ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
Page 215 of 440
Enabling Tactics, Techniques, Procedures, and Considerations 07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 199 of the unit directly from the TAA into combat is possible or anticipated. Examples of TAAs include locations occupied by units designated as tactical reserves, by units after completing a rearward passage of lines, temporarily by units during tactical movement, and by units during reconstitution. Units in TAAs are typically preparing to move forward to execute a forward passage of lines followed by offensive operations or have been assigned a reserve mission by their higher commander. C-32. Both assembly areas and tactical assembly areas have a number of overlapping planning considerations and actions. Unless stated otherwise, the rest of this discussion focuses on planning, establishing, and departing from TAAs. TAAs ideally provide— Concealment from air and ground observation. Cover from direct fire. Terrain masking of electromagnetic signal signatures. Sufficient area to disperse units and their vehicles consistent with the tactical situation. Suitable entrances, exits, and internal routes. Optimally, at least one all-weather paved surface road transits the TAA and connects to the main supply route in use by the next higher headquarters. Terrain that allows the observation of ground and air avenues of approach into the TAA. Good drainage and soil conditions that support unit vehicle movement. Buildings for maintenance operations, command and control (C2) facilities, and supply storage. An area suitable for a helicopter landing zone, if applicable. Properly locating a TAA contributes significantly to both security and flexibility. The location should facilitate future operations so movement to subsequent positions takes place smoothly and quickly. TASK ORGANIZATION C-33. When preparing to occupy an assembly area, a unit usually task-organizes into two components: the quartering party and the main body. A quartering party is a group of unit representatives dispatched to a probable new site of operations in advance of the main body to secure, reconnoiter, and organize an area before the main body's arrival and occupation (FM 3-90-2). The quartering party usually guides the main body into position from the route's release point (RP) to their precise locations in the AA. C-34. A quartering party normally includes an officer in charge (OIC), a noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC), representatives from the command post (CP), and all subordinate units. The OIC and NCOIC must be senior enough and empowered to make tactical decisions and settle disputes between the unit's tentative plan and subordinate unit quartering parties’ OICs and NCOICs. Unit standard operating procedures (SOPs) should establish the exact composition of the quartering party and its transportation, security, communications equipment, and specific duties. Note. Some organizations use the term "advance party" interchangeably with the term "quartering party." However, units should primarily use the term "advance party" in the operational and strategic deployment process. C-35. The main body is the principal part of a tactical command or formation. It does not include detached elements of the command, such as advance guards, flank guards, and covering forces (ADP 3-90). In the case of an AA or TAA, the main body is the rest of the organization that is not in the quartering party. Depending on the size of the organization, the main body may be broken down into several sub-organized serials to assist in security, dispersion, and movement control. ASSEMBLY AREA METHODS C-36. Three methods exist to organize an AA. Method 1 (single) essentially configures a unit in a perimeter defense, with maneuver units deployed along the entire perimeter and oriented outwards while C2 facilities, the headquarters and headquarters company (HHC), and most sustainment assets are located near the center of the AA (see figure C-1 on page 200 for an example of method 1).