ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 214 of 440
Appendix C 198 ATP 5-0.2-1 07 December 2020 Guard is a type of security operation done to protect the main body by fighting to gain time while preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body (ADP 3-90). Units performing a guard task cannot operate independently because they rely upon fires and functional and multifunctional support assets of the main body. Cover is a type of security operation done independent of the main body to protect them by fighting to gain time while preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body (ADP 3-90). Area security is a type of security operation conducted to protect friendly forces, lines of communications, and activities within a specific area (ADP 3-90). SURVEILLANCE C-24. Surveillance is the systematic observation of aerospace, cyberspace, surface, or subsurface areas, places, persons, or things by visual, aural, electronic, photographic, or other means (JP 3-0). Surveillance may be a stand-alone mission or part of reconnaissance, security, or other missions (particularly area reconnaissance). In many ways, surveillance is an easier mission to perform than reconnaissance. C-25. Surveillance is distinct from reconnaissance. Surveillance involves tiered and layered technical assets collecting information. It can be passive and continuous, with an extended period of surveillance used as a tactic or technique. Reconnaissance, on the other hand, is active in collection of information (such as maneuver) and usually involves human participation. It involves many TTP throughout the course of a mission. Commanders complement surveillance with frequent reconnaissance. Surveillance, in turn, increases the efficiency of reconnaissance by focusing those missions while reducing the risk to Soldiers. C-26. Both reconnaissance and surveillance involve detecting, locating, tracking, and identifying entities in an assigned area and obtaining environmental data. Reconnaissance and surveillance are not executed the same way. During reconnaissance, collection assets find information by systematically checking different locations within the area. During surveillance, collection assets watch the same area, waiting for information to emerge when an entity or its signature appears. C-27. Reconnaissance and surveillance complement each other by cueing the commitment of collection assets against locations or specially targeted enemy units. An airborne surveillance asset may discover indicators of enemy activity that cues a reconnaissance mission. ASSEMBLY AREA OPERATIONS C-28. This section is derived from ADP 3-90 and FM 3-90-1. C-29. An assembly area is an area a unit occupies to prepare for an operation (FM 3-90-1). Units in assembly areas (AAs) execute maintenance, resupply, and personnel actions to maintain the combat power of the force. Units also may conduct reconnaissance, training, and rehearsals and task organization and reorganization of the force; develop and issue orders and plans; and coordinate with other units or higher headquarters. Units occupying AAs employ security measures to deny enemy intelligence any indicators of friendly plans, intentions, force composition, unit identity, and locations consistent with the higher commander's deception plan. Designation and occupation of an AA may be directed by a higher headquarters or by the unit commander, for example, during relief or withdrawal operations or during unit movements. C-30. Planning for, occupying, and departing an AA is difficult and time consuming. Performed correctly, executing an AA can aid in structuring the unit for timely execution of combat operations. Done incorrectly, executing an AA confuses and disorganizes a unit before the unit ever makes contact with the enemy. AAs are organized and occupied with an emphasis on unit integrity, ease of operations, command and control, and efficient use of facilities. Tactical dispersion and protection from ground or air attack are lesser considerations. Units typically group tightly together and are at an extremely low readiness condition. C-31. A tactical assembly area is an area that is generally out of the reach of light artillery and the location where units make final preparations (precombat checks and inspections) and rest, prior to moving to the line of departure. Tactical assembly areas (TAAs) are areas where enemy contact is likely and commitment