B3J3778 Rifle Platoon in The Defense

UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS
THE BASIC SCHOOL

MARINE CORPS TRAINING COMMAND
CAMP BARRETT, VIRGINIA 22134-5019
RIFLE PLATOON
IN THE DEFENSE
B3J3778
STUDENT HANDOUT
Basic Officer Course

B3J3778 Rifle Platoon in the Defense
Rifle Platoon in the Defense
Introduction The Marine Corps’ fighting doctrine is based on rapid, flexible,

and opportunistic maneuver. As stated in MCDP 1,
Warfighting, “Maneuver warfare is a warfighting philosophy that
seeks to shatter the enemy’s cohesion through a variety of
rapid, focused, and unexpected actions which create a
turbulent and rapidly deteriorating situation with which the
enemy cannot cope.” Capitalizing on violence and shock
effect, we must aggressively hunt to identify enemy gaps,
continually seeking an opportunity for decisive action. When it
arrives, “…we must exploit it fully, committing every ounce of
combat power we can muster and pushing ourselves to the
limits of exhaustion.” (MCDP 1, pg.75)
Maneuver is not mutually exclusive to offensive
operations. In fact, the offense and the defense cannot exist
separately. The offense cannot exist indefinitely. At some
point, a unit will reach their culminating point, or be ordered into
the defense to facilitate decisive action elsewhere. Conversely,
an effective defense must have offensive characteristics,
striking when the enemy is most vulnerable. An effective unit is
able to leverage the advantages of the defense, which is the
more efficient form of combat, and the offense, which is the
more decisive form of combat.
Importance This student handout pertains equally to all Marine leaders,

whether their duties entail combat service support (CSS),
combat support, or combat arms. It applies tactics at the basic
platoon level in the defense, which are used as building blocks
for a larger unit. All Marines face tactical decisions in battle
regardless of their roles. Tactical leaders must develop and
hone their warfighting skills through study and practice.
In This Lesson This lesson will give you a framework of how to make sound
tactical decisions and begin to understand the tactical decision-
making process in the defense at the platoon level.
This lesson covers the following topics:
2 Basic Officer Course

Topic Page
Characteristics of the Defense 6
Types of Defensive Operations 10
Defensive Methods 11
Sequence of the Defense 14
Planning/Preparation Phase 14
Execution Phase 31
Consolidation/Reorganization Phase 40
Summary 41
Annex A: Defensive Op Order Example 42
Annex B: Fire Plan Sketch Construction 45
References 50
Glossary of Terms and Acronyms 51
Notes 52

Rifle Platoon in the Defense (Continued)
Learning Objectives Terminal Learning Objectives

TBS-DEF-2101 Given a unit, an assigned area or sector from
which to defend, and an order from higher, conduct defensive
operations to accomplish the mission.
TBS-DEF-1008Given a unit, an assigned area or sector, from

which to defend, a mission, and an order lead a unit in
defensive operations to accomplish the mission and meet the
commander’s intent.
TBS-DEF-1007 Given subordinate unit fire plan sketches,

crew-served weapons range cards, a map, and an overlay,
prepare a platoon fire plan overlay, to report the unit’s
defensive plan to higher, coordinate with adjacent units, or
facilitate relief in place.
TBS-DEF-2203 Given a unit, a barrier plan, and materials

needed to emplace obstacles, direct obstacle emplacement,
to support the scheme of maneuver.
Enabling Learning Objectives

TBS-DEF-1007c Given a subordinate unit fire plan sketchers,
crew-served weapons range cards, a map, and an overlay.
Illustrate sectors of fire without omission.
TBS-DEF-1007d Given a subordinate unit fire plan sketches,

crew-served weapons range cards, a map, and an overlay,
illustrate tactical control measures without omission.
TBS-DEF-1007g Given a sector of fire, as part of a unit,

create a fire plan sketch to depict your units area of
responsibility.
TBS-DEF-1008b Given a mission, a commander’s intent, and

a defensive position, select command post location to
facilitate command and control.

TBS-DEF-1008c Given a mission, a commander’s intent, and

a defensive position, plan for counter attack to accomplish the
mission.
TBS-DEF-1008d Given an order from higher, a mental

estimate of the situation, and a defensive scheme of
maneuver develop a security plan to support the ground
scheme of maneuver.
TBS-DEF-1008h Given a unit, an assigned area or sector

from which to defend, supervise the emplacement of sector
bags, in accordance with MCWP 3-11.2 Marine Rifle Squad.
TBS-DEF-2101f Given a defensive operations order, a unit,

and a simulated combat environment, employ a least
engaged unit to protect a flank and accomplish the mission.
TBS-DEF-2101g Given a defensive operations order, a unit,

and a simulated combat environment, establish a security
plan for the defense that supports the mission.
TBS-DEF-2102k Given a mission and commander’s intent,

develop a mental estimate of the situation using METT-TC to
accomplish the mission.
TBS-DEF-2102l Given a mission with a commander’s intent

and mental estimate of the situation, integrate the principles
of war in tactical planning to accomplish the mission.

Characteristics of the Defense
Purpose: According to MCDP 1, a defense is “A coordinated effort to defeat an attack

by an opposing force and prevent it from achieving its objectives.” Additionally,
defensive operations can force the enemy to reach his culminating point without
meeting his objectives, allowing friendly forces to gain and maintain the initiative. At the
rifle platoon level, the “coordination of effort” is the responsibility of the platoon
commander. Defensive operations may also be conducted to:
 Gain time.
 Retain key terrain or deny a vital area to the enemy.
 Counter surprise action by the enemy.
 Economize force, allowing combat power to be concentrated elsewhere.
 Increase the enemy’s vulnerability by forcing him to concentrate forces.
 Attrite or fix the enemy as a prelude to offensive operations.
 Prepare to resume the offensive.
Fundamentals of the Defense

The platoon commander must consider the fundamentals of the defense when planning,
preparing, and conducting defensive operations. The ten fundamentals described
below should not be used as a checklist nor should they be thought of as hard and fast
rules to be adhered to without exception. Rather, these concepts should help guide the
commander’s thinking and tactical planning process prior to engagement with the
enemy with the platoon commander understanding that he may need to sacrifice one
fundamental in order to maximize or enhance the utility of another.
Knowledge of the Enemy: A defender’s options are dictated in large part by

what the attacker does. Therefore, thorough knowledge of the enemy’s
capabilities, operational concepts, and habits is essential to a successful
defense. A thorough tactical planning process, specifically enemy analysis,
will provided valuable information on enemy assembly areas, assault
positions, routes, firing positions for supporting arms units, axes of advance,
and the area most advantageous for the enemy’s main effort. When the
defender can accurately anticipate the enemy’s actions, he can trap the
attacker within the defense and establish conditions for resumption of
offensive operations.
Maneuver: Maneuver is as important in the defense as it is in the offense.

While steadfastness and the tenacious holding of key terrain are essential in
the defense, the defender must not become immobile. The defender must
maintain freedom of maneuver. Maneuver is essential in generating the
offensive power fundamental to a successful defense. Maneuver is essential
throughout the defensive battlespace, both forward of and within the
engagement area. The platoon commander must ensure that elements of the
platoon are able to maneuver in depth, taking advantage of terrain and
tactical developments to concentrate, disperse, and occupy positions from
which they can bring more effective fire to bear on the enemy.

Characteristics of the Defense – Fundamentals (Continued)
Preparation: The defender usually organizes the defense on terrain of his

choosing. While the attacker can choose the specific time and point of attack,
the defender, through the proper selection of terrain and reinforcing
obstacles, can direct the energy of the enemy’s attack into terrain which is
advantageous to the defender. The defender must take advantage of this by
making the most thorough preparations that time allows. Preparations should
begin as early as possible and be continuous. The platoon commander must
be aware that these preparations may be made under constant observation
by the enemy. The platoon commander should develop a security plan which
utilizes patrols and LP/OPs to deceive the enemy as to the exact location of
the main defenses.
a. Hasty Defense: A hasty defense is a defense normally organized

while in contact with the enemy or when contact is imminent and time
available for organization is limited. Reconnaissance of the defensive
area must be curtailed and the defense assumed directly from the
current positions of units. Depending on the situation, it may be
necessary for the platoon commander to initiate a hasty attack to seize
terrain suitable to his defense. Or, the platoon commander may
employ patrols to delay the enemy while deploying the bulk of his force
to more suitable defensive terrain. A hasty defense is improved
continuously as the situation permits and may eventually become a
deliberate defense.
b. Deliberate Defense: A deliberate defense is a defense normally
organized when out of contact with the enemy or when contact with the
enemy is not imminent and time for organization is available. A
deliberate defense normally includes fortifications, strongpoints,
extensive use of obstacles, and fully integrated fires. The platoon
commander normally is free to make a detailed reconnaissance of the
area to be defended, select the terrain on which to defend, and decide
the best tactical deployment of forces. The instruction at The Basic
School will focus more heavily on the deliberate defense.
Regardless of whether the defense is hasty or deliberate, it is incumbent upon

the defender to utilize all the assets at his disposal to make all necessary
preparations to allow for a successful defense. This means that the defender
needs to understand that the defense is a logistically heavy operation which may
require him to bring tools, obstacles, etc into the fight. Further, this means that
the defender has to take the time he is given to ensure that all of his assets are
working together towards a coordinated, integrated and synchronized defense.

