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CONDITION: The tank platoon is operating as part of a company team or cavalry troop during tactical operations and receives a OPORD/FRAGO to conduct an assault. The commander has positioned the remainder of the unit support by fire positions. The platoon may or may not be in its assault position.
TASK STANDARD: The platoon successfully executes the assault, destroying all enemy forces or forcing them to displace off the objective
1. Platoon leader receives and analyzes the OPORD/FRAGO. • a. Determines location of the objective. • b. If METT-T allows, determines location of the assault position (the last covered and concealed position en route to the objective) if the position is not specified in the FRAGO. • c. Identifies covered and concealed routes to the assault position (If not specified in the FRAGO) and, if applicable, uses waypoints or POSNAV to assist in navigation.
d. Confirms commander's direct and indirect fire scheme of maneuver (who has indirect fire control; when to lift and shift fires). • e. Coordinates with supporting elements (as necessary). • f. Issues FRAGO to the platoon.
2. Platoon conducts tactical movement to the assault position (see task #17-3-1016). • a. Employs appropriate formation and movement technique. • NOTE: In many situations, bounding overwatch will be the most advantageous technique. • b. Orients weapon systems to provide 360-degree security during movement. • c. If necessary, engages enemy forces
3. If the platoon is unable to occupy an assault position, platoon leader determines/designates tactical information and relays it to the platoon and/or commander while on the move toward the objective. • a. Collects and disseminates updated enemy information from and to TCs, overwatch force(s), support force(s), and the commander. • b. As the situation permits, designates TRPs, targets, and routes through the objective. OR
4. Platoon occupies the assault position. • a. Comes on line within the assault position (turret-down or hull-down positions, if METT-T allows). • b. Scans objective to determine enemy type, size, and locations and types and locations of any obstacles. • c. Conducts final checks of vehicles, weapons, and equipment and reports to the platoon leader when prepared to assault.
5. Platoon leader analyzes the situation and makes final preparations. • NOTE: This task step takes place as the platoon prepares for the assault, either while on the move as in task step 3 above or after it has occupied the assault position as in task step 4. • a. IAW METT-T, develops an estimate of the situation to determine additional courses of action that may be required by the platoon and/or company team prior to and after the assault but that were not in the commander's original OPORD/FRAGO.
b. Determines composition and disposition of the enemy force occupying the objective and identifies route(s) into enemy flanks and/or bypass routes around any known obstacles. • c. Sends SPOTREP/SITREP (voice or digital) to the commander recommending course of action. • d. Relays pertinent information from the commander to the TCs as it is received. • e. As necessary, designates TRPs, targets, and routes through the objective.
6. Platoon leader orders the platoon to assault. • a. Specifies weapons orientation and limit of advance. • b. Requests direct and/or indirect fires to suppress known or suspected enemy forces on or within range of the objective
7. Platoon executes the assault. • a. Moves out on line. • b. Maintains forward momentum along designated route(s) or IAW OPORD/FRAGO. • c. Ensures that supporting fires are lifted and shifted beyond objective as necessary (platoon leader/PSG).
d. Employs all weapon systems to destroy or suppress enemy elements on the objective. • e. If the objective is defensible, moves to its designated position on the objective. OR • f. If objective is not defensible, assaults through the objective to occupy defensible terrain beyond it IAW the commander's intent.
8. Platoon occupies defensible positions. • a. Executes steps for hasty occupation of a BP. • b. Continues to use direct/indirect fires as appropriate to destroy identified enemy elements
9. Platoon leader reports the situation (voice or digital). • a. Compiles SITREPS (voice or digital) from TCs. • b. Submits SITREPS (voice or digital) to the commander as necessary.
10. Platoon conducts consolidation and reorganization (see task # 12-3-C021). • a. Eliminates any remaining enemy resistance, establishes security, and prepares to respond to any possible enemy counterattacks (consolidation). • b. Takes necessary steps to prepare for continued fighting (reorganization).
Assault an enemy position • Are there any questions?