ATP-5-0-2-1 Staff Reference Guide Volume 1 Download
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07 December 2020 ATP 5-0.2-1 363 Appendix N Environmental Considerations This appendix covers three unique environments—desert, mountain, and cold weather. Base chapters of this publication assume a temperate climate. By modifying base planning factors with the following considerations, units can be successful in these three unique environments. DESERT OPERATIONS N-1. Information in this section is derived from ATP 3-90.97, ATP 3-34.5, FM 90-3, and DODI 4715.05. N-2. Desert climate characteristics include dusty, rugged landscapes with temperatures varying from extreme highs to freezing (with potential swings of 70 degrees Fahrenheit between day and night) and visibility between 30 miles to 30 feet at any given location. These climates are also characteristically arid, with little or no viable sources of water. Winds, flash flooding, a higher probability of detection due to dust from moving vehicles, and a lack of available concealment (for light and acoustic signatures), and other environmental concerns present risks to Soldiers, equipment, and operations. N-3. Moreover, most desert terrain presents challenges, and commanders must adapt their operations to accommodate these variables. Protection of lines of communication and water supply are vital. Common desert terrain includes sand dunes, escarpments, wadis, and depressions. Aerial reconnaissance is a valuable tool in identifying these and other desert geographic features in order to plan operations. N-4. Drivers must be well trained in judging desert terrain so they can select the best method of overcoming the varying conditions they encounter. Desert terrain varies from nearly flat, with high trafficability, to lava beds and salt marshes with little or no trafficability. Techniques for driving and operating equipment in desert conditions are contained in Appendix C of FM 90-3. N-5. Soldiers in the desert must be trained to navigate in extreme conditions with few landmarks, with loss of communications, and in isolation. Map reading and land navigation are vital skills that Soldiers should refresh often. The lack of identifiable terrain features and other landmarks increases the risk of fratricide, so commanders must synchronize tactical movements. Targeting is also more complex without discernable target reference points. N-6. Employing obstacles, both natural and artificial, can reduce avenues of approach. Some desert areas contain wadis or other natural terrain features that serve as obstacles. Other areas require artificial obstacles such as minefields. A minefield, to be of any tactical value in the desert, must usually cover a relatively large area. This requires mechanical means and engineer support. Because too many avenues of approach often exist to cover with mines, they are usually best employed—especially at night—to cover gaps between units. N-7. Air operations can be adversely affected by heat and dust present in desert environments. The effects of the environment on both flight and weapon systems increases the need for maintenance and replacement systems. However, visibility and the capability of massing fires from a distance when targets are established is generally enhanced in desert conditions, making air attacks a valuable asset to the force. N-8. The desert offers excellent fields of fire; therefore, leaders should site tanks and heavy antitank weapons to take advantage of their long range and accuracy. Firing first and accurately are the most important considerations in desert operations. N-9. Refraction due to extreme heat can cause weapon systems and manual targeting errors. When a crew is missing targets under these conditions, the cause is refraction and not crew error or loss of boresight due to improper procedures. Units and crews must be trained to adjust for refraction.