Use of Terrain: The defender must exploit every aspect of terrain and
weather to his advantage. In the defense, as in the attack, terrain is valuable
only if a force gains advantage from its possession or control. In developing
the engagement area, the platoon commander takes account of key terrain
and visualizes all possible enemy avenues of approach. The platoon
commander seeks to defend on terrain that maximizes effective fire, cover,
concealment, movement, and surprise.
Obstacle integration multiplies the effects and capabilities of firepower. The

combination of firepower and obstacles causes the enemy to conform to the
platoon commander’s scheme of maneuver. Obstacles also magnify the
effects of firepower by increasing target acquisition time and creating
exploitable vulnerabilities. When not properly integrated into the defensive
scheme of maneuver, obstacles become either useless or a hindrance to the
defender himself as they inhibit friendly maneuver while having a negligible
effect on enemy maneuver.
Surprise: The defense, no less than the offense, must achieve surprise. To
preserve combat power, especially against a superior enemy, the defender
must employ every means to mislead the enemy as to the true location of his
positions and as to the strength and disposition of forces. The platoon
commander must consider the use of patrols, early warning, and reverse
slopes, maximizing available cover, concealment, camouflage, and dummy
positions. The best defensive terrain will likely also be apparent to an
attacking enemy, who will maneuver against it with caution and will mass fires
on it. When possible, the platoon commander should select terrain that has
good defensive qualities but is not conspicuous.
Mass and Concentration: The defender cannot defend everywhere in

strength. The platoon commander must concentrate forces and fires at the
decisive place if he is to succeed, while exercising economy of force in less
critical areas. Some portions may rely more heavily on fires and obstacles
rather than manpower. Also, a thorough patrolling effort can be employed
along less likely avenues of approach to help reduce risks. The most
important consideration to bear in mind when discussing this fundamental is
the vital link between mass and concentration and combat power. Massing
fires into non-decisive areas or engagements is wasteful. The successful
defender must determine where and when he believes the critical battle will
take place and he must ensure that he is superior to the enemy at that time
and place.

The platoon commander designates the main effort based on the anticipation
of the enemy’s main effort. The defensive scheme of maneuver takes
advantage of terrain essential to the integrity of the defense. Since the
platoon commander cannot determine the exact enemy course of action, he
must be prepared to shift the main effort. The platoon commander masses
fires and concentrates combat power repeatedly to wrest the initiative from
the attacking enemy. The platoon commander must be able to do this
swiftly, since periods that allow him to deploy superior combat power will be
brief. He may have to surrender some ground to gain the time necessary to
concentrate forces.
Flexibility: While the platoon commander utilizes tactical cunning and a

thorough tactical planning process to determine the enemy’s course of action
in advance, the plan must be flexible enough to deal with different enemy
courses of action. The platoon commander must received detailed, accurate,
and effective reporting from patrols and LP/OPs in order to determine when to
adjust the plan based on enemy actions. Flexibility is created by:
 Detailed planning for contingencies (The platoon commander must be

able to visualize the engagement before it occurs).
 Designating supplementary and alternate positions.
 Properly planning for the use of the least engaged unit.
 Designing counterattack plans.
 Preparing to assume the offense.
 Planning on-call fire support.
 Rehearsing employment of the least engaged unit, as well as
movement between primary, alternate, and supplementary positions.
Offensive Action: Since the offense is the decisive form of combat, the
platoon commander seeks every opportunity to take offensive action. A
defensive platoon commander can do this by launching spoiling attacks on
enemy assembly areas; utilizing patrols to harass, distract, deceive, and
damage the enemy forward of the engagement area; and conducting
counterattacks in the engagement area to destroy enemy penetrations. The
platoon commander must prepare to change to the offense at the earliest
feasible opportunity.
Mutual Support: Mutual support strengthens any position. It is that support

which units render each other. In the defense we seek to achieve mutual
support by ensuring that no attacker can assault any of our positions without
coming under the fires of another position, by ensuring that, if we were to lose
one position, we do not lose the ability to affect that sector of fire and finally,
we seek to ensure that we are able to cover the withdrawal or counterattack
to/ from our primary positions. The degree to which we achieve mutual
support depends on the terrain, range of weapons, and visibility. Ideally, the

frontage a force must defend is directly related to its ability to provide mutual
support between its units. To neutralize mutually supporting positions, an
attacker must disperse fire away from his main objective thus weakening his
overall attack. Mutual support is essential at all levels.
Defense in Depth: Defense in depth is the positioning of mutually supporting

defensive positions throughout the defensive battlespace to absorb and
progressively weaken an enemy attack. It provides maneuver space within
the defensive area for the maneuver of subordinate units against the enemy’s
main effort. It is necessary to:
 Disrupt the momentum of the attack and prevent a breakthrough.

 Force the enemy into the engagement area.
 Allow the platoon commander time to determine the enemy’s main
effort and counter it.
 Force the enemy to commit his force before a non-decisive point.
 Disperse the effects of enemy fire.
The greater the enemy’s combat power and the wider the frontage held, the
greater the required depth of the defense. Defense in depth is achieved by –:
 Engaging the enemy at the earliest opportunity with patrols and

LP/OPs.
 Employing weapons at maximum effective range.
 Using blocking positions, obstacles, and supplementary positions
throughout the engagement area.
 Planning for decisive use of the least engaged unit and fire support
units at the decisive moment in the engagement.
Types of Defensive Operations
Types of Defensive Operations. Every defense contains two complementary

characteristics: a static element and a dynamic element. The two types of defensive
operations use varying degrees of both to ultimately achieve the mission’s objectives.
a. Mobile Defense: In a mobile defense, the bulk of the force is held as a mobile
striking force with strict economy applied to dedicated positional supporting
efforts designed to canalize, delay, and disrupt the enemy’s attack. In this
case, the static positions help control the depth and breadth of enemy
penetrations and ensure retention of ground from which to launch
counterattacks (MCDP 1-0). The striking force, normally a mobile reserve, is
the defensive main effort which ultimately destroys the enemy through

Types of Defensive Operations (Continued)
b. counterattack. This type of defensive operation is normally conducted by a

division sized force or larger.
c. Area Defense: An area defense orients on retention of terrain by absorbing

the enemy in an interlocking series of positions and destroying him
largely by fires. Mutual support and positions in depth force the enemy to
expose his force in the attack to each position (MCWP 3-1). In this instance,
dynamic elements include patrols, intelligence units, and reserve forces to
cover gaps among defensive positions, reinforcing those positions as
necessary and counterattacking as directed (MCDP 1-0). These tactics will
be covered in more depth throughout the class. While at The Basic School,
the lessons will be concerned with position defenses.
d. Regardless of the type, a key characteristic of a sound defense is the ability

of the commander to aggressively seek opportunities to take offensive action
and wrest the initiative from the enemy (MCDP 1-0).
MOBILE DEFENSE POSITION DEFENSE
Defensive Methods
Defensive Techniques.
Through a thorough estimate of the situation and tactical analysis, the commander will
determine the most effective means of establishing a position defense. The following
are several defensive methods the commander has at his/her disposal given the
mission, enemy situation, and available terrain. Regardless of how the commander

Defensive Methods (Continued)
ultimately decides to defend, the ten fundamentals of the defense should be used as a
guide to defeat the enemy and accomplish the mission.
a. Battle Position: A battle position is a defense position oriented on the most likely
enemy avenue of approach from which a unit may defend or attack. It can be
used to deny or delay the enemy the use of certain terrain or an avenue of
approach. Because a battle position is oriented on a likely enemy avenue of
approach, it will generally be linear in nature so that the defender is able to mass
his fires and maximize effects. It is important to note that a battle position may
often be part of a larger defense which may or may not also be linear in nature.
Further it is important to note that a battle position is assigned to the commander

by a higher headquarters and signifies that the higher headquarters has already
conducted the tactical planning and has given that specific location since it
supports the larger scheme of maneuver. The size of a battle position can vary
with the size of the unit assigned.
i. Blocking Position: A battle position designed to deny the enemy

access to a given area or to prevent his advance in a given
direction.
Enemy
●●●
● ● ●
● ● ●

b. Strongpoint: A fortified defensive position designed to deny the enemy certain

terrain as well as the use of an avenue of approach. It differs from a battle
position in that it is designed to be occupied for an extended period of time. It is
established on critical terrain and must be held for the defense to succeed. A
strongpoint is organized for all-around defense and should have sufficient
supplies and ammunition to continue to fight even if surrounded or cut off from
resupply. A strongpoint will typically contain significant combat service support
assets and will generally be utilized at the battalion level and above.
●●●
●
●
CSS
●
c. Perimeter: A perimeter defense is oriented in all directions. A unit can use this
defensive technique to accomplish a specific mission, such as defend friendly
infrastructure, or to provide immediate self-protection, such as during resupply
operations when all-around security is required. Weapons employment
considerations are similar to those used when conducting a strongpoint. The
commander establishes a perimeter defense when the unit must hold critical
terrain, or when it must defend itself in areas where the defense is not tied in with
adjacent units. Within a perimeter defense, a subordinate unit may utilize
another defensive technique as part of the larger unit’s perimeter defense. The
graphic below illustrates how a platoon perimeter defense can be comprised of
three squad sized battle positions.
●
●

d. Reverse-Slope: A reverse slope is any slope which descends away from the
enemy. A reverse slope defense is organized so that the main defensive
positions are masked from enemy observation and direct fire by a topographical
crest. A reverse slope aids the defender in bringing massed surprised fires to
bear against an attacking enemy and may be particularly useful if the enemy
possesses weapons with greater range and/or accuracy than the defender.
While the crest is not occupied in strength, control of the crest by fire and
employment of obstacles is key to success. When utilizing a reverse slope, the
defender will typically utilize the battle position technique, with the
preponderance of fires oriented towards the likely enemy avenue of approach
(i.e., up the ascending slope).
Sequence of the Defense
A. Planning/Preparation Phase:
a. Estimate of the Situation: As with all operations, platoon defensive
operations begin with the tactical planning process. More specifically,
a detailed estimate of the situation will facilitate your situational
awareness as a platoon commander. The analysis tools and
METT-TC for defensive operations are no different from any other
planning operations. It is important to understand our desired endstate
for the planning and preparation phases of defensive operations: a
detailed engagement area, integrating direct fires, indirect fires, and
obstacles, to maximize the effects of our fires against the enemy.
The tactical planning process should allow the platoon commander to

envision the defensive battle, facilitating the synchronization of all
assets during the fight. The platoon commander is able to think
through the way in which the battle will occur, as well as the ways in
which engagement criteria for all weapon systems will be tied to
specific tactical control measures and enemy dispositions. Integrating
the effects of fires, coupled with synchronizing the timing of the

Sequence of the Defense (Continued)
engagement, allows the platoon commander to dictate the terms of the

defensive battle.
After completing the initial tactical planning process, the platoon

commander should have the following:
 Detailed EMLCOA.
 Thorough CG-CV-Exploitation plan.
 Tentative Scheme of Maneuver.
 Publish Warning Order.
 Plan for Leader’s Reconnaissance / Patrol Order.
b. Developing an Engagement Area:

The engagement area (EA) is the location where the platoon
commander intends to destroy an enemy force using the massed fires
of all available weapons and supporting assets. The location of the
engagement area is based on a detailed and thorough estimate of the
situation and leaders reconnaissance by the platoon commander. The
EA facilitates focus, mass and concentration, as well as economy of
force in areas outside of it. The success of the engagement with the
enemy depends on how effectively the platoon commander can
integrate and synchronize the obstacle plan, indirect fire plan, and
direct fire plan with one another and the terrain in the engagement
area to achieve the platoon’s purpose.

