ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Offensive Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 177 perform important roles in defensive counterattacks. Communications are essential when relief and linkup are imminent. A-94. The commander controls the main effort, while the operations officer probably observes the rear guard. In this way, the operations officer can act as a liaison between the main effort and rear guard commanders. It is critical that each understands the location and situation of the other throughout the operation or the force can become fragmented to the point of decisive engagement. A-95. Reorganize air defense and chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosives assets to provide coverage for the encircled area. The static nature of the unit with its known perimeter make it a lucrative air target, especially if it has not had time to prepare adequate defenses. A-96. The sustainment officer wants to maximize the use of limited recovery and evacuation assets. To achieve this, the sustainment officer must consolidate and control all sustainment assets. The only exception to this rule is the establishment of combat trains for the rear guard, usually an augmentation of existing unit trains. Having the sustainment officer in control of sustainment assets allows them to be used where and when they are needed. The rear guard, on the other hand, continues to operate per sustainment doctrine but with perhaps more confidence due to the additional assets. PREPARING FOR A BREAKOUT A-97. The intelligence officer prepares for the breakout by positioning reconnaissance assets so they can provide early warning to the force as it begins the operation. The intelligence officer's primary responsibility to the commander lies in the ability to anticipate possible enemy responses to the breakout (for example, counterattack, reinforcement of enemy positions, or use of chemical munitions). Information concerning enemy strength, intent, and future operations is essential to the commander. Additionally, the intelligence officer attempts to determine if the enemy considers the area significant enough to seize or if it merely fixes and continues to bypass. The latter option may include the enemy's use of chemical weapons. A-98. Although several options exist for the commander once encircled, this section addresses only the breakout in the direction of a friendly force. The longer a unit waits to conduct a breakout, the more organized enemy forces are likely to become. The difficulty lies in the time required for a unit to organize the force properly to conduct the breakout. Therefore, a commander must weigh the level of preparation against the time available. A-99. Units should accomplish the following tasks in both planning and preparing for the breakout: Deceive the enemy as to time and place of the breakout. If impossible to break out immediately, the commander attempts to deceive the enemy by conceding preparations and dispositions. The commander also creates the appearance that the force will make a resolute stand and await relief. Use of dummy radio traffic or landlines that might be tapped are good means of conveying false information to the enemy. The breakout direction should not be the obvious route toward friendly lines unless there is no other alternative. Exploit gaps or weaknesses in the encircling force. Early in an encirclement, gaps or weaknesses exist in the encircling force. Patrolling or probing actions reveal these weaknesses— an attack should capitalize on them. Although the resulting attack may be along a less direct route or may be over less favorable terrain, this attack is the best COA because it avoids enemy strength and increases the chance of surprise. Exploit darkness and limited visibility. The cover of darkness, fog, or severe weather conditions favors the breakout because the weapons of the encircling force are less effective in these conditions. In limited visibility, the enemy has difficulty following the movements of the breakout force. However, waiting for darkness or limited visibility conditions may result in consolidation of enemy containment. Coordinate with supporting attacks. Assist the breakout attack with a supporting attack by a nearby friendly force or by the reserve to divert enemy attention. Time the breakout attempt to occur just after the enemy reacts to the supporting attack. A-100. Additionally, in preparation for the breakout, the unit engineer ensures that the proper task organization of engineer assets has taken place. The engineers prepare pre-breaches of obstacles that may