FM-3-81 Maneuver Enhancement Brigade Download
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Chapter 4 4-12 FM 3-81 09 November 2021 Response Force Operations 4-53. Response force operations expediently reinforce unit organic protection capabilities or complement that protection with maneuver capabilities based on the threat. Response force operations include planning for the defeat of Level I and II threats and the shaping of Level III threats until a designated TCF arrives for decisive operations. A response force with appropriate fire support (usually designated by the area commander) is tasked to deal with Level I or II threats located in the support area. The response force delays a Level III threat until a TCF arrives. Each threat level or any combination of levels may exist throughout the operational environment. See JP 3-10 for additional information on the levels of threat. 4-54. Each designated base camp commander is responsible for organizing and preparing a quick reaction force. The quick reaction force can be from assigned, attached, or OPCON units or supporting or reinforcing combat forces directed to conduct combat operations in support of the unit. These forces operate under control of the BDOC to defeat Level I and some Level II threats and delay Level III threats until the support area designated land owner responds with their response force or a TCF. 4-55. When needed, the base camp quick reaction force assembles and counterattacks by fire and maneuver to eliminate the threat. The base camp commander commits the quick reaction force, reconstitutes the quick reaction force, and notifies the base cluster commander, if assigned, or the support area commander. This notification becomes the warning order for the base cluster or support area reserve. 4-56. The commitment of a quick reaction force becomes a significant command and control and potential fratricide problem that rehearsals and standing operating procedures can mitigate. Since the two friendly forces may converge, typically the higher commander assumes command and control of the engagement. Reserve 4-57. When assigned the support area, the MEB commander should dedicate a reserve. The reserve is a dedicated force withheld from action and committed at a decisive moment. The reserve provides the commander flexibility to exploit success or deal with a tactical setback. The force is not committed to perform any other task. 4-58. The reserve is positioned to respond quickly to unanticipated missions. A reserve maintains protection from enemy fires and detection by maximizing covered and concealed positions, wide dispersion, and frequent repositioning. 4-59. When resources (or METT-TC) permit, the MEB may begin defensive operations with a company reserve and allocate additional forces to the reserve as operations progress. In other cases, the MEB initial reserve force might be as small as a platoon. 4-60. A reserve is usually assigned an AA or base camp. Maintaining and positioning a reserve is a key requirement for achieving depth within the defense. The MEB commander and staff determine the size and position of the reserve based on the accuracy of knowledge about the enemy and the ability of the terrain to accommodate multiple enemy COAs. When the MEB commander has intelligence about the enemy and the maneuver options of the enemy are limited, the MEB can maintain a smaller reserve. If knowledge of the enemy is limited and the terrain allows the enemy multiple COAs, then the MEB needs a larger reserve. This gives the MEB commander the required combat power and reaction time to commit the reserve effectively in the support area. To employ the reserve, the MEB commander must be able to track the threat, assess information, and employ and control fires. Tactical Combat Force 4-61. The MEB defeats Level I, II, and III (if assigned a TCF) threats within the support area. Tenant units defeat Level I and some Level II threats within their assigned base camps. The support area commander employs a response force (military police units if task-organized to the support area designated land owner) within their AO to assist tenants or convoy commanders to defeat Level II threats and delay Level III threats when they are not capable of doing it themselves. The MEB commander employs a TCF to defeat Level III threats in the support area.