Lesson 3/Learning Event 1
is laid to CPs and observation and listening posts. A secondary wire net
over different routes should be provided, if possible, to ensure effective
communications if the primary wire is cut by enemy action. If possible, the
RC-292 radio antenna at the company CP should be removed several kilometers
from the bivouac site to confuse enemy direction-finding equipment. Trucks
and tents should be camouflaged with natural vegetation or the lightweight
screening systems. Range cards for each individual position and crew-served
weapon should be prepared. Coordination with supporting artillery, mortars,
and reaction forces should be made, and defensive map overlays prepared.
ACTIVE DEFENSE
Active defense of a maintenance company's site does not Include fighting
beyond the perimeter of the bivouac area.
Troops who man observation and
listening posts must go beyond the bivouac boundaries. Other members of the
unit do not go beyond the bivouac boundaries.
Enemy ground forces may
strike a company at several points at the same time before mobile defense
forces can reach it. Therefore, the company commander must be prepared to
use his own forces effectively at all times. Here, it is assumed that the
maintenance unit is without outside assistance.
NOTE:
A maintenance unit uses concealment, dispersion, and deception to
protect itself. It does not take offensive action.
ALERT SYSTEM
The alert system for a maintenance unit provides for a two-stage alert. The
first stage, "attack likely," warns unit personnel by audible or visual
signal that an attack will probably take place.
Troops are positioned in
pairs, and one soldier remains alert at all times.
(If the situation
permits, the other member of the team may sleep.)
During the 'attack
likely' alert, as many soldiers as possible man their defensive positions.
But every effort should be made to continue with the unit's normal mission.
When the second-stage alarm, "attack imminent," is given, all personnel stop
their normal duties and man their defensive positions. The reserve force is
held in position near the CP until deployed by the unit commander.
Personnel remain in their defensive positions until the all-clear signal is
given.
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