FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
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Base Camp and Base Cluster Security and Defense 09 November 2021 FM 3-81 E-9 Evaluate actions to identify operational deficiencies, lessons learned, and best practices. Develop methods to improve combined operational effectiveness, to include coordinating training and exercising security measures. Base Defense Planning E-36. Base camp defense planning is a methodical process that combines site selection considerations, mission objectives, mitigation strategies, identified security requirements, and protection operations. Early identification of protection requirements is essential to base camp defense planning. Requirements established before construction reduce construction and manpower costs. Security measures established in the planning process are more easily applied than after construction. E-37. The base camp defense plan is necessary for the development and implementation of a comprehensive protection program. The base camp defense plan should focus efforts and resources toward cohesive defense operations. A sample plan template is provided in appendix D. The base defense plan should— Convey the base camp commander’s intent. Provide a clear, concise mission statement. Provide tasks and activities, constraints, and coordinating instructions. Permit subordinate commanders to prepare supporting plans. Focus on subordinate activities. Promote initiative. Include annexes containing subordinate information not included in the main defense plan. E-38. Base camp defense planning should be conducted using a team approach. Essential members include the base commander, tenant-unit commanders, and the protection team. Base Camp Commander E-39. Base camp commanders are responsible for protection planning and operations and should use all available assets to establish required security levels. Base camp commanders normally exercise TACON for the purpose of base defense over forces assigned or attached to the base. The commander may also exercise TACON over other forces residing in the base for primary purposes other than local base defense when these forces are called on to perform functions related to base camp defense or local security missions as part of the overall base camp defense plan. E-40. Base camp commanders also have direct interest in the security of the area surrounding the base. As such, the commander coordinates base defense efforts with the TCF or host-nation forces providing exterior security, if available. Base camp commanders establish a BDOC to serve as the focal point for protection, security, and defense within the base camp boundary. Through the BDOC, the commander plans, directs, integrates, coordinates, and controls all base camp defense efforts. E-41. Critical to the success of the protection mission is the need for coordination and cooperation among assigned or attached units. These units should build operational relationships based on mutual support. For example, tenant-unit communications equipment may not be compatible with host-unit equipment. In this case, tenant-unit commanders should coordinate with the base commander to ensure compatibility.