Exw Common Core 108, Expeditionary Tactics Fundamentals

Front 1

State the standard issue and use of 782 gear.

Back 1

3 categories: Fighting/Carrying Load, Bivouac Equipment, Protective Equipment.
ex. - Pistol belt
- Suspenders
- Ammo pouches
- Canteen
- Blow-out kit/First Aid
- Entrenching tool
- Poncho
- Shelter half with tent pole
- Mess kit
- Bayonet
- Kevlar helmet

Front 2

Describe the construction and elements of the Hasty/Skirmisher's position.

Back 2

The simplest type of dug-in emplacement is the SKIRMISHER’S TRENCH, as shown in figure 7-1. This shallow pit type of emplacement provides a temporary, open, prone firing position for the individual rifleman. When the situation demands immediate shelter from heavy enemy fire and when existing defiladed firing positions (positions which provide protection from fire or observation, such as ridges, embankments, and ravines) are not available, each man lies prone or on his side. With his entrenching tool, he scrapes and piles the soil in a low parapet between him and the enemy. Thus a shallow, body-length pit can be formed quickly in all but the hardest ground. The trench should be oriented with respect to the line of fire of the enemy so it is least vulnerable to enfilade fire (fire from the flanking or side position). In a skirmisher’s trench, a man presents a low silhouette to the enemy and is afforded some protection from small-arms fire.

Front 3

Describe the construction and elements of the Improved One-man fighting position.

Back 3

The internal construction of a ONE-MAN FIGHTING HOLE is shown in figure 7-5. It is made as small as possible to present the smallest target to the enemy, but wide enough to accommodate a man’s shoulders, and deep enough to use entrenching tools at the bottom. A sump should be built below the firing step, atone end, to catch rainwater. The firing step should be deep enough to protect most of a man’s body while firing. A circular grenade sump, large enough to accept the largest known enemy grenade, is sloped downward at an angle of 30 degrees and is excavated under the fire step. Hand grenades thrown into the fighting hole are exploded in this sump, and their fragmentation is restricted to the unoccupied end of the fighting hole. The soil from the hole is used to build a parapet. The edge of the hole is used for an elbow rest while firing. Be sure to camouflage the soil used for your parapet to help avoid detection.

Front 4

Describe the construction and elements of the Improved Two-man fighting position.

Back 4

Figure 7-6 shows a TWO-MAN FIGHTING HOLE that is essentially two one-man holes. The two-man fighting hole provides some advantages over the one-man fighting hole. By being in such close proximity, each man gains a feeling of more security, and it allows one man to rest while the other man is observing the area. One disadvantage is since it is longer than a one-man hole, it provides less protection from tanks, bombing, strafing, and shelling.

Front 5

Explain the general rules of camouflage and the things that get camouflaged.

Back 5

1. Take advantage of all available natural concealment. 2. Camouflage by altering the form, shadow, texture, and color of objects.
3. Camouflage against both ground and air observation.
- Position
- Personal Equipment
- Person
- Vehicles
- Supply Points
- Water Supply
- Supply Points

Front 6

State what actions to be taken if you are caught in the light of a ground flare or overhead flare.

Back 6

When you are caught in the open by an overhead flare, you should immediately hit the deck. Since the burst of light is temporarily blinding to the enemy also, there is a chance that you may not have been seen.

Front 7

Discuss the military aspects of terrain as it applies to a defensive force using KOCOA.

Back 7

The intelligent leader knows that terrain is a major ally and that it virtually decides the positioning of platoons and squads in the defense. The defender retains control of terrain features essential to observations, communications, and maneuver of reserves. Denying the enemy the use of terrain that might jeopardize the mission of the battalion is the major role of a defender.

- Key terrain
- Observation and fields of fire
- Concealment and cover
- Obstacles to movement
- Avenues of approach

Front 8

Explain the procedures for basic land navigation using a map, lensatic compass, and associated equipment.

Back 8

See the applicable reference.

Front 9

Utilizing BAMCIS, describe the planning process for issuing a five-paragraph order.

Back 9

- Begin Planning
- Arrange reconnaissance
- Make reconnaissance
- Complete the plan
- Issue the Order
- Supervise

Front 10

Discuss the five paragraph order.

Back 10

- Situation
- Mission
- Execution
- Admin and Logistics
- Command and signal

Front 11

Define the situational tool, METT-T.

Back 11

- Mission analysis
- Enemy forces
- Terrain/weather analysis
- Troops and support available
- Time

Front 12

Define a SALUTE report.

