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 5-0.2-1 179 allowing them to become unnecessarily exposed. Concurrently, conduct countermobility operations by the rear guard to slow the enemy and avoid decisive engagement. A-108. The commander observes the progress of the rupture force and the movement forward of the reserve while at the same time monitoring activities of the rear guard. The commander determines the tempo of the operation while the operations officer observes the actions of the rear guard. Using phase lines, the commander can control the unit's movement to avoid creating an assailable flank that an enemy counterattack force could exploit. For example, knowing that the reserve force is crossing a particular phase line, the commander should ensure that the rear guard is likewise crossing an appropriate phase line which ensures the unit is maintaining its proper interval. The need to maintain force integrity is often at the expense of speed. A-109. The fire support officer directs fires initially in support of the diversionary force as part of the deception plan; however, once the rupture force begins to move, the artillery shifts and concentrates on the rupture point. Firing is accomplished on the move through hasty occupation. In this way, the artillery is able to support both the attack and rear guard actions, yet remain protected. A-110. Sustainment assets move with the main body, destroy non-transportable items, and leave some prestocks for the rear guard along with a detonation device. Control of sustainment assets is difficult due to a lack of radios on supply vehicles. Therefore, each driver must understand the mission and direction of attack. Drivers agree upon visual signals in advance, especially if special signals are required beyond the standard operating procedure. Air guards and flank protection are especially important to the soft-skinned vehicles. If the force must breakout without taking all of its wounded, the commander leaves adequate supplies and medical personnel behind to care for them. Evacuate wounded personnel who can move with the breakout force without hindering its chances for success.