ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Appendix A 176 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 force is the main effort. The commander will probably have additional assets attached to the rupture force commander, such as air defense or engineer assets. A-86. Reserve force. The reserve force (typically 25% of available combat power) follows the rupture force's attack to maintain attack momentum and secure objectives past the rupture. After the rupture force secures the gap, the reserve force normally becomes the lead element. When a unit is given the mission of the reserve force, the commander must coordinate closely with the rupture force commander on the location of the gap, the enemy situation at the rupture point, and the enemy situation (if known) along the direction of attack past the rupture point. A-87. Initially, the reserve force passes through the gap created by the rupture force. It is essential that the reserve force continue a rapid movement from the encircled area toward the final objective (probably a linkup point). If the reserve force is making secondary attacks, it is important not to become bogged down. Artillery preparation of these objectives may assist the reserve force in maintaining momentum out of the encircled area. A-88. Main body. The main body, which contains the CP elements, casualties, and sustainment elements, moves as a single group. It usually follows the reserve force through the gap created by the rupture force. The commander maintains command and control of this element to ensure orderly movement. Security for the main body is provided by the forces themselves. To lessen the security burden, the main body may travel close to the reserve force, which allows some measure of protection outside of its own capability. A-89. Rear guard. The rear guard consists of the personnel and equipment left on the perimeter to provide protection for the rupture and diversionary attacks (if a diversionary attack force exists). In addition to providing security, the rear guard deceives the enemy as to the encircled force's intentions. The rear guard must be of sufficient strength (typically 15-25% of available combat power) to maintain the integrity of the defense. Once the breakout commences, the rear guard and diversionary force disengage or delay toward the rupture. The rear guard commander must provide a viable defense on the entire perimeter. As other units (rupture force, reserve force, diversionary force) pull off the perimeter, the rear guard commander must spread the forces over an extended area. This requires flexibility and mobility by the rear guard. The perimeter must withstand enemy pressure. If it does not, the enemy force simply follows the breakout forces through the gap and destroys them along the direction of attack. A-90. Diversionary force. The diversionary force diverts enemy attention from the location of the rupture by a feint or show of force elsewhere. The diversionary attack should be as mobile as available vehicles and trafficability allow. Mobile weapon systems and tanks are ideally suited to the diversionary force (typically 10% of available combat power or the rear guard is given this as an additional task). Direct the diversionary attack at a point where the enemy might expect a breakout. Success of the diversionary force is imperative for a successful breakout operation. If the force fails to deceive the enemy as to its intention, the enemy can direct the full combat power at the rupture point. This could lead to a failure of the entire breakout operation. To achieve deception, the unit should— Use smoke-producing assets to deceive the enemy as to the size of the diversionary force. Increase radio traffic for size deception and as an indicator of an important operation. Use any available fire support to indicate a false rupture point. A-91. The diversionary force may achieve a rupture of enemy lines. If a rupture occurs, the diversionary force commander must know the intent of the unit commander. The commander may exploit this success, or he may disengage to follow the reserve force through the planned rupture point along the direction of attack. A-92. Reorganize engineer assets and give them missions commensurate with the situation. Task engineers to create obstacles to deny enemy penetration and to improve the survivability of the force by preparing fighting positions. The latter is especially important due to the unit's vulnerability to accurate artillery and missile strikes. Organize remaining engineer equipment into mobility units in preparation for offensive operations. A-93. It is important to receive instructions and to remain informed about the battle outside the encirclement. Encircled units can be important sources of information on the enemy's support zone and can