Lesson 3/Learning Event 1
It is estimated that a minimum of 25,000 and a maximum of 40,000 square
meters of usable area are required for a DS company forward.
The minimum
area would provide for vehicle dispersion of approximately 12 meters. From
the standpoint of passive defense, the maximum area is more desirable. It
is the largest dispersion that can be attained without serious degradation
of unit efficiency and without increasing vulnerability to guerrilla
attacks.
The maintenance company, rear, because of larger size, more
vehicles, greater supply stockage, and more workload, would require an area
one and one-half to twice as large.
Command post.
The CP must be centrally located within the perimeter.
From here, it can exercise control over the company, remain well defended,
and have lines of communications with subelements.
Fuel Tankers. The fuel tankers should be located as near as possible to
the primary entrance where returning vehicles are topped off, and then moved
to a protected position within the perimeter (away from likely avenues of
attack) that offers protection to the tanker as well as to adjacent
facilities.
The basic load of ammunition should be removed from the
transporting vehicles. It must be stockpiled and protected by sandbags or
an earth revetment, and located near the supply tent.
Troop Areas.
Personnel will be permitted to sleep only in designated
areas.
These areas should be close to the section of the perimeter these
troops are to defend. Vehicles will not be allowed to move without ground
guides in areas where troops are sleeping.
BIVOUAC DEFENSE
As soon as the main body closes the bivouac site, primary emphasis should be
on establishing and improving the defenses of the area. Platoon leaders and
the company commanders should confirm the CP locations and quickly review
the placement of the perimeter. Special emphasis is placed on siting crew-
served weapons to ensure all-around defense.
Where authorized, provisions
should be made to ensure construction of road blocks, placement of
antivehicular and antitank mines on likely avenues of high-speed approach,
and the laying of a defensive antipersonnel minefield. If available, barbed
concertina wire, trip flares, and booby traps should be emplaced.
Individual and crew-served positions are prepared and camouflaged, and wire
83
Previous Page