Sequence of the Defense – Planning/Preparation Phase
The following steps can be used for developing an EA:
1. Identify all likely enemy avenues of approach:

Beginning with the initial estimate of the situation, the platoon
commander conducts terrain analysis during the map
reconnaissance and physical leader’s reconnaissance. The
platoon commander must identify key aspects of terrain which can
be utilized by the enemy to gain a position of advantage. During
this step, the platoon commander identifies the possible enemy
avenues of approach without choosing a specific one.
1. ID all likely EN Ave of Approach ●●●
AA 2
+200
AA 1
2. Determine likely enemy schemes of maneuver:

Once the possible enemy routes towards an area are developed,
the platoon commander uses them to develop likely enemy
schemes of maneuver. The platoon commander identifies the ways
in which the enemy can use the terrain along the respective routes
to their advantage in order to accomplish their overall goals. The
enemy’s equipment, order of battle, weapons employment
considerations, and capabilities at this time on the battlefield assist
the leader during this step.

Sequence of the Defense – Planning/Preparation Phase (Continued)
This analysis enables the platoon commander to look at the

advantages and disadvantages associated with each possible
enemy scheme of maneuver.
The final element of this step is developing the enemy’s most

likely course of action (EMLCOA), i.e. what the enemy WILL
do.
Looking at the following questions can assist during this portion of

developing an EA:
 Determine the enemy’s form of maneuver. How does the
enemy plan on using terrain to his advantage?
 How will the enemy use his reconnaissance elements?
 How will the enemy attempt to infiltrate?
 How does the enemy plan on using fires to support his
maneuver?
 How does the enemy plan on negotiating our obstacle plan?
 What is the enemy’s rate of movement?
 How will the enemy react to our scheme of maneuver?
●●●
2. Determine likely EN SOMs SOM 2
- Sqd secures crossing site to E.
SOM 1
- 2 Sqd online frontal assault with 1
- Sqd secures +200, observes Sqd SBF on flank.
fires on BP. Plt(-) crosses bridge
-3 Sqd Online frontal assault on
BP.
+200

3. Determine where to kill the enemy

The EA’s location can be determined once the EMLCOA is
developed (see above step). The platoon commander seeks to
visualize the enemy’s approach and engagement, allowing him/her
to select the location which allows for the most advantageous use
of terrain by the platoon.
Once the engagement area is defined, the platoon commander can

begin to identify control measures which will assist in executing the
direct and indirect fire plans. Identifying sectors of fire, target
reference points (TRPs), and trigger lines can facilitate control and
distribution of fires in the defense. The platoon commander can
also determine which weapons to use between certain TRPs to
maximize their effectiveness.
3B. SOM 2
3. Determine where to kill the EN
1. Enemy is concealed while crossing river
3A. SOM 1
2. Speed while crossing river decreased due to
1. Enemy has elevated lack of bridge at crossing site.
overwatch while crossing
3. Control more difficult due to dispersed units.
bridge. Fires covering squads’
movement
2. Speed across river due to
bridge.
3. Increased control due to
EA Reaper
close proximity of units
3C. EMLCOA=SOM 1
SOM 2 = Possible alternate
BUILD EA REAPER enemy avenue of approach
+200

4. Emplace weapon systems

The platoon’s weapon systems must be placed to maximize their
capabilities and weaponeering effects, as well as the terrain’s
effects on the employment of the weapons. The exact location of
crew served weapons and squad sectors of fire are determined
based on maximizing the weapons effects in the engagement area.
The platoon commander should consider (not an exhaustive list):
 M240B assigned FPL or PDF mission and the locations of the

fighting positions.
 Location of squad sectors of fire.
 Hot and Cold Positions for rockets.
 Integrating TRPs and trigger lines with the location of
weapons.
 Location of alternate and supplementary sectors of fire to
cover possible alternate enemy avenues of approach.
4. Emplace weapons
TL BLUE
A2
A3 A5
A1
A4
TL WHITE
A. Develop sqd sectors of fire which support EA Reaper.

B. Emplace MGs – Designate PDF or FPL which support
defensive SOM.
B6 C. Designate TRPs (A1-A5, B6) which will help mass /
distribute fires at appropriate locations within EA Reaper.
+200
D. Designate trigger lines (Red,White,Blue) based on
enemy avenue of approach to help synchronization of
defensive SOM.
E. Develop supplementary position sectors of fire to cover
TL RED possible alternate enemy avenue of approach.
F. Alternate positions designated.

5. Plan and integrate obstacles

In the defense, tactical obstacles must be integrated with the direct
and indirect fire plans to be successful. The platoon commander
must understand the desired effects of each obstacle, facilitating
optimum emplacement to complement the overall plan for the
engagement area. The platoon commander should conduct
detailed coordination with engineers during the planning phase,
leader’s recon, as well as once obstacle construction begins.
Obstacles multiply the effects of fires. Obstacle effects will be
discussed later in this student handout.
The platoon commander must ensure that the platoon obstacle plan
follows the company commander’s intent for the overall obstacle
plan.
5. Plan / Integrate Obstacles

X-
X-
X-
X-
C X-
X- X X-X-X-X-X
X- X-X- -X-X-X-X -X
X- X-X- -X-X -X
X - X- X-X- X-X- X-X
X X-X- -
X-X- X-X- -X
XXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
X-X- -X
X XX XXXX X-X-
X X-X
XXX X -
XXXX
XXXX TL BLUE
A XXXX
XXX
X X
XX
X=
XX =X
X
XX
XX XX
X
=X
XXX
X= X XX
XX A2 =X XX
XX
XXX
= XX
X XX
X XX
X
XX
XX
XX A3 A5
A1 XX
XX
X XX A4
X XX TL WHITE
X= XX
X =X XX
=X XX
B XX X
XXXXXXXX Tactical
X-X-X-X Protective
XX=XX=XX Supplementary
-Obstacles should be placed based on
B6 their desired effect.
+200 -A. Tactical wire is emplaced to

achieve desired effect
-B. Supplementary wire emplaced to
disguise desired tactical wire effects.
TL RED - C. Protective wire emplaced around
positions.

6. Plan and integrate indirect fires (organic / non-organic)
Indirect fires must be fully integrated and synchronized with the

direct fire plan and obstacle plan. The platoon commander must
develop the purpose for his fire support plan, as well as:
 Determine the location of indirect fire targets which will best
support the intent of the engagement area.
 Determine the location of the observer for each target,
ensuring that every observer can effectively communicate with
the fire agency in a timely manner.
 Obtain accurate target location.
 Register appropriate targets.
 Plan and register FPF. Location of FPF must be integrated
with obstacles and machine gun FPLs.
6. Plan/Integrate IDF assets

X-
X-
X-
X-
X-
X- X-X X-X-X-X-X-X-X
X- X-X- -X
X- X-X-
-X-X-X-X -X
X - X-X- X-X- X-X
- X X-X-X -
X-X X -X-X -X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXX -X-X -X
XX XXXXX -X-X X-X
-
XX X
XXXX
XXXX TL BLUE
XXXX
XXX
204 X
AE5
X
X
X=
X
XX =X
XXX
XX
=X XX XX
X= XX XX
XXX
XX A2
XX= XX
XX
=
XXX
XX
XX XX
AE5202
XX
XX
XX A3 A5
A1 XX
XX
X
X X A4
=X XX TL WHITE
=XX XX
X XX
=X XX AE5203
XX X
B6 -AE5201: Suppress IOT disrupt approach.
+200 -AE5202: Suppress En main body IOT isolate

advance party in EA
AE5201
-AE5203: Suppress En recon elements IOT
allow patrols to break-contact
TL RED - AE5204: FPF for defense, from Co 60mm
mortar section

7. Conduct EA rehearsal
The purpose of the rehearsal is to ensure that all Marines

understand the plan, specifically the ways in which each unit and
Marine are integrated. All Marines must understand the TRPs
associated with their sectors, as well as the trigger lines which
initiate their fires. Proper execution of the integration and
synchronization of the fire plan ensures that the maximum effect of
all weapon systems and obstacles are applied to the enemy in the
engagement area. This can be done utilizing a terrain model and
Rehearsal of Concepts (ROC) drills during the planning/preparation
phase.
c. Direct Fire Planning:
A defense’s strength lies in the proper utilization of time during

preparation to ensure effective use of terrain and maximizing weapons
effects in the engagement area. Direct fire planning should assist in
effectively distributing and integrating fires at all levels in the platoon.
 Employment Considerations: The platoon commander must

ensure that all weapons systems are being employed to
maximize their effectiveness within their respective capabilities.
For example, M203s should be used to cover dead space within
fire team’s sectors of fire while IARs are assigned to likely
enemy avenues of approach within the sector.
 Sectors of Fire: The platoon commander establishes sectors of
fire in order to translate the concept of the engagement area
into manageable portions for the rifle squads and crew-served
weapons. Squad sectors of fire should overlap to avoid gaps in
coverage. The platoon commander assigns sectors of fire
based on the tasks given to subordinates in the operation order.
The platoon’s main effort squad should be assigned a sector of
fire which will enable it to accomplish the platoon’s assigned
mission while the supporting efforts assist in facilitating the main
effort. At the platoon level, the main effort squad will normally
have a sector of fire in the middle of the platoon position.

