed and actions are taken as follows:
attacks by air, artillery, sniper, ambush, and NBC. The
1. Elements within the ambush indicate the nature convoy commander must ensure that subordinate
and location of the ambush by prearranged signal; for commanders and drivers are aware of and trained on

Figure 5-7.—Encircling attack.

5-12
the procedures to be used for countering the different 5. If disabled and the convoy is moving through
type of attacks. Active and passive defense the killing zone, mount a passing vehicle.
techniques must be learned and practiced. In an 6. Do not enter the killing zone when it can be
ambush situation, immediate reaction and aggressive
avoided.
leadership are essential to limit casualties and damage
to vehicles, cargo, and personnel. 7. Provide flanking support fire into the killing
zone.
The following is a list of ambush instructions that
was developed from lessons learned during the 8. Security vehicles apply maximum base of fire;
Vietnam War. fight as a team; deploy upon command.
9. Prime targets are enemy automatic weapons
Before Ambush
positions, enemy mortar, rocket positions, and
1. Be alert for changes in familiar scenes along the assaulting ground forces.
route.
2. Expect ambush upon detonation of mines, After Ambush
automatic weapons fire, and heavy sniper fire.
1. Protect and care for wounded; evacuate
During Ambush wounded as soon as possible.

1. Notify security force by radio call using 2. After contact has been broken, reopen roadway,
prearranged signals. (Do not tie up the radio nets with ensuring that it is free of mines.
unnecessary conversation. Maintain strict radio 3. Do not attempt to remove mines; contact
discipline.) explosive ordnance disposal.
2. Continue moving, maintaining vehicle distance 4. Provide flank security while the convoy passes
if possible.
through the area.
3. Place any tracked vehicles in front to activate
5. When contact is broken, do not give chase.
further detonation of road mines.
6. Stay alert for a counterattack
4. If disabled, steer off the road to allow passage
of other vehicles. 7. Remember details.

5-13
 CHAPTER 6

CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICAL, AND RADIOLOGICAL

DECONTAMINATION

The presence of contamination can greatly reduce the LIQUIDS

effectiveness of the combat forces. Contamination forces
personnel to wear protective equipment that degrades their Liquid contamination is generally delivered in a
ability to conduct individual and collective tasks. mist, a vapor, or rain that falls to the ground. Liquid
Therefore, an understanding of the behavior and contamination can be made thick, like syrup or gelatin.
characteristics of contamination enables personnel to It sticks to what it touches and evaporates slowly. Low
better direct their efforts in taking countermeasures to vapor pressure and high viscosity make it difficult to
avoid or reduce a nuclear, a biological, and a chemical decontaminate. Chemical, biological, and nuclear
hazard. Consideration of these factors will help the contaminates, when mixed with rain, can contaminate
individual Seabee, planner, and leader in the integration large areas. When the “washout” evaporates, the solid
of CBR defensive measures in tactical operations. or liquid contamination may remain for some time.

Companies in a battalion are required to have at

GASES
least one six-man team trained to perform decon
operations. Obtaining the required skills through
Chemical contaminants give off vapors. Toxic
training at the 20th NCR or 31st NCR is strongly
chemical agents, delivered as a gas cloud, are used
i encouraged to become decon qualified. Therefore,
either directly on the target or upwind of the target.
this chapter is only designed to familiarize the reader
Depending on the weather conditions, wind currents
with decon operations and decon terms.
can spread toxic gas clouds over a large area. Most
NOTE: Nuclear, biological, and chemical toxic gases disperse or evaporate quite readily.
warfare (NBC) and chemical, biological, and However, surfaces, contaminated with liquid chemical
radiological warfare (CBR) are similar. Army field agents, may give off toxic gases for days.
manuals (FMs) and Marine Corps field manuals
(FMFMs) refer to CBR as NBC; therefore, when this TYPES OF CONTAMINATION
chapter refers to CBR, it is also referring to NBC. HAZARDS

FORMS OF CONTAMINATION If you understand the contamination hazards

(transfer, spread, vapor, desorption, and radiation),
Successful decontamination (decon) requires that you you will understand contamination characteristics.
understand the forms of contamination and what makes it This will help you to understand the importance of
dangerous. The different origins and forms of decon in successfully completing your mission under
contamination cause different hazards. A brief discussion CBR conditions.
of the major forms and origins of contamination will
clarify the meaning of contamination, as it is used in this TRANSFER
chapter.
Anything that touches a surface covered with
SOLIDS
liquid or solid contamination will tend to pickup that
Chemical agents, biological agents, and contamination and move it from one surface to
radiological contamination can all take solid forms. another. You must eliminate or limit contamination
Often, they appear as fine dust. The dust could take transfer into clean areas. For example, troops,
the form of radioactive dirt (fallout), a frozen chemical climbing in and out of a contaminated vehicle, can
mist, or a dust pollinated with biological toxins and/or transfer agents to the inside of the vehicle. This
biological spores. Another form is a powder, coated activity results in two hazards: inhaling the gas given
with chemical/biological agents (for example, dusty off by the agent brought into the vehicle and physical
mustard). contact with the agent brought into the vehicle.

6-1
 RADIATION

Touching a surface covered with a liquid chemical The penetrating energy of radiation does not
agent can spread contamination on the same surface, directly fall into any of the previous categories.
thus increasing the size of the contaminated area. Radiation is given off by radioactive dust or dirt, most
When this condition occurs, more decontaminates of which appears as fallout. For decon purposes,
along with more of an effort will be spent deconing. radiation can be thought of as a solid. Radioactive
Therefore, limit the spread of contamination to a clean contamination can usually be removed by brushing,
surface by decontaminating it with a designated wiping, or shaking. Decontaminate quickly to
decontaminate and/or the appropriate equipment. decrease the cumulative effects of radiation;
otherwise, small but frequent exposure to radiation
may cause radiation sickness.
VAPOR
PERSISTENCY
A vapor hazard includes any contamination you
can breathe, no matter what form it takes, such as dust The length of time a hazard remains depends on
in the air, atomized liquids (aerosols), or true gases. the “persistency” of the contamination. A full
Generally, vapors in an open/outdoor area disperse discussion of detection and hazard prediction for all
rapidly so you do not need to decontaminate them. types of contamination is given in Army manuals FM
However, some agent vapors, such as atomized blister, 3-3 and FM 3-3-l.
create a transfer hazard because they settle from the
air and coat the surfaces they touch. Since solid or
liquid contamination remains on a surface, it can CHEMICAL
continually generate new vapors. Liquid
contamination, mixed with dust, can result in a vapor
hazard due to wind or movement of vehicles. Nonpersistent contamination generally requires
Generally, when a transfer or spread hazard exists, a no decon. However, the duration and effectiveness of
vapor hazard could also exist. chemical agents used on the battlefield will depend on
a series of factors that affect agent persistency. Some
of these factors are as follows:
DESORPTION
l Type of contamination

Liquid chemical contamination quickly absorbs 0 Contamination density and droplet size
into porous surfaces. Once absorbed, it begins to l Temperature
desorb or give off gas; that is, low levels of vapor pass
out of the contaminated surface into the air and can be l Wind speed
transferred to any surface that contacts it, including
l Sunlight
bare skin. For example, if you were operating a
vehicle that was desorbing a nerve agent, you should * Humidity and rain
protect yourself by wearing, as a minimum, your
l Composition of the contaminated surface
protective mask and gloves. Exposure to the
desorbing nerve agent might blur your vision or l Type of soil and terrain
interfere with your ability to think clearly. Handling
a steering wheel bare-handed when it is desorbing Any contamination found on your skin must be
nerve agent may also cause acute nerve agent decontaminated immediately, regardless of
poisoning. Prevent desorption by decontaminating persistency. Some contamination hazards can affect
quickly before any agent can be absorbed into the you within minutes after touching your skin (an agent
surface. Surfaces, protected with a chemical agent like CX will affect you within seconds). After you
resistant coating (CARC) that consists of a conduct skin decon, use detection equipment to
polyurethane paint coating, can prevent agent determine the type of contamination. This will help
absorption. These surfaces can be easily to decide whether additional decon and/or treatment
decontaminated with soap and hot water or DS2. is required.

6-2
 Changes to the physical behavior of chemical 100 Centigray (cGy) (rad) per hour, then 14 hours
agents can be caused by changes in weather after the burst (7 times 2 hours), you can expect a
c o n d i t i o n s . For example, in cold weather, reading of about 10 cGy (100 cGy divided by 10).
nonpersistent agents tend to become semipersistent, Radiation contamination is not affected by climatic
lasting from 2 to 10 days. Refer to FM 3-6, Field conditions or other variables that affect chemical
Behavior of NBC Agents, for detailed information. contamination. The Army manual, FM 3-3-1,
describes radiation decay rates in detail.

BIOLOGICAL NEGLIGIBLE RISK

The many variables, involved in estimating You must consider decon if the levels of
persistency of biological hazards, require separate contamination exceed negligible risk levels.
consideration for each instance of contamination.
Specially trained medical personnel will consider
specific treatment direction only after the BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL
contamination has been specifically identified. For
example, biological agents will persist longer in cold
weather. Temperate inversions (stable conditions) Negligible risk levels for biological and chemical
that exist over snowfields also tend to prolong the stay contamination are contamination that will cause mild
of an aeorsolized biological cloud. incapacitation among no more than 5 percent of
unprotected troops operating for 12 continuous hours
within 1 meter of contaminated surfaces.
RADIOLOGICAL Measurements that determine safe levels are made
with detection equipment held 1 inch away from the
surface. For example, a one bar reading displayed on
A general idea of the persistency of radiological
the chemical agent monitor (CAM) indicates a
hazards can be gained by taking radiation dose
reduced hazard level that should be considered as a
readings. At this time, the NCF uses two types of
negligible risk level.
radioactive detection and computation (RADIAC)
instruments:
RADIOLOGICAL
1. The AN/PDR-27 instrument provides
radioactivity detection in the lower ranges. It is
designed to detect beta radiation and measure and detect Negligible risk levels for radiological
gamma nuclear radiation. The AN/PDR-27 is also used contamination are measurements of 0.33 centigray
to monitor low level radiation contamination on (cGy) or less. This level of radiation will cause no
personnel, supplies, and equipment. more than 2.5 percent mild incapacitation to
2. AN/PDR-43 instrument provides detection of unprotected troops.
radioactivity in the high range. It is designed to detect
beta radiation and measure and detect gamma nuclear CONTAMINATION COMBINATIONS
radiation.

NOTE: Only qualified personnel are authorized Simultaneous enemy CBR attacks will probably
to operate RADIAC instruments. be part of the strategy of the enemy. Risk assessments
include consideration that the enemy may use
For operational purposes, you can use the “7-10 combinations of nuclear, biological, and chemical
weapons or may use any of these combined with
rule of thumb” to estimate future radiation levels.
This rule provides a general estimate and should be conventional fire. Once CBR weapons have been
used for planning only. The rate of radioactive decay introduced on the battlefield, the enemy may try to
is proportional over time. The 7-10 rule means that deceive you regarding the type of hazard.
for seven multiples of time after the burst, the radiation
intensity will decrease by a factor of 10. For example, The thermal effects of a nuclear blast might
if 2 hours after the burst your radiation reading is destroy the effects of any chemical or biological

6-3
weapons used simultaneously. However, chemical or REASONS FOR DECON
biological weapons effectiveness is increased if used
following a nuclear attack. Nuclear blast casualties
You must have a good idea of the reasons for
and psychologically stressed troops are vulnerable to
decon and the types/techniques of decon. You must
a CBR agent attack. Agents could enter collective
assess your tactical situation and consider your decon
protective shelters, communication facilities, and
resources within the context of mission, enemy,
vehicles damaged by the nuclear detonation.
terrain, troops, and time available (METT-T). You
must know the principles of decon and know how
When CBR contamination hazards exist,
decon affects your combat power. Protective clothing
decontaminate the chemical agents first. Chemical
and equipment (MOPP gear) and collective protection
agents are normally the most lethal and fastest acting
shelters offer only a temporary solution. Decon is a
type of contamination. The decon methods for
more permanent solution because it includes the
chemical agents are also effective for neutralizing or
removal, the destruction, or the neutralization of
removing biological and radiological contamination.
contamination. When you have become contaminated,
The reverse is not true.
there are practical reasons why at least some decon
must occur as soon as possible. You must use these
The enemy may use a mixture of agents in their decon concepts in selecting the best action to take to
munitions to cause multiple types of contamination. accomplish your mission.
Such mixtures could be used to achieve the following
various purposes:
Decon should be considered within the context of
METT-T and resources available. The four factors
1. Lower the freezing point of the agents and
that must be addressed before you decide to
increase agent persistency, such as mustard lewisite
decontaminate are as follows:
mixture.
2. Create both percutaneous (through the skin) and Lethality
inhalation hazards, such as thickened GD and GB.
Performance degradation
3. Complicate agent identification of mixed
agents, making treatment of casualties more difficult. Equipment limitations

4. Combine agents with both immediate and Transfer and spread

long-term persistency, such as anthrax, with an
incubation period of 1 to 5 days and histoplasmosis LETHALITY
(pulmonary infection disease) with an incubation
period of 5 to 18 days.
Some types of contamination are so toxic they can
There is no field detecting system that can detect or kill or incapacitate if they contact exposed skin for a
identify biological agents. Therefore, combinations of few minutes. If your skin becomes contaminated, you
biological and chemical contaminants present a must stop breathing, mask, give the alarm, and
different challenge. This challenge can be dealt with decontaminate your skin immediately. Periodically,
if standard chemical decon measures are followed at observe for nerve agent symptoms if the agent type is
once. Use standard chemical decontaminants when unknown.
combinations are known or suspected to exist. They
can be used for toxins and biological agents as well as PERFORMANCE DEGRADATION
chemical agents. See appendix IV for a description of
field expedient chemical decontaminants for use
against these hazards. MOPP (mission-oriented protective posture) gear
provides protection but also degrades performance.
The longer you are in MOPP 4, the lower your
Do not base decon measures solely upon the first efficiency. Using tools and weapons while wearing
hazard identified. Make sure you check thoroughly to the protective gloves is awkward. The mask reduces
identify all agent hazards. When specific agents are your field of view, making it difficult to use some
detected, take appropriate decon measures. optical sights and night vision devices. Extended

6-4
 operations in MOPP gear tire and discourage troops. Troop performance will decrease over time while
Troops cannot eat while wearing a mask. Urinating they are in full MOPP; therefore, risk assessment must
and defecating are potentially dangerous in a be conducted before executing a task or mission. For
contaminated area. Even resting an-d sleeping are example, you should know that the following critical
difficult because it is hard to breathe through the mask. areas or tasks are degraded:
Hot or humid climates compound these problems
because the mask makes breathing more difficult. l Navigation and terrain orientation

l Target acquisition
EQUIPMENT LIMITATIONS
l The decision-making process (leader fatigue)

MOPP gear provides protection from chemical l Communications

and biological agent attacks, but some limitations can
0 Fire support coordination
reduce its effectiveness. Agents can gradually
penetrate the mask hood. However, the protective 0 Maneuver formations/convoy operations
qualities of the hood can be extended many hours if
the chemical agent is removed or decontaminated Unit commanders, conducting extended
quickly before it penetrates the hood. operations in full MOPP gear, weigh the risk of
whether or not to conduct decon. The unit commander
Two primary types of chemical protective must consider the capabilities and limitations of the
overgarments are in use at this time with different unit while performing in MOPP during different types
protection. The first is the chemical protective of conditions. Refer to the Seabee Combat Handbook,
overgarment (CPO) that is currently in the TOA of volume 1, chapter 19.
each battalion. In an uncontaminated environment,
the CPO is good for 140 hours within 30 days after the A contamination hazard will be reduced by
initial opening of the original protective package and conducting hasty decon and exchange of the MOPP
subject to the following conditions: gear. This action also provides temporary relief from
l When not worn, store in a sealed plastic bag. MOPP and the reduction of risk during combat
operations. The commander considers the time and
l The 140 hours is only applicable to wear time. the resources needed to conduct decon versus the
The clock stops while the overgarment is stored degradation caused by operating in full MOPP gear.
in a plastic bag. The commander also understands that before ordering
l Overgarments that have come into contact with the removal of protective masks, they must move their
POLs must be replaced. unit to a clean area and conduct unmasking
procedures. After hasty decon (MOPP gear exchange
In a contaminated environment, 6 hours of and vehicle wash down), the Seabee’s risk is reduced
protection is provided and the CPO is subject to the by the following:
following:
1. Decreasing the time personnel are exposed to
1. Once in a contaminated environment, the 6-hour chemical agents.
criteria vice 140-hour criteria becomes the controlling
parameter. If chemical liquid contamination remains 2. Providing temporary relief from full MOPP.
after 6 hours, MOPP gear exchange must be conducted This aids in increasing survivability of the unit on the
as soon as possible. “MOPP Gear Exchange” will be battlefield because the MOPP encapsulation causes
discussed further on in this chapter. limitations that may result in conventional casualties
(for example, heat stress in combat).
2. If cumulative wear time is 138 hours and the
environment becomes contaminated, the suit may be 3. Decreasing the risk of transfer and spreading of
. worn an additional 6 hours for a maximum cumulative contamination.
wear time of 144 hours.
MOPP gear provides little direct protection from
The second type of overgarment that is currently the hazards of radiological (rad) contamination, such
not in the TOA is the battle dress overgarment (BDO). as the radiation from fallout. But commanders may
It provides protection for 24 hours after becoming often decide to use MOPP gear for its indirect
contaminated with liquid chemical agents. advantages. MOPP 4 can prevent the inhalation of

6-5
radioactive particles, keep contamination off the skin, Third, decontaminate as far forward as possible
and greatly simplify decon . Although the danger from (limit spread). Do not transport contaminated
fallout is not immediate, the radiation may gradually personnel and equipment away from your operational
build up to a dangerous level. Therefore, the area if you can bring decon assets forward safely. This
contamination must be removed when the mission will keep your equipment on location where it is
allows. The protective mask filter elements will need needed, allow decon to begin earlier, and limit the
to be replaced because of radioactive particle buildup. spread of contamination to other areas.
Fourth, decontaminate by priority. Clean
TRANSFER AND SPREAD important items of equipment first and the least
important items last. The COC will prioritize the
equipment for decontamination.
You must avoid contamination as much as
possible. Once a unit becomes contaminated with a LEVELS OF DECONTAMINATION
chemical agent, quick or rapid decon is critical to
prevent further spread or transfer of contamination Three levels of decon are used today: immediate
onto a clean area or surface. Rapid decon may allow operational, and thorough. All three levels (fig. 6-l)
the unit to be in the lowest MOPP level possible and are discussed in this chapter.
preserve its combat power.
IMMEDIATE DECON
PRINCIPLES OF DECONTAMINATION
The aim of immediate decon is to minimize
casualties, save lives, and limit the spread of
The resources of manpower, time, and material are contamination. Immediate decon is carried out bY
critical for your decision on how to sustain combat individuals upon becoming contaminated. Three
operations. Two concepts must be considered: the immediate decon techniques are used today:
use of these resources and the ability to sustain combat
. Skin decon
operations. You must know when, where, what, and
how to perform decon by following the four principles l Personal wipe down
discussed in the following paragraphs.
l Operator’s spray down

First, decontaminate as soon as possible. This is the OPERATIONAL DECON

most important principle of the four. Consider this
principle before you consider any other. Contamination The aim of operational decon is to sustain
hazards force you into higher levels of MOPP and operations, reduce the contact hazard, and limit the
immediately begin to degrade the ability to perform your spread of contamination. Operational decon will also
mission. The sooner the contamination is removed, the eliminate the necessity or reduce the duration of
sooner you can reduce MOPP levels. wearing MOPP gear. Operational decon is done by
individuals and/or units. It is restricted to specific
parts of operationally essential equipment, material,
Second, decontaminate only what is necessary. You
and/or working areas. Operational decon minimizes
cannot waste precious resources decontaminating
contact and transfer hazards. Further decon may be
everything. Decontaminate only what is necessary to
required to reduce contamination to negligible risk
continue your mission. Consider the following factors
levels. Two operational decon techniques are used
when you decide whether decon will interfere with the
today:
mission:
l Vehicle wash down
l Mission-“tempo of battle”
. MOPP gear exchange
l Time available
THOROUGHDECON
a Degree of contamination
The aim of thorough decon is to reduce or
l Length of time you have been in MOPP 4
eliminate the need for individual protective clothing.
l Decon assets available Thorough decon iS carried out to reduce
 We now know that contamination causes
casualties and restricts the use of equipment and
terrain. Decontamination reduces or eliminates the
hazard and permits units to continue their mission. We
also know the three levels of decontamination. We
will now discuss decontamination operations for each
level of decontamination.

IMMEDIATE DECON OPERATIONS

Immediate decon techniques are initiated by the

individual Seabee, without command, once he or she
is aware they have contamination on their bare skin.
The individual Seabee uses his or her personal M291
or M258A1 skin decon kit to decontaminate exposed
skin. Next, they decontaminate their MOPP gear and
weapon, using the M280DKIE (decon kit, individual
equipment) or with an additional M291/M258A1 kit.
Use these items for chemical and biological
contamination removal only.

Radiological contamination hazards affect you

differently, but the principle is the same. Remove
radiological contamination from equipment and
personnel by brushing and/or using soap and water,
respectively.

SKIN DECONTAMINATION

If chemical agents contact your skin, you must

take immediate action to decontaminate yourself.
Start the skin decon technique within 1 minute of
becoming contaminated. Some toxic chemical agents,
especially nerve agents, are rapidly absorbed by the
skin and can kill in minutes.

Individual decon kits (IDK), M291 or M258A1

(fig. 6-2), provide the best means of skin decon.
Instructions and procedures are on the outside of the
Figure 6-1.—Decon techniques. kit.

