ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Chapter 4 4-6 ATP 4-90 18 June 2020 The BSB is responsible for its own local security against level I and II threats. The BCT may provide a tactical combat force to augment the BSB for defense against level III threats. When the BEB is collocated with the BSB in the BSA both units coordinate defense responsibilities under the lead of the overall designated commander of the BSA Local security actions are those that are an inherent part of self-protection and mission assurance measures. Local security consists of base perimeter security, manning observation and listening posts, local security patrols, access control, barriers, a reserve of personnel to augment perimeter security, and other measures to provide security for a base. Every unit assigned a base or collocated on a base with another unit has local security responsibility. BSB Security The BSB commander is responsible for securing the base (or bases if a base cluster is used) to which it and its subordinate units are assigned. Area security measures are necessary for convoys and other logistics sites and actions that do not occur on a base including MATP or FARP operations. Continuous mission accomplishment is critical despite security operations. As the threat increases, the BSB commander may stop sustainment support to adequately protect personnel and equipment. Failure to provide adequate protection may cause personnel and equipment losses to be so significant that they prevent sustainment support to the BCT. The BCT commander and the BSB commander must have previously discussed what risks are reasonable to accept and what risk mitigation measures to implement based on requirements and priorities. The BSB commander ensures logistics missions and associated activities continue without restriction and that all logistics units can perform protection operations against a level I threat. A level I threat is a small enemy force that can be defeated by those units normally operating in the echelon support area or by the perimeter defenses established by friendly bases and base clusters. A level II threat is an enemy force or activities that can be defeated by a base or base cluster’s defensive capabilities when augmented by a response force. A typical response force is a military police platoon with appropriate supporting fires or a larger combined arms maneuver element. Level II threats consist of enemy special operations teams, long-range reconnaissance units, mounted or dismounted units, and bypassed combat units. Typical objectives for a level II threat include the destruction and disruption of friendly C2 nodes and logistics facilities. Level II threats; interdict friendly lines of communications. A level II threat may have a measurable effect on sustainment accomplishment. A level III threat is an enemy force or activities beyond the defensive capability of both the base and base cluster and any local reserve or response force. Possible objectives for a level III threat include seizing key terrain, interfering with the movement and commitment of reserves and artillery, and destroying friendly combat forces. Its objectives include destroying friendly sustainment facilities, supply points, command post facilities, airfields, aviation assembly areas, arming and refueling points, and interdicting lines of communications and major supply routes. A level III threat is capable of causing sustainment mission failure. Although the threat is described by levels (level I, II, and III threats) as a planning guide, these threat levels do not restrict responses. Threat levels are simply a planning guide for base defense. Components of BSB Security The BSB commander and S3 analyze the terrain in detail from all perspectives and then verify on the ground to select engagement areas and positions that allow for the massing of fires and the concentration of forces on likely enemy avenues of approach. Emphasis is on preparing and concealing positions, routes, obstacles, logistical support, and C2 facilities and networks. The BSB commander plans, coordinates, and uses rehearsals to ensure subordinates understand the base defense concept of operations. . To be effective, a BSA defensive plan must include four components: Protect the base. Detect the enemy. Disrupt the enemy. Destroy the enemy.