Once the platoon commander has distributed his forces and

assigned squads sectors of fire, the squad leaders must divide
their sectors into fire team sectors of fire. The squad leader
should emplace the main effort fire team first during occupation,
due to the fact that the main effort is the squad leader’s bid for
accomplishing the mission. Within the fire team, the IAR should
be emplaced first on the most likely enemy avenue of approach.
The remainder of the fire team will be emplaced around the IAR,
ensuring adequate coverage of the sector.
The squad leader inspects his Marines sectors continuously to
ensure they meet the platoon commander’s intent.
The fire team is the smallest unit which gets assigned a sector
of fire. Buddy pairs DO NOT get assigned a sector of fire. The
fire team sector of fire ensures adequate coverage of the
security in the event of casualties, as well as when executing
the defensive priorities of work.
Fire Team Sectors of Fire
Fire Team will cover same sector of fire

SE1 ME
SE2 KEY
Sqd Sector
PDF
FT Sector
190
170
180
195
190 175 170
180
195
 Principal Directions of Fire: IAR and M240B MMG can be

assigned principal directions of fire to cover likely enemy
avenues of approach. The location of PDFs must be integrated
into the platoon commander’s overall defensive scheme of
maneuver.

 Final Protective Lines: Machine guns may be assigned a FPL

mission in the defense when the platoon commander desires to
achieve grazing fire across the defense’s frontage. The FPL is
utilized in concert with PDF’s when the platoon commander
believes his defense is in imminent danger of being overrun.
(Refer to B3N4478 Machine Gun Employment).
PDF and FPL
 Target Reference Points: Easily recognizable points on the

ground (either natural or man-made) used to initiate, distribute,
and control fires. Fire team and squad leaders must all
understand their respective TRPs to ensure proper distribution
of fires.
 Trigger Lines: A designated linear feature (selected along
identifiable terrain) in an engagement area used to commence
massed fires at a predetermined range. Trigger lines assist in
synchronizing the defensive plan to maximize weapons effects
in the engagement area. Units and weapon systems should
understand which trigger line is used to commence their
respective fires. These tactical control measures, both the
trigger lines and the target reference points, may be naturally
occurring or they may be marked by the defender. What matters
most is that these tactical control measures are universally
understood and provide a common frame of reference for the
defending unit.

 Engagement Criteria: Normally associated with trigger lines or

specific enemy elements, engagement criteria allows Marines to
engage enemy targets at the proper time in accordance with the
platoon commander’s overall scheme of maneuver. Simplified
engagement criteria tells Marines WHEN to engage. It
facilitates decentralized execution and proper synchronization to
maximize weapons effects in the engagement area. This
control measure also assists in concealing friendly assets, such
as machine guns, until the decisive time and place in the
defensive scheme of maneuver despite enemy reconnaissance
techniques
 Target Precedence: When engagement criteria is met by
multiple targets simultaneously, target precedence determines
the order in which targets should be engaged. Each weapon
system is given target precedence in accordance with its
capabilities. Another control measure facilitating decentralized
execution, the platoon commander should develop target
precedence which maximizes weapons effects and which will
most quickly disrupt the enemy’s scheme of maneuver. While
engagement criteria tells Marines WHEN to engage, target
precedence tells Marines WHAT to engage.
d. Fire Support Planning (Refer to B2C2797 Fire Support Planning)
Platoon defensive operations require detailed and thorough fire
support planning. Indirect fires must be fully integrated with the
obstacle and direct fire plans to ensure overlapping fires which
complement one another and achieve the desired effects. Defensive
fire support can be divided into three categories:
 Long Range Fires:
The platoon commander seeks to use long range fires to
engage the enemy forward of the engagement area. These
fires are developed to create confusion and cause the enemy to
deploy early. The disruptive effects of long range fires should
begin to cause the enemy to bend to our will and pick a course
of action which is favorable to the friendly scheme of maneuver.
Long range fires also support security patrols and LP/OPs which
are operating forward of and adjacent to the platoon’s
engagement area. Indirect fire asset range, employment
considerations, observer identification, and communications
architecture are all considerations which the platoon
commander must take into account while supporting the
patrolling effort. The platoon commander must also have a plan
for battle handover of fires from the patrolling elements when
the enemy begins their final assault.

 Close In Fires:
Close in fires are used to target the enemy in the engagement

area prior to reaching the trigger for final protective fires. These
massed fires should canalize and slow the enemy, as well as
disrupt enemy breaching elements. Targets can be planned on
the likely enemy avenue of approach, potential enemy over
watch and support by fire positions, as well as targets which
support the platoon commander’s counterattack plan. Close in
fires must be completely integrated with the obstacle plan and
synchronized with the direct fire plan in order to maximize their
effectiveness and the casualties, which they produce.
 Final Protective Fire (FPF):
The Final Protective Fires are prearranged barriers of fire

designed to protect friendly troops by impeding enemy
movement across defense lines or areas. They are coordinated
with other fires and with natural and artificial obstacles. Final
protective lines are positioned to cover gaps and dead spaces in
the final protective fires of the machineguns. Normally, these
fires are planned to cover dangerous avenues of approach into
the battle area and break up enemy assaults against friendly
positions. They take priority over all other fire missions. Artillery
and mortar final protective fires are fired on order of the
company commander whose battle are is protected by them.
When delivered, they are fired continuously at maximum rate
until ordered to discontinue. The final protective fire is
registered.
When firing the FPF, the enemy should be fixed, or at least be

significantly slowed, by the obstacle plan. This will ensure
maximum enemy casualties in the engagement area. The
overall final protective fire for the defense encompasses all
direct fire weapons and indirect fire assets which have the
platoon as first on the priority of fires. The decision to fire the
FPF is made by the platoon commander and must be tied to a
specific trigger line.
The figure on the next page indicates the widths of final

protective fires for various weapons and units.

Final Protective Fires Indirect Target Dimensions

Width of FPF
Weapon Unit (ECR) Length of FPF (# of tubes X ECR)
60mm Mortar Squad 30 meters 30 meters
60mm Mortar Section 30 meters 90 meters
81mm Mortar Squad 35 meters 35 meters
81mm Mortar Section 35 meters 140 meters
81mm Mortar Platoon 35 meters 280 meters
155mm Howitzer Battery 50 meters 300 meters
e. Obstacle Planning:
The platoon commander must understand obstacle effects in order to

ensure all obstacles are fully integrated with the platoon defensive
plan. Tactical obstacles and fires manipulate the enemy in a way that
supports the commander’s intent and scheme of maneuver. The four
tactical obstacle effects are:
 Disrupt: These obstacles cause the enemy to break up

formation and temp, interrupt the sequence of their attack, and
cause the enemy to commit breaching assets early.
 Turn: Obstacles which divert an enemy formation toward an
avenue of approach which facilitates the platoon’s defensive
scheme of maneuver.
 Fix: In this effect, obstacles and fires strive to slow the enemy
within the engagement area.
 Block: These obstacles stop the enemy along a specific avenue
of approach and/or prevent the enemy from passing through the
engagement area.
Obstacle effects drive integration within the engagement area, help to

focus crew served weapons and rifle squads’ fires, focus the obstacle
effort, and multiply the effects of firepower within the engagement area
(MCWP 3-17). During the planning phase, the platoon commander
should focus on determining which obstacle effects he/she wants at
specific locations on the battlefield, not on specific obstacle
construction.

By providing the attached engineer support with the overall

commander’s intent and the desired obstacle effects in relation
to the engagement area, the platoon commander can facilitate
decentralized execution, accomplishing concurrent tasks, as well as
engineer logistics planning. Engineer attachments can also conduct
reconnaissance with security from the platoon to provide the
commander with information on the best location for obstacle to
achieve the desired effect.
Obstacles must also take into account the platoon commander’s

counterattack plans. While the obstacle plan seeks to limit the
enemy’s ability to maneuver within the engagement area, the platoon
commander must ensure that the obstacle plan does not inhibit friendly
schemes of maneuver.
The two categories of obstacles are existing and reinforcing. Existing

obstacles include natural and cultural obstacles, while reinforcing
obstacles include examples such as mines, wire, early warning
devices, ditches, and log cribs.
Wire obstacles are classified in three categories:
 Protective: Wire obstacles which are designed to protect

friendly fighting positions. They are designed to disrupt the
enemy’s final assault and should be placed just outside of hand
grenade range from the enemy.
 Tactical: These wire obstacles are constructed to achieve the
desired obstacle effect for a given location. For example, wire
obstacles may be constructed forward of the engagement area
to turn the enemy into the engagement area. Wire obstacles
can also be designed to fix the enemy in the engagement area
in front of machine gun FPLs and/or PDFs.
 Supplementary: Supplementary wire obstacles are designed to
conceal tactical wire obstacles. These obstacles prevent the
enemy from determining the platoon commander’s desired
obstacle effects before they come under to effects of the
platoon’s fires.
(For specific wire construction, see MCWP 3-17A Engineer

Field Data)
The principals of obstacle employment should be applied at all times

during the planning, preparation, and execution phases of the defense.
(For more on principals of obstacle employment, refer to B3L4038
Engineers in the Offense and Defense)

f. Offensive planning in the defense – Flexibility:
While the defense is the stronger form of combat due to the defenders’
ability to choose the ground from which to defend, prepare an
engagement area, and utilize terrain to his advantage, the defender
must actively seek opportunities for offensive action. The platoon
commander plans for flexibility in the defense, maintaining the ability to
react to the enemy’s scheme of maneuver. Flexibility in the defense is
accomplished in several ways.
Types of Positions:
Primary Position: The primary position is the best available position for
an individual or crew served weapon to accomplish the assigned
mission. When the platoon occupies the defensive position, the
primary positions are first to be occupied.
Alternate Position: Alternate positions are located so that individuals
and crew-served weapons can continue to accomplish the assigned
mission when the primary position becomes untenable or unsuited for
carrying out the mission. These are normally located behind the
primary positions.
Supplementary Position: These positions are prepared to guard
against attack from directions other than those from which the main
attack is expected, such as the flanks. A supplementary position is a
secondary position and does not cover the same sector of fire as the
primary and alternate positions.
ALTERNATE
SUPPLEMENTARY
Integration of Fires and Obstacles
PRIMARY