Back 12

- Size
- Activity
- Location
- Uniform
- Time
- Equipment

Front 13

Define a SPOT report.

Back 13

A hastily modified SALUTE report containing less detail.

Front 14

Describe the purpose of a Security Patrol.

Back 14

A patrol is a detachment of troops sent out from a larger body on a mission of combat, reconnaissance, security, or contact with friendly units.

Front 15

Describe the purpose of a Reconnaissance Patrol.

Back 15

Reconnaissance patrols are sent out to gain information about the enemy or the terrain. These patrols engage in combat only when it becomes necessary to accomplish their mission or to protect themselves.

Front 16

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #1

Back 16

Study the mission.

Front 17

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #2

Back 17

Plan use of time.

Front 18

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #3

Back 18

Study terrain and the situation.

Front 19

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #4

Back 19

Organize the patrol.

Front 20

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #5

Back 20

Select men, weapons and equipment.

Front 21

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #6

Back 21

Issue the warning order.

Front 22

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #7

Back 22

Coordinate.

Front 23

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #8

Back 23

Make reconnaissance.

Front 24

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #9

Back 24

Complete detailed plans.

Front 25

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #10

Back 25

Issue the patrol order.

Front 26

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #11

Back 26

Supervise, inspect, rehearse, reinspect.

Front 27

Patrol Planning and Preparation Step #12

Back 27

Execute.

Front 28

Priority of Establishing a Defense #1

Back 28

Establish security.

Front 29

Priority of Establishing a Defense #2

Back 29

Hastily set up COMMS.

Front 30

Priority of Establishing a Defense #3

Back 30

Position automatic and CSW.

Front 31

Priority of Establishing a Defense #4

Back 31

Clear fields of fire.

Front 32

Priority of Establishing a Defense #5

Back 32

Assign sectors of fire.

Front 33

Priority of Establishing a Defense #6

Back 33

Prepare fighting positions.

Front 34

Priority of Establishing a Defense #7

Back 34

Plan, coordinate and plot fire support.

Front 35

Priority of Establishing a Defense #8

Back 35

Install tactical and supplementary wire.

Front 36

Priority of Establishing a Defense #9

Back 36

Lay and bury the wire for the final COMMS network.

Front 37

Priority of Establishing a Defense #10

Back 37

Prepare other obstacles (claymores/protective wire)

Front 38

Priority of Establishing a Defense #11

Back 38

Prepare alternate positions.

Front 39

Priority of Establishing a Defense #12

Back 39

Prepare supplementary positions.

Front 40

Describe the Security Area in a BDA.

Back 40

The battalion security area begins at the FEBA or the defensive perimeter and normally extends 500 meters to the front and to the flanks of the battalion.

Front 41

Describe the Forward Defense Area in a BDA.

Back 41

The forward defense area extends rearward from the defensive line or FEBA to the rear boundaries of the frontline companies that are used as the forward defense echelon of the battalion.

Front 42

Describe the Reserve Area in a BDA.

Back 42

Extending from the rear boundary of the forward defense echelon (frontline companies) to the rear boundary of the defense of the battalion is the reserve area.

Front 43

Discuss the elements in a Fire Plan Sketch.

Back 43

The fire team leader formulates a fire plan to cover the entire sector assigned by the squad leader with the heaviest possible volume of fire.
- Individual Sectors of Fire
- Individual Fighting Positions
- Position of AR, R, Grenadier, Fire Team Leader.

Front 44

Discuss the elements in a Squad Fire Plan Sketch.

Back 44

Based upon the fire plan sketch received from the fire team leaders, the squad leader prepares a squad fire plan sketch. Two copies are prepared-one for the squad leader and the other for the platoon commander.

Front 45

Discuss sectors of fire and fire discipline.

Back 45

Lateral Limits: Readily identifiable terrain features are selected to show the line of sight along each side of the sector. Two stakes are firmly placed near the position of a weapon to show the lateral limits for periods of reduced visibility.
Forward Limits: The forward limit is established at the range at which the weapon will open fire. When possible, a terrain feature is selected to locate the forward limit. This allows the squad leader a method of control to open fire on the enemy at a precise time to maximize effectiveness.

Front 46

Define Flanking Fire.

Back 46

Fire that is directed at the enemy's flanks. Maximum flanking fire is desirable. The more frontal the fire, the less effective the coverage of the company front.

Front 47

Define Interlocking Fire.

Back 47

Interlocking fire adds to the effectiveness of the fire plan. Such fire reduces the number of gaps in the final protective lines and provides mutual support between adjacent units.

Front 48

Define Grazing Fire.