The solutions in the M258A1 kit are caustic. Keep

contamination on personnel, equipment/material, them out of the eyes, nose, wounds, and mouth. Use
and/or working areas to the lowest possible level water to wash toxic agent or decon solution out of the
(negligible risk). This permits the reduction or eyes or wounds and seek medical treatment.
removal of individual protective equipment and Familiarize yourself with the operating instructions
for both kits because of the differences in the M258A1
maintains operations with the least degradation.
and M291 kits. The M258A1 uses a moist towelette
Thorough decon reduces CBR contamination levels to
with a decon solution, whereas the M291 uses a
a negligible risk. There are two thorough decon powder. Although you cannot see liquid
techniques that Seabees use: contamination in the dark, you must be prepared to
. Detailed troop decon (DTD) decontaminate during darkness. The M258A1 wipe 1
packet has an identifying tab that you can feel in the
. Detailed equipment decon (DED) dark.

6-7
 Figure 6-2.—Skin decontamination kits.

WARNING Unit corpsmen know the types and levels of

natural infection for the area of operations. They
Solutions in the M258A1 decon kit are monitor these levels. If a given disease reaches a high
flammable and unstable in storage at level, they decide whether or not a deliberate
temperatures above 110°F (43°C) or for long biological attack has occurred.
periods in sunlight. Also, protect it from
freezing temperatures. Used at 32°F (0°C) or
The best biological defense is to take action before
below, the solution may cause frostbite.
you are attacked. Keep immunizations up-to-date,
observe basic sanitary precautions, and keep skin
If you do not have a skin decon kit, chemical breaks covered. Treat minor cuts or abrasions by
contamination may be pinch-blotted from the skin ordinary first-aid measures (iodine, Zephiran, or
with a cloth and the area flushed with water from your Merthiolate). Washing with soap and water removes
canteen. Pinch-blotting is better than rubbing because nearly all biological agents from the skin. Frequent
it limits the spread of the contamination. Soap, if showering or bathing lessens chances of infection and
available, can also be used to wash the agent from the disease. A 0.5 percent sodium hypochlorite
skin. Washing with soap and water (or hot water) is (household bleach) solution is also an effective
the next best method for toxic agent decon. This biological decontaminant. Appendix IV tells how to
method is not as effective as using the decon kits. make this solution.

NOTE: The M291 skin decon kit replaces the

M258A1 skin decon kit. However, there will still be
Radiological
a time when the two kits are available in the field.

Biological Because no immediate life-threatening hazard is

caused by radiological contamination, no immediate
Currently, no means exists of detecting biological skin decon is required. However, wash exposed areas
agents. You probably will not know immediately of your skin when possible. If your skin is
when you have become contaminated. Most contaminated by radiological contamination, use
biological agents, except toxins, pose their primary operational decon techniques immediately. (See
threat through inhalation or ingestion. The skin is an “MOPP Gear Exchange” for a detailed discussion on
effective barrier against most biological agents if it has reducing radiation levels from radiological
no cuts or scratches. contamination.)

6-8
PERSONAL WIPE DOWN Biological

The personal wipe down technique is most If you know or suspect toxins or other biological
effective when done within 15 minutes of being agents are present, remove the contamination with
contaminated. Every Seabee wipes down his or her soap and water. If water is not available, use M258A1
mask, hood, gloves, and other essential gear. (An decon wipes in the same manner as described for
exception is when a thickened agent is globed on the chemical agent decon.
overgarment.) For chemical and biological decon,
Seabees use their skin decon kits. Radiological Radiological
contamination may be brushed away.
Radiological contamination can readily be
Do not attempt to remove chemical contamination detected and located with monitoring equipment.
from your protective overgarment. The special Remove the contamination and you reduce the hazard.
protective properties of the garment minimize hazards Brush the dust off your load-bearing equipment and
from chemical agents. However, brush off mask carrier. If you are contaminated with a dry
radiological, biological, or frozen chemical agent contaminant, such as fallout, shake your clothing and
contamination from your overgarment. gear. Wash the exposed areas of your skin. Use
M258A1 decon wipes if soap and water are not
If radiological contamination is not removed, your available. Pay particular attention to your hair and
radiation exposure will increase over time. fingernails. Avoid breathing the dust you shake off by
wearing a piece of cloth over your face. If you were
Chemical contaminated by a wet radiological contaminant, you
must immediately conduct a MOPP gear exchange.
Brushing or shaking will not remove the wet
The stocks and handgrips of individual weapons
radiological contaminant or its hazard. Wipe off your
also tend to absorb chemical agents. Once absorbed,
mask, hood, helmet, gloves, footwear covers, and
they may present a vapor hazard for days. To reduce
other personal equipment with warm, soapy water. If
this penetration and vapor hazard, decontaminate
warm, soapy water is unavailable, use rags or damp
individual equipment using the M291 or the M258A1
paper towels. Ensure contamination is not spread to
kits. You must decontaminate gloves, hood and mask,
clean areas.
helmet, and weapon if they are contaminated.
Perform personal and equipment wipe down within 15
OPERATOR’S SPRAY DOWN
minutes after being exposed to liquid contamination.
Additionally, wearing your Kevlar helmet protective
After you have decontaminated yourself and
cover will prevent or reduce the absorption of any
your personal equipment, you may need to decon
liquid chemical agent.
other mission-essential portions of your equipment
If an agent is globed on your overgarment, you before continuing your mission. For example, you
may scrape it off with a stick or other object; may need to decon the vehicle you are operating or
otherwise, do not attempt to decontaminate chemical a crew-served weapon. To ensure you do not pickup
agents on your overgarment. This will provide little, contamination from these items, decontaminate
if any, extra protection and you probably will not have those surfaces you or your crew must touch while
enough M291 and M258A1 decon wipes to do so. operating the equipment. This decon is called the
“operator’s spray down” and is most effective when
Decon wipe 1 works better against the G-type of done within 15 minutes after personal wipe down.
nerve agents but can burn your skin. Decon wipe 2 Starting this technique later is not as effective;
works better against CX-type of nerve agents and contamination, especially chemical agents, will
blister agents. Additionally, decon wipe 2 is not as probably have spread and will be more difficult to
caustic to the skin and should help to neutralize some remove by this technique.
of the caustic compounds in wipe 1. When M291 and
Chemical
M258A1 decon wipes are not available, field
expedient methods, such as washing with soap, water, Decontaminate those surfaces you must touch to
and bleach solution, are partially effective (see do your job. Use an onboard portable decon
appendix V). apparatus, such as M11 or M13 (fig. 6-3).

6-9
 Figure 6-3.—Portable decon apparatus.

Spray DS2 onto those surfaces you must touch to DS2 is a combustible solution and should not be
do your mission. Scrub the DS2 into the surface with sprayed on personnel or protective clothing.
brushes. Wait 30 minutes, then wash it off. If a decon
apparatus is not available, use the field expedient Severe chemical burns can result if personnel
resources available to apply DS2 or supertropical fail to observe all safety precautions.
bleach (STB) from the bulk containers. If necessary,
DS2 can severely injure eyes and skin and, if
use nonstandard decontaminants discussed in inhaled, can cause illness.
appendix IV.
DS2 can damage CBR protective overgarments,
Biological protective gloves, hood, and overboots.

A bleach solution is the preferred decontaminant Radiological

for biological contamination; however, if it is not
available, use hot, soapy water. Apply the bleach
solution with brushes and scrub the surface well. If you are contaminated by fallout, rain out,
Rinse the surface after scrubbing (a 30-minute wait is neutron-induced contamination, or any type of
not required). DS2 or STB is also effective against radiological agent, use your monitoring equipment to
most known biological contamination, but because of help locate contamination. Then decontaminate as
their caustic nature are not preferred. Other required. If detection equipment is not available and
nonstandard biological decontaminants are described you suspect you are contaminated, decontaminate.
in appendix IV.

WARNING Radiological contamination can usually be

removed by brushing or scraping (use brooms or tree
Always use extreme caution when branches). Water is effective for flushing away
handling DS2. radiological contamination. Control the runoff by
using drainage ditches that flow into a sump.
Remember, you have not destroyed contamination,
Some important factors that should be
just moved it. The runoff will still be hazardous.
remembered when handling DS2 are as follows:
Brushing or scooping away the top inch of soil from
* Do not mix DS2 and STB because mixing the your fighting position will also lower the amount of
two will cause a fire. radiological contamination.

6-10
 OPERATIONAL DECON OPERATIONS PREPARATION PHASE

The preparation stage, as its name implies,

Operational decon generally follows immediate
includes all of the things that must be done before any
decon. The objective is to reduce the level of
operational decon can take place.
contamination to regenerate needed combat power.
Therefore, the unit can sustain its mission in a Site Selection
contaminated environment. Operational decon will
further reduce the risk of contamination transfer, the The COC, along with the CBR officer, selects an
spread of contamination, and the speed of the operational decon site where little preparation is
weathering process by removing much of the gross required and considers the following factors when
contamination. selecting a decon site:

Good overhead concealment.

Decontaminate only what is necessary by
conducting immediate equipment decon before Good drainage.
operational decon. Once operational decon is Off the main route but with easy access for
completed, the contamination hazard on the vehicles.
equipment is neutralized. So, operator’s spray down,
combined with operational decon, increases the Wind direction.
opportunities to conduct unmasking procedures. Large enough area to handle vehicle wash down
Operational decon is accomplished primarily by using and MOPP gear exchange for a squad-size
the following assets currently in the battalion TOA: element (100 square meters per site).

M12A1 or M-17 (contains pump, tank, A water source. Plan for about 100 to 150
personnel shower assembly, and water heater gallons of water for each vehicle. Of course,
units) larger or dirtier vehicles need more water.

M11 (fire extinguisher-like device for spraying NOTE: The M12A1 PDDA can carry 450 gallons
DS2) to a decon site; the M17 LDS (with collapsible
bladder) can hold 1,500 gallons but must be setup and
M13 (brush apparatus for scrubbing with DS2) filled up at the decon site.
Chemical agent monitor (CAM) Site Setup
Individual chemical agent detector (ICAD)
The battalion decon crew will setup the vehicle
washdown area. An operational decon site takes
Vehicles must be identified as contaminated or
minimal setup and preparation. The site setup
noncontaminated before arriving at any operational
requires positioning the M12A1 or the M17 LDS
decon station. If the contamination on the vehicle or
power-driven decon equipment (PDDE) along the
equipment can be neutralized with immediate decon
roadway, ready to dispense hot, soapy water. The
procedures, decontaminate and go on with the
vehicle washdown process consists of contaminated
mission. To be most effective, you should accomplish
vehicles moving forward into a site to be washed down
operational decon as soon as possible.
(removing gross contamination) and then moving out.
Additionally, at least two Seabees that are
MOPP gear exchange and vehicle wash down contaminated set up a MOPP gear exchange site.
are done in conjunction. The COC establishes a Prepare MOPP gear exchange at a clean site 50 meters
MOPP gear exchange site, upwind of the vehicle upwind of vehicle wash down. Both the vehicle wash
wash area. This is the site where Seabees exchange down and MOPP gear exchange operations should
contaminated MOPP gear for a reserve set of MOPP operate concurrently.
gear. The exchange is normally accomplished by
squad-size elements. Unmasking may or may not be If water for the M12A1 PDDE has been preheated,
possible during this exchange. A well-practiced preparation for vehicle wash down should take no
unit Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) will more than 10 minutes (this is a guideline). Preparation
greatly simplify and ease the carrying out of for vehicle wash down using the M17 LDS will take
operational decon procedures. more time if the water bladder must be filled.

6-11
EXECUTION PHASE Mopp Gear Exchange

This phase is the actual conduct of the two Mopp gear exchange is done by squads or crews so
operational decon techniques: the vehicle wash down that leaders can control the rate of overgarment
and the MOPP gear exchange. Companies will exchange. This procedure also ensures that adequate
provide their own security while vehicle wash down stocks of overgarments at company level are
and MOPP gear exchange are in progress. maintained and accounted for. Two Seabees can work
as a buddy team, or a Seabee can execute the technique
by himself. However, when squad leaders supervise,
When finished, troops mount their vehicles and
they can prevent unnecessary exchanges of MOPP
move to their new battle positions. For planning
purposes, the vehicle washdown site will process gear by using the chemical agent monitor (CAM).
one vehicle every 2 to 3 minutes; and MOPP gear
exchange will take approximately 30 minutes. During the MOPP gear exchange, you change your
contaminated MOPP gear for new, uncontaminated gear.
Vehicle Wash Down The squad or platoon is responsible for conducting its
own MOPP gear exchange at the assembly area of the
Before vehicle washdown, units conduct the operator’s operational decon site. Decontaminants and chemical
spray down to increase decon effectiveness. Ensure that suit replacements are provided by supply (S-4) and
water pressure is from 60 to 120 psi; the pressure rate at issued near the decon site.
which most gross contamination can be removed. Vehicle
wash down is conducted as far forward as possible and is MOPP gear exchange removes nearly all liquid or
done by the battalion decon crew. The decon crew will use solid contamination from you and your individual
the power-driven decon equipment (PDDE) currently equipment. When personnel have little, if any, vapor
available in the TOA to conduct vehicle wash down, such hazards on themselves, they may use hazard-free areas
as the M12A1 or M17 power-drive decon apparatus to unmask, to eat, to drink, and to rest temporarily.
(PDDA). If the mission permits, it is most effective to Before unmasking and lowering MOPP levels for
conduct vehicle wash down between 1 to 6 hours after temporary relief, conduct unmasking procedures
contamination. The longer you wait to remove or neutralize using the CAM.
contamination, the harder it will be to do so. Also, the longer
you wait, the more opportunity there will be for agents to Eight steps are used in MOPP gear exchange. The
spread and make contamination problems worse. squad forms a circle around a lead team, typically the
Each vehicle receives a 2- to 3-minute vehicle squad leader and another Seabee. The troops are
wash down with hot, soapy water from the PDDE. paired into buddy teams and spaced around the
circle with 1 to 3 meters between teams. Members
Vehicle operators maintain visual contact with each
of each team alternate as they go through step 1
other to know when to move from concealment to the
washdown area. The PDDE operator gives a signal (decon gear). At steps 2 through 7, one member
when vehicles are required to move into position. completes all steps with the assistance from the
Personnel in wheeled vehicles should dismount other team member. Roles are then reversed. See
table 6-3 for detailed instructions on this method.
before wash down to avoid getting wet. Following
this, the vehicle moves to the MOPP gear exchange
These techniques do not guarantee safe conditions
area. Troops will dismount and conduct MOPP gear
required to allow unmasking on or near equipment.
exchange by squad or vehicle.
However, troops may move upwind of dirty vapor
Depending on the availability of equipment, equipment into a clean area or collective protection
METT-T, and the tactical situation, units have the shelter, check for contamination, and then briefly
option to select a one- (table 6-1 and fig. 6-4) or a unmask. Conduct continuous contamination checks
two-lane wash down. When using two M12A1 or and monitoring to ensure you stay in clean areas. Use
other combinations of decon equipment, two-lane the M258A1 kit and check it every 15 to 20 minutes.
operational decon speeds up the process (table 6-2 Use the CAM every 5 minutes. Use the CAM together
and fig. 6-5). Because speed is important and with unmasking procedures. Three types of
detection is difficult, do not check vehicle for procedures are used for MOPP gear exchange: buddy
contamination after vehicle wash down. Remove team, triple buddy system, and individual MOPP gear
only gross contamination. exchange.

6-12
 Table 6-1.—One-Lane Wash Down

SITE CLEARANCE PHASE vehicle washdown area and wash the decon
equipment, including hoses, after the operation is
Although the operational decon operation is done
rapidly with little site preparation, these areas will be completed. Wet weather gear or TAP aprons should
be decontaminated with STB slurry and retained for
contaminated when the operation is completed. This
could be a hazard to friendly forces reoccupying the area. future use. If MOPP gear exchange is done at a
different location, the contaminated company will be
Cleanup required to clean up after itself.

The PDDE crew of the unit cleanup the MOPP Marking and Reporting
gear exchange area. They bury or burn the
contaminated refuse and retrieve any unused
The PDDE crew of the battalion marks the
decontaminants. Burning will cause a downwind
operational decon site with standard NBC warning
vapor hazard. Burying is the preferred method of
markers and reports the contaminated area to the COC.
disposal of contaminated waste. If you burn it,
The COC sends out a NBC 5 report that alert friendly
notify the COC; the COC will notify any units that
forces to avoid the area.
may be affected by the vapor hazard.

OPERATIONAL DECON SUMMARY

The PDDE crew must control contamination runoff
during the execution of operational decon. The PDDE For operational and logistical purposes, units
crew should move the PDDE a few meters away from the should plan to conduct vehicle wash down and

6-13
 Figure 6-4.—One-lane wash down.
MOPP gear exchange concurrently. This should be 2. Small, speedy operations are more easily
done between 1 to 6 hours of becoming contaminated. concealed in one location near the forward area.
This action reduces degradation and improves the
ability of the unit to conduct its mission. 3. A water source may not be needed at the decon
Decontaminants and replacement MOPP gear are site because most power-driven decon equipment
provided by the supply company with a vehicle near (PDDE) have a water-carrying capability to support
the decon site. squad-sized elements.
MOPP gear exchange and vehicle wash down are
best used by squad-size or platoon-size elements. Units must develop their own Standing Operating
When larger elements try to process through an
Procedure (SOP) for obtaining temporary relief from
operational decon site, they lose many benefits of a
small decentralized operation. Benefits of a squad- or MOPP 4. The SOP is based on each unit’s equipment
platoon-sized decon operation include the following: and mission. Although every operation is unique,
1. Tailored decon operations are flexible and methods should be standardized when possible. In any
responsive to small unit needs. case, personnel must know the following:

6-14
 Table 6-2.—Two-Lane Wash Down

1. How to recognize and understand contanim- 4. Know how to neutralize or remove contamina-
tion hazards and how to avoid contamination when tion hazards.
possible.
5. Do only as much decon as you need to continue
2. How to protect yourself and your equipment if your mission.
contaminated.
The following sample checklist (table 6-4) can be
3. Know the capabilities and limitations of MOPP used by the battalion decon team for planning
gear. operational decon operations:

6-15
Figure 6-5.—Two-lane wash down.

6-16
Table 6-3.—Mopp Gear Exchange

6-17
 Table 6-4.—Operational Decon Checklist.

It is important to remember that performing and is the most resource intensive. Weathering causes
operator’s spray down before hasty decon will a significant reduction of contamination overtime, but
decrease the contamination transfer and increase the the immediate reduction of contamination to
survivability of the crew. negligible risk levels does not normally occur.
Weather conditions, agent used, mission
THOROUGH DECON OPERATIONS
requirements, time, troops, and supplies available may
all combine to make weathering the decon option of
Thorough decon operations reduce contamination
to negligible risk levels. They restore combat power choice. Based on the recommendation of the CBR
by removing nearly all contamination from unit and officer, the COC decides which type of decon is the
individual equipment. Thorough decon enables most efficient and effective for their unit.
troops to operate equipment safely for extended
periods at reduced MOPP levels. A small risk A limiting factor that must be considered when
remains, so periodic checks with the CAM, M8/M9 planning any decontamination operations is the
paper, or M256-series kit must be made after each availability of water. A typical vehicle will require
operation. After thorough decon, the unit moves out 500 gallons of water during detailed equipment decon.
of the decon site into a tactical assembly area. The In a water-scarce environment, such as deserts, the
unit, while in this tactical assembly, may undergo CBR officer must cordinate a water resupply plan
reconstitution or prepare for future operations. with other units in the area of operation. A water
Operational decon requires fewer resources but resupply plan can include selecting a series of link-up
physically removes only surface contamination. points along a route. The unit can link up with a bulk
Thorough decon is the most effective type of decon water truck from other units. More complex water

6-18
resupply plans include linking up with bulk water PREDECON STAGING AREA
trucks, caching water throughout the area of
operations, coordinating for the movement of water The contaminated unit, by company, moves to a
bladders by aircraft, and the identification of water predecon staging area approximately 250 to 500
sources in the area of operation of the unit. The use meters downwind of the thorough decon site. Here,
of nonpotable, salt, and brackish waters should be the contaminated unit conducts the required predecon
considered. actions that are designed to prepare the unit for the
thorough decon operations. Predecon actions include
The thorough decon site consists of four main the following:
areas: the predecon staging area, the postdecon
assembly area, the detailed troop decon (DTD), and
1. Segregate contaminated vehicles from
the detailed equipment decon (DED). Selection of all
uncontaminated vehicles, if possible.
four areas are based on operational guidance, road
network, available cover and concealment, and water 2. Allow vehicle crews to dismount and prevent
supply. further transfer/spread of contamination.
3. Prepare vehicles for detailed equipment decon.
The predecon staging area is used by the
contaminated unit to ready them for detailed 4. Move contaminated vehicles and troops to the
equipment decon (DED) and detailed troop decon detailed troop and equipment decon lines.
(DTD) operations. The process at the DED includes
removing, neutralizing, or reducing contamination on
Segregate Vehicles
interior and exterior surfaces of equipment to
negligible risk. The DTD is the process of
decontaminating individual fighting equipment to Check all vehicles for contamination, using
negligible risk and removing contaminated MOPP detection equipment. For chemical contamination,
gear from the troops. use the CAM and M8 detector paper. Also, visually
check the vehicles for contamination using M9 paper.
The postdecon assembly area is the location where M9 paper affixed to vehicles reveals the presence of
vehicles and troops exiting the DED and DTD are linked. contamination and provides an indication of the level
This is done before moving from the decon site. of contamination (fig. 6-6).

Figure 6-6.—Contamination levels.