Least engaged unit:
Company level and above units utilize a reserve. At the platoon level,
the least engage unit allows the platoon commander to incorporate
offensive action in the scheme of maneuver once the enemy has
committed his force in the engagement area. The least engaged unit
is the unit which is under minimal enemy influence when the
engagement begins based on their placement in the platoon’s position.
The least engaged unit can move to supplementary positions to protect
the platoon’s flank, or conduct a counterattack based on the
commander’s plan.
While the platoon commander can plan for the employment of the least
engaged unit, it cannot be tasked to a unit in the platoon operation
order. The enemy determines which element is the least engaged unit
in the defense. During the planning phase, the commander must
develop an employment plan for the least engaged unit and ensure
that all squads know their respective responsibilities should they be
designated as the least engaged unit.
g. Leaders’ Reconnaissance:
The platoon commander conducts his/her leader’s reconnaissance to

validate (confirm or deny) the assumptions made about the enemy and
terrain during his/her estimate of the situation, as well as to put the
measures in place to facilitate a smooth occupation. The platoon
commander must maximize the efficiency of the leader’s
reconnaissance due to the time compressed environment on the
battlefield. The platoon commander develops a priority of
reconnaissance prior to conducting the recon. This prioritized list of
tasks provides focus to the reconnaissance element and assists in
maximizing the recon’s efficiency. The number one priority for a
defensive leader’s reconnaissance is to identify/confirm the
engagement area, where the platoon commander plans on killing
the enemy. All other aspects of the defense will be based on the
specific selection of an engagement area.
The platoon commander issues an order to all Marines going on the

leader’s recon patrol. At a minimum, this order needs to include
EMLCOA, the scheme of maneuver for the patrol, the fire support plan,
immediate action drills, priorities of reconnaissance, security plan for
patrol will platoon commander is gathering recon information, lost
Marine plan, and casualty evacuation plan. The senior Marine
remaining with the main body of the platoon, most likely the platoon
sergeant, should also be at the order and completely understand the

patrol’s plan. This will enable the main body to support the patrol
should the leader’s recon come under fire.
The platoon commander leaves a five point contingency plan
(GOTWA) with the platoon sergeant prior to departing on the
reconnaissance (refer to B2H3317, Patrolling Operations).
A sample priority of reconnaissance is listed below (This list is meant

to be used as a guide and is not all inclusive):
1. Identify / confirm the enemy’s most likely avenue of approach and

terrain which maximizes the weapons employment of the platoon.
This identifies the location of the engagement area.
2. Visualize the ways in which the engagement area can be sub-
divided into squad sectors of fire. Identify the locations of the
squads which facilitate the above the described sectors.
3. Identify crew-served weapons locations. The location of machine
guns in the defense should maximize the effects of the weapon
system. Machine guns effectiveness can also be increased by
integrating the weapons effects with the obstacle plan. (Refer to
B3N4478 Machine Gun Employment)
4. Mark the sectors of fire and squad locations, ensuring the squads’
representatives on the patrol understand the location and
weapons employment considerations from the platoon
commander.
5. Confirm and/or refine occupation plan, marking designated
release points.
6. Identify command post location. The location should allow the
platoon commander to effectively command and control the
defense during contact with the enemy.
7. Emplace or leave behind LP/OP(s) to report on situation and
assist in providing security for the platoon during occupation.
ENDSTATE: The leader’s reconnaissance should validate and/or

update the platoon commander’s estimate of the situation, leading to
the identification of the engagement area, and identify control
measures which will facilitate a seamless transition to the defense
during occupation.
h. Issue the Order

The platoon commander conveys his plan to his subordinates through
the operations order. The platoon commander must determine to
issue the order before or after the leaders’ reconnaissance.

Sequence of the Defense – Execution Phase
B. Execution Phase
Once the initial planning and preparation have been conducted, the platoon
can move to its’ defense and begin executing its’ defensive scheme of
maneuver.. Defensive operations are LABOR INTENSIVE and require
effective use of time to maximize the defender’s advantages prior to the
engagement with the enemy.
a. Occupation of the position: The platoon commander utilizes

occupation methods in order to facilitate control while the platoon
moves into position. Also, a poorly planned and orchestrated
occupation will make the platoon vulnerable to enemy attack due to a
low security posture. There are three techniques which can be used to
occupy a position:
Crow’s Foot: This technique utilized squad and fire team release point
to move units into position while the units are oriented in the direction
in the enemy. The advantage of the Crow’s foot is the forward security
posture which each element maintains during occupation, allowing for
immediate reaction to premature enemy contact. However, due to the
multiple release points, this technique is more difficult to control and
demands that unit leaders at every level know the exact location of all
release points. Using guides and marking release points can increase
the control when using this method.

Sequence of the Defense – Execution Phase (Continued)
Bent L: This technique allows the platoon to remain centrally located

throughout the occupation of the position. Utilizing an anchor point,
the platoon moves in a column until the location of primary positions,
then turns perpendicular to the direction of enemy approach and
moves into position. The bent L technique increases the direct control
by the platoon commander. However, the platoon is more vulnerable
to attack until all elements have reached their primary positions.
Combination: The combination technique uses a hybrid of both

previous techniques to achieve a balance between control and
security. Release points are identified until a certain point where the
units move into position using the bent L.
The platoon commander must choose the occupation technique, which

facilitates the best control and deployability based on the enemy
situation and terrain.

b. Sectors of Fire and Position development:

Once the primary positions have been occupied, the platoon
commander, along with the squad leaders, should confirm the sectors
of fire developed during the leader’s reconnaissance. Once confirmed,
all fire teams and above can begin to develop the positions which
cover their respective sectors of fire. At the individual level during an
enemy attack, the maintenance of sectors of fire is adhered to through
sectors bags. Sector bags are seen in the diagram below. Sector bag
construction will be covered in more depth at the Defensive Tactical
Exercise Without Troops (TEWT).
Base Bags (3) - Bags are listed in order of emplacement.
E - Do not overfill bags.
N 1 2 - Make sure bags 4-7 align with your field of fire
E (Shoot an Azimuth).
M 3 Space for
Bipods
-
- Continually improve position.
Y
M16 Configuration (Top)IAR Configuration (Top)
Traverse Limited by
Traverse Limited by Barrel Contact w/ Bags
Barrel Contact w/ Bags
Space for Bipods
7 4 1 256 7 4 1 2 56
3 3
Fighting positions enable the defender to capitalize on preparation

time, maximizing cover from enemy weapons’ effects. A skirmishers
trench and two man fighting position can be seen in the diagrams
below. Their construction will be covered in more depth at the
defensive TEWT.
Skirmisher’s Trench Two-Man Fighting Position

c. Security Plan:
Security must be maintained at all times when conducting operations.

In the defense, the security plan not only ensures that the platoon is
ready when the enemy attacks. It also facilitates the offensive action
of the platoon in the defense. There are several aspects of the
security plan which together help in conducting successful defensive
operations.
 Alert Status: The alert status determines what percentage of

the unit is manning their weapons in the primary positions in the
defense. A platoon should never go below 25% security at any
time, and should ensure that all squad automatic weapons
and/or larger machine guns are manned. Upon occupation, the
platoon should remain at 100% security until the platoon
commander decides to begin the priorities of work. The alert
status should be driven by the platoon commander’s analysis of
the enemy, specifically likelihood of enemy attack. The platoon
commander must be constantly updating his METT-TC to
determine with the increase or diminish the alert status. It
facilitates the accomplishment of priorities of work, the patrolling
plan, and the rest plan due to the fact that it frees marines from
security responsibilities.
 Stand-To: During stand-to, all Marines are in full equipment

with their weapons systems in their primary positions. Leaders
at all levels should keep movement to a minimum. The platoon
commander should designate brevity codes to signal stand-to
and must ensure a timely transition from the priorities of work to
stand to. The platoon commander can take the platoon to
stand-to any time he/she determines the platoon is vulnerable to
enemy observation/attack, or at pre-determined times. Most
units go to stand to 30 minutes prior to and after sunrise and
sunset, along with departure and re-entry of friendly patrols.
 LP/OPs: A listening post / observation post (LP/OP) is a

location from which Marines can observe enemy movement,
report to the platoon commander over appropriate
communications assets, and/or call for and adjust indirect fire on
enemy units. LP/OPs help to add depth to the defensive battle-
space and help to update the platoon commander’s estimate of
the situation with regard to specific enemy courses of action.
The location of LP/OPs must be de-conflicted with the platoon’s
direct and indirect fire plans and the Marines involved must
have detailed knowledge of contingencies when enemy contact
is made.

LP/OPs are normally used to confirm or deny the enemy’s

approach along pre-determined routes known by the platoon
into the engagement area.
 Patrols: A detachment of ground or air forces sent out for the

purpose of gathering information or carrying out destructive,
harassing, mopping up, or security missions against the enemy.
In the defense, patrols provide the platoon commander with

timely information on the enemy while denying the enemy the
ability to gather information on the platoon’s position. Platoons
can investigate areas of interest, emplace LP/OPs, and conduct
economy of force operations forward of and to the flanks of the
engagement area. Patrols are normally used by the platoon
commander on routes and areas other than those he/she
believes will be most likely used by the enemy. Patrols can be
used to notify the platoon commander that the enemy has
adopted a different scheme of maneuver than the one planned.
The platoon’s patrolling effort adds considerable depth to the
defensive battlespace and helps to maintain the initiative during
defensive operations.
d. Priorities of Work/ Timeline/ Concurrent Planning:
In the defense, the platoon commander must capitalize on the

preparation time allowed. When we are planning the tasks we will
assign to our subordinates, we always need to keep in mind that our
actions should be based on the enemy’s most likely course of action
and that we will never have enough time or personnel to accomplish all
that we want to accomplish. For that reason it is imperative that the
platoon commander constantly prioritizes and reprioritizes his priorities
of work as he updates his METT-TC- the ever-changing situation on
the ground.
There are numerous tasks, which must be accomplished in order for

the platoon commander to effectively prepare for enemy contact.
Priorities of work are a list of tasks associated with a timeline that state
the order of accomplishment for every Marine in the defense. At the
most basic level, the priorities of work begin with SAFE and continue
on utilizing every opportunity for position improvement until the
defensive engagement. A sample priorities of work is provided below:
 Assign sectors of fire and emplace machine guns on likely

enemy avenues of approach. Begin sector bag construction.
 Emplace LP/OP covering most likely enemy avenue of
approach for the platoon’s defense.