Back 48

Final protective lines are located to obtain maximum grazing fire. Grazing fire is fire in which the trajectory of the bullets does not rise above the height of a man, standing. On flat or uniformly sloping terrain, machine gun fire grazes to a maximum range of 700 meters from the gun.

Front 49

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the Squad Leader.

Back 49

The squad leader is generally a first class petty officer (E-6). He carries out the orders of the platoon commander and is responsible to him for the discipline, appearance, training, control, and conduct of his squad at all times. He must pay particular attention to the care and maintenance of the weapons and equipment of the squad. In combat, he has the important responsibilities of fire discipline, fire control, and maneuvering his squad. He takes a position where he can best observe and control his squad and carry out the orders of the platoon commander. He controls his squad by voice and visual commands. The squad leader is primarily a leader; therefore, he only fires his own weapon in critical situations. He is armed with the service rifle.

Front 50

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the Grenadier.

Back 50

The grenadier, generally a third class petty officer (E-4), carries out the orders of the squad leader and is responsible to him for the effective care, maintenance, and employment of his weapon-the M203 grenade launcher. In combat, the grenadier always moves with or is close to the squad leader. Usually, another E-4 in the squad is trained to replace the grenadier should he become a casualty. On the jobsite, the grenadier has no special authority unless specifically designated.

Front 51

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the Fire Team Leader.

Back 51

The fire team leader, generally a second class petty officer (E-5), carries out the orders of his squad leader and is responsible to him for the effective employment of his fire team. His primary responsibility is to control his fire team in combat. In addition, he is responsible for the care and condition of the weapons and equipment of the fire team. The fire team leader stations himself where he can best control the fire of the automatic rifles of the team. He usually controls his men through real and visual communications, since there are normally no radio or telephone communications below the platoon commander’s level. Although he is armed with the service rifle, his primary duty as a leader comes first; and he serves as a rifleman only when absolutely necessary. The senior fire team leader serves as assistant squad leader and is prepared to take over the squad in the event that the squad leader becomes a casualty.

Front 52

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the Automatic Rifleman.

Back 52

The automatic rifleman, generally a third class petty officer (E-4), provides heavy firepower and is the backbone of the fire team. He is responsible to the fire team leader for the effective employment of his automatic rifle as well as its condition and care. The automatic rifleman acts as the fire team leader’s assistant and takes over in his absence.

Front 53

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the #1 Rifleman.

Back 53

Rifleman number 1, generally a constructionman (E-3), carries extra ammunition for the automatic rifleman. The automatic rifle must be kept in action at all times; if the automatic rifleman becomes a casualty, rifleman number 1 moves up and replaces him. In addition, rifleman number 1 is armed with the service rifle and acts as a rifleman and a scout. He assists rifleman number 2 in protecting the flank (exposed side) of the fire team.

Front 54

Describe the duties and the responsibilities of the #2 Rifleman.

Back 54

Rifleman number 2, a constructionman (E-3) or an apprentice (E-2), serves as a rifleman and protects the flank of the fire team. He is point man for all team formations and may also serve as a scout. If more than four men are assigned to the fire team, the additional men have the same general duties as rifleman number 2. All are armed with the service rifle.

Front 55

Article One of the Code of Conduct.

Back 55

I am an American, fighting in the forces which guard my country and our way of life. I am prepared to give my life in their defense.

Front 56

Article Two of the Code of Conduct.

Back 56

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Front 57

Article Three of the Code of Conduct.

Back 57

If I am captured, I will continue to resist by all means available. I will make every effort to escape and aid others to escape. I will accept neither parole nor special favors from the enemy.

Front 58

Article Four of the Code of Conduct.

Back 58

If I become a prisoner of war, I will keep faith with my fellow prisoners. I will give no information or take part in any action which might be harmful to my comrades. If I am senior, I will take command. If not, I will obey the lawful orders of those appointed over me and will back them up in every way.

Front 59

Article Five of the Code of Conduct.

Back 59

When questioned, should I become a prisoner of war, I am required to give name, rank, service number, and date of birth. I will evade answering further questions to the utmost of my ability. I will make no oral or written statements disloyal to my country and its Allies or harmful to their cause.

Front 60

Article Six of the Code of Conduct.

Back 60

I will never forget that I am an American, fighting for freedom, responsible for my actions, and dedicated to the principles which made my country free. I will trust in my God and in the United States of America.

Front 61

Describe procedures for handling Enemy POWs. (6 S's)

Back 61

- Search
- Secure
- Silence
- Segregate
- Safeguard
- Speed to the Rear

You may only take items that are clearly of a military or an intelligence nature. Only commissioned officers may take personal items.

