ATP-4-90 Brigade Support Battalion Download
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Chapter 4 4-12 ATP 4-90 18 June 2020 The BSB base or base cluster defense plan adjusts to meet changing AO conditions. The BSB S-3 communicates all defense adjustments throughout the formation to ensure shared understanding. Detect the Enemy Detection includes discovery of enemy forces in the immediate vicinity and knowing as much about their positions and intentions as possible. Detection is critical in achieving timely response to an enemy threat and disrupting the threat quickly before it affects sustainment operations. Units on the BSB base employ early warning systems, trip flares, and listening posts/observation posts in sufficient quantities to provide adequate coverage of the base perimeter. The BSB assigns areas around the base for random reconnaissance patrols. Active patrolling, unit standard operating procedures, and continuous reconnaissance are active measures that help provide detection. The BSB also employs its chemical detection equipment as part of its detection and base defense plan. Units detecting enemy activity immediately notify the base CP or base defense operations center of the enemy and provide as much information as possible about the enemy. Report the time of detection with information on the enemy element size, activity, location, uniforms, and equipment/weapons. The base CP or base defense operations center immediately relays the report to the brigade CP. The BSB has pre-arranged and rehearsed signals to alert the base of enemy activity and its location. The unit can use devices including: sirens, pyrotechnics, and vehicle horns to provide the alerts. The alert signals the base reinforcements to mobilize and move to the site of detection. Disrupt the Enemy The BSB defensive plan is structured to disrupt an attacking enemy’s progress after detection and warning to allow time for the base defense forces to react. Disruption also allows time for mobilization of a tactical combat force for reinforcement if necessary. Defending commanders use all available means to disrupt enemy forces. Effective small arms fire will disrupt enemy activity and delay its actions. Commanders disrupt attackers and isolate them from mutual support to defeat them. Repositioning forces, aggressive local protection measures, and employment of obstacles, indirect fires, and ambushes combine to disrupt the threat of an attack. Enemy Destruction Once the base defenses have detected and disrupted the enemy force, they must destroy the enemy. Well-disciplined, well-aimed, and concentrated small arms and grenade fire can destroy an enemy. Preplanned or adjusted indirect artillery or mortar fire is also extremely effective. Commanders and leaders are conscious of the proximity of the enemy and notify the fire direction center if the fires will be danger close. If the BSB cannot destroy the threat with its internal capabilities and quick reaction force, the BSB coordinates with the BCT for external support. If the threat exceeds the available BSA defensive assets, the BSB’s preplanned defensive measures must delay the enemy force until reinforcements from the BCT can destroy the enemy. DISPLACEMENT OF THE BSA The BSB commander must position BSB units close enough to its supported brigade to maintain responsive sustainment. As such, the BSB will have to displace its operating base or base cluster frequently. This is particularly true during execution of large-scale combat. The forward movement of the BCT battalions and BCT commander’s movement of the BCT rear boundary will largely dictate when the BSB must displace. The BSB commander may move the base within the BSA boundaries even if the BCT rear boundary or BSA boundaries do not move. This keeps an effective proximity with the BCT units and increases survivability by minimizing time in a single location. The BSB plans base displacement immediately after occupying a new site. Units follow the displacing procedures in their unit’s tactical SOP.