6-19
 When using the chemical agent monitor (CAM), and DTD. The COC has prioritized the vehicles for
such as the M256A1, ensure there is sufficient processing, sending the most important first.
distance between vehicles. If the vehicles are parked Communication is maintained between the predecon
too close together, vapor drift from contaminated staging area and the POIC. All assistant vehicle
vehicles may falsely identify uncontaminated vehicles drivers are the first individuals sent through the DTD
as contaminated. to ensure there is a driver exchange at station 3 of the
DED.
For radiological contamination, use the AN/PDR-
POSTDECON ASSEMBLY AREA
27-series or AN/PDR-43 radiac detectors. If the
vehicle only has isolated areas of contamination, use The company assembles in the postdecon
a portable decontaminating apparatus (M11) to assembly area after completing DTD and DED
decontaminate the chemically contaminated area. operations. The unit occupies this area before moving
Vehicles found to have no contamination are sent to to a reconstitution location. The decon POIC will
the reconstitution assembly area. select the general location. It should be big enough to
hold the entire unit undergoing thorough
Crews Dismount decontamination with proper cover and concealment.
The assembly area should be located approximately 1
The vehicle crews, except drivers, dismount. As kilometer upwind from the DED and DTD.
the crews dismount, they remove all equipment from
the top of the vehicles. Once crew members have DETAILED TROOP DECON (DTD)
exited the vehicle, they will not reenter. This prevents Removing contaminated MOPP gear, including
further contamination from being spread into the the protective mask, is the major action in detailed
vehicle interior.
troop decon. If DTD is not performed, chemical
agents may eventually penetrate the overgarment and
Prepare Vehicles contaminate underclothing or skin. How long the
chemical agent will take to penetrate the clothing
The crews prepare their vehicles for processing
depends on the condition of the MOPP gear and the
through the detailed equipment decon (DED). All
amount of agent on the gear. If contaminated with
heavy mud and debris are removed from the vehicle
radiological contamination, the hazard will remain
by the crew. The crew should concentrate on the
until removed.
vehicle undercarriage. The reason for this is twofold:
(1) contamination will most likely collect here and The contaminated unit is responsible for setting up,
(2) the undercarriage is the hardest place to operating, and closing the DTD in a thorough decon site.
decontaminate. Tools used by the crew are placed The CBR officer recommends to the COC the general
back on the vehicle when finished. location of the DTD within the decon site. He or she will
also provide the COC technical advice on the setup, the
Seat covers (when applicable), canvas items, operation, and the closure of the DTD.
camouflage netting, and any other materials that can
absorb liquid contamination are removed from the The DTD has eight stations. The following pages
vehicle. These items create a potential transfer hazard discuss actions at each station and the resources
and are not easily decontaminated. Appendix V required.
provides guidance on hard-to-decon items. Left Station 1—Individual Gear Decon
untreated, absorbed chemical agents will desorb after
being decontaminated and create a vapor hazard. Actions at this station remove contamination to a
Items that cannot be decontaminated by the standard negligible risk level from individual equipment (782
methods used in detailed troop decon (DTD) are also gear, mask carrier, helmet, and weapon).
removed and placed at a collection point.
PREPARATION— The following equipment and
supplies are recommended for station 1:
Move To DED and DTD
l Three 30-gallon containers
In coordination with the decon petty officer in
l Two long-handled brushes
charge (POIC), the contaminated unit will begin to
send contaminated vehicles and personnel to the DED l Sufficient supertropical bleach (STB) slurry mix

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 Figure 6-7.—Detailed troop decon layout.

. Two ponchos or plastic tarps gear and takes the decontaminated equipment to the
check station. He or she also prepares new slurry
Dig a sump 6 feet square and 4 feet deep. Place
mixtures of STB as necessary. One troop remains at
three 30-gallon cans near the sump (fig. 6-7).
the checkpoint and checks all gear for completeness
Fill two cans with an STB slurry mixture. The other of decontamination, using the detection equipment.
can is filled with clean water for the rinse. Place two One troop transports the decontaminated gear to the
long-handled brushes at each can of the STB slurry. reissue station.
To prepare the slurry, mix 100 pounds of STB with EXECUTION— Decontaminate the gloves with
20 gallons of hot water. Change the mixture after 20 the water or STB slurry mix. If wearing the M24,
troops have decontaminated their gear. Change the rinse M25A1, or M42 mask, use hot, soapy water and
water after every 10 troops or when it appears dirty. sponge or STB dry mix to decontaminate the hose and
Place a poncho or plastic tarpon the ground at the canister. Decontaminate the gear by washing it in the
checkpoint. Divide the poncho or tarp in half, using decontaminant container and scrubbing the gear for 6
tape. This is the contamination control line (CCL). minutes. Then dip the gear into the rinse water for 4
The checkpoint will beat a minimum of three meters minutes. The station attendant will take the gear to the
from all other stations. This will ensure a true reading equipment checkpoint. Place the decontaminated
on the detection equipment. Place the following gear on the “dirty” side of the contamination
chemical detection/identification equipment at the control line (CCL). The monitor checks the gear for
check station for an average company-sized unit: contamination using the appropriate detection
devices. The monitor holds the detection device 1
l One CAM
inch from the gear and checks for residual
. Eight books of M8 chemical detector paper contamination. If the residual contamination
. Four M256-series chemical agent detector kits exceeds negligible risks, recycle the gear and
decontaminate it again. If the gear passes the check,
. One hundred plastic trash bags
place it on the clean side of the contamination
Three troops are required to operate this station. control line. An attendant carries the equipment to
One supervises the decontamination of the individual the reissue point.

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 You must understand that the preceding paragraph NOTE: Buddies should check each other’s
outlines the minimum that should be done. overboots and overgarment for damage. Any rips,
Depending on time available, more extensive washing tears, or punctures in overboots, rubber gloves, or
and checking procedures may be useful. You may overgarment should be reported to the attendant at
decide to wash equipment longer or let it air outside station 5. This will allow the attendant at station 5 to
after washing. This further reduces the amount of check you for chemical agent symptoms and your
agent vapor desorbing (or bleeding) out of the pistol clothing for possible contamination.
belt, mask carriers, helmet covers, and so forth.
Equipment can be put in closed areas or plastic bags Station 3—Overgarment Removal
and checked for hazardous vapors with CAM or
M256-series chemical agent detector kit. The CAM Performing this step ensures removal of the
will only detect the nerve agent (G) and blister agent contaminated overgarments before an agent
vapors (H). penetrates the overgarment material and touches the
undergarments or skin.
Station 2—Overboot and Hood Decon PREPARATION— The materials and equipment
needed at this station are as follows:
Actions at this station neutralize gross . Cutting tool
contamination on overboots and lower trouser legs.
Gross contamination on the exposed parts of the . Two 30-gallon garbage cans
protective mask is also decontaminated. . One hundred plastic bags (or at least one per
Seabee)
PREPARATION— Prepare a shuffle pit by
. Ten boxes M258A1 or M291 decon kits
digging a shallow pit about 3 feet wide by 3 feet long
by 6 inches deep. Fill the shuffle pit with a This station requires only one decon member. He
supertropical bleach (STB) dry mix. Prepare the STB or she supervises the actions of the troops processing
dry mix by mixing 3 parts earth to 2 parts STB. Add through the station.
more STB to the mix after ten people have processed
through the shuffle pit. The following EXECUTION— Buddy teams will divide and
equipment/supplies are needed at this station: continue the decontamination process individually.
The station attendant assists in the removal of the
c One M258A1 or M291 skin decontaminating kit smock and trouser by cutting them off.
per person
CAUTION
l 6 feet by 6 feet piece of plastic

. Trash bags (as required) Ensure that contaminated parts of the

trousers and smock do not fold in and touch
l Ten drums of STB
the clean uniform.
Only one decon team member is required to
operate this station. The buddy system is used to The station attendant cautions the troops not to rub
decontaminate the overboots and protective mask. the contaminated boot against his or her clean leg and
to step wide enough so as not to rub the clean leg
EXECUTION— Walk into the shuffle pit that is against the overgarment. If this step is done
composed of STB dry mix (3 parts earth and 2 parts improperly, the agent may be transferred to the
STB). Use gloved/protected hands to rub STB dry underclothing or skin.
mix on the boots and lower trousers. Decontaminate
the hood according to one of the two following Station 4—Overboots and Gloves
procedures. Use the skin decon kit to decontaminate Removal
the hood and exposed parts of your buddy’s mask.
When you have finished decontaminating your This step removes contaminated overboots
buddy’s mask, decontaminate your gloves with the (footwear covers) and gloves to limit the spread of
skin decon kit in preparation for decontaminating your contamination. Overboots and gloves are also
buddy’s mask. decontaminated for reissue.

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 PREPARATION— The following equipment and The boots and gloves are decontaminated in the
materials are needed: following process:
Tape Step 1. Submerge the gloves and boots into the
Cutting tool container of hot, soapy water. Some contamination
will be removed during this step. When the boots and
Eight 30-gallon containers (garbage cans) gloves are removed from the container, ensure that no
One hundred plastic bags (or one per Seabee) water remains inside the boots and gloves. Do not
decon any item that is unserviceable.
Two scrub brushes
Two ponchos or large plastic sheets Step 2. Submerge the boots and gloves into the
container of HTH solution. Thoroughly scrub the
CAM items until no visible contamination remains. After
M8 paper scrubbing, submerge each item again before moving
them into the rinse container.
10 percent STB/HTH solution
Hot, soapy water Step 3. Thoroughly rinse the scrubbed items,
making sure that the items are rinsed inside as well as
Cold rinse water outside. Check all the gloves and boots for holes,
The station will be setup as shown in figure 6-7. tears, or punctures and discard any that are found.
Fill two 30-gallon containers with hot, soapy water
Step 4. Dry the usable items. Discard any glove
and two containers with 10 percent STB/HTH
or boot having punctures, tears, rips, holes, or other
solution. Place the two scrub brushes near the
damage into a pile. Place the usable items on the
containers. Fill two 30-gallon containers with cold
poncho or plastic sheet to air-dry and weather.
rinse water.
Two decon team members are needed to Step 5. Place the items into the plastic trash bags,
decontaminate the overboots and gloves. One person along with an M256 detector ticket. If the detector
processes the overboots, while the other person ticket shows no contamination, the items can be
processes the gloves. reissued or stored for issue later. If the detector ticket
shows contamination remaining, the station attendants
Use the tape to mark the liquid contamination
can recycle the items or discard them.
control line (LCL) on the ground clearly. The LCL
separates the “dirty” from the “clean” areas. Place the Obviously, you cannot check for the agent on the
cutting tool, two containers, and the plastic bags on combat boots if you do not remove the overboots. If
the “dirty” side of the liquid contamination control the overboots are not properly removed, you risk
line. contaminating your combat boots and spreading
NOTE: An exception to the clean area is the contamination to clean areas. If rubber gloves are not
contaminated gloves. However, you must ensure no properly removed, you risk contaminating your skin
liquid agent is spilled on the ground beyond the liquid and underclothing at this and the following stations.
contamination line.
Station 5—Monitor
EXECUTION— The attendant unfastens or cuts
the strings or elastic closures on the boots. The station
Performing this step identifies contamination on
attendant holds the boot while the Seabee steps out and
personnel, provides spot decon capability, and
across the control line. The action is repeated for the
provides medical aid, as required.
other boot. Boots are then discarded in the designated
container by the station attendant. If the boot cannot PREPARATION— The following materials and
be removed by this process, the attendant cuts off the equipment are needed:
boot. The Seabee works the chemical protective
gloves loose using the pinch-pull method, and the First-aid supplies
station attendant pulls the gloves off. The station CAM
attendant discards the gloves in a container on the
Five packs M8 detector paper per 100 people
“dirty” side of the control line. Station 4 attendant
does his or her duty from the dirty side of the liquid One case M258A1 or M291 skin decontamina-
contamination control line. ting kits per person

6-23
 Two troops are needed to operate this station. A No chemical vapor hazard is expected beyond the
corpsmen should be present to treat any personnel vapor hazard contamination control line if the wind
suffering from chemical agents symptoms. direction remains constant. Position the M8A1 or the
M-21 automatic chemical agent alarm upwind of the
E X E C U T I O N — The monitor checks the site to warn of vapor hazards.
individuals for contamination. Corpsmen will
administer first aid as required. Liquid agent can be Station 7—Mask Decon Point
detected with the M8 detector paper. Small quantities
of agent vapor can be detected with the CAM.
Performing this step removes all the
Symptoms of agent poisoning are the most obvious
contamination from the mask.
indication of skin contamination. At this step, the
medic checks each troop for symptoms and treats them PREPARATION— The following material and
as required. Troops should report any damage to their
equipment are needed:
MOPP gear that was identified at stations 2, 3, and 4.
Any areas identified as contaminated can be Four containers (about 3-gallon capacity)
decontaminated with the M258A1 or M291
CAM (for chemical only)
decontaminating kit by the station attendants.
Individuals will be monitored after decon. It is Hot, soapy water
possible that all liquid chemical contamination is
Rinse water
absorbed into the clothing. Chemical detector paper
(M8 and M9) will indicate negative, even though there Mask sanitizing solution
is a hazard. The COC can choose to conduct more Immersion heater 30-gallon container
extensive contamination checks here if time is
available. This will decrease the risk of casualties. Two sponges
One case of paper towels
Station 6—Mask Removal
Dig a sump (4 feet wide by 4 feet long by 4 feet
deep) in which to discard used filters and canisters.
Performing this step removes the mask without
contaminating the Seabee. The mask is taken to a Three troops are needed to operate this station.
mask decon point, limiting agent transfer at the site. Two troops will strip, wash, rinse, sanitize, and dry
masks. The other troop checks the masks and carries
PREPARATION— The following equipment is them to the reissue point.
needed:
EXECUTION— Remove the eye lens, the
. M8A1 automatic chemical agent alarm outserts, and the hood, if the hood was not cut off at
station 2. Remove and discard the filters or canisters.
Two troops are needed to operate this station. Put the items into the properly marked containers.
They remove and carry masks to the mask decon point Wash the mask, the hood, and the outserts in hot, soapy
(station 7). water. Rinse them in clean water, dip into sanitizing
solution, agitate for 5 minutes, then rinse in clean
EXECUTION— If the hood is still attached to the water again. Add one tube of mask sanitizing solution
mask, the attendant pulls the hood over the front of the (calcium hypochlorite) to each quart of water. Wipe
mask, grabs the mask by the voicemitter cover, and with rags until they are almost dry. Discard each
pulls the mask off the individual. The individual holds gallon of mask sanitizing solution into a sump after
his or her breath as the mask is removed. If the mask ten masks. The attendant checks for contamination
has optical inserts, the attendant holds the mask open with a CAM. If the mask is still contaminated the
so the individual can remove the inserts without attendant recycles it for more decon and then
touching the outside of the mask. The individual then decontaminates his or her rubber gloves. If the mask
walks upwind 5 meters, crosses the vapor is not contaminated, the attendant takes the
contamination control line, and resumes breathing. unassembled mask to the reissue point. The attendant
The station attendant brings the mask to station 7, must take care not to contaminate the reissue point or
mask decon point. themselves.

6-24
 Not properly performing this step will cause the risk EXECUTION— Reissue the mask with the
of contaminating troops when reissuing masks at the components to the troops who assembles the mask in
reissue point. Even though the step is done correctly, the assembly area. Individuals pick up individual gear
there is still a possible danger when many masks are and move it to postdecon assembly area.
stacked together. Small amounts of residual vapor from
DETAILED TROOP DECON SUMMARY
each mask can become potentially dangerous.
Station 8—Reissue Point Three lines are established when setting up for
detailed troop decon: contamination control line
Performing this step will ensure that you receive (CCL), liquid contamination line (LCL), and vapor
all of your individual gear and your protective mask contamination line (VCL). It is critical that
with all the components. contamination is maintained at each line and does
PREPARATION— You will need the protective not cross each line. Eight stations are used for
mask PLL parts. The unit supply company and chemical detailed troop decon. Table 6-5 is a company level
POIC set up the reissue point to provide the troops with detailed troop personnel and equipment recapitula-
replacement parts and assist in mask maintenance. tion for each station.

Table 6-5.—Detailed Troop Decon Personnel and Equipment Recapitulation

6-25
DETAILED EQUIPMENT DECON (DED) crossed a contaminated area. The mop is the least
tiring method of applying DS2. Using a mop to apply
DS2 creates a large amount of spillage. However,
ALFA Company is normally responsible for the
continual use of the M13 (decon scrub brush) requires
setup, the operation, and the closure of the DED
the scrub team to exert more energy than using the
portion of the thorough decon operation. The COC
mop. In hard-to-reach places, use the M13 to apply
will select the DED site. The DED for chemical and
DS2.
biological contamination is comprised of five stations.
For radiological contamination, the DED uses all but Before the start of this operation, the scrub team
station 2, DS Application. Actions at each station are pours 5-gallon cans of DS2 into 30-gallon trash cans
described below. Appendix VI is a work/rest table for if mops are going to be used instead of the M13. Each
DED. member of the scrub team will wear wet weather gear
to protect themselves from the DS2.

NOTE: Water adversely affects DS2’s ability to

Station 1—Initial Wash
react with chemical agents. When water in DS2
reaches 20 percent by weight, the reaction between
The objective of this station is to remove the gross DS2 and the chemical agent stops.
contamination and dirt from the vehicle. The vehicle
is sprayed for 2 to 3 minutes with hot, soapy water. If there is excess water remaining on the vehicle
The vehicle is then scrubbed to help remove caked-on from station 1, there are several options:
dirt. The mechanical action of scrubbing also helps . Wait for most of the water to evaporate.
remove thickened chemical agents. Although the
l Remove the excess water.
undersurface is difficult to reach, try to remove as
much dirt as possible. This station will use l Increase the amount of DS2 applied.
approximately 250 gallons of water per vehicle.
There must be sufficient DS2 on the item being
Larger vehicles or vehicles with large quantities of dirt
decontaminated for complete neutralization to occur.
will use more water. The runoff from this station is
The DS2-to-agent ratio needs to be 55 to 1 for H agents
contaminated and must be treated as hazardous.
and 25 to 1 for G agents. DS2 should be applied with
This station requires high water pressure systems
scrubbing. Scrubbing increases the mixing of the
(M12A1 PDDA), rather than high water volume
agent with DS2, especially when thickened chemicial
systems (65-gpm pumps).
agents are present.

Hot, soapy water is water heated to about 120°F Station 3—Wait/Interior Decon
to 140°F to which a detergent has been added. Hot
water alone is less effective than hot, soapy water. The objective of this station is to allow the DS2 to
Because of the high temperature, some agents are best neutralize the chemical agent and to decontaminate
removed by steam through vaporization. Finally, for the interior of the vehicle completely. Vehicles are
some chemical agents cold water exhibits better moved to a concealed position. Vehicles will remain
solvent characteristics. in station 3 for no less than 30 minutes. When you
allow the DS2 to remain on the contaminated surface
for 30 minutes, the amount of agent that will later
Station 2—DS2 Application desorb (off gas) will be significantly reduced. When
there is a 30-minute contact time, there will be no
resorption after decon operations for most chemical
The objective of this station is to apply
agents. However, studies suggest that HD vapor will
decontaminant to the entire vehicle. The vehicle is
desorb after decon, even if DS2 is allowed to remain
divided into four parts, and a member of the scrubbing
for 30 minutes.
team is assigned each part of the vehicle. This limits
the work load of each member of the scrubbing team While the vehicle is held in this station for the DS2
and avoids duplication of work. DS2 is applied to react completely, the driver inspects the interior of
starting at the top of the vehicle and working toward the vehicle for liquid contamination. The driver will
the undercarriage. Every effort is made to apply DS2 be given M8 detector paper. If the driver identifies
to the undercarriage, especially if the vehicle has chemical contamination, he or she will be given decon

6-26
supplies to decontaminate the interior of his or her from top to bottom. Take care to rinse the
vehicle. The best decon solution for use in the interior undercarriage. This station uses approximately 200
of vehicles is a 5 percent solution of HTH or STB. The gallons of water. Failure to remove all the DS2 from
driver wipes all reasonable accessible surfaces with a the vehicle may cause false positive readings at station
rag or sponge soaked in the HTH or STB solution. Do 5. If high water pressure systems (M12A1 PDDA,
not attempt to decon areas where there is little M17 LDS) are not available, large volume water
likelihood of contamination (electrical assemblies, pumps (65-gpm pumps) should be used at this station.
etc.).
Station 5—Check
CAUTION

The objective of this station is to check the

Do not mix HTH or STB with DS2. If completeness of the decon. This station determines
mixed, a violent reaction will occur. whether the vehicle has a negligible risk or still has
significant contamination remaining. Detection
procedures will vary depending on the type of
Once interior decon is completed, the driver contamination. If significant contamination is found
dismounts from the vehicle and proceeds to the start on the vehicle, the vehicle will be recycled to station
of the detailed troop decon (DTD). Having completed 2 for chemical contamination or station 1 for
the DTD, the assistant driver mounts the vehicle and
radiological contamination.
moves it to the next station. Drivers must exercise
caution when entering or exiting the vehicle. A
DS2-coated surface is slippery and DS2 may react Chemical
with chemical protective footwear. Personnel should
avoid stepping in DS2 and tracking it into the vehicle. The CAM is used to check for the presence of
vapor from residual liquid contamination. A one bar
For radiological contamination, use an AN/PDR or lower reading on the CAM indicates a negligible
27-series radiac meter to decide the extent and risk. Once the CAM indicates the presence of vapor
location of contamination inside the vehicle. If there contamination, M8 detector paper is used to verify the
is contamination, figure out the intensity of the presence of liquid contamination. If it is suspected
contamination inside of the vehicle. If the that both the CAM and M8 paper are producing a false
contamination has an intensity greater than 0.33 cGy positive reading, use an M256 chemical detector ticket
(the negligible risk), the interior of the vehicle must to confirm or deny the presence of contamination.
be decontaminated. Use hot, soapy water to wash the Table 6-7 is a list of common interference that can
contaminated areas. Use a sponge to mop up the water cause false positive readings on the CAM. If the
and the contamination. Table 6-6 is a planning guide vehicle has significant contamination remaining,
for decon mixtures. recycle it.

There will be desorption of chemical agents from

Station 4—Rinse the surfaces after decontamination. On
CARC-painted surfaces, the desorption of vapors will
stop sooner than alkyd-painted surfaces. Consider
The objective of this station is to remove the DS2 this when checking decontaminated items for overall
from the vehicle. The vehicle is sprayed with water decontamination effectiveness.

Table 6-6.—Preparation of Decon Mixtures

6-27
 Table 6-7.—Common Interferences That Can Cause False Positive Readings on the CAM.

