ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Defensive Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 189 B-41. Pre-stocks of ammunition and fuel should be placed adjacent to subsequent positions. The stocks should not be so large as to prevent the unit from continuing the mission should the stocks be destroyed. The stocks should be kept on transport vehicles to make availability more flexible and to permit their evacuation rather than force destruction in the face of the enemy. EXECUTING RETROGRADE OPERATIONS B-42. The intelligence officer uses the event template to confirm the enemy's probable COA and conduct an initial assessment of an enemy's strength. Subordinate units should report the following key characteristics of the enemy—strength, disposition, and probable future operations—and also report in a timely manner coordination point contacts, phase line crossings, checkpoint passings, and occupation of battle positions. Due to wide frontage, aviation assets and the reserve may only be able to influence one area. Therefore, if possible, those assets should remain uncommitted early in the operation; committing them removes the commander's ability to influence the battle. It is possible to commit those assets several times, but only when they can be quickly extracted. Maintenance, medical, and resupply operations continue but with the intent to evacuate rather than return to combat. Commanders should focus on maintaining cohesiveness of the overall operation, coordinating flanks, and assessing the situation to determine the most effective use of the reserve. ENGAGEMENT AREA DEVELOPMENT B-43. This section is derived from FM 3-90-1, ATP 3-21.20, and ATP 3-21.11. B-44. An engagement area is an area where the commander intends to contain and destroy an enemy force with the massed effects of all available weapons and supporting systems (ADP 3-90). The success of any engagement depends on how effectively the unit integrates the direct fire plan, the indirect fire plan, the obstacle plan, Army aviation fires, close air support, and the terrain within the EA to achieve the unit's tactical purpose. B-45. Effective use of terrain reduces the effects of enemy fires, increases the effects of friendly fires, and facilitates surprise. By studying the terrain, the commander tries to determine the principal enemy and friendly heavy, light, and air avenues of approach. The commander determines the most advantageous area for the enemy's main attack using the military aspects of terrain: observation and fields of fire, avenues of approach, key terrain, obstacles, and cover and concealment (OAKOC). For more information, refer to ATP 3-34.80, which includes a detailed discussion of OAKOC. B-46. The following steps describe EA development. STEP 1. IDENTIFY LIKELY ENEMY AVENUES OF APPROACH B-47. Commanders and staff members can use the following techniques when identifying the threat's likely avenues of approach: Conduct initial reconnaissance of the terrain using OAKOC. If possible, do this from the enemy's perspective along each avenue of approach into the sector of fire or EA. Identify key and decisive terrain. This includes locations that afford positions of advantage over the threat and natural obstacles and choke points that restrict forward movement. Determine which avenues provide cover and concealment for the threat while allowing the commander to maintain tempo. Determine which terrain the enemy is likely to use to support each avenue. Evaluate lateral routes adjoining each avenue of approach. STEP 2. DETERMINE ENEMY SCHEME OF MANEUVER B-48. Commanders and staff members can consider the following when determining the enemy's likely avenues of approach: How will the enemy structure the attack? How will the enemy use reconnaissance assets?