Front 62

Describe FPCON Alpha.

Back 62

FPCON Alpha applies when there is an increased general threat of possible terrorist activity against personnel or facilities, the nature and extent of which are unpredictable. Alpha measures must be capable of being maintained indefinitely.

Front 63

Describe FPCON Bravo.

Back 63

FPCON Bravo applies when an increased or more predictable threat of terrorist activity exists. Sustaining Bravo measures for a prolonged period may affect operational capability and relations with local authorities.

Front 64

Describe FPCON Charlie.

Back 64

FPCON Charlie applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely. Prolonged implementation of Charlie measures may create hardship and affect the activities of the unit and its personnel.

Front 65

Describe FPCON Delta.

Back 65

FPCON Delta applies in the immediate area where a terrorist attack has occurred or when intelligence is received that terrorist action against a specific location or person is imminent. This FPCON is normally declared as a localized condition. FPCON Delta measures are not intended to be sustained for substantial periods.

Front 66

Describe circumstances when deadly force would normally be authorized.

Back 66

- Self-Defense and defense of others
- Assets involving National Security
- Assets Not Involving National Security But Inherently Dangerous To Others (i.e. chemical, nuclear weapons, ammo dump)
- Serious Offenses Against Persons
- Protect Public Health or Safety
- Arrest or Apprehension
- Escape

Front 67

Describe the three classes of wire entanglement.

Back 67

1. Tactical Wire
2. Supplementary Wire
3. Protective Wire

Front 68

State the purpose of triple-strand concertina wire.

Back 68

This fence consists of two lines of concertinas serving as a base, with a third line resting on top. All lines are installed with staggered joints. Each line is completed before the next is started, so a partially completed concertina entanglement presents some obstruction. It is erected quickly and is difficult to cross, cut, or crawl through.

Front 69

State the purpose of the double-apron fence.

Back 69

The standard double-apron fence is one of the best obstacles that can be made with barbed tape. The effectiveness of this obstacle is increased by (1) raising the top wire to preclude crossing the obstacle by stepping over it and (2) placing low wires 4 inches above the ground to prevent personnel from crawling under the obstacle.

Front 70

State the purpose of a low wire entanglement.

Back 70

The low-wire entanglement is used where concealment is essential. In tall grass or shallow water, this entanglement is almost invisible and is particularly effective as a surprise obstacle. However, a man can pick his way through this low-wire fence without much difficulty; therefore, for best results, it must be used in depth. Except for the omission of three wires and the substitution of medium pickets, this fence is constructed in the same reamer as the double-apron fence.

Front 71

State the purpose of tangle foot.

Back 71

Tanglefoot is used where concealment is essential and to prevent the enemy from crawling between fences and in front of emplacements.

Front 72

Discuss the column formation.

Back 72

The column is used when speed and control are governing factors, such as moving through woods, fog, smoke, and along roads and trails. This formation is favorable for fire and maneuvers to either flank but is vulnerable to fire from the front because its own fire in that direction is limited.

Front 73

Discuss the wedge formation.

Back 73

The fire team wedge formation (fig. 4-7, view 2) is used when the enemy situation is unknown but contact is possible. When the terrain and the visibility require dispersion of the men, the wedge formation provides all-around protection and flexibility and is easy to control.

Front 74

Discuss the skirmisher formation.

Back 74

Fire team skirmishers can be used most effectively when you are assaulting a known enemy position. It is also useful for “mopping up” operations (searching for enemy stragglers) and crossing short, open areas. Because the fire team is in a line, skirmishers right or left provides maximum firepower to the front. However, the formation is difficult to control.

Front 75

Discuss the echelon formation.

Back 75

Fire team echelon right or left (fig. 4-7, view 4) is used primarily to protect an exposed flank. This formation permits heavy firepower to both the front and the direction of echelon. As with skirmishers, the formation is difficult to control; therefore, movement is generally slow, especially during conditions of reduced visibility.

Front 76

Discuss immediate actions during enemy contact in a convoy.

Back 76

- Vehicle Unloading Drill
- Freeze, and Hasty Ambush Drill
- Immediate Assault Drill
- Counter-ambush Drill

Front 77

Discuss challenge and password.

Back 77

The choice of words or sounds for the countersign is made with care. When possible, words are selected that are difficult for the enemy to pronounce. The word selected for the secret challenge, or countersign must not suggest the word selected for the password. (i.e. atomic suggests bomb).