 Verify crew-served weapons sectors of fire, specifically their

assigned missions of FPL or PDF. Once verified, begin
entrenching positions.
 Verify sectors of fire for all other weapons and emplace sector
bags.
 Begin patrol operations.
 Prepare range cards and fire plan sketches.
 Construct primary positions.
 Clear fields of fire for all positions and continue entrenching
primary positions until supporting efforts have skirmisher’s
trenches.
 Establish and register final protective fires.
 Construct supplementary positions on flanks by supporting
efforts. Develop skirmisher’s trenches.
 Establish and disseminate TRPs, trigger lines, etc.
 Once supplementary positions are at skirmisher trench depth,
continue primary position construction.
 Emplace early warning devices on enemy avenues of approach
not covered by LP/OP.
 Lay comm. wire and field phones. Bury communication wire.
 Establish rest plan.
 Construct alternate positions to skirmisher trench depth.
 Rehearse least engaged unit movement to supplementary
positions.
 Continue supplementary position construction until positions are
chest deep.
 Rehearse counterattack and other contingency plans.
The platoon commander expresses the priorities of work by marrying

them to a timeline. The timeline is centered around occupation time,
facilitating flexibility within the plan. An example is shown below:
 X : Occupation of position
 X + 15: Initial SAFE conducted. Sector bags begun.
 X + 30: LP/OP emplaced on likely enemy avenue of approach.
 X + 35: CSWs sectors, FPLs, and PDFs verified and confirmed.
Position construction begun.
 X + 50: Primary position sectors verified.
 X + 60: 1st patrol departs
 X + 90: Squad fire plan sketches submitted to platoon
commander:
 X + 120: Primary position skirmisher’s trenches complete.
The timeline continues with the priorities of work described above. The
platoon commander will establish a tentative occupation time during
the planning process.

However, the method described above takes into account events

during occupation, which may unforeseeably prolong this portion of the
operation. The platoon commander must take a realistic look at the
time required for specific tasks and allot the requisite time accordingly.
The platoon commander must also continually evaluate and adjust the
timeline based on the situation. The platoon sergeant aggressively
drives the timeline, maximizing preparation time and allowing the
platoon commander to maintain an external focus.
An essential piece to consider when developing priorities of work and

timelines are to account for the fact that not every member of our
platoon needs to be doing the same task. As stated earlier, there will
be more tasks than we can hope to accomplish and further, we cannot
lose sight of the fact that the main effort’s accomplishment of their
mission needs to be facilitated by supporting efforts. For that reason
we tie in the notion of concurrent planning to our defensive
considerations. Below is an example of a matrix worksheet which
accounts for priorities of work, as well as a timeline, but shows their
completion in relation to one another and in relation to the platoon
commander’s overall estimate of the situation.

e. Fire Plan Sketch:
The fire plan sketch is a to-scale, graphic representation of the

defensive position that is used by the commander to visualize and
coordinate the effects of his engagement area and to prevent gaps in
his fires. Once the defensive plan has been established, leaders
prepare fire plan sketches. The squad leader prepares the squad fire
plan sketch in duplicate. He gives one sketch to the platoon
commander for his approval and keeps a copy for himself. The table
at the end of this student handout demonstrates step-by-step how to
construct a fire plan sketch.
* Attached at the end of this student handout is a sheet of graph paper

with a scale and an operational graphics page with a range card for
machine guns. Use these two items to aid you during your TEWT and
in your field exercises to draw a fire plan sketch. Take the two pages
copy them to become one page (back and front) and laminate it to use
it in a tactical environment.
f. Rehearsals:
The defensive platoon commander must actively and aggressively
seek every opportunity for offensive action. Seizing fleeting
opportunities requires seamless transitions by the platoon between
executing the priorities of work, conducting stand to procedures, and
then adjusting the scheme of maneuver based on enemy activity.
Rehearsals facilitate these seamless transitions by ensuring that all
Marines involved know exactly what to do and are able to accomplish
the specified and implied tasks without continued, direct tasking by unit
leaders. In the defense, rehearsals can continue following occupation,
concurrent with priorities of work, in order to ensure that the unit is
prepared for decisive enemy contact when it comes. Rehearsals must
be PRIORITIZED with respect to the ENEMY. These rehearsals
include, but are not limited to:
o Stand-to procedures.
o Communication procedures inside defensive position.
o Movement of least engaged unit to supplementary
positions (Each element must rehearse actions as least
engaged unit).
o Counterattack plans.
o Movement of platoon to alternate positions.
o Actions on contact during re-entry of friendly lines by a
patrol.
The platoon commander must balance accomplishing priorities of work

and preparing for the engagement with the enemy through rehearsals.

g. Logistics Planning in the defense:
The defense is labor and resource intensive. The platoon commander

must put time and thought into the logistical support required and
available for his defensive plan. Commanders at all levels must also
plan for the ways in which resources will be moved to their primary
positions. Platoon sustainment, position construction, obstacle
construction, and survivability are just a few of the areas which need
attention when conducting a logistical analysis of the platoon
commander’s defensive plan. Since the commander rarely knows
exactly how long he will be in the defense, detailed and extensive
logistics planning is absolutely essential.
C. Decisive Contact:
Up to this point, we have discussed all of the actions that must take place
during the execution of the defensive scheme of maneuver to set the
conditions for success during decisive contact with the enemy. Ultimately, all
of the platoon’s actions must be focused toward defeating an enemy attack.
While preparing the defensive position is labor intensive and will take a large
amount of the platoon’s time, the platoon commander must realize that these
actions are only worthwhile if they lead towards effectively defeating the
enemy in contact. Actions during decisive contact with the enemy can be
thought of using the following steps:
a. Gain and Maintain Enemy Contact: Gaining and maintaining contact

with the enemy despite their efforts to destroy friendly reconnaissance
elements is vital to the success of defensive operations. As the
enemy’s attack begins, the platoon commander’s first concerns are to
confirm the committed enemy unit’s positions and capabilities,
determine the enemy’s intent and direction of attack, and gain time to
react. The platoon commander accomplishes these elements through
the platoon’s patrolling effort forward of the engagement area. The
platoon commander uses the available information, in conjunction with
his military judgment, to determine the point at which the enemy is
committed to a course of action. The platoon commander must plan
for the actions of the patrolling effort once contact with the enemy is
made, specifically prior to the platoon’s primary positions beginning
their fires. Detailed and well rehearsed plans will mitigate any potential
for fratricide during this moment.
b. Disrupt the Enemy: After making contact with the enemy, the platoon
commander seeks to disrupt his plan, his ability to control his forces,
and his ability to employ supporting arms. Ideally, the results of the
platoon commander’s shaping operations should force a disorganized
enemy, whose ability to synchronize its elements has been degraded,
to conduct a movement to contact against prepared defenses.

Actions during this step should force the enemy into avenues of
approach which lead them into the engagement area. These actions
destroy the enemy’s cohesion and disrupt the tempo of his approach.
Properly planned long-range defensive fires and the forward elements
of the obstacle plan help to facilitate this step.
The platoon commander must understand the importance of timing

during these actions. The enemy cannot be allowed to recover from
their effects prior to the decisive point in the engagement area.
c. Fix the Enemy: The platoon commander does everything in his power
to limit the options available to the enemy when conducting a defense.
The commander’s plan should constrain the enemy into a specific
course of action, control his movements, and/or fix him in a given
location. The platoon commander’s effective use of obstacles and fires
should fix the enemy at a given location. These integrated plans help
to ensure the enemy is slowed, potentially stopped, in the engagement
area at the exact time and place where the effects of all of the
platoon’s fires are maximized.
d. Maneuver: Once the enemy has committed his forces to a given

course of action, the platoon commander masses all available fires in
the engagement area. Keeping an offensive mindset, the platoon
commander is able to move the platoon’s least engaged unit to the
most effective location based on the enemy’s action. The least
engaged unit may move to supplementary positions to protect a flank,
or may conduct a counterattack into the engagement area to destroy
the enemy. All Marines involved in the counterattack must be aware of
the obstacle plan to maximize friendly movement. The platoon
commander plans for indirect fire assets to support the counterattack.
e. Finishing: Once the enemy has committed his forces in the

engagement area, timing is critical. The platoon commander must
capitalize on the enemy’s decisions by quickly and violently destroying
the enemy in the engagement area. Coordination and deconfliction of
fires, through planning, shifting, and ceasing fires, is vital to ensuring
weapons effects are maximized on the enemy. Once the enemy is
completely destroyed, the platoon commander either continues the
attack or moves into consolidation and reorganization.