Radiological differences. This section describes the optimum setup

configuration. The optimum configuration provides
Use the AN/PDR-27-series to decide if any the maximum output for decon teams at 100 percent
contamination remains. If there is contamination personnel and equipment. The equipment and
remaining, determine the intensity of the contamination personnel requirements for the optimum
inside and outside of the vehicle. If the contamination configuration are identified for both the decon team
has an intensity greater that 0.33 cGy (the negligible and supported company augments.
risk), the vehicle is recycled to station 1. ALTERNATE LAYOUT PLANNING
CONSIDERATIONS .— The CBR officer uses
Recycle Criteria METT-T to determine the best possible DED layout
for executing the mission. When determining
alternate DED layouts, you should apply the following
The COC, together with the CBR officer, will guidelines:
establish the recycle criteria before the start of decon
Retain the ability to spay hot, soapy water or
operations. The recycle criteria decides which
steam under pressure at station 1.
vehicles return to station 1 after contamination is
detected at station 5. If the unit has sufficient time and Station 2 requires the largest number of persons.
resources, any vehicle having more contamination
Experienced and qualified CAM operators are
than a negligible risk should be recycled. However,
required at station 5.
time and resources are usually limited and not all
vehicles can be recycled. The recycle criteria is based Water does not have to be hot to rise off DS2;
on the weathering effects. however, the lower the water pressure, the more
water required for the rinse.
DECON TEAM EQUIPPED WITH AN
DED Configurations
M12A1 PDDA.— The optimum setup of a DED for a
M12A1 PDDA-equipped decon platoon requires the
Decon teams, establishing thorough decon sites, use of all authorized equipment and personnel
may vary because of organizational and equipment (fig. 6-8).

6-28
Figure 6-8.—Optimum DED for an M12A1 PDDA-equipped layout.

6-29
 While this DED configuration is manpower and WARNING
equipment intensive (table 6-8), it provides for the
rapid decontamination of vehicles and equipment
(eight vehicles processed per hour).

This layout uses dual lanes at stations 1, 4, and 5 Work/rest tables are found in appendix
to process two vehicles at once. Since the most VI.Chemical unit leaders must consider the impact
time and labor-intensive work takes place at of the work/rest cycle on the ability of their
station the 3, this station is designed to process operation to process vehicles through DED.
three vehicles at a time. The processing rate of Failure to initiate a work/rest cycle could result in
this configuration mission will be affected by any heat casualties and failure.
work/rest cycle
.
Table 6-8.—Optimum M12A1 PDDA-Equipped DED Setup

6-30
 While this DED configuration is
. manpower
DECON TEAM EQUIPPED WITH AN M17
and equipment intensive, it provides for the
LDS.— Decon teams equipped with the M17 LDS will
rapid decontamination of vehicles and
set up the DED differently from M12A PDDA-equipped
equipment (eight vehicles processed per hour)
units. The optimum setup of a DED for an M17
(table 6-9).
LDS-equipped platoon is shown in figure 6-9.

Figure 6-9.—Optimum DED layout for an M17 LDS-equipped unit.

6-31
 Table 6-9.—Optimum M17 LDS-Equipped DED Setup

This layout uses dual lanes at stations 1,4, and 5

2. Station 2—DS2 Application
to process two vehicles at once. Since the most time
and labor intensive work takes place at station 3, this 3. Station 3—Wait/Interior Decon
station is designed to process three vehicles at a time.
4. Station 4—Rinse
The processing rate of this configuration will be
affected by any work/rest cycle. 5. Station 5—Check

DETAILED EQUIPMENT DECON DED configurations may vary because of

SUMMARY organizational and equipment differences. The
optimum configuration provides the maximum output
ALFA company is normally responsible for the
for decon teams at 100 percent personnel and
setup, the operation, and the closure of the DED
portion of the thorough decon operation. The COC equipment. The setup for a DED equipped with a
will select the DED site. The DED for chemical and M12A1 is different from one equipped with a M17.
biological contamination consists of five stations: Both the DED and the DTD must be properly closed
and marked. Once closed, an NBC 4 report must be
1. Station 1—Initial Wash
sent to higher headquarters.

6-32
CLEARING THE THOROUGH rinse. Drain the water billets or fabric tanks of water.
DECON SITE Inspect all equipment and vehicles for contamination,
using the appropriate detection equipment. If no
Once all vehicles and personnel from the contamination is detected, load the equipment on the
contaminated unit have been processed through the vehicles. Spread one can of STB into each sump and
thorough decon site, the site can be closed. The COC then cover the sumps. Post NBC hazard markers near
will ensure that all contaminated elements have been the covered sumps.
processed. NOTE: While DS2 destroys the chemical agents,
some by-products created are also toxic.
The decon team closes the DED first. Once the
DED is closed, the decon team processes through the . Station 5—Monitor. Check all the equipment
for contamination. If it is not contaminated, load it on
DTD. After the decon team has processed through the
a vehicle. If it is contaminated, then decontaminate it.
DTD, the DTD is then closed. Once the DTD is
Throw contaminated supplies into the nearest sump.
closed, the decon team marks the area as a
contaminated area and reports its exact location to the Move all the vehicles just upwind of station 5 and
COC. The COC informs higher headquarters using an inspect them again for contamination. If any
contamination is detected, the crew will use Ml 1 or
NBC 4 report.
M13 DAPs to decontaminate the identified areas.
Closing the Detailed Equipment Once the vehicles are decontaminated, all personnel
Decon Area will proceed to the DTD.

Closing the Detailed Troop Decon Area

The DED is closed in sequence, starting at station
1. All vehicles, equipment, and nonexpendable Once all personnel from the DED have been
processed through the DTD, the DTD may be closed.
supplies are inspected for contamination. If
After the last person has exited the DTD, the following
contamination is found, it is decontaminated. The
steps for closing the DTD are as follows:
actions at each station are described below.
. Pickup all used supplies from station 7 and put
. Station 1—Initial Wash. Spray all vehicles and them in the station 7 sump. Pickup the contamination
equipment with hot, soapy water to remove any control line. If tape was used, dispose of it in station 7
contamination that could have been transferred during sump.
initial wash operations. Drain the water billets or fabric . Move all usable supplies and equipment from all
tanks of water. Inspect all equipment and vehicles for the stations to station 1. Discard unusable supplies from
contamination, using the appropriate detection stations 5, 4, and 3 into station 1 sump.
equipment. If no contamination is detected, load the . Decontaminate all supplies and equipment
equipment on the vehicles. Spread one can of STB into collected at station 1, using the decontaminant and rinse
each sump and then cover the sumps. Post NBC hazard water at station 1. Empty the rinse and decontaminant
markers near the covered sumps. containers from station 1 into the sump.

. Station 2—DS2 Application. Throw mops and . Mark the entire decon area. Remove the
brushes used in applying DS2 into a sump or bury them. overgarments using the MOPP gear exchange
Load unused cans of DS2 and M13 DAPs on a vehicle. technique and dispose of the overgarments in the sump
at station 1.
l Station 3—Wait/Interior Decon. Inspect any
. Move any equipment used to fill the sump
unused supplies and equipment for contamination. If
upwind of the decon area. Decontaminate the rubber
no contamination is detected, load the equipment and
gloves and move all the equipment and supplies in station
supplies on a vehicle. Throw contaminated supplies 1 upwind of the decon area. Keep this equipment and
into the nearest sump. supplies separate from that used to fill the sump.
l Station 4—Rinse. Spray all vehicles and . Your overboots and gloves may now be
equipment with hot, soapy water to remove any contaminated. Remove them. Dig a hole and bury
contamination that could have been transferred during them. Mark the hole and/or area.

6-33
 APPENDIX I

GLOSSARY OF COMMON MILITARY TERMS

AIR DEFENSE—All defensive measures designed BARRIER—A coordinated series of obstacles

to destroy attacking enemy aircraft or missiles in designed or used to channel, direct, restrict, delay,
the earth’s envelope of atmosphere or to nullify or or stop the movement of an opposing force and to
reduce the effectiveness of such attack. impose additional losses in personnel, time, and
equipment on the opposing force. Barriers can
AREA OF OPERATIONS (AO)—That portion of an
exist naturally, be man-made, or a combination of
area of war necessary for military operations and
both.
for the administration of such operations.
BAS—Battalion aid station.
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY (AOR)—A defined
area of land in which responsibility is specifically BASE—An area or locality containing installations
assigned to the commander of the area for the that provide logistic or other support.
development and maintenance of installations, the
BRIGADE SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP
control of movement, and the conduct of tactical
(BSSG)—The BSSG is the task-organized
operations involving troops under the
combat service support element of the Marine
commander’s control, along with parallel
amphibious brigade (MAB). Personnel and
authority to exercise these functions.
equipment are assigned to the BSSG from the
ARMORED PERSONNEL CARRIER (APC)—A permanent battalions of the force service support
lightly armored, highly mobile, full-tracked group. As required, it may be augmented by
vehicle, amphibious and air-droppable, used combat service support elements from the division
primarily for transporting personnel and their or air wing.
individual equipment during tiwtical operations.
Production modifications or application of special CASUALTY STATUS—A term used to classify a
kits permit use as a mortar carrier, a command casualty for reporting purposes. There are seven
post, a flame thrower, an antiaircraft artillery casualty statuses: (1) deceased, (2) duty status -
chassis, or a limited recovery vehicle. whereabouts unknown, (3) missing, (4) very
seriously ill or injured, (5) seriously ill or injured,
AVENUE OF APPROACH—An air or ground route (6) incapacitating illness or injury, and (7) not
of attacking forces of a given size leading to its seriously injured.
objective or key terrain in its path.
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT DETACHMENT
AVIATION COMBAT ELEMENT (ACE)—One of (CSSD)—A task organization from any
the four elements of a Marine Air-Ground Task combination of combat service support resources.
Force (MAGTF). The Aviation Combat Element It mayor may not be part of a MAGTF, dependent
(ACE) is task-oriented to provide all or a portion
upon the situation. For example, it could be
of the functions of Marine Corps aviation in formed to augment the organic capability of a
varying degrees based on the tactical situation and
reinforced infantry battalion conducting an
the MAGTF mission and size. These functions
independent operation or to support a squadron
are air reconnaissance, antiair warfare, assault
located at a remote airfield. The command and
support, offensive air support, electronic warfare,
control element will normally be provided by the
and control of aircraft and missiles. The ACE is
force service support group.
organized around an aviation headquarters and
varies in size from a composite aircraft squadron COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT ELEMENT
to one or more aircraft wing(s). It includes the (CSSE)—One of the four elements of a Marine
aviation command (including air control Air-Ground Task Force (MAGTF). It is
agencies), combat, combat support, and combat task-organized to provide the full range of combat
service support units required by the situation. service support necessary to accomplish the
Normally, there is only one ACE in a MAGTF. MAGTF mission. The CSSE can provide supply,

AI-l
 maintenance, transportation, deliberate engineer, DEAD SPACE—An area within the maximum range
health, postal, disbursing, prisoner of war, of a weapon, a radar, or an observer that cannot be
automated information systems, and exchange. covered by fire or observation from a particular
The CSSE varies in size from a MAU service position because of intervening obstacles, the
support group (MSSG) to a force service support
nature of the ground, the characteristics of the
group (FSSG). Normally, there is only one
trajectory, or the limitations of the pointing
Combat Service Support Element in a MAGTF.
capabilities of the weapons.
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT OPERATION
CENTER (CSSOC)—The agency that controls DECONTAMINATION—The removal or neutra-
and coordinates the day-to-day operations of the lization of hazardous levels of chemical,
combat support elements. biological or radiological contamination from
COMBAT SUPPORT ELEMENTS (CSE)—Those personnel and material.
elements whose primary missions are to provide DEFENSE AREA—For any particular command, the
combat support to the combat forces and which area extending from the forward edge of the battle
are a part, or prepared to become a part, of a area to its rear boundary. It is here that the
theater, command, or task force formed for
decisive defensive battle is fought.
combat operations.
DEFENSE IN DEPTH—The siting of mutually
COMMAND AND CONTROL—The exercise of
supporting defense positions designed to absorb
authority and direction by a properly designated
commander over assigned forces in the and progressively weaken attack, to prevent initial
accomplishment of the mission. Command and observations of the whole position by the enemy,
control functions are performed through an and to allow the commander to maneuver his
arrangement of personnel, equipment, reserve.
communications, facilities, and procedures used
DETAILED EQUIPMENT DECON—Process of
by a commander in planning, directing,
removing or neutralizing contamination on
coordinating, and controlling forces and
operations in the accomplishment of the mission. interior and exterior surfaces of unit equipment to
negligible risk levels to allow MOPP level
COMMAND ELEMENT (CSE)—One of the four
reduction for extended periods.
elements of a Marine Air-Ground Task Force
(MAGTF). It is the MAGTF headquarters. The DETAILED TROOP DECON—Process of
Command Element is a permanent organization decontaminating individual fighting equipment to
composed of the commander, the general or negligible risk levels; removing contaminated
executive and special staff sections, the MOPP gear including protective masks;
headquarters section, and requisite communica-
decontaminating protective masks; and
tions and service support facilities. The command
monitoring personnel equipment for decon
element provides command, control, and
coordination essential for effective planning and effectiveness. This is done to reduce MOPP levels
execution of operations by the Aviation Combat for extended periods.
Element (ACE), the Ground Combat Element FINAL PROTECTIVE FIRE (FPF)—An
(GCE), and the Combat Service Support Element immediately available prearranged barrier of fire
(CSSE). There is only one command element in
designed to impede enemy movement across
a MAGTF.
defensive lines or areas.
CONTAMINATION—The deposit and/or
FIRE PLAN—A tactical plan for using the weapons
absorption of radioactive material or biological or
chemical agents on and by structures, areas, of a unit or formation so that their fire will be
personnel, or objects. coordinated.

CONVOY ESCORT—An escort to protect a convoy FIREPOWER—The amount of fire which may be
of vehicles from being scattered, destroyed, or delivered by a position, a unit, or a weapon
captured. system.

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FORCE SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP LANDING ZONE (LZ)—Any specified zone used
(FSSG)—The FSSG is a permanently structured for the landing of aircraft.
organization whose mission is to provide CSS for MAIN BATTLE AREA—That portion of the
the Marine amphibious force (MAF). It is
battlefield in which the decisive battle is fought to
designed to support one division and one air wing. defeat the enemy. For any particular command,
If supporting a force of greater size, additional
the main battle area extends rearward from the
assets are necessary to augment its capabilities.
forward edge of the battle area to the rear
GROUND COMBAT ELEMENT (GCE)—One of boundary of the command’s subordinate units.
the four elements of a Marine Air-Ground Task
MARINE AIR-GROUND TASK FORCE
Force (MAGTF). It is task-organized to conduct
(MAGTF)—A Marine Air-Ground Task Force is
ground operations. The GCE is constructed
a task organization of Marine forces (division,
around an infantry unit and varies in size from a
aircraft wing, and service support groups) under a
reinforced infantry battalion to one or more
single command and structured to accomplish a
reinforced Marine division(s). The GCE also
specific mission. The Marine Air-Ground Task
includes appropriate combat support and combat
Force components will normally include
service support units. Normally, there is only one
command, ground combat, aviation combat, and
Ground Combat Element in a MAGTF. Although
combat service support elements (including Navy
permanently structured with eight functional
Support Elements).
battalions, task organizations from those
battalions would normally support MAF MARINE AIRCRAFT GROUP (MAG)—The
operations over a wide geographic area. MAG is usually administratively and tactically
structured by aircraft category as being either a
HASTY DECON OPERATION—A decon
helicopter group or a fixed-wing group.
operation that consists of two techniques, the
Composite MAGs may also be formed for specific
MOPP gear exchange and the vehicle wash down.
missions or unique organizational/geographic
HELICOPTER LANDING SITE—A designated considerations. Each MAG has a headquarters
subdivision of a helicopter landing zone in which and maintenance squadron (H&MS). With a
a single flight or wave of assault helicopters land source of supply, the MAG is the smallest aviation
to embark or disembark troops and/or cargo. unit capable of self-sustaining independent
HELICOPTER LANDING ZONE (HLZ)—A operations.
specified ground area for landing assault MARINE AIRCRAFT WING (MAW)—The MAW
helicopters to embark or disembark troops and/or is the highest level aviation command in the Fleet
cargo. A landing zone may contain one or more Marine Force (FMF). Each wing is capable of
landing sites. supporting one Marine division. The MAW is
HOT LINE—A real or imaginary line that separates task-organized to provide a flexible and balanced
contaminated from uncontaminated areas. air combat organization capable of providing the
full range of combat air operations in a variety of
INTELLIGENCE—(1) The product resulting from areas without the requirement of prepositioned
the collection, processing, integration, analysis, support, control, and logistics facilities. Only the
evaluation, and interpretation of available wing has the inherent capability of performing all
information concerning foreign countries or areas six aviation functions.
and (2) the information and knowledge about an
adversary obtained through observation, MARINE EXPEDITIONARY BRIGADE
investigation, analysis, or understanding. (MEB)—A task organization which is normally
built around a regimental landing team, a
KEY TERRAIN—Any locality, or area the seizure previsional Marine aircraft group, and a logistics
or retention of which affords a marked advantage support group. It is capable of conducting
to either combatant. amphibious assault operations of a limited scope.
KILLING ZONE—An area in which a commander During potential crisis situations, a Marine
plans to force the enemy to concentrate so as to Expeditionary Brigade may be forward deployed
destroy him with conventional weapons or the afloat for an extended period in order to provide
tactical employment of nuclear weapons. an immediate combat response.

AI-3
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY FORCE (MEF)— MISSION ORIENTED PROTECTIVE
The Marine Expeditionary Force, the largest of the POSTURE—A flexible system for protection
Marine air/ground task forces, is normally built against NBC contamination. This posture
around a division/wing team, but can include requires personnel to wear only that protective
several divisions and aircraft wings, together with clothing and equipment (MOPP gear) appropriate
an appropriate combat service support to the threat, work rate imposed by the mission,
organization. The Marine expeditionary force is temperature, and humidity. There are five levels
capable of conducting a wide range of amphibious of MOPP (zero through 4). MOPP 4 offers the
assault operations and sustained operations most protection but also degrades mission
ashore. It can be tailored for a wide variety of performance the most.
combat missions in any geographic environment. MOPP GEAR—Combat clothing and equipment
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (MEU)—A used to operate in an NBC environment.
task organization which is normally built around MOPP GEAR EXCHANGE—Process of
a battalion landing team, reinforced helicopter decontaminating individual fighting equipment,
squadron, and logistic support unit. It fulfills including the protective mask and hood, removing
routine forward afloat deployment requirements, the contaminated MOPP gear, and putting on new
provides an immediate reaction capability for MOPP gear.
crisis situations, and is capable of relatively
limited combat operations. NEGLIGIBLE RISK LEVELS—Levels of
contamination that will cause mild incapacitation
MARINE EXPEDITIONARY UNIT (SPECIAL among no more than 5 percent (for chemical and
OPERATIONS CAPABLE)—A forward- biological contamination; 2.5 percent nuisance
deployed, embarked U.S. Marine Corps unit with effect for radiological contamination) of the
enhanced capability to conduct special operations. unprotected troops who operate for 12 continuous
The Marine expeditionary unit (special operations hours within 1 meter of a contaminated surface.
capable) is oriented toward amphibious raids, at
OPERATIONAL CONTROL (OPCON)—The
night, under limited visibility, while employing
authority delegated to a commander to perform
emission control procedures. The Marine
those functions of command over subordinate
expeditionary unit (special operations capable) is
forces involving the composition of subordinate
not a Secretary of Defense-designated special
forces, the assignment of tasks, the designation of
operations force but, when directed by the
objectives, and the authoritative direction
National Command Authorities and/or the theater
necessary to accomplish the mission. Operational
commander, may conduct hostage recovery or
control includes directive authority for joint
other special operations under extreme
training. Operational control should be exercised
circumstances when designated special operations
through the commanders of assigned normal
forces are not available. Also called MEU (SOC).
organizational units or through the commanders
MARINE WING SUPPORT GROUP of subordinate forces established by the
(MWSG)—An administrative command that commander exercising operational control.
provides all essential aviation ground support Operational control normally provides full
(AGS) requirements for elements of the MAW. authority to organize forces as the operational
The MWSG is capable of supporting two commander deems necessary to accomplish
fixed-wing and two rotary-wing airfields per assigned missions and to retain or delegate
MAW. operational control or tactical control as
MAU SERVICE SUPPORT GROUP (MSSG)—A necessary. Operational control may be limited by
function, time, or location. It does not, of itself,
task-organized combat service support element of
include such matters as administration, discipline,
the Marine amphibious unit (MAU). Like the
internal organization, and unit training.
BSSG, it draws personnel and equipment from the
permanent battalions of the force service support OPERATOR’S SPRAY DOWN—Process of
group. As required, it may be augmented by applying decontaminant onto unit equipment
combat service support elements from the division control surfaces to stop contamination from
or aircraft wing. soaking into surfaces.

