FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
Page 161 of 188
Base Camp and Base Cluster Security and Defense 09 November 2021 FM 3-81 E-7 E-26. Although not a fundamental of security operations, the use of dispersion is an important technique that commanders should consider. Dispersing units, command posts, equipment, and personnel reduces vulnerability against enemy direct- and indirect-fire threats and CBRN attacks. However, units should be close enough to provide mutual support against enemy ground attacks. Commanders must determine where risk is acceptable. E-27. Base camps and base clusters typically protect their personnel and assets through the application of security activities. Some essential security activities include communications security, cybersecurity, information security, OPSEC, personnel security, and physical security. Of the five security tasks listed in ADP 3-90—screen, guard, cover, area security, and local security—only area security and local security typically apply to base camps and base clusters. Area security preserves the base camp and base cluster commander’s freedom to move reserves, position fire support means, provide for mission control, conduct sustaining activities, and coordinate for reinforcing forces (see chapter 2). Local security provides immediate protection to base camp forces and assets. See ADP 3-37 and ADP 3-90 for additional information on area and local security. BASE CAMP DEFENSE E-28. Defensive operations are operations to defeat an enemy attack, gain time, economize forces, and develop conditions favorable for offensive or stability operations (ADP 3-0). Base defense refers to the local military measures, both normal and emergency, required to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks on, or sabotage of, a base to ensure the maximum capacity of its facilities is available to United States forces (JP 3-10). Successful base camp and base cluster defenses share the following characteristics: disruption; flexibility; maneuver; massing effects; and operations in depth, preparation, and security. The basic defensive tasks are applicable to the area and perimeter of the base camp. See ADP 3-90 for a discussion of these characteristics. Area Defense E-29. Conducting area defense is a defensive task that concentrates on denying enemy forces access to a base camp, base cluster, or surrounding terrain. The focus of the area defense is on retaining terrain where the bulk of the defending force positions itself in mutually supporting, prepared positions. Units maintain their positions and control the terrain between these positions. An area defense capitalizes on the strength inherent in a closely integrated base camp defense. The higher commander may assign subordinate units or tenant organizations the task of conducting an area defense as part of their mission. Subordinate echelons defend within their assigned AOs as part of the larger-echelon operation. See FM 3-90-1 for more information on area defense. Perimeter Defense E-30. The commander can employ perimeter defense as an option when conducting an area defense or in the conduct of base camp and base cluster defense in the echelon support. A perimeter defense is oriented in all directions. The prerequisites for a successful perimeter defense are aggressive patrolling and security operations outside the perimeter. The unit within the perimeter can perform these activities; or another force, such as the territorial defense forces of a host nation, can perform them. The unit can organize a perimeter defense to accomplish a specific mission, such as protecting a fire base. A unit may also form a perimeter when it is located in the friendly echelon support area within the confines of a base camp or base cluster. E-31. A major characteristic of a perimeter defense is a secure inner area, with most of the combat power located on the perimeter. Another characteristic is the ease of access for resupply operations. The commander coordinates direct- and indirect-fire plans to prevent accidentally engaging neighboring friendly units and noncombatants. Normally, the reserve centrally locates to react to a penetration of the perimeter at any point. See FM 3-90-1 for more information on perimeter defense.