Sequence of the Defense – Consolidation/Reorganization Phase
D. Consolidation / Reorganization
Any time contact is made with the enemy, the platoon conducts consolidation
and reorganization. Re-establishing security is the first priority during this
portion of the operation. The platoon commander must confirm that his
sectors of fire are still covered and valid, or adjust sectors of fire based on an
updated estimate of the situation (METT-TC) derived from the enemy’s
actions during contact. In addition, he must ensure that his machine guns are
still manned, or if gunners have become casualties and need to be replaced.
He may choose to reposition machine guns or other weapons based on his
updated METT-TC and EMLOCA. He must supervise the redistribution of
ammunition and other supplies based on his distribution of forces and
ultimately must ensure that the defensive plan is still supportable with the
available resources. Once the platoon commander is comfortable that he will
be able to effectively defend a possible enemy re-attack, casualties and
enemy prisoners of war must be taken care of and moved quickly to higher
echelons. Casualty collection points (CCPs) and EPW collection points must
be identified in the defensive position. Effective consolidation and
reorganization ensures that the platoon remains at the highest possible level
of readiness at all times. As always, the platoon commander must provide
higher with a clear and concise situation report following contact and should
be prepared to receive follow-on missions.
If appropriate and feasible, the platoon commander may decide to exploit a

weakened, disorganized, and disoriented enemy following contact by
conducting a counterattack or pursuing the enemy as it egresses. As
previously discussed, the platoon commander should be willing to transition to
the offense and seize the initiative if he is presented with a clear opportunity
to do so.

Summary
This class has covered the doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures of platoon level
defensive operations. Platoon commanders must always remember that the offense
and defense must co-exist. A good leader is able to transition seamlessly between the
two. While the defense is labor and resource intensive, the platoon commander must
remember the overall goal of defensive operations: An integrated and synchronized
plan in which the effects of all resources are maximized in the engagement area to
defeat an enemy attack.
Annexes
A. Defensive Operations Order Considerations
B. Platoon Fire Plan Sketch

Annex A: Platoon Defensive OpOrd example
Mission Statement: 1st Platoon, you are the company ME. NLT 1400, block the enemy
platoon south, in the vicinity of the Rawah Bridge, in order to prevent the enemy from
interfering with the Bn ME attack to the north.
Example Defensive Scheme of Maneuver:
On order, we will conduct a platoon battle position in the vicinity of Hill 265 with one
main effort and four supporting efforts. The defense will be oriented to the northeast.
The ME will occupy the center of the battle position, SE 1 will occupy to the left of the
main effort, while SE 2 occupies to the right of the main effort. SE 3 and SE 4 will
provide direct fire and obstacle support for the platoon battle position.
The platoon will cross the Line of Departure in a platoon column. Order of movement
will be the Main Effort followed by SE 1, SE 3, SE 4, then SE 2. The platoon will pass
through Checkpoint 27 before consolidating in a 360 at the ORP. In the ORP, the ME
will orient from 10-2, SE 1 from 6-10, and SE 2 from 2-6, with 12 o'clock being our
direction of movement. In the platoon ORP, SE 3 and SE 4 will remain in the center
position of the 360. Departing from the ORP, the leader's reconnaissance patrol will
conduct the reconnaissance in accordance with the priorities stated in coordinating
instructions. Upon the return of the leader's recon, I will pass any refinements in the
scheme of maneuver to the squad leaders. O/O the platoon will proceed to the SRP in
a platoon column, with the ME followed by SE 3, SE4, SE 1, then SE 2. At the squad
release point, the platoon will execute a combination of the Crow's Foot and the Bent
"L" to occupy the BP. Once beyond the SRP, the squads will execute individual Bent
"L"s from left to right into their positions. The ME will occupy the primary positions first.
Once the main effort is in position, SE 1, SE 2, and SE 3 will depart the SRP and will
occupy. SE 4 will occupy last behind the ME. Upon occupation, all elements will stand-
to. O/O squads will go to 25% security and begin to execute priorities of work. O/O, SE
1 will provide the first patrol and SE 2 will provide the first LP/OP. Once priorities of
work begin, the ME’s first priority is construction of their primary positions. O/O, SE 4
will also commence the implementation of the obstacle plan. O/O, the platoon will
execute stand-to within the BP. O/S, the platoon will fire its FPF. O/S, the least
engaged unit will occupy supplementary positions. The platoon will be prepared to
occupy alternate positions.
Example Fire Support Plan:

The purpose of my fire support plan is to neutralize the enemy in Engagement Area
Reaper in order to prevent the enemy from interfering with Bn ME attack to the north.
(In this example, 1st Platoon has priority of fire from the company 60mm mortar section)
I have four pre-planned targets:
AE 5202 (UT 1234 5678). Suspected enemy avenue of approach. Suppress the
enemy IOT turn the enemy platoon towards Engagement Area Reaper. The LP/OP will
be the observer and will contact L 3/11 over the artillery conduct of fire net when the
enemy’s lead elements cross trigger line red. L battery will fire HE/PD.

Annex A: Platoon Defensive OpOrd example (Continued)
AE 5203 (UT 1242 5657). Likely enemy overwatch position. Suppress the enemy IOT
prevent the enemy from observing their approach into Engagement Area Reaper. The
LP/OP will be the observer and will contact the 81mm mortar section over the battalion
mortar net when the enemy is spotted IVO of TRP 2. 81mm mortars will fire HE/PD.
AE5204 (UT 1258 5795). Enemy avenue of approach into Engagement Area Reaper.
Suppress the enemy as they enter the engagement area IOT prevent the enemy’s
effective command and control during the engagement. I will be the primary observer
and will contact the 81mm mortar section over the battalion mortar net when the
enemy’s lead squad crosses trigger line white. 81mm mortars will fire HE/VT.
AE5205 (UT 1210 5605). Final Protective Fire. Neutralize enemy assault elements IOT
prevent the enemy from assaulting through Engagement Area Reaper. I will be the
primary observer and will contact the company 60mm mortar section over the company
tac net when the enemy crosses trigger line blue. Company 60mm mortars will fire
HE/VT.
Patrol leaders will submit a list of targets ISO their patrol routes to me during forward
unit coordination for approval prior to departure.
Example Tasking Statements:
1st Squad: You are the ME. NLT 1200, block the enemy south in the vicinity of the
Rawah Bridge in order to prevent the enemy from interfering with the Bn ME attack to
the north. You have one assault squad attached effective immediately.
2d Squad: You are SE 1. NLT 1200 block the enemy south IVO of Rawah Bridge from
the east of 1st Squad IOT prevent the enemy from exploiting the eastern flank of the
platoon’s main effort. You will provide Marines for the first patrol to depart friendly line
approximately 30 minutes after occupation. BPT assume the mission of the main effort.
BPT assume the role of least engaged unit.
3d Squad: You are SE 2. NLT 1200 block the enemy south IVO Rawah Bridge from
the west of the 1st Squad IOT allow the main effort to fix the enemy in Engagement
Area Reaper. You will provide Marines for the first LP/OP, which will be inserted during
the leader’s recon. BPT assume the mission of the main effort. BPT assume the role of
least engaged unit.
MG Squad: You are SE 3 and in general support of the platoon. Refer to B3N4478
Machine Gun Employment
Engineer Team: You are SE 4. Utilizing wire and existing obstacles, turn the enemy
into Engagement Area Reaper IOT deny the enemy freedom of movement. Also, fix the
enemy in Engagement Area Reaper IOT prevent them from closing with the platoon’s
primary positions. Priority of obstacle construction goes to obstacles in the engagement
area, obstacles forward of the engagement area, and then to supplementary wire and
other dummy obstacles. Actively seek opportunities to employ existing obstacles into

Annex A: Platoon Defensive OpOrd example (Continued)
the plan to maximize our resources. Coordinate with me throughout the course of the
operation for security support during obstacle construction.
Coordinating Instructions (Not an all inclusive list):
Timeline
Leader’s Recon Patrol task organizaiton
Priorities of Reconnaissance for Leader’s Recon
Method for Marking
Squad Release Point
Squad BPs
Command Post
Casualty Collection Point
Enemy Prisoner of War Collection Ponit
Latrine
Priorities of Work
Security Plan
Patrol Plan
Obstacle Plan
Target Precedence
Engagement Criteria
Immediate Action Drills
- Actions on enemy contact during occupation
- Actions on enemy contact during departure / re-entry of friendly lines by a
patrol.
Plan for employment of least engaged unit
MOPP Level
ROE
Platoon Insertion Plan (Helos, trucks, AAVs, etc…)
Platoon Extraction Plan (Helos, trucks, AAVs, etc…)
Lost Marine Plan
Missing Marine Plan
Tactical Control Measures
- Assembly Area
- Tentative ORP
- SRP
- Tentative primary defensive position
- TRPs (tentative)
- Trigger Lines (tentative)
- Etc…

Annex B: Step-by-step to create a fire plan sketch
Step Action
Determine appropriate scale required for creation of your platoon

fire plan sketch. This means determining the dimensions, in
1 meters, of each box on your graph paper. (remember that the ratio
of your scale should grow as the FPS progress from FT to Sqd to
Plt).
Ensure that you know the length of each squad battle position
(pace it off to be exact) as well as the attitude of the position. This
will allow you to be precise when you place it on the grid lines.
2
(You can also use a GPS to get the 8-10 digit grid for each position,
or the left and right most holes for the fire teams/squads sectors.
This info can also be used to place the positions on the grid lines.)
Use the grid lines available to orient the grids north. Reference the
squad fire plan sketches and, based on the attitude and size
3 (measure both with a protractor), draw your ME and both SE
squads’ primary positions. Repeat for alternate and supplementary
positions as necessary.
Draw and label the platoon CP. Your company commander may
4 need this information later on.
Use the protractor to measure and draw each squad’s left and right
limits (Magnetic Azimuths) using a dotted line
Primary Positions
Alternate Positions
5
Supplementary Positions
Write the azimuth for each sector along its associated line
Use the protractor to draw:
For Plt – MG PDFs and FPLs; do not include IAR PDFs
(The platoon commander may choose to include some IAR PDFs
based on the IARs’ location in the defense and importance in
the overall fire plan.)
FPLs are depicted with a bold line for grazing fire; where grazing
fire cannot be achieved, the dead space is shown by a thin line.
6
FPLs have a magnetic azimuth
For Sqd – IAR and M203 PDFs for each fire team;
IAR PDF has magnetic azimuths
M203 has magnetic azimuth and range to target/dead-space in
meters
Write the azimuth for each PDF/FPL along its associated line
Annotate key terrain on the sketch (large fingers or draws, roads,
steams and large amounts of dead space. Try not to clutter the
sketch. Ensure the terrain matches what you see in front of you.
7
(This portion falls under the art of developing the sketch. The
platoon commander must balance the need for detail with avoiding

clutter/confusion on the sketch).
Draw and number Target Reference Points (TRPs) and trigger lines
Are TRPs recognizable?
8 Do they make sense?
Do all the Marines know their respective TRPs/trigger lines?
Annotate targets (maintain grids to targets on another piece of
paper) ensure FPF target is drawn with boxes. Each box is labeled
9 with a number that corresponds to a gun on the gun-line. Annotate
whether or not the FPF has been registered.
Annotate obstacles. This includes both existing and reinforcing
obstacles. (Maintain grids to obstacles on another sheet of paper;
10
this includes early warning devices)
Draw Passage Points for patrols
Draw Check Points for patrols if applicable
11 Draw LP/OPs
Complete the marginal information