AI-4
PARTIAL DECONTAMINATION—The removal REAR AREA OPERATIONS CENTER
or neutralization of all visible or detectable (RAOC)—The agency responsible for planning,
contamination from individual clothing and coordinating, directing, and monitoring rear area
equipment and from those surfaces of equipment security.
that operators or crew members must contact to
REAR AREA SECURITY (RAS)—The measures
perform their mission-vehicle entry and exit
routes. taken before, during, and/or after an enemy
airborne attack, sabotage action, infiltration,
PASSIVE AIR DEFENSE—All measures, other than
guerrilla action, and/or initiation of psychological
active air defense, taken to minimize the
or propaganda warfare to minimize the effects
effectiveness of hostile air action. These measures
include deception, dispersion, and use thereof.
of protective construction. REAR AREA SECURITY COORDINATOR
PASSIVE DEFENSE—Measures taken to reduce the (RASC)—That person responsible for planning,
probability of and to minimize the effects of coordinating, and directing the RAS effort. The
damage caused by hostile action without the RASC is usually the CSSE commander but can be
intention of taking the initiative. the ACE commander.
PERSONAL WIPE DOWN—Process of removing RECONSTITUTION—The rest, refitting,
or neutralizing contamination from the maintenance, and replacement necessary to
individual’s equipment including the protective restore a military unit to its full capability, often
mask, hood, gloves, rifle, and helmet to stop after it has been depleted by military operations.
contamination spread and to stop contamination
from penetrating into equipment surfaces. RATE OF FIRE—The number of rounds fired per
weapon per minute.
PHYSICAL SECURITY—That part of security
concerned with physical measures designed to RATE OF MARCH—The average number of miles
safeguard personnel; to prevent unauthorized or kilometers to be travelled in a given period of
access to equipment, installations, material, and time, including all ordered halts. It is expressed
documents; and to safeguard them against in miles or kilometers in the hour.
espionage, sabotage, damage, and theft.
SKIN DECON TECHNIQUE—Process of
POWER-DRIVEN DECON EQUIPMENT—Any removing or neutralizing contamination on the
of several different kinds of pump and heater units skin within 1 minute of contamination to prevent
capable of spraying heated water or steam. Soap
it from penetrating into skin.
and decontaminants can also be mixed and
sprayed through these units in most cases, such as SITUATION MAP—A map showing the tactical or
the M12 power-driven decon apparatus and the the administrative situation at a particular time.
XM17 SANATOR lightweight decon system.
SITUATION REPORT (SITREP)—A report giving
PROVISIONAL MOBILE SECURITY the situation in the area of a reporting unit or
PLATOON (PMSP)—Unit of the provisional formation.
security forces which provides the rear area
SMALL ARMS—Man portable, individual, and
security coordinator with a quick reaction
capability in support of the RAS mission. crew-served weapon systems used mainly against
personnel and lightly armored or unarmored
PROVISIONAL SECURITY FORCES
equipment.
(PSF)—Units available to the rear area security
coordinator for supplementing local defense SPOT REPORT—A concise narrative report of
efforts and to give assistance to the military police essential information covering events or
in the performance of RAS missions. conditions that may have an immediate and
PYROTECHNIC—A mixture of chemicals which significant effect on current planning and
when ignited is capable of reacting exothermically operations that is afforded the most expeditious
to produce light, heat, smoke, sound or gas, and means of transmission consistent with requisite
may also be used to introduce a delay. security.

AI-5
STANDING OPERATING PROCEDURE TAP APRON—Toxicological agent protective apron.
(SOP)—A set of instructions covering those TARGET OF OPPORTUNITY—A target visible to
features of operations which lend themselves to a a surface of air sensor or observer which is within
definite or standardized procedure without loss of range of available weapons and against which fire
effectiveness. The procedure is applicable unless has not been scheduled or requested.
ordered otherwise.
TERRAIN ANALYSIS—The collection, analysis,
TABLE OF ALLOWANCE (TOA)—An equipment evaluation, and interpretation of geographic
allowance document which prescribes basic information on the natural and man-made features
allowances of organizational equipment and of the terrain, combined with other relevant
provides the control to develop, revise, or change factors, to predict the effect of the terrain on
equipment authorization inventory data. military operations.
TACTICS—(1) The employment of units in combat VEHICLE WASH DOWN—Process of flushing
and (2) the ordered arrangement and maneuver of contamination off equipment surfaces to limit
units in relation to each other and/or to the enemy spread, reduce overall amounts of contamination,
in order to use their full potentialities. and speed weathering.

AI-6
 APPENDIX II

OVERLAY TECHNIQUES

1. GENERAL

Overlays provide a rapid and easily understood means by which the

commander or his staff may express an operational plan, concept, or friendly or
enemy situation. Standardization of technique is essential if tactical information
is to be relayed without misunderstanding. Guidelines for the pictorial
representation of tactical situations are established in this appendix.

2. MILITARY SYMBOLS

a. Colors.—Colors in conjunction with military symbols denote the

following:
(1) Blue or Black.—Friendly units and activities.
(2) Red. —Enemy units and activities. If this color is not available,
enemy symbols are outlined with double black lines.
(3) Yellow.—Friendly or enemy areas of chemical, biological, or
radiological contamination.
(4) Green.—Man-made obstacles.

b. Units and Installations

(1) Geometric figures form the basic symbols to represent units and
installations. Future or proposed locations of units or installations are shown by
broken lines. Examples of the more common figures areas follows:

(2) To show the size of a unit, the appropriate size indication is

placed on top of the basic symbols as follows:

AII-1
 (3) To showthe type unit being represented, a symbol is placed inside the
basic figure as follows:

(4) To indicate a particular unit or installation, place the unit’s own

designation (in accordance with its size symbol) to the left of the symbol with
higher echelons of command to the right of the symbol. Slashes separate
command echelons. To avoid cluttering the symbol, known units in the chain of
command may be omitted.

c. W e a p o n s
(1) Symbols are also used to indicate the type and location of a weapon or
group of weapons. When a weapon symbol appears on a map or overlay, the base
of the shaft indicates the location of the weapon.
(2) Most weapons are derived from the following basic symbols:

AII-2
 (a) If the weapon has a high trajectory, a is placed at the base of the
weapon.
(b) A weapon which is a flat trajectory, antitank weapon has a placed
at the base of the shaft.
(c) If the weapon is primarily for air defense, a is placed at the base
of the shaft.
(d) A weapon which is a rocket projector or launcher has a placed
at the head of the shaft.
(e) If the weapon is also a tracked, self-propelled vehicle, a is placed
below the weapon symbol.
(3) Generally, the number and caliber of weapons are indicated by placing the
number of weapons to the left of the symbol and the caliber to the right of the
symbol.

3. CONTROL MEASURES
a. Lines of control or coordination are drawn and labeled as shown below:

(1) Fire support coordination line

(2) Restrictive fire line

(3) Light line

(4) Line of departure

(5) Line of departure is present

positions

(6) Line of departure is forward

friendly dispositions

(7) Phase line with code name

AII-3
 (8) Coordinated fire line

(9) Probable line of deployment

(10) Final coordination line

b. Control points are drawn on the selected terrain feature and identified as
follows:
(1) A checkpoint consists of a circle enclosing a selected terrain feature
with a number, letter, or code name placed inside the circle.

(2) A coordinating point is shown by drawing a circle on the selected

terrain feature and placing an “X” in the center. Coordinating points are used in
conjunction with boundaries to designate defensive areas.

(3) A contact point is shown by drawing a square with a number placed

inside.

4. FIRE PLANS
a. Sector of Fire
(1) Representation of a sector of fire is shown by two arrows composed
of broken lines:

(2) A weapon symbol is normally used in conjunction with the symbol

for a sector of fire. The base of the symbol indicates the weapon’s position.

AII-4
 b. Direction of Fire
(1) A principal direction of fire is represented by a solid arrow. To prevent
confusion with similar symbols, the symbol representing a principal direction of
fire is always shown together with the appropriate weapon symbol.

(2) Symbols for sectors of fire and principal directions of fire are often
combined.

(3) A special principal direction of fire symbol is used to indicate final

protective lines. Heavily shaded portions along the principal direction of fire
symbol indicate areas of grazing fire.

T
he final protective line symbol is usually combined with the sector of fire and
weapon symbols.

c. Targets
(1) Point targets of less than 100 yards

(2) Linear targets

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 (3) Area targets

(4) Rectangular targets

d. Final Protective Fire

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 APPENDIX III

CHARACTERISTICS OF TOA WEAPONS

FOR AN NMCB

WEAPON AIR DET AIR ECH MAX EFFECTIVE RATE OF FIRE RDS
TOA TOA RANGE/ PER MINUTE
METERS

Mortar 60MM M224 2 4 3,490 Sustained 15

Rapid 30

M16A2E3 76 574 800 Semi 45 Auto 90

Grenade Launcher 6 42 Area Target 350 X

M203 Point Target 150

Pistol .45 Cal 20 155 45 Sustained 10

M1911A1 Rapid 21-28

Shotgun M870 3 21 45 X

Machine Gun 50 2 4 1,830 Sustained 40 or less

Cal M2 Rapid more than 40

Machine Gun 40MM 2 4 1,500 Sustained 40 Rapid

MK19 60 or more

Machine Gun 4 12 Tripod 1,110 Bipod Sustained 100

7.62MM M60E3 750 Rapid 200

Anti-Tank Weapon X X 300 X

84MM M136 HEAT

AIII-1
 APPENDIX IV

DECONTAMINANTS

Decontaminants in this appendix are grouped in chemical, and brief directions are given on how to
tables according to their classification of standard, prepare each decontaminant. The tables also list
nonstandard, and natural. See Tables A-1 through A-3. any appropriate cautions for each decontaminant.
Each decontaminant is identified by name and NSN A remarks column gives information on appli-
(where applicable). Some include pictures of the cation, coverage, subsitute solutions, and the related
decontaminant or its container. The use of each effectiveness of the decontaminants.
decontaminant is listed as nuclear, biological, and/or

Table A-1.—Standard decontaminants

(Decontaminants most often used and available in supply system)

AIV-1
 Table A-1.—Standard decontaminants—Continued
(Decontaminants most often used are available in supply system)

AIV-2
Table A-2.—NonStandard Decontaminants
(Decontaminants not frequently used)

AIV-3
Table A-2.—NonStandard Decontaminants—Continued

AIV-4
Table A-2.—NonStandard Decontaminants—Continued

AIV-5
Table A-2.—NonStandard Decontaminants—Continued

AIV-6
Table A-2.—NonStandard Decontaminants—Continued

AIV-7
AIV-8
 Table A-3.—Natural decontaminants.
(Decontaminants readily available and frequently occurring in nature.

AIV-9
 APPENDIX V

Decontamination of Specific Items

This appendix lists more than two dozen specific particular surface or material in a given situation
surfaces or materials, and explains briefly how to best could be any of those listed for that surface or
decontaminate each for chemical, biological, or material. The order in which the methods are listed
nuclear contamination. The best method of decon for a does not indicate preference of one over another.

AV-1
AV-2
AV-3
AV-4
AV-5
 APPENDIX VI

Work/Rest Table

AVI-1
 APPENDIX VII

ACRONYMS

ACE Aviation Combat Element

AO Area of Operations
BLT Battalion Landing Team

BSSG Brigade Service Support Group

CARC Chemical agent resistant coating

CE Command Element
CEOI Communication Electronics Operating Instruction
COC Combat Operations Center/Commaud
CSS Combat Service Support

CSSE Combat Service Support Element

CSSOC Combat Service Support Operations Center
DAP Decontaminating apparatus
DASC Direct Air Support Center
DECON Shortened form of decontamination
DED Detailed equipment decon
DKIE Decon kit, individual equipment
DTD Detailed troop decon
FDC Fire Direction Center
FMFM Fleet Marine Force Manual
FSC Fire Support Coodination/Coordinator
FSCC Fire Support Coordination Center

FSSG Force Service Support Group (USMC)

GCE Ground Combat Element

GPM Gallons per minute
LDS Lightweight decontaminating system
LP Listening Post
MAF Marine Amphibious Force
MAGTF Marine Air-Ground Task Force
MAU Marine Amphibious Unit
MAW Marine Aircraft Wing
MEB Marine Expeditionary Brigade
MEF Marine Expeditionary Force

AVII-1
MEU Marine Expeditionary Unit

MGX MOPP gear exchange

MOPP Mission-oriented protective posture

MSR Main Supply Route

MSSG Marine amphibious unit service

OP Observation Post
OPLAN Operational Plan
PDDA M12A1 power-driven decon apparatus

OPSEC Operations Security

PDDE Power-driven decon equipment

SD Skin decontamination

STB Supertropical bleach

SOP Standing operating procedures

TOA Table of Allowance

AVII-2
 APPENDIX VIII

REFERENCES USED TO DEVELOP

THIS TRAMAN

Chapter 1

Communications, FMFM 3-30, United States Marine Corps Combat Development

Command, Quantico, VA, 1989.
MAGTF Rear Area Security, FMFM 2-6, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1991.
Marine Division, FMFM 6-1, United States Marine Corps Combat Development
Command Quantico, VA, 1978.

Chapter 2

Fundamentals of Defense, Part One, INO416, United States Army, Fort Benning,
GA, 1988.
Marine Rifle Company Platoon, FMFM 6-4, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1978.

Chapter 3

Marine Corps Institute, MCI 7006, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1991.
Marine Rifle Company Platoon, FMFM 6-4, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1978.
Marine Rifle Squad, FMFM 6-5, United States Marine COrps Combat Development
Command, Quantico, VA, 1991.

Chapter 4

Marine Corps Institute, MCI 7005A, Marine Corps Combat Development

Command, Quantico, VA.
Marine Division, FMFM 6-1, United States Marine Corps Combat Development
Command, Quantico, VA, 1978.
Marine Rifle Company Platoon, FMFM 64, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1978.
Marine Rifle Squad, FMFM 6-5, United States Marine Corps Combat Development
Command, Quantico, VA ,1991.
Small Unit Leader’s Guide to Weather and Terrain, FMFRP 0-51, Marine Corps
Combat Development Command, Quantico, VA 1990.

AVIII-1
Chapter 5

Marine Rifle Company Platoon, FMFM 6-4, United States Marine Corps Combat
Development Command, Quantico, VA, 1978.
Motor Transport, FMFM 4-9, United States Marine Corps Combat Development
Command, Quantico, VA, 1992.

Chapter 6

NBC Decontamination, FM 3-5, Headquarters Department of the Army, United

States Marine Corps, Washington, DC, 1993.

AVIII-2
 INDEX

A company fire plan, 4-25

Crew-served weapons, 4-12
Air attacks, 5-6
.50 caliber machine gun, 4-14
active defense against aircraft, 5-7
.60mm mortar employment, 4-16
passive actions to air attacks, 5-9
AT4 antitank weapon, 4-14
Ambush, 5-1 AT4 employment, 4-16
ambush defense for a blocked road, 5-5 AT4 sectors of fire, 4-16
ambush defense for an unblocked road, 5-5 AT4 supplementary mission, 4-17
characteristics of vehicular ambush, 5-1 M19 grenade launcher, 4-14
organization of occupants, 5-1 M60E3 machine gun, 4-14
preparation of vehicles, 5-1 machine gun communication, 4-15
machine gun employment, 4-14
C machine gun final protective lines, 4-15
machine gun principle direction of fire, 4-15
CEOI, 1-11
machine gun sector of fire, 4-15
Combat operation center, 1-6 machine gun supplementary missions, 4-17
boards and maps, 1-10
D
communication plan, 1-10
location, 1-7 Defensive areas, 4-1
operation, 1-14 forward defense area, 4-2
organization, 1-8 reserve area, 4-2
personnel and their duties, 1-8 security area, 4-1
Company command post, 2-1 Detailed equipment configuration, 6-28

charts and maps, 2-2 Detailed equipment decon, 6-26

communication network, 2-3 Detailed troop decon, 6-20
communication plan, 2-3
F
communication requirements, 2-3
communications, 2-1 Fighting positions, 4-6
location considerations, 2-1
alternate, 4-6
messages, incoming, 2-5
battle, 4-6
messages, outgoing, 2-5
primary, 4-6
operation of, 2-5
supplementary, 4-6
personnel and their duties, 2-2
Fire team in the defense, 4-7
reporting procedures, 2-5
automatic rifleman, 4-8
Convoy, 5-1
fire plan, 4-7
convoy arm singles, 5-3 fire plan sketch, 4-8
convoy commander, 5-2 fire team leader, 4-8
convoy defense for sniper fire, 5-6 grenadier, 4-8
convoy defense, mines, and booby traps, 5-5 individual fighting position, 4-7

INDEX-1
Fire team in the defense—Continued O
individual sectors of fire, 4-7 Operational decon, 6-11
rifleman, 4-8 organization of the Marine air-ground task force, 1-1
Force service support group military police, 1-6 aviation combat element, 1-2
combat service support element, 1-2
I
command element, 1-2
Immediate action drills, 5-10 ground combat element, 1-2
separate task organization, 1-2
counter ambush drill, 5-11
freeze and hasty ambush drill, 5-11 P
immediate assault drill, 5-11
vehicle unloading drill, 6-7 Platoon in the defense, 4-10

Immediate decon operations, 6-7 depth, 4-11

frontage, 4-10
L organizing the platoon in the defense, 4-12
platoon fire plan sketch, 4-11
Landing points, 3-1
security area, 4-11
Landing signalman enlisted (LSE) signals, 3-4 Previsional security forces, 1-5
Landing site, 3-1 Provisional mobile security platoons, 1-5
Landing zone brief, 3-5 R
Landing zone (LZ), 3-1
Range cards, 4-17
approaches and exits, 3-1
range card for a FPL, 4-20
gradient (slopes), 3-2
range card for a PDF, 4-20
ground obstacles, 3-2
range card symbols, 4-18
marking the landing zone, 3-2
Rear area security, 1-4
surface conditions, 3-2
rear area operation center (RAOC), 1-5
Levels of decontamination, 6-6
rear area security coodinator (RASC), 1-5
immediate decon, 6-6
Reports, 2-5
operational decon, 6-6
SALUTE report, 2-6
thorough decon, 6-6
SPOT report, 2-7
M S
Sector of fire, 4-5
Medical evacuation request, 3-7
forward limits, 4-5
Medevac procedures, 3-7 lateral limits, 4-5
ambulance, 3-9 Squad in the defense, 4-8
battalion aid station, 3-9 automatic rifles, 4-9
casualties, 3-10 fire team positions, 4-9
establishing communication, 3-10 squad fire plan, 4-8
landing and loading the helicopter, 3-10 squad fire plan sketch, 4-9
litter bearers, 3-7 squad leader position, 4-9
securing the landing zone, 3-10 Stakes, 4-22

INDEX-2
T Types of MAGTFs—Continued

Thorough decon operation, 6-18

Marine expeditionay force forward (MEFF-F),
Types of MAGTFs, 1-2 1-3
Marine expeditionary force (MEF), 1-4 Marine expeditionary unit (MEU), 1-2

INDEX-3
Assignment Questions

Information: The text pages that you are to study are

provided at the beginning of the assignment questions.
 ASSIGNMENT 1
Textbook Assignment: “Organization and Operation of the Combat Operation Center,” pages 1-1
through 1-16.

1-6. What is the primary duty of the CEC

Learning Objective: Identify officer attached to the Command
and briefly describe commands Element?
that a Seabee Unit can be
attached to during combat 1. Advisor to the MAGTF supply
operations. officer on matters relating to
the capabilities and employment
of the NCF
1-1. During combat operations Seabee 2. Advisor to the MAGTF commander
units are normally assigned to on matters relating to the
which of the following commands? capabilities and employment of
the NCF
1. Army Engineer Corp 3. Advisor to the MAGTF
2. Marine Air-Ground Task Force communication officer on
3. Air Force Red Horse Team matters relating to the
4. An independent command capabilities and employment of
the NCF
1-2. A MAGTF consists of a minimum of 4. Advisor to the MAGTF engineer
how many elements? officer on matters relating to
the capabilities and employment
1. One of the NCF
2. Two
3. Three 1-7. The Ground Combat Element (GCE) is
4. Four task-organized for which of the
following operations?
1-3. A MAGTF consists of a minimum of
how many primary engineer assets? 1. Ground maneuver operations
2. Tactical air operations
1. Seven 3. Combat service support
2. Six operations
3. Five 4. Command and control operations
4. Four
1-8. The GCE is constructed around what
1-4. What function does the Command type of unit?
Element serve within a MAGTF?
1. A communication unit
1. As a supply and logistics 2. A supply unit
center 3. A combat infantry unit
2. As an intelligence center 4. A headquarters unit
3. As a headquarters
4. As a communication center 1-9. The Aviation Combat Element (ACE) is
task-organized to conduct which of
1-5. The Command Element within a MAGTF the following operations?
is established for which of the
following reasons? 1. Tactical air
2. Combat service support
1. To provide effective 3. Ground maneuver
communication 4. Command and control
2. To provide effective planning
and execution of the MAGTF
elements
3. To provide supplies to the
MAGTF elements
4. To duplicate the efforts of the
other MAGTF elements

1
1-l0. When a MAGTF commander assumes 1-16. Under normal circumstances, the
responsibility for control of air Ground Combat Element within a MEU
operations, he or she will normally consists of a total of how many
appoint the commander of what MAGTF battalion landing teams?
element as the MAGTF tactical air
commander (TAC)? 1. One
2. Two
1. The Combat Service Support 3. Three
Element commander 4. Four
2. The Command Element commander
3. The Aviation Combat Element 1-17. Under normal circumstances, the
commander Aviation Combat Element within a
4. The Ground Combat Element MEU is what type of squadron?
commander
1. A strategic attack
1-11. Depending on the assigned mission, 2. A observation
the Combat Service Support Element 3. A reconnaissance
(CSSE) is task-organized to provide 4. A helicopter
which of the following functions?
1-18. Within a MEU, what is the Combat
1. Engineering, supply, and Service Support Element normally
transportation called?
2. Weapons, maintenance, and
disbursing 1. The FSSG
3. Automated data processing and 2. The MSSG
personnel services 3. The CSSE
4. All of the above 4. The MAW

1-12. Normally, the Naval Construction 1-19. Normally, what is the rank of the
Force is classified as what type of commander of a Marine Expeditionary
organization within a MAGTF? Force-Forward (MEF-F)?

1. Combat service support 1. General

2. Engineering service support 2. Colonel
3. Ground combat support 3. Admiral
4. A separate task organization 4. Brigadier general

1-13. When assigned to a MAGTF, the NCF 1-20. Under normal circumstances, the
is usually OPCON to what element? Ground Combat Element within a
MEF-F consists of what type of
1. The Combat Service Support organization?
Element
2. The Ground Service Support 1. A regimental landing team (RLT)
Element 2. A battalion landing team (BLT)
3. The Command Element 3. An infantry division
4. The Aviation Combat Element 4. An infantry battalion

1-14. There are a total of how many types 1-21. What element, if any, is the
of MAGTFs? Aviation Combat Element within a
MEF-F?
1. One
2. Two 1. Marine Air Wing (MAW)
3. Three 2. Marine Helicopter Squadron
4. Four 3. Marine Air Group (MAG)
4. None
1-15. Normally, what is the rank of the
commander of a Marine Expeditionary 1-22. What is the Combat Service Support
Unit (MEU)? Element within a MEF-F?

