ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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Enabling Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 195 thorough reconnaissance and security tasks require time-intensive, comprehensive, and meticulous mounted and dismounted efforts to observe reconnaissance objectives and develop the situation. C-9. Forceful or stealthy operations describe the level of covertness commanders require. Forceful tempo develops the situation through action by employing air and ground reconnaissance, technical means, and both direct and indirect fire systems moving rapidly to develop the situation. Forceful reconnaissance requires firepower, aggressive exploitation of actions on contact, operational security, and unit training to survive and accomplish the mission. Forceful reconnaissance is appropriate when time is limited, detailed reconnaissance is not required, terrain is open, environmental conditions allow for mounted reconnaissance, and dismounted reconnaissance cannot complete the mission within existing time constraints. Stealthy tempo emphasizes avoiding detection and engagement dictated by restrictive engagement criteria. Stealthy reconnaissance typically takes more time than forceful reconnaissance. It uses dismounted scouts to take maximum advantage of cover and concealment, reducing signatures that lead to compromise. Stealthy tempo is used when time is available, detailed reconnaissance and stealth is required, enemy forces are likely in a specific area, danger areas are encountered, and restrictive terrain limits effectiveness of mounted reconnaissance. C-10. For security operations, clearly articulating the tempo allows the commander to establish associated time requirements that drive security task planning, such as the method of establishing observation posts (mounted or dismounted), length of unmanned aircraft system (UAS) rotation, and logistical and communications support required to execute the mission. In addition, tempo also relates to depth, especially in screen missions. Throughout an area of operations (AO), time is needed to properly deploy into screen lines to achieve the required depth. When articulating security tempo, commanders consider tasks, the commander’s critical information requirements (CCIRs), latest time information of value (LTIOV), tactical risk, movement techniques, and reconnaissance methods and formations. Additionally, tempo affects whether security units employ short- or long-duration observation posts (OPs) in their security tasks. Short duration OPs—manned for less than 12 hours. Short duration OPs allow commanders to quickly take advantage of available time and mass reconnaissance assets. These are executed by maximizing the number of OPs and associated observing forces on the ground and in the air. Long duration OPs—manned for greater than 12 hours. The number of OPs decreases as platoons and company-sized units allocate additional forces to each OP to manage a deliberate rotational schedule and rest plan. Units must coordinate adequate resupply of all supply classes to support OPs that operate for extended periods of time. Engagement and Disengagement Criteria C-11. Engagement criteria are protocols that specify those circumstances for initiating engagement with an enemy force (FM 3-90-1). Disengage is a tactical mission task where a commander has the unit break contact with the enemy to allow the conduct of another mission or to avoid decisive engagement (FM 3-90-1). The criteria for engaging or disengaging can be either restrictive or permissive and establish minimum thresholds for engagement or disengagement using all the forms of contact. The commander defines the size or type of enemy force subordinate units should engage or avoid, which drives planning for direct and indirect fires and establishing bypass criteria. Merely defining engagement criteria using terms such as "aggressive" or "discreet" is insufficient. Define engagement criteria using precise doctrinal terms. For example, guidance for units conducting reconnaissance includes the following: Guidance for actions on contact— What situations constitute a fight? A fight at which echelon? In what situation does the leader defer the fight to a higher element? Bypass criteria. Reconnaissance handover criteria. Priority of fires. Rules of engagement or rules for use of force. Fire support coordination measures. Weapons control status.