12
Create a copy of the fire plan sketch. You will keep one and turn
the other one over to your company commander. Ensure to update
13 as required.

x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x
xxxxxxxxxxxxx -x-x-x-x-x-x
1 2 3
15
10
YE 2002
01
8
1 sq = 20 m
3 Made By:
Unit:
Map Data:
Date/Time Group:

PLATOON FIRE PLAN SKETCH CHECKLIST
1. Significant terrain annotated on the sketch?
a. Streams?
b. High Ground?
c. Trails?
2. Left and Right Grids and Sector Limits for Squads (Magnetic Azimuths)
a. Primary Positions?
b. Alternate Positions?
c. Supplementary Positions? 300m 75m 300m MG FPL
3. Center Grid for the Squad position? FPL 6375 mils Claymore
4. Left and Right Grids and Sector Limits for the Platoon (Magnetic Azimuths) MG PDF
a. Primary Positions? PDF 1375 mils
AT Minefield AP Minefield
b. Alternate Positions?
c. Supplementary Positions? SAW PDF XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
PDF 137 mag
5. Center Grid for the Platoon positions? Tactical Wire
6. Final Protective Fires for MGs SAW X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X-X
(Principle Direction of Fire – PDF, or Final Protective Line – FPL) Protective Wire
and Rockets/ Missiles (Hot/ Cold Positions) TOW
a. IAR has magnetic azimuths? XX=XX=XX=XX=XX=XX=XX=XX
Supplementary Wire
b. M240G has magnetic azimuths for PDF/FPL?
M203
i. Length of Dead Space annotated? Javelin
ii. Have you attached copies of the Range Cards to the Sketch? Single Strand Concertina
iii. Do you have a copy of the Range Card at the CP?
c. Mk153 hot/cold positions marked? M240G
Double Strand Concertina
i. Have you attached Range Cards to the sketch? AT-4 or SMAW
ii. Do you have a copy of the Range Card at the CP?
Triple Strand Concertina
d. Vehicles/other attachments marked?
i. Grids to positions? M2
ii. Sectors of Fire/PDFs/FPLs marked? .50 Cal
60mm Mortar
iii. Have you attached Range Cards to the sketch?
iv. Do you have copies of the Range Cards at the CP? Command Post
Mk19 LP/OP
7. Target Reference Point (TRP) Grids and Descriptions? 81mm Mortar
a. Are TRPs recognizable?
Primary Pos
b. Do they make sense?
c. Marked in Additional Information? Alt LP/OP
PP Passage 1 Check
8. OP/LP positions marked? 1
Point Point Alt/Supp Pos
a. Grids?
i. Primary? Target Ref
ii. Alt? Contact
Point (TRP)
LU Link Up 1
9. Targets annotated on sketch? 1 Point
Point
Grids to targets?
FPLs noted for all fire support agencies (60mm, 81mm, Arty, NGF)
Point Target
10. Wire, Natural Obstacles, Claymores, Booby Traps, Trip Flares, etc.?
a. Annotated on map in relation to terrain?
Anti-Tank Ditch Linear Target
b. Grid marked in marginal info?
11. IS IT CURRENT?
Is it updated for new additions to the defense? Early Warning Device Mortar FPF
Have you changed the date/time group (DTG) to reflect the new changes?
Name, Rank, Unit, and DTG on Margin? Trip Wire


References
Reference Number or Reference Title

Author
FMFM 2-7 Fire Support in MAGTF Operations
JP 1-02 Department of Defense Dictionary of Military and
Associated Terms
MCDP 1 Warfighting
MCDP 1-0 Marine Corps Operations
MCIP 3-11.01A Rifle Platoon and Company Publication

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tactical Handbook
MCRP 3-11.1B Small Unit Leader’s Guide to Weather and Terrain
MCRP 3-11.2A Marine Troop Leader’s Guide
MCRP 3-16A Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for the Targeting
Process
MCRP 3-16C Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Fire Support for
the Combined Arms Commander
MCRP 5-2A Operational Terms and Graphics
MCWP 3-1 Ground Combat Operations
MCWP 3-11.1 Marine Rifle Company/Platoon
MCWP 3-11.2 Marine Rifle Squad
MCWP 3-11.3 Scouting and Patrolling
MCWP 3-15.1 Machine Guns and Machine Gun Gunnery
MCWP 3-15.5 Antiarmor Operations
MCWP 3-16 Fire Support Coordination in the Ground Combat Element
MCWP 3-17 Engineering Operations

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms
Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

AA Assembly area
ACE Ammunition, Casualties, and Equipment
AO Area of operations
ASAP As soon as possible
BAMCIS Begin planning, arrange for reconnaissance, make
reconnaissance, complete the plan, issue the order, and
supervise
CASEVAC Casualty evacuation
CFF Call for fire
COC Combat Operations Center
COG Center of gravity
CCP Casualty collection point
CP Command post
CSS Combat service support
CV Critical vulnerabilities
EA Engagement area
EMLCOA Enemy’s most likely course of action
EN Enemy
EPW Enemy prisoner of war
FEBA Forward edge of the battle area
FEX Field exercise
FLOT Forward line of own troops
FPF Final protective fires
FPL Final protective lines
FSP Fire support plan
IA Immediate action
IAR Infantry Automatic Rifle
IOT In order to
KIA Killed in action
LP/OP Listening post/Observation post
MBA Main battle area
ME Main effort
METT-TC Mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support
available-time available, time and cultural considerations
MLG Marine Logistics Group
NLT No later than
MLG Marine Logistics Group
OAR Original, Appropriate, and Redundant
PDF Principle direction of fire
Recon Reconnaissance
SAW Squad automatic weapon
SE Supporting effort
SOM Scheme of maneuver

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms (Continued)
Term or Acronym Definition or Identification

TBS The Basic School
TCM Tactical control measures
TRP Target Reference Points
TTP Tactics, techniques, and practices
US United States
Notes

 KEEP OR STRIKE FPL.

 FIRE PLAN SKETCH – SAW & IAR PDF.
 STUDENT EXAMPLE ORDER.

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UNITED STATES MARINE CORPS

THE BASIC SCHOOL

Basic Officer Course

Rifle Platoon in the Defense

Introduction The Marine Corps’ fighting doctrine is based on rapid, flexible,

Importance This student handout pertains equally to all Marine leaders,

This lesson covers the following topics:

2 Basic Officer Course

3 Basic Officer Course

Rifle Platoon in the Defense (Continued)

Learning Objectives Terminal Learning Objectives

TBS-DEF-1008Given a unit, an assigned area or sector, from

TBS-DEF-1007 Given subordinate unit fire plan sketches,

TBS-DEF-2203 Given a unit, a barrier plan, and materials

Enabling Learning Objectives

TBS-DEF-1007d Given a subordinate unit fire plan sketches,

TBS-DEF-1007g Given a sector of fire, as part of a unit,

TBS-DEF-1008b Given a mission, a commander’s intent, and

4 Basic Officer Course

TBS-DEF-1008c Given a mission, a commander’s intent, and

TBS-DEF-1008d Given an order from higher, a mental

TBS-DEF-1008h Given a unit, an assigned area or sector

TBS-DEF-2101f Given a defensive operations order, a unit,

TBS-DEF-2101g Given a defensive operations order, a unit,

TBS-DEF-2102k Given a mission and commander’s intent,

TBS-DEF-2102l Given a mission with a commander’s intent

5 Basic Officer Course

Characteristics of the Defense

Purpose: According to MCDP 1, a defense is “A coordinated effort to defeat an attack

Fundamentals of the Defense

Knowledge of the Enemy: A defender’s options are dictated in large part by

Maneuver: Maneuver is as important in the defense as it is in the offense.

6 Basic Officer Course

Characteristics of the Defense – Fundamentals (Continued)

Preparation: The defender usually organizes the defense on terrain of his

a. Hasty Defense: A hasty defense is a defense normally organized

Regardless of whether the defense is hasty or deliberate, it is incumbent upon

7 Basic Officer Course

Characteristics of the Defense – Fundamentals (Continued)

Obstacle integration multiplies the effects and capabilities of firepower. The

Mass and Concentration: The defender cannot defend everywhere in

8 Basic Officer Course

Characteristics of the Defense – Fundamentals (Continued)

Flexibility: While the platoon commander utilizes tactical cunning and a

 Detailed planning for contingencies (The platoon commander must be

Mutual Support: Mutual support strengthens any position. It is that support

9 Basic Officer Course

Characteristics of the Defense – Fundamentals (Continued)

Defense in Depth: Defense in depth is the positioning of mutually supporting

 Disrupt the momentum of the attack and prevent a breakthrough.

 Engaging the enemy at the earliest opportunity with patrols and

Types of Defensive Operations

Types of Defensive Operations. Every defense contains two complementary

10 Basic Officer Course

Types of Defensive Operations (Continued)

b. counterattack. This type of defensive operation is normally conducted by a

c. Area Defense: An area defense orients on retention of terrain by absorbing

d. Regardless of the type, a key characteristic of a sound defense is the ability