1. Colonel 1. MAW
2. General 2. MAG
3. Captain 3. BSSG
4. First lieutenant 4. CSSE

2
1-23. Normally, what is the rank of the 1-28. Seabees should be familiar with the
commander of a Marine Expeditionary rear area organization for what
Force (MEF)? reason?

1. Either a major general or 1. Seabee units are primarily

lieutenant general assigned to the rear area
2. Either a brigadier general or 2. Seabees units are the only
lieutenant general units in the rear area
3. Either a general or lieutenant 3. Seabee units are always the
general main organization in the rear
4. Either a colonel or lieutenant area
4. No need, Seabee units are never
1-24. What is the primary function of the in the rear area
CEC officer attached to the Command
Element of a MEF? 1-29. Today, what factor makes the rear
area more vulnerable to enemy
1. Liaison between the MEF attack than in the past?
commander and NCF units
2. Liaison between the Command 1. The enemy is smarter
Element and the Combat Service 2. The enemy numbers have
Support Element increased
3. Liaison between the engineering 3. The modern weaponry
staff and NCF units 4. Better intelligence is
4. Liaison between the available to the enemy
communication staff and NCF
units 1-30. What does the acronym RAS stand
for?
1-25. The Ground Combat Element within a
MEF is a unit of what size? 1. Rear area security
2. Rear area station
1. A Marine infantry battalion 3. Rear area substation
2. A Marine division 4. Rear area supply
3. A Marine company
4. A Marine platoon 1-31. During combat operations, Seabee
units are assigned primarily to
1-26. What is the abbreviation for the what area?
ACE within a MEF?
1. Forward edge of the battle area
1. MAW (FEBA)
2. MAG 2. Main supply routes (MSR)
3. MAS 3. Rear area
4. MAD 4. Reserve area

1-27. What is the abbreviation for the 1-32. The MAGTF rear area extends
CSSE within a MEF? rearward from what boundary?

1. CSSG 1. The rear boundary of the CSSE

2. BSSG 2. The rear boundary of the GCE
3. MSSG 3. The forward boundary of the
4. FSSG CSSE
4. The forward boundary of the GCE

Learning Objective: Identify 1-33. What type of defense concept

and briefly describe the rear requires base facilities be
area security organization. established in the rear area?

1. All-around
2. Perimeter
3. Cluster
4. Strategic

3
1-34. The rear area security coordinator 1-39. Around what unit is the COC
(RASC) monitors operations of the centrally located?
rear area through what two
organizations? 1. Platoon position
2. Galley
1. Combat Service Support 3. Battalion aid station
Operations Center (CSSOC) and 4. Company command posts
the Rear Area Operations Center
(RAOC) 1-40. The COC should have at least how
2. Combat Operation Center (COC) many dismount and entry points?
and the Fire Direction Center
(FDC) 1. One dismount, one entry
3. Fire Support Center (FSC) and 2. One dismount, two entries
the Base Facility Commander 3. Two dismounts, two entries
(BFC) 4. Two dismounts, one entry
4. Combat Operation Center (COC)
and the Base Facility Commander 1-41. What is the most critical factor a
(BFC) COC must have in order to be
successful?
1-35. The Force Service Support Group
(FSSG) can field a total of how 1. Proper location
many provisional mobile security 2. Communication
platoons (PMSP)? 3. Light discipline
4. Security
1. One
2. Two
3. Three Learning Objective: Describe
4. Four the organization and mission of
the Combat Operation Center
(COC) and the duties of its
Learning Objective: Identify personnel.
the importance of the COC and
the location of a COC.
A. Intelligence Watch Officer
1-36. A commander establishes a combat
operation center for what primary B. COC Watch Officer
purpose?
C. Communication Watch Officer
1. To ensure medical facilities
2. To ensure proper galley D. Communicators
facilities
3. To ensure proper base E. Messenger/Security
facilities
4. To ensure proper centralized F. Fire Support Coordinator
command and control facilities
G. NBC/CBR Officer
1-37. What officer exercises staff
supervision over the COC? Figure 1A.—COC personnel.

1. S-1 IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 1-42 THROUGH 1-48,

2. S-2 SELECT FROM FIGURE 1A THE PERSON
3. S-3 RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TASK.
4. S-4
1-42. Maintains close communication with
1-38. When you plan the establishment of the battalion’s Fire Direction
a COC, what special consideration Center.
must be considered?
1. G
1. Location 2. F
2. Size 3. E
3. Terrain 4. D
4. Accessibility

4
1-43. Ensures incoming and outgoing 1-51. The AN/PRC-104 has what type of
messages adhere to established frequency?
routing procedures.
1. Low
1. A 2. Variable
2. B 3. Medium
3. C 4. High
4. D
1-52. The AN/GRA-39 is primarily used for
1-44. Has releasing authority on all what purpose?
outgoing messages.
1. Remote linkup from the “antenna
1. D farm” to the COC
2. C 2. Remote linkup from the COC to
3. B the company command posts
4. A 3. Remote linkup from the Fire
Direction Center (FDC) to the
1-45. Ensures all personnel entering the company command post
COC are on the access list. 4. Remote linkup from the “antenna
farm” to the company command
1. B post
2. C
3. D 1-53. What does the acronym CEOI stand
4. E for?

1-46. Prepares written and oral briefings 1. Combat Electronic Operating

as required. Instruction
2. Command Electronic Operating
1. A Instruction
2. B 3. Communication Electronic
3. C Operating Instruction
4. D 4. Combat Equipment Operating
Instruction
1-47. Drafting messages.
A. Rear Area Operations Command
1. A Net
2. B
3. C B. Alert/Broadcast Net
4. D
C. Base Facility Tactical Net
1-48. Monitors all incoming messages
related to the weather. D. Conduct of Fire Net
1. D
2. E
3. F Figure 1B.—Various radio nets.
4. G
IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 1-54 THROUGH 1-57,
1-49. Which of the following information SELECT FROM FIGURE 1B THE RADIO NET
is NOT likely to be posted on the ASSOCIATED WITH THE TASK.
operations map located in the COC?
1-54. Communication from the COC to the
1. Location and status of patrols battalion’s FDC.
2. Landing zone locations
3. Enemy equipment/weapons 1. D
4. NBC corridors/fallouts 2. C
3. B
1-50. What organization is the 4. A
terminating point for all tactical
and nontactical radio nets? 1-55. Communication from the COC to
higher headquarters located outside
1. Combat Operation Center the base facility, usually by a
2. Company command post high-frequency radio.
3. Battalion communication center
4. Antenna farm 1. C
2. D
3. A
4. B

5
1-56. Used to pass general information
about all (or the majority) of the
units within the area of operation.

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

1-57. Used by the COC for tactical

purposes and for various reports
such as SALUTE reports.

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D
1-58. All incoming radio traffic to the
COC should be written down on
authorized message pads with an
original plus how many copies?

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four
1-59. As a guide, a priority message
should be handled within what time
frame?

1. 30 minutes-l hour
2. 1-3 hours
3. 3-4 hours
4. As fast as possible

1-60. After an incoming message has been

received and checked by the
communication chief, to whom does
the communication chief pass the
message to?

1. The appropriate action section

on the message
2. The operations officer
3. The intelligence officer
4. The COC watch officer

6
 ASSIGNMENT 2
Textbook Assignment: “Organization and Operation of the Company Command Post” and “Setup
and Control of Medical Evacuation,” pages 2-1 through 3-4.

2-5. The platoon commanders must have

Learning Objective: State the constant communication with which
purpose of the company command of the following
post (CP) and what must be elements/personnel?
considered when establishing a
company command post. 1. The COC
2. The react force
3. The troops on the front lines
2-1. In support of the company 4. The other companies
commander, the company command post
(CP) serves what primary function? 2-6. A break in communication can cause
mass confusion and could result in
1. Communication to the platoons the loss of lives.
2. Centralized command and control
3. A place for the platoon 1. True
commanders to meet 2. False
4. Planning purposes
2-7. Which of the following factors is a
2-2. In support of the COC, the company principal concern to the company
command post serves what primary commander?
function?
1. Chow for the troops
1. It is the “eyes and ears” for 2. Defending the company’s area of
the COC responsibility
2. It defends the COC against 3. Communication to the COC
attacks 4. Defending the COC
3. It assists the COC in making
decisions relating to combat 2-8. The company CP is centralized
operations around what command element to
4. It assists the COC in project enhance command and control?
planning
1. The platoons
2-3. You should establish alternate 2. The COC
routes leading to the company 3. The galley
command post for which of the 4. The battalion aid station
following reasons?

1. To prevent personnel from Learning Objective: Describe

getting lost trying to find the the organization of the company
CP command post.
2. So communication to the
platoons will not be lost
3. To ensure personnel will be 2-9. Standard Operating Procedures (SOP)
able to establish a sector of should be established in the
fire company CP for which of the
4. To prevent a beaten path for following reasons?
the enemy to follow from being
established 1. To hold people accountable for
their actions
2-4. Which of the following elements is 2. To keep the COC informed
NOT included in the company CP’s 3. To avoid confusion
communication network? 4. To keep the commanding officer
informed
1. The react force
2. The platoon commanders
3. The listening post
4. The observation post

7
2-10. The watch chief should perform 2-16. What is the primary reason charts
which of the following actions are posted in the company CP?
before assuming watch?
1. To post the daily password
1. Ensure the platoons are all 2. To post the plan of the day
accounted for 3. To post a quick picture of the
2. Read the message board current situation
3. Ensure all watch personnel are 4. To post the company watch bill
present
4. Make liaison with the COC 2-17. From the information listed below,
select the one that is NOT usually
2-11. Operational requirements can be posted on a chart.
accomplished when what number of
personnel are assigned to watch 1. Company strength
stations in the company CP? 2. Convoy status
3. Call signs
1. 1 4. Company fire plan
2. 2
3. Minimum
4. Maximum Learning Objective: Describe
the contents of a communication
plan.
A. Watch Chief

B. Watch Petty Officer

2-18. A communication plan includes which
of the following information?
C. Messenger/Security
1. Communication network
D. Communicator
2. Company fire plan
3. Battalion fire plan
4. Platoon fire plan
Figure 2A.—Watch station personnel.
2-19. From the types of communication
IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 2-12 THROUGH 2-14, equipment listed below, select the
SELECT FROM FIGURE 2A THE PERSON one that would be ideal for
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TASK. communication from the platoon
commander’s fighting position to
2-12. Handle and process information the squad leader’s fighting
relating to intelligence. position.
1. A 1. SB-22
2. B 2. AN/PRC-199A
3. C 3. TA-312
4. D 4. GRA-29
2-13. Ensures all incoming and outgoing 2-20. What officer is responsible to the
messages adhere to establish commanding officer for the unit’s
procedures. communication plan?
1. A 1. The company commander
2. B 2. The communication officer
3. C 3. The operations officer
4. D 4. The executive officer
2-14. Ensures only authorized personnel 2-21. The radio nets that companies are
enter the company CP. required to monitor are posted in
what instruction?
1. D
2. C 1. SOP
3. B 2. 15500/1
4. A 3. 5000 series
4. CEOI
2-15. Normally, there is a total of how
many maps in the company CP?

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four

8
2-22. Which of the following information 2-26. Initially checks incoming messages
is a primary factor to consider for format.
when designing the company’s radio
and wire plans? 1. A
2. B
1. The number of personnel in the 3. C
company 4. D
2. The number of fighting
positions 2-27. Prepares outgoing messages.
3. Communication assets available
to the company 1. A
4. The company’s fire plan 2. B
3. C
2-23. Normally, there is a total of how 4. D
many frequency nets a company is
required to monitor? 2-28. Decides on the appropriate action
to take for incoming messages.
1. One
2. Two 1. A
3. Three 2. B
4. Four 3. C
4. D

Learning Objective: Describe 2-29. Files a copy of outgoing messages

the operations of the company before transmission.
command post.
1. A
2. B
2-24. In the company CP, all incoming and 3. C
outgoing messages should be written 4. D
on authorized message pads to
include the original plus how many 2-30. What are the two most common
copies? reports used by the companies to
relay information quickly?
1. One
2. Two 1. METT-T and SITREP reports
3. Three 2. NBC and CASREP reports
4. Four 3. SALUTE and SPOT reports
4. WIA and ZULA reports
A. Watch Chief 2-31. What type of communication is used
for primarily communicating between
B. Watch Petty Officer the platoon commander’s fighting
position and the squad leader’s
C. Messenger/Security fighting position?
D. Communicator 1. Wire
2. Radio
3. Hand signals
Figure 2B. —Watch station personnel. 4. Messenger

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 2-25 THROUGH 2-29, 2-32. You are a platoon commander and
SELECT FROM FIGURE 2B THE PERSON your platoon has engaged in a fire
RESPONSIBLE FOR THE TASK. fight. What type of report, if any,
should you immediately send to the
2-25. Initially receives an incoming company CP?
message by radio.
1. SALUTE report
1. A 2. WIA report
2. B 3. SPOT report
3. C 4. None
4. D

9
2-33. You observe enemy activity but it IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 2-38 THROUGH 2-40,
does not pose a threat to the REFER TO FIGURE 2C.
company. You should send
immediately what type of report to 2-38. Identified by color.
the company CP?
1. A
1. SALUTE report 2. B
2. WIA report 3. C
3. SPOT report 4. D
4. NBC report
2-39. Identified by a code name.
2-34. Which of the following personnel
maintains the situation map located 1. A
in the company CP? 2. B
3. C
1. The watch petty officer 4. D
2. The messenger
3. The communicator 2-40. Identified by a two-digit number.
4. The watch chief
1. A
2-35. What responsibility is the primary 2. B
duty of the company CP? 3. C
4. D
1. Keeping the COC informed
2. Defending the company’s area of 2-41. What factors, if any, determines
responsibility how landing zones are divided?
3. Keeping the troops informed
4. Maintaining liaison with the 1. By landing points
other companies 2. By landing sites
3. By terrain
2-36. A SPOT report is followed up with 4. None
what other type of report?
2-41. Landing points are primarily
1. WIA report assigned to what location?
2. NBC report
3. SALUTE report 1. Within landing sites
4. SITREP report 2. Within landing zones
3. Within landing sections
2-37. What critical support does the COC 4. Within LZs
depend on from the company CP?
2-43. What data is the first factor that
1. Ammunition must be considered when you are
2. Communication personnel preparing a landing zone?
3. Accurate and concise
information 1. Terrain
4. Security personnel 2. Equipment
3. Type of helicopter using the
landing zone
Learning Objective: Describe 4. Defense of the landing zone
in detail the setup, the
control, the preparation, and 2-44. When you are preparing a LZ,
the difference between landing approaches and exits must be
zones, landing sites, and cleared of obstacles that are of
landing points. what minimum height?

1. 5 meters and higher

2. 10 meters and higher
A. Landing Zone
3. 15 meters and higher
4. 20 meters and higher
B. Landing Site

C. Landing Point
D. Landing Station

Figure 2C.—Components of a landing zone.

10
2-45. When you are preparing a LZ, 2-51. Any river or stream which has a
approaches and exits must be firm bottom and is no deeper then
cleared of obstacles extending at 20 inches can be used as a landing
least how many meters in the site.
direction of the approach and exit
path? 1. True
2. False
1. 20
2. 30 2-52. A helicopter is required to land
3. 40 into the wind when the ground level
4. 50 wind exceeds how many knots?

2-46. When determining the distance 1. 3 knots

between a landing point and a high 2. 5 knots
obstruction, you should use what 3. 10 knots
“rule of thumb” ratio? 4. 15 knots

1. 10:1 2-53. When you are using the grass drop

2. 5:1 method to determine wind velocity,
3. 15:1 what number is the angle formed
4. 20:1 between your arm and your body
divided by?
2-47. Using the rule of thumb ratio, a
helicopter landing or taking off 1. 5
near a 40-foot tree needs at least 2. 2
how many feet of horizontal 3. 3
clearance? 4. 4

1. 200 2-54. You use the angle of the smoke

2. 300 method to determine the wind
3. 400 velocity. What is the velocity of
4. 500 the wind if the smoke blows at a
30-degree angle?
2-48. When you are preparing a landing
zone, obstacles, such as rocks and 1. 2-4 knots
stumps, should not exceed what 2. 3-5 knots
height? 3. 4-6 knots
4. 5-7 knots
1. 1 foot
2. 2 feet 2-55. At what angle will smoke blow when
3. 3 feet the wind velocity is between 5-7
4. 4 feet knots?

2-49. In order for helicopters to land 1. 30 degrees

safely, landing points should not 2. 40 degrees
have a ground slope exceeding how 3. 50 degrees
many degrees? 4. 60 degrees

1. 10 2-56. When marking a landing zone during

2. 12 the day, you should use what color
3. 14 for smoke and landing zone panels?
4. 16
1. Same color as the landing zone
2-50. In what direction do helicopter designation
pilots prefer for landing on a 2. Opposite colors
slope? 3. Always use red
4. Same color as the landing site
1. Parallel to the slope designation
2. Perpendicular to the slope
3. Downhill 2-57. When using smoke to mark a landing
4. Uphill zone, you should never tell the
pilot the color of the smoke.

1. True
2. False

11
2-58. When using the vector instruction 2-62. The LSE signal used for informing
method, you use what device to the helicopter pilot to prepare for
guide the aircraft to the landing guidance.
zone?
1. A
1. A flag 2. B
2. A smoke grenade 3. C
3. A radio 4. D
4. Landing panels
2-63. The LSE signal used for guiding a
helicopter right or left.

1. D
2. E
3. F
4. A

2-64. The LSE signal used for informing

the pilot to move the helicopter
back.

1. D
2. A
3. E
4. B

Figure 2D.—LSE signals.

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 2-59 THROUGH 2-64,

SIGNAL.
2-59. LSE signal for guiding a helicopter
downward.

1. E
2. B
3. F
4. D
2-60. LSE signal for guiding a helicopter
forward.

1. A
2. B
3 . C
4. D

2-61. LSE signal used to hover a

helicopter above the ground.

1. F
2. E
3. D
4. B

12
 ASSIGNMENT 3
Textbook Assignment: “Setup and Control of Medical Evacuation” and “Planning and
Development of Defense Tactics,” pages 3-6 through 4-8.

3-7. As a platoon commander, what action

Learning Objective: Describe should you take when you need a
the contents of a landing zone MEDEVAC but are unable to
brief. communicate with the COC, the BAS,
or the company CP?

3-1. Normally, a landing zone brief is 1. Send a messenger to the CP

broken down into a total of how 2. Send a messenger to the COC
many lines? 3. Send a messenger to the BAS
4. Route a MEDEVAC request to the
1. Fourteen next higher authority
2. Sixteen
3. Twelve 3-8. On a MEDEVAC request, what
4. Ten information is documented on
line 9?
3-2. What information is contained in
line 2 of a landing zone brief? 1. Landing zone call sign
2. Requesting unit call sign
1. Call signs 3. Landing zone coordinates
2. Elevation of the landing zone 4. Landing zone markings
3. Obstacles in the landing zone
4. Location of a landing zone 3-9. On a MEDEVAC request, what
information is documented on
3-3. What information is contained in line 4?
line 6 of a landing zone brief?
1. Date-time group
1. Mission number 2. Number of personnel needing
2. Wind direction MEDEVAC
3. Call signs 3. Landing zone location
4. Location of a landing zone 4. Airborne medical assistance
required
3-4. What information is contained in
line 9 of a landing zone brief? 3-10. Under an ideal situation, litter
bearers should be personnel from
1. Your call sign what company?
2. The pilots call sign
3. Friendly positions 1. Headquarters Company
4. Enemy positions 2. Alpha Company
3. Bravo Company
3-5. What information is contained in 4. Delta Company
line 10 of a landing zone brief?
3-11. Normally, what total number of
1. Approach heading litter bearers per company is
2. Location of friendly forces considered adequate?
3. Location of enemy forces
4. Obstacles 1. Six
2. Eight
3. Ten
Learning Objective: Describe 4. Four
the contents of a MEDEVAC
request and MEDEVAC procedures. 3-12. After administrating basic first
aid to a critically wounded person
in your company, you should take
3-6. What command element/unit makes the what course of action next?
final decision concerning a MEDEVAC
request? 1. Shout for a corpsman
2. Quietly pass the word to the
1. The DASC company CP that a corpsman is
2. The COC needed
3. The RAOC 3. Send a messenger to the COC
4. The BAS 4. Send a messenger to the
battalion aid station

13
3-13. What is the primary function of an 3-20. Before the arrival of a helicopter,
ambulance? which of the following is a primary
way casualties are arranged at the
1. To give first aid landing point?
2. To prevent the prolong carrying
of litters 1. By the capacity of the
3. To provide medical supplies for helicopter
the companies 2. By rank
4. To acquire medical supplies for 3. By fire teams
the battalion 4. By squads
3-14. Prior to a medical evacuation, 3-21. What person is responsible for
casualties are brought to what directing the helicopter
central location? representative to the senior
medical staff personnel in charge?
1. The company CP
2. The COC 1. The security team leader
3. The landing zone 2. A representative from the COC
4. The battalion aid station 3. The landing signalman
4. The operations officer
3-15. What person has the final say on
whether a casualty needs to be 3-22. What is the primary reason
evacuated? helicopter evacuation should be
used with discretion?
1. A member of the medical staff
2. The COC 1. Helicopters draw enemy fire
3. The company commander 2. A helicopter evacuation takes a
4. The operations officer lot of coordination
3. A helicopter evacuation
3-16. What title is given to the person removes personnel from the
on the security team that controls defensive perimeter
all movements of the wounded to the 4. A helicopter evacuation
landing zone? requires removing some weapons
from the defensive perimeter
1. “Pit Boss”
2. Landing zone coordinator
3. Security team leader Learning Objective: State the
4. React force team leader importance and purpose of
defensive combat.
3-17. What factor dictates the weapons
and personnel required to secure a
landing zone? 3-23. Normally, the battalion security
area is located at what distance in
1. The weapons available in the front of the defensive perimeter?
TOA
2. The number of personnel 1. 200 meters
assigned to the security team 2. 300 meters
3. The size and terrain of the 3. 400 meters
landing zone 4. 500 meters
4. The number of casualties being
evacuated 3-24. Which of the following elements are
NOT a Seabee force located in the
3-18. A total of how many radios are security area?
required for communication in a
landing zone? 1. Listening posts
2. Observation posts
1. One 3. Patrols
2. Two 4. Machine gun teams
3. Three
4. Four 3-25. The forward defense area extends
rearward from the defensive lines
3-19. How are casualties transported from to the rear boundary of what
the battalion aid station to the command organization?
landing point?
1. The company CP
1. By ambulance 2. The crew-served weapons
2. By litters 3. The frontline companies
3. By any means available 4. To the rear of the security
4. By the security team area

14
3-26. The composition of the forward 3-32. When establishing fields of fire
defensive echelon is planned for a weapon, you MUST KNOW what
according to what concept? information about the weapon?

1. The terrain 1. The maximum effective range of

2. The type of defense the weapon
3. The number of personnel 2. The maximum range of the weapon
4. The number of weapons in the 3. The capabilities of the weapon
TOA 4. The sustain rate of fire of the
weapon
3-27. The reserve force serves what
purpose in the overall defensive 3-33. When engaging the enemy within the
plan? field of fire of a M60E machine
gun, you should adhere to which of
1. To keep the frontline companies the following rules?
supplied with ammo
2. To man the AT4s for the front 1. Engage the enemy when they
line reach established barriers
3. To man crew-served weapons 2. Engage the enemy as far out as
flanking the front lines possible
4. To add depth to the defense 3. Engage the enemy close enough
so the position of the machine
gun is not compromised
Learning Objective: Describe 4. Engage the enemy at the forward
the principles of the edge of the security area
fundamentals of defense.
3-34. Of the items listed below, which
one is classified as cover and
3-28. What factor virtually decides the concealment?
positioning of platoons in the
defense? 1. Rocks and shell craters
2. River banks and underbrush
1. Weapons 3. Woods and snowdrifts
2. Personnel 4. Ditches and quarries
3. Equipment
4. Terrain 3-35. Entanglements are primarily used
for what purpose?
3-29. The analysis of weather and terrain
is known by what acronym? 1. To prevent the enemy from
moving forward
1. METT-T 2. To stop the enemy in their
2. BAMUS tracks
3. KOCOA 3. To channel the enemy away from
4. FLOT the defensive perimeter
4. To channel the enemy into a
3-30. In comparison to aviation units, beaten zone
service support units require what
type of terrain for combat 3-36. What is the primary factor that
operations? HAMPERS the achievement of mutual
fire support?
1. Suitable terrain to construct
roads for moving supplies 1. A well-developed defense plan
2. High terrain 2. A well-developed fire plan
3. Low terrain 3. The widespread separation of
4. Dense terrain fire teams
4. The widespread separation of
3-31. When you are planning the defense, units
what consideration is so closely
related to fields of fire that they
are considered together?

1. Observation
2. Camouflage and concealment
3. Avenues of approach
4. Communication

15
 3-37. A convoy has traveled out or the 3-42. In a rifle company, what person has
range of their unit’s organic the primary duty for positioning
weapons. What action is taken to squads in the defense?
ensure the convoy is protected?
1. The company commander
1. A convoy should never travel 2. The platoon commander
out of range from their unit’s 3. The battalion commander
organic weapons 4. The operations officer
2. Before departing, the convoy
commander coordinates for 3-43. Compared to infantry units,
mutual support from adjacent mechanized units use what type of
units terrain to attack?
3. Before departing, the convoy
commander ensures there are 1. Rivers
enough weapons to defend the 2. Forest
convoy independently 3. Fields
4. Before departing, the convoy 4. Hills
commander informs the COC of
the areas the convoy will be 3-44. “Seek to fire on the enemy when he
out of range from the unit’s cannot fire on you and do not let
organic weapons the enemy fire on you when you
cannot fire on him.”
3-38. What direction from his position
must a platoon commander be 1. True
prepared to defend against? 2. False
1. All directions 3-45. Which of the following sectors of
2. The excepted direction of an fire, if any, is assigned to a
enemy attack squad leader?
3. Depends on the terrain
4. Depends on the weapons assigned 1. An individual sector of fire
to the platoon 2. A sector of fire that overlaps
a fire team
3-39. When a Seabee unit is attached to a 3. A sector of fire covering a
MAGTF, what element provides early flank of a fire team
warning of airborne attacks? 4. None
1. MEB 3-46. You should examine an assigned
2. CSSE sector of fire from what position?
3. MAW
4. GCE 1. The sitting position
2. The standing position
3-40. Of the items listed below, which 3. The prone position
one is NOT included in a 4. The freehand position
coordinated fire plan?

1. Naval gunfire
2. The battalion’s mortar crew
3. Tactical aviation support
4. Anti-personnel mines

Learning Objective: Organize

and position a squad in the
defense.

3-41. What primarily influences the

dispersion of squads in the
defense?

1. The terrain
2. The mission
3. Enemy nuclear capability
4. Mobility of opposing forces

16
 3-51. What is the firing mission for a
supplementary position?
1. To protect primary positions
2. To protect alternate positions
3. To protect against an attack
from an unexpected direction
4. A backup in case the primary
positions are neutralized

3-52. A total of how many PDFs may be

assigned to a weapon?

1. One
2. Two
3. Three
4. Four

Learning Objective: Organize

and position a fire team in
the defense.
Figure 3A.—Defensive firing positions.
3-53. What factor is used by the squad
leader and the fire team leader to
IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 3-47 THROUGH 3-48, show forward and lateral limits?
REFER TO FIGURE 3A.
1. Aiming stakes
3-47. What defensive firing position is 2. Terrain features
the alternate position? 3. T&E readings
4. Grid north
1. D
2. C 3-54. Within a fire team, what distance
3. B is used as the interval between
4. A fighting positions?

3-48. What defensive firing position is 1. 5-20 meters

the supplementary position? 2. 10-25 meters
3. 15-25 meters
1. D 4. 15-30 meters
2. C
3. B 3-55. What distance is used as the
4. A interval between single-fighting
positions?
3-49. Which of the following elements is
assigned to a alternate firing 1. 5 meters
position? 2. 10 meters
3. 15 meters
1. Individual 4. 20 meters
2. Squads
3. Fire teams 3-56. What distance is used as the
4. Crew-served weapons intervals between double-fighting
positions in open terrain?
3-50. What is the sector of fire for the
alternate firing position? 1. 5 meters
2. 10 meters
1. The supplementary position’s 3. 15 meters
sector of fire 4. 20 meters
2. The primary position’s sector
of fire
3. Setup as required
4. Depends on the enemies movement

17
 3-62. What is the purpose of the magnetic
north line on a fire plan sketch?

1. To show the direction of the

PDF for the automatic rifleman
2. To show the direction of the
FPL for the fire team
3. To show the direction the fire
team is facing
4. To show the direction of the
fire team leader

Figure 3B.—Fire team fire plan.

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 3-57 THROUGH 3-60,

REFER TO FIGURE 3B.

3-57. What letter identifies the symbol

for a rifleman?

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

3-58. What letter identifies the symbol

for the automatic rifleman?

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

3-59. What letter identifies the symbol

for the fire team leader?

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

3-60. What letter identifies the symbol

for the assistance automatic
rifleman?

1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

3-61. At what location is the fire team

leaders positioned within the fire
team?

1. To the left of the fire team

2. To the right of the fire team
3. In the center of the fire team
4. In back of the fire team

18
 ASSIGNMENT 4
Textbook Assignment: “Planning and Development of Defensive Tactics” and “Counter Ambush
Techniques,” pages 4-8 through 5-5.

4-6. Which of the following positions is

Learning Objective: Organize NOT included in a squad fire plan
and position a squad in the sketch?
defense.
1. Position of the fire teams
2. Position of on-call targets
4-1. What person assigns each squad a 3. PDF for automatic rifles
defensive mission? 4. Position of the company command
post
1. The company commander
2. The platoon commander
3. The squad leader Learning Objective: Organize
4. The company chief and position a platoon in the
defense.
4-2. Which of the following factors
dictates the effective placement of
fire teams in the defense? 4-7. What officer assigns a frontage to
a platoon?
1. Number of personnel in the fire
team 1. Commanding officer
2. Number of crew-served weapons 2. Company commander
assigned to the platoon 3. Operations officer
3. Number of M16s assigned to the 4. Intelligence officer
squad
4. Terrain 4-8. Other than the size of the company
battle area, what other factor
4-3. Which of the following weapons are dictates the frontage assigned to a
positioned before the positioning platoon?
of squads?
1. Personnel
1. Mortars 2. Weapons
2. AT4s 3. Terrain
3. Crew-served weapons 4. Weather
4. M203s
4-9. The depth of a platoon defense is
4-4. Normally, what person designates the distance between the squad’s
the general firing position for a primary positions and the reward
specific automatic weapon? extension of what other position?

1. Squad leader 1. Crew-served weapon positions

2. Platoon commander 2. Supplementary positions
3. Fire team leader 3. Alternate positions
4. Company commander 4. The company command post
position
4-5. What is the position of the squad
leader in relation to the fire 4-10. Which of the following areas is
team? important for the platoon commander
to know when a patrol is entering
1. To the rear and center of the that area?
fire teams
2. To the rear and left of the 1. Security area
fire teams 2. Defensive area
3. To the rear and right of the 3. Forward defense area
fire teams 4. Reserve area
4. In front of the fire teams

19
4-11. Which of the following types of 4-17. What task is normally done before
fire is used to cover a gap between establishing supplementary
adjacent platoons? positions?

1. Grazing fire 1. A
2. Plunging fire 2. B
3. Indirect fire 3. C
4. Direct fire 4. D

4-12. Which of the following information

is NOT included in a platoon fire Learning Objective: Determine
plan sketch? the best location for employ-
ing crew-served weapons and
1. On-call targets the role of each crew-served
2. Barriers weapon in the defense.
3. Location of listening posts
4. Location of the fire team
leader
4-13. What officer establishes the order A. M60E Machine Gun
of priorities for organizing the
platoon in the defense? B. .50 caliber Machine
Gun
1. Company commander
2. Commanding officer C. M19 Grenade
3. Operations officer Launcher
4. Supply officer
D. AT4 Antitank Weapon
A. Establish Security
Figure 4B.—Crew-served weapons.
B. Prepare Alternate
Positions IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 4-18 THROUGH 4-21,
REFER TO FIGURE 4B.
C. Prepare Fighting
Positions 4-18. What crew-served weapon can be used
for direct or indirect fire?
D. Assign Sectors of
Fire 1. A
2. B
3. C
Figure 4A.—Priority task list. 4. D

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 4-14 THROUGH 4-17, 4-19. What crew-served weapon provides
REFER TO FIGURE 4A. massive rapid fire for penetrating
lightly armored vehicles?
4-14. What task is performed as soon as
you clear fields of fire? 1. A
2. B
1. A 3. C
2. B 4. D
3. C
4. D 4-20. What crew-served weapon serves as
the basis for a FPF in the overall
4-15. What task should be performed defensive fire plan?
first?
1. A
1. A 2. B
2. B 3. C
3. C 4. D
4. D
4-21. What crew-served weapon is used
4-16. What task is performed as soon as primarily against armored personnel
you assign sectors of fire? carriers?

1. D 1. A
2. A 2. B
3. B 3. C
4. C 4. D

20
4-22. A machine gun squad consists of a 4-30. The final protective fire of a
total of how many machine gun mortar should be directed at least
teams? how many meters from the FEBA?

1. One 1. 100
2. Two 2. 60
3. Three 3. 50
4. Four 4. 40

4-23. A machine gun team consists of a 4-31. A company is requesting a fire

total of how many personnel? mission. What element of the
battalion should they contact?
1. One
2. Two 1. COC
3. Three 2. FSC
4. Four 3. FDC
4. BAS
4-24. Both machine guns of a squad are
positioned a minimum of how many 4-32. What element within the battalion
meters apart? approves all fire missions?

1. 20 1. COC
2. 25 2. FDC
3. 30 3. BAS
4. 35 4. FSC

4-25. Normally, a sector of fire for a 4-33. When you are firing a FPF without
machine gun does not exceed a total instructions, what is the rate of
of how many mils? fire for the first 2 minutes for a
mortar?
1. 800
2. 600 1. Ten rounds per minute
3. 500 2. Nine rounds per minute
4. 400 3. Eight rounds per minute
4. Five rounds per minute
4-26. A machine gun cannot be assigned
both a final protective line and a
principle direction of fire. Learning Objective: Explain
the procedures for preparing
1. True a range card and the importance
2. False of the range card.

4-27. Which of the following platoons 4-34. A total of how many range cards are
normally have positioned assault prepared for each machine gun
squads? position?

1. Reserve platoons 1. One

2. Weapons platoons 2. Two
3. Front-line platoons 3. Three
4. Supplementary platoons 4. Four

4-28. What means of communication does 4-35. During defensive coordination

the weapons platoon commander use planning, what weapon serves as the
to communicate with assault squads? base from which to build the
defense around?
1. Messenger
2. Radio 1. The M203
3. Landline 2. The AT4
4. Hand signals 3. The mortar
4. The machine gun
4-29. A single mortar is assigned what
area of coverage for a final 4-36. In preparing a range card, you
protective fire? should use what type of format?

1. 25 by 50 meters 1. Standard format

2. 100 by 100 meters 2. Battalion’s format
3. 30 by 30 meters 3. Universal format
4. 50 by 50 meters 4. Crew-served weapon format

21
 4-41. The machine gun symbol.

1. A
2. E
3. C
4. B

4-42. The north arrow symbol.

1. F
2. A
3. E
4. B

4-43. There are two methods used on a

range card to locate a gun position
positively. Which method uses a
single-solid line drawn from a
prominent terrain feature to the
gun position with several arrow
heads pointing in the direction of
the gun position?

1. The location grid coordinates

method
2. The magnetic orientation line
method
3. The ground positioning system
Figure 4C.—Range card symbols. method
4. The UTM method

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 4-37 THROUGH 4-42, 4-44. One degree is approximately equal
SELECT FROM FIGURE 4C THE PROPER RANGE to 17.7778 mils. An azimuth of 150
CARD SYMBOL. degrees is equal to how many mils.

4-37. The symbol for a target line. 1. 2,667 mils

2. 2,666 mils
1. A 3. 132 mils
2. E 4. 168 mils
3. F
4. B 4-45. Sector limits are drawn as broken
lines ending in arrow heads. When
4-38. The symbol for magnetic a weapon is assigned an FPL, how
orientation. many sector limit lines are drawn
on a range card?
1. E
2. B 1. One
3. F 2. Two
4. A 3. Three
4. Four
4-39. The symbol for grazing fire and
dead space. 4-46. Which of the following fire plans
is complied and used primarily as
1. B the company fire plan?
2. A
3. C 1. Squad leaders’ fire plan
4. D 2. Fire team leaders’ fire plan
3. Weapons platoon commanders’
4-40. The symbol for sector limits. fire plan
4. Platoon commanders’ fire plan
1. D
2. C
3. B
4. E

22
 4-53. During maneuvers executed by the
Learning Objective: Identify occupant squad of a vehicle, what
the importance of counter maneuver is carried out by the
ambush techniques. State the shotgun rider?
procedures for dismounting a
vehicle and preparing a vehicle for 1. Accompany the maneuvers
a convoy. executed by the occupant
2. Maneuver to protect the vehicle
and the driver.
4-47. Which of the following instructions 3. Remain seated in the vehicle
provide guidance for convoy 4. Maneuver to the rear of the
procedures? vehicle

1. COMSECONDNCB/COMTHIRDNCBINST 4-54. Which of the following personnel

5200 provide cover fire for the
2. COMSECONDNCB/COMTHIRDNCBINST debarkation of occupants of a
3122.1 vehicle that is halted in the
3. COMSECONDNCB/COMTHIRDNCBINST ambush killing area?
11200.1
4. COMSECONDNCB/COMTHIRDNCBINST 1. The squad leader
11200.11C 2. The fire team leader
3. The sentries
4-48. A common characteristic of an 4. The platoon commander
ambush is that an ambush will occur
in how many phases? 4-55. When traveling with a squad of a
convoy, the machine gun team is
1. One assigned what position in the
2. Two vehicle?
3. Three
4. Four 1. Facing the front of the vehicle
2. Facing outboard on the left
4-49. A total of how many sand bags is side of the vehicle
required to “harden” a 6 by 6 cargo 3. Facing outboard on the right
truck? side of the vehicle
4. Facing to the rear of the
1. 50 to 100 vehicle
2. 70 to 100
3. 100 to 150 4-56. What is the maximum number of
4. 100 to 200 people that should occupy the bed
of a hardened 6 by 6 truck?
4-50. When “hardening” the sides of a 6
by 6 cargo truck, you should stack 1. Ten
sandbags how many layers high? 2. Eleven
3. Twelve
1. Five 4. Thirteen
2. Two
3. Three 4-57. Which of the following convoy
4. Four vehicle positions is NEVER occupied
by the vehicle commander?
4-51. Which of the following personnel is
normally designated as a vehicle 1. The center vehicle
commander in a convoy? 2. The lead vehicle
3. The vehicle in front of the
1. Fire team leader rear vehicle
2. Squad leader 4. The vehicle in back of the lead
3. Platoon commander vehicle
4. Assistant platoon commander
4-58. Which of the following commanders
4-52. The shotgun rider for a vehicle in must attend the convoy commander’s
a convoy is normally armed with briefing?
what type of weapon?
1. Platoon commanders
1. M60E3 2. Weapons platoon commanders
2. AT4 3. Vehicle commanders
3. .50 cal 4. Commanding officer
4. M203

23
4-59. Which of the following commanders 4-63. What is the most effective
designates a second in command for counteraction from elements not in
the convoy? the killing zone of an ambush?

1. Vehicle commander 1. A flanking maneuver against the

2. Platoon commander enemy
3. Convoy commander 2. An immediate frontal assault
4. Commanding officer against the enemy
3. An immediate withdrawal to a
safe area
Learning Objective: Determine 4. An immediate call for an air
the most effective course of strike
action to take when a convoy
encounters enemy activity. 4-64. What is the best counter ambush
action for a armored vehicle, such
as a tank?
4-60. A vehicle is fired upon in the
killing zone. What action is taken 1. Move into the killing zone
by the driver? 2. Move to the flanks of the enemy
3. Move to the rear of the killing
1. Immediately halt the vehicle zone
and disembark 4. Move to the front of the
2. Immediately attempt to drive killing zone
through the killing zone
3. Immediately signal for help
4. Immediately inform the convoy
commander

4-61. A “hardened” vehicle is forced to

halt in the killing zone of an
ambush. What action is taken by
the occupants?

1. Remain with the vehicle at all

times
2. Immediately dismount the
vehicle
3. On the first perceptible
slackening of enemy fire,
dismount
4. Immediately inform the convoy
commander

4-62. A “soft” vehicle is forced to halt

in the killing zone of an ambush.
What action is taken by the
occupants?

1. Remain with the vehicle at all

times
2. Immediately dismount the
vehicle
3. On the first perceptible
slackening of enemy fire,
dismount
4. Immediately inform the convoy
commander

24
 ASSIGNMENT 5
Textbook Assignment: “Counter Ambush Techniques” and “CBR Decontamination,” pages 5-6
through 6-17.

5-5. Personnel should stand air guard

Learning Objective: Determine duty for what maximum time?
the most effective course of
action to take when a convoy 1. 15 minutes
encounters enemy activity. 2. 20 minutes
3. 30 minutes
4. 60 minutes
5-1. What course of action, if any, is
taken when vehicles and cargo must 5-6. What factor is the key to effective
be abandoned during a convoy? small-arms fire against aircraft?
1. Destroy all vehicles and cargo 1. The volume of small-arms fire
upon orders from the convoy 2. The accuracy of small-arms fire
commander 3. The position of the small-arms
2. Move on with the convoy and weapons in the convoy
leave all vehicles and cargo 4. Trying to shoot down an
intact attacking airplane with
3. Destroy all radios left behind small-arms weapons is fruitless
and move on with the convoy
4. None 5-7. Which of the following is NOT a
good tip for small-arms air
5-2. Which of the following guidelines defense?
is NOT effective in decreasing
damage by mines in convoy 1. Fire at the belly of an
operations? aircraft
2. Volume of fire is the key;
1. Follow the tracks of the everybody fires
vehicle in front 3. Lie on your back if caught in
2. Do not run over foreign the open so you can fire upon
objects, brush, or grass in the the aircraft
road 4. Mounted M-60s and M-2s should
3. When possible drive on the aim slightly above the nose of
shoulder of the road the aircraft for head-on
4. Watch local national traffic targets
and the reactions of people on
foot
A. Close column
5-3. What course of action is taken when
a convoy encounters sniper fire? B. Open column

1. Aggressive action C. Infiltration column

2. Passive action
3. Destroy the sniper with short- D. Disperse column
range fire
4. Stop all vehicles and locate
the sniper Figure 5A.—Column formations.

5-4. Normally, small-arms fire is not IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 5-8 THROUGH 5-13,
effective against an air attack REFER TO FIGURE 5A.
from an altitude equal to or
greater than how many meters? 5-8. What column formation offers an
advantage in that fewer vehicles
1. 100 are likely to be damaged from
2. 150 air-delivered rockets, cannons, or
3. 200 cluster bomb units?
4. 350
1. A
2. B
3. C
4. D

25
 5-9. What column formation prevents 5-15. During an air attack, the convoy
crowds from coming between the commander chooses the option to
convoy and disrupting the movement disperse the convoy. What is the
of the convoy? disadvantage of this option?

1. A 1. It is harder to communicate
2. B with the convoy
3. C 2. It is harder to call in a fire
4. D mission
3. The volume and density of the
5-10. What column formation provides the small-arms fire of the convoy
best passive defense against are reduced
hostile observation and attack? 4. Makes it easier for the enemy
pilot to detect the vehicles
1. A
2. B
3. C Learning Objective: Explain
4. D the three types of immediate
action drills and their
5-11. What column formation makes control importance.
more difficult for the convoy
commander to give orders?
5-16. What is the purpose of conducting
1. A immediate action drills?
2. B
3. C 1. They aid troops in reacting
4. D quickly and properly
2. They are a required PRCP skill
5-12. What column formation provides the 3. They are drills covering every
least active defense capability if contingency possible
individual or small groups of 4. They are drills that are
vehicles are attacked? stereotyped in nature

1. A 5-17. During a vehicle unloading drill,

2. B which of the following personnel
3. C provide a cover of fire while the
4. D occupants dismount?

5-13. What column formation has a 1. The vehicle commander

disadvantage in that, if attacked, 2. The grenadier
its defense is less effective 3. The assistant driver
because small-arms fire is less 4. The sentries
concentrated?
5-18. Which of the following drills is
1. A undertaken when a unit has sighted
2. B guerrillas but the guerrillas have
3. C not sighted the unit?
4. D
1. Vehicle unloading drill
5-14. During an air attack, the convoy 2. Freeze and hasty ambush drill
commander chooses the option to 3. Immediate assault drill
stop the convoy. What is the 4. Counter ambush drill
disadvantage of this option?
5-19. During a freeze and hasty ambush
1. It is harder for the pilot to drill, you should move to what side
see the convoy of the trail if the enemy is
2. It is harder to continue the traveling the same trail?
march
3. The volume and density of 1. Left
organic weapons fire are less 2. Right
than when the convoy is 3. Same side as the originator
dispersed spotting the enemy
4. The stopped convoy makes a good 4. Same side as the vehicle
target for enemy troops commander

26
5-20. During a freeze and hasty ambush 5-25. What person initiates an immediate
drill, in which a unit member other assault drill?
than the unit leader is fired upon,
what person initiates the ambush? 1. The first member of the unit
who sights the enemy
1. The unit leader 2. The unit leader
2. The individual being fired upon 3. The convoy commander
3. The individual closer to the 4. The vehicle commander
enemy
4. The vehicle commander 5-26. When only the foremost elements of
the unit are caught in the killing
zone, what type of attack is used
against the enemy?
A. Vehicle unloading
drill 1. Immediate frontal attack
2. Immediate flank attack
B. Freeze and hasty 3. Immediate encircling attack
ambush drill 4. Immediate call for fire
C. Immediate action
drill Lea rning Objective: Explain
the reasons for decontaminat ion
D. Counter ambush drill and the types and forms of
con tamination.
Figure 5B.—Immediate action drills.

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 5-21 THROUGH 5-24, 5-27. A battalion is required to have a

REFER TO FIGURE 5B. minimum of how many six-man teams
per company qualified to conduct
5-21. A tactic used during an unexpected decon operations?
encounter at close quarters.
1. One
1. A 2. Two
2. B 3. Three
3. C 4. Four
4. D
5-28. What are the three MAJOR forms that
5-22. The drill undertaken when the unit CBR contamination can be delivered?
has sighted guerrillas approaching
but has not yet been seen by them. 1. Fine dust, dust pollinated, or
powder
1. A 2. Mist, vapor, or rain
2. B 3. Dust pollinated, mist, or vapor
3. C 4. Solids, liquids, or gases
4. D
5-29. Generally, when a transfer or
5-23. The drill undertaken when the spread hazard exists, a vapor
entire unit is in the kill zone of hazard could also exist.
an ambush.
1. True
1. A 2. False
2. B
3. C 5-30. What MINIMUM protection is required
4. D if you are operating a vehicle that
has absorbed a nerve agent?
5-24. The drill undertaken when a vehicle
is forced to halt in the killing 1. Full MOPP gear
zone of an ambush and the occupants 2. A protective mask only
must debark. 3. A protective mask and gloves
4. Gloves only
1. A
2. B 5-31. For decon purposes, radiation can
3. C be thought of as existing in what
4. D state of matter?

1. Liquid
2. Solid
3. Gases
4. Vapor

27
5-32. Which of the following ranges does 5-33. The decon methods for biological
the AN/PDR-27 instrument provide agents are also effective for
for radioactivity detection? neutralizing or removing chemical
and radiological contamination.
1. Low range only
2. Medium range only 1. True
3. High range only 2. False
4. Low through high ranges
5-39. What are appropriate decon measures
5-33. Which of the following ranges does based on?
the AN/PDR-43 instrument provide
for detection of radioactivity? 1. The first hazard identified
2. The first chemical hazard
1. Low range identified
2. Medium range 3. The first radiological hazard
3. High range identified
4. Low through high ranges 4. After thoroughly identifying
all agent hazards
5-34. Using the “7-10 rule of thumb,” if
3 hours after a burst your 5-40. Within 30 days after the initial
radiation reading is 100 Centigray opening of the original protective
(cGy) (rad) per hour, then how many package, the chemical protective
hours after the burst can you overgarment (CPO) is good for a
expect a reading of about 10 (cGy)? total of how many hours in an
UNCONTAMINATED environment?
1. 14
2. 21 1. 120 hours
3. 30 2. 130 hours
4. 70 3. 140 hours
4. 150 hours
5-35. Negligible risk levels for
biological and chemical 5-41. What happens to an overgarment
contamination are contamination after it comes in contact with
that will cause mild incapacitation Pols?
among no more than what percent of
unprotected troops operating for 12 1. Overgarment must be replaced
continuous hours within 1 meter of 2. The time the overgarment is
a contaminated surface? good for is increased
3. The time the overgarment is
1. 5% good for is decreased
2. 10% 4. The overgarment must be cleaned
3. 15% immediately
4. 20%
5-42. When wearing a chemical protective
5-36. Which of the following measurements overgarment for a cumulative wear
for radiological contamination is time of 138 hours and the
considered a negligible risk level? environment becomes CONTAMINATED,
you may wear the suit for how many
1. .10 cGy or less additional hours?
2. .50 cgy or less
3. .40 cGy or less 1. 8
4. .33 cGy or less 2. 2
3. 6
5-37. Which of the following agents 4. 4
should you decontaminate first if
your unit is contaminated by a 5-43. Chemical protective overgarment
mixture of agents? provides protection in a
CONTAMINATED environment for what
1. Chemical agent maximum period of time?
2. Biological agent
3. Radiological agent 1. 8 hours
4. Biological and radiological 2. 2 hours
agents 3. 6 hours
4. 4 hours

28
5-44. The battle dress overgarment (BDO), 5-48. Of the four, which principle is
currently not in the battalion’s considered the most important?
TOA, provides protection for how
many hours after becoming 1. A
contaminated with liquid chemical 2. B
agents? 3. C
4. D
1. 12
2. 14 5-49. Which principle must be considered
3. 20 first before you consider any other
4. 24 principle?

1. A
Learning Objective: Identify 2. B
the four principles of DECON. 3. C
4. D

A. Decontaminate as Learning Objective:

soon as possible Differentiate the three levels
of DECON.
B. Decontaminate only
what is necessary
5-50. Which level of DECON aims at
C. Decontaminate as far sustaining operations, reducing the
forward as possible contact hazard, and limiting the
spread of contamination?
D. Decontaminate by
priority 1. Immediate DECON
2. Operational DECON
3. Thorough DECON
Figure 5C.—Principles of DECON. 4. Detailed equipment DECON

IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 5-45 THROUGH 5-49, 5-51. What level of DECON is designed to
REFER TO FIGURE 5C. reduce contamination on personnel,
equipment/material, and/or working
5-45. Which principle allows decon to areas to the lowest possible level
begin earlier and limits the spread (negligible risk)?
of contamination to other areas?
1. Operational DECON
1. A 2. Thorough DECON
2. B 3. Immediate DECON
3. C 4. Personnel wipe down
4. D
5-52. Which level of DECON includes skin
5-46. Which principle consists of DECON?
cleaning important items of
equipment first and the least 1. Thorough DECON
important items last? 2. Operational DECON
3. Operator’s spray down
1. A 4. Immediate DECON
2. B
3. C 5-53. Which level of DECON includes
4. D detailed troop DECON (DTD)?

5-47. Which principle emphasizes not to 1. Thorough DECON

waste precious resources by 2. Operational DECON
decontaminating everything? 3. Immediate DECON
4. Operator’s spray down
1. A
2. B 5-54. What level of DECON includes the
3. C DECON technique, vehicle wash down?
4. D
1. Immediate DECON
2. Operational DECON
3. Thorough DECON
4. Operator’s spray down

29
 5-62. The personal wipe down technique is
Learning Objective: Explain most effective when done within how
immediate DECON operations. many minutes of being contaminated?

1. 5
5-55. What person initiates immediate 2. 10
DECON? 3. 15
4. 20
1. Commanding officer
2. Platoon commander 5-63. What action should you take if a
3. Company commander chemical agent is globbed on your
4. The individual overgarment?

5-56. What is the PRIMARY purpose of the 1. Use your M2581 DECON kit
M291 DECON kit? 2. Use a stick to scrape off the
chemical agent
1. To decon exposed skin 3. Use your M291 DECON kit
2. To decon equipment 4. Use your M280DKIE DECON kit
3. To decon weapons
4. To decon MOPP gear 5-64. You should not make an attempt to
decontaminate chemical agents on
5-57. What is the PRIMARY purpose of the your overgarment.
M280DKIE DECON kit?
1. True
1. To decon vehicles 2. False
2. To decon exposed skin
3. To decon individual equipment 5-65. Operator’s spray down is most
4. To decon personnel effective when done within how many
minutes after personal wipe down?
5-58. DECON kits M291/M258A1 are used to
remove what type of contamination? 1. 10
2. 15
1. Chemical contamination 3. 20
2. Biological contamination 4. 25
3. Chemical and biological
contamination 5-66. After scrubbing DS2 onto a CHEMICAL
4. Radiological contamination contaminated surface, how long
should you wait before washing it
5-59. Which of the following is a method off?
for removing radiological
contamination? 1. 30 minutes
2. 20 minutes
1. Apply soap and water 3. 15 minutes
2. The M2581A DECON kit 4. 5 minutes
3. The M291 DECON kit
4. The M280DKIE DECON kit 5-67. Do not mix DS2 and STB because
mixing the two will cause a fire.
5-60. You should initiate the skin decon
technique within how many minutes 1. True
of becoming contaminated? 2. False

1. 1
2. 5
3. 10
4. 15

5-61. At what temperature does the

solutions in the M258A1 decon kit
become unstable?
1. 100°F
2. 110°F
3. 115°F
4. 120°F

30
 ASSIGNMENT 6
Textbook Assignment: “CBR Decontamination,” pages 6-17 through 6-50.

6-5. What DECON asset is a brush

Learning Objective: Explain apparatus for scrubbing with DS2?
the preparation, execution,
and site clearance phases of 1. A
operational decon. 2. B
3. C
4. D
6-1. What is the primary objective of
operational decon? 6-6. What DECON asset is a fire
extinguisher-like device for
1. To reduce the level of spraying DS2?
contamination to regenerate
needed combat power 1. B
2. To eliminate contamination 2. C
3. To decontaminate the TOA 3. D
4. To decontaminate personnel 4. E

6-7. During operational decon, what two

A. M-17 operations are accomplished in
conjunction?
B. ICAD
1. Vehicle wash down and personnel
C. M13 wipe down
2. Operator’s spray down and
D. M11 personnel wipe down
3. Skin decontamination and
E. CAM vehicle wash down
4. MOPP gear exchange and vehicle
wash down
Figure 6A.—Decon assets.
6-8. When planning a water source for an
IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 6-2 THROUGH 6-6, operational decon site, you should
REFER TO FIGURE 6A. consider how many gallons of water
per vehicle?
6-2. What DECON asset is used as a
monitor for chemical agents? 1. 50 to 100
2. 100 to 150
1. A 3. 150 to 200
2. B 4. 200 to 250
3. C
4. E 6-9. A M12A1 PDDA can be used to
transport a total of how many
6-3. What DECON asset is used for gallons of water to a decon site?
detecting individual chemical
agents? 1. 200
2. 250
1. A 3. 300
2. B 4. 450
3. D
4. E 6-10 The M17 LDS collapsible bladder
must be filled up on site. It can
6-4. What DECON asset contains a hold a total of how many gallons of
personnel shower assembly? water?
1. A 1. 500
2. B 2. 1,000
3. C 3. 1,500
4. D 4. 2,000

31
6-11. The MOPP gear exchange site is 6-18. If the mission permits, vehicle
located how many meters upwind from wash down is most effective during
the vehicle wash down site? what time period?

1. 50 1. 1 to 6 hours after
2. 75 contamination
3. 100 2. 7 to 8 hours after
4. 150 contamination
3. 9 to 12 hours after
6-12. What are the two operational decon contamination
techniques? 4. 14 to 16 hours after
contamination
1. Vehicle wash down and MOPP gear
exchange
2. Skin decontamination and Learning Objective: Explain
vehicle wash down the steps for performing MOPP
3. Operator’s spray down and gear exchange.
personnel wipe down
4. Vehicle wash down and personnel
wipe down 6-19. MOPP gear exchange is performed by
units that are what size?
6-13. Personnel in wheeled vehicles
should take what action before 1. A company or a platoon
vehicle wash down? 2. A squad or a crew
3. A fire team
1. Assist in security operations 4. Individually
2. Dismount the vehicle to avoid
getting wet 6-20. Normally, a total of how many steps
3. Stay in the vehicle to ensure is used during MOPP gear exchange?
all decontaminants are removed
4. Assist the decon team 1. Five
2. Six
6-14. For planning purposes, the vehicle 3. Seven
wash down site will process how 4. Eight
many vehicles every 2 to 3 minutes?
A. Step 1, decon gear
1. One
2. Two B. Step 2, decon mask
3. Three and gloves
4. Four
C. Step 5, don new
6-15. During operational decon how much overgarment
time is planned for MOPP gear
exchange? D. Step 4, remove
overboots and gloves
1. 10 minutes
2. 15 minutes E. Step 6, don overboots
3. 20 minutes and gloves
4. 30 minutes

6-16. What is done before vehicle wash

down to increase decon Figure 6B.—Steps for MOPP gear exchange.
effectiveness of vehicles?
IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS 6-21 THROUGH 6-25,
1. MOPP gear exchange REFER TO FIGURE 6B.
2. Skin decontamination
3. Personnel wipe down 6-21. What step involves a buddy opening
4. Operator’s spray down a smock package without touching
the inside?
6-17. What is the range of the water
pressure that is needed to remove 1. A
most gross contamination? 2. B
3. C
1. 30 to 60 psi 4. D
2. 40 to 100 psi
3. 50 to 120 psi
4. 60 to 120 psi

32
6-22. What step involves rubbing a dry 6-29. When using a chemical agent monitor
mix of STB into personnel gear, (CAM), you should ensure there is
such as your weapon and helmet? sufficient distance between
vehicles for what reason?
1. A
2. B 1. For safety reasons
3. C 2. Allows the crew room to
4. D dismount
3. Vapor drift can give a false
6-23. What step involves the member to reading
remove the inner and outer gloves 4. Enables you to work around the
without touching the outside of the vehicles
package?
6-30. In preparation for detailed
1. B equipment decon (DED), crews should
2. C concentrate on removing mud and
3. D debris from what area of a vehicle?
4. E
1. The top of the vehicle
6-24. What step involves a buddy to decon 2. The sides of vehicle
a member’s mask? 3. The engine compartment
4. The undercarriage
1. A
2. B 6-31. Before DED operations, what should
3. D you do with materials on a vehicle
4. E that can absorb liquid
contamination?
6-25. What step involves the member to
untie or cut the laces on their 1. Remove and place at a
boots? collection point
2. Secure firmly to the vehicle
1. A 3. Remove and discard
2. B 4. Remove and bury
3. C
4. D 6-32. What group of individuals are sent
thorough the DTD first?
6-26. Techniques used for MOPP gear
exchange enables troops to unmask. 1. Squad leaders
2. Platoon commanders
1. True 3. Company commanders
2. False 4. Assistant vehicle drivers

6-33. What action is considered major in

Learning Objective: Identify conducting detailed troop decon
the four phases of thorough (DED)?
decon.
1. Removing contamination from
vehicles and gear
6-27. A typical vehicle requires how many 2. Removing contaminated MOPP
gallons of water during detailed gear, including the protective
equipment decon? mask
3. Removing contaminated MOPP gear
1. 300 only
2. 400 4. Removing contaminated
3. 500 protective mask only
4. 600
6-34. What organization is responsible
6-28. What is the primary purpose of the for setting up, operating, and
predecon staging area? closing the DTD in a thorough decon
site?
1. To prepare the contaminated
unit for DED and DTD operations 1. The decon team
2. To enable the contaminated unit 2. The contaminated unit
to unmask 3. The contaminated platoon
3. To prepare the contaminated 4. The contaminated squad
unit for MOPP gear exchange
4. To prepare the contaminated
unit for DTD

33
6-35. A total of how many stations are 6-41. Which of the following station is
included in a detailed troop decon notified if a punctured boot is
(DTD)? found at DTD station 2?

1. 6 1. Station 5
2. 7 2. Station 2
3. 8 3. Station 3
4. 9 4. Station 4

6-36. Station 1 of DTD requires how many 6-42. How many decon team members are
pounds of STB to be mixed with 20 needed to decontaminate the
gallons of hot water? overboots and gloves at DTD
station 4?
1. 50
2. 100 1. One
3. 150 2. Two
4. 200 3. Three
4. Four
6-37. A poncho divided in half and placed
at DTD station 1 serves what 6-43. What is the purpose of the liquid
purpose? contamination control line (LCL)?

1. A place for the removal of 1. Holding location for

contaminated gear contaminated troops
2. A place for the removal of 2. Holding location for
uncontaminated gear uncontaminated troops
3. A place for the removal of 3. Drop-off point for contaminated
decontaminated boots gear
4. As a contamination control line 4. To separate the “dirty” from
(CCL). the “clean” areas

6-38. DTD station 1 is located a minimum 6-44. What is one of the primary
of 3 meters from all other stations functions of DTD station 5?
for what reason?
1. To decon hood and gloves
1. To avoid congestion 2. To decon boots
2. To ensure a true reading on 3. To decon the protective mask
detection equipment 4. To treat any personnel
3. To ensure troops have enough suffering from chemical agents
space to perform MOPP gear symptoms
exchange
4. To ensure troops have enough 6-45. What is the primary function of DTD
space to perform immediate station 6?
decon
1. To decon MOPP gear
6-39. What decon activity is conducted at 2. To decon boots
DTD station 2? 3. Mask removal
4. To decon the protective mask
1. Overboot and hood decon
2. MOPP gear decon 6-46. After ten masks have been dipped in
3. Mask decon a sanitizing solution at station 6,
4. Mask and gloves decon you should take what action?

6-40. Ten people have been processed 1. Discard the solution into a
through the shuffle pit at DTD sump
station 2. What should you do to 2. Add some more solution
the mix in the shuffle pit? 3. Add some calcium hypochlorite
4. Add some STB to the solution
1. Bury the STB mix
2. Replace the STB mix 6-47. What are the three contamination
3. Add more STB to the mix control lines that are established
4. Remove half of the STB mix when setting up for detailed troop
decon?

1. CCL, LCL, and VCL

2. DTD, DED, and ID
3. LCD, CLL, and VCL
4. LCL, DCL, and VCL

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6-48. Which of the companies is normally 6-55. Once interior decon is completed at
responsible for the setup of the DED station 3, the driver of the
DED site? vehicle proceeds to what station?

1. Alpha 1. DTD, station 1

2. Bravo 2. DED, station 2
3. Charlie 3. DTD, station 3
4. Hotel 4. DED, station 4

6-49. For radiological contamination, 6-56. What person moves a vehicle from
which of the following station DED station 3 to DED station 4?
numbers is not used during DED
operations? 1. A decon team member
2. A crew member
1. 1 3. A assistant driver
2. 2 4. The POIC
3. 3
4. 4 6-57. To turn 5 gallons of water into a
10 percent DECON solution, you must
6-50. At what temperature should hot, add how many pounds of STB or HTH?
soapy water be heated?
1. 2.5 lb
1. 80°F to 100°F 2. 3.5 lb
2. 100°F to 120°F 3. 4.5 lb
3. 120°F to 140°F 4. 5.5 lb
4. 140°F to 160°F
6-58. What is the primary task of DED
6-51. The runoff from station 1 of station 5?
detailed equipment decon (DED) is
contaminated and must be treated as 1. To apply DS2 to a vehicle
hazardous. 2. To apply STB to a vehicle
3. To remove HTH from a vehicle
1. True 4. To remove DS2 from a vehicle
2. False
6-59. Significant chemical contamination
6-52. In order to limit the work load of is found on a vehicle at DED
each member of the scrubbing team station 5. This vehicle should be
at DED station 2, a vehicle is recycled to what DED station?
divided into how many parts for
scrubbing with DS2? 1. 1
2. 2
1. One 3. 3
2. Two 4. 4
3. Three
4. Four
Learning Objective: Identify
6-53. After a vehicle is applied with the different detailed
DS2, how many minutes should the equipment decon site
vehicle remain at DED station 3? configurations.

1. 15
2. 20 6-60. The optimum setup of a DED for a
3. 30 M12A1 PDDA-equipped decon platoon
4. 60 can process what maximum number of
vehicles per hour?
6-54. When, if ever, should you mix HTH
or STB with DS2? 1. Five
2. Six
1. When heavy contamination is 3. Seven
removed 4. Eight
2. When radiological contamination
is removed
3. When mud is removed
4. NEVER

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6-61. To avoid heat casualties during DED
operations, you should consider
what factor as top priority?

1. The work/rest cycles

2. The number of personnel
available
3. The weather
4. The combat situation

6-62. When closing the thorough decon

site, the decon team closes what
site first?

1. DTD
2. DED
3. Station 1
4. Station 5
6-63. What report is used by the COC to
report the closure of a DTD?

1. SALUTE
2. SPOT
3. NBC-4
4. NBC-5

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