MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 3

 

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MCWP 3-16.3 FM 6-50 TTP for the Field Artillery Cannon Gunnery - page 3

 

 

FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(2) A consideration in employment of the main

armament of the howitzer from the kill zone is that the

targets may be too close for proper fuze action. Only the

105-mm antipersonnel round (M546) can be set for muzzle

action to engage targets close to the weapon.

(3) If the area was identified during the map inspection

as a likely ambush site, on-call fires are executed. Otherwise,

a fire request is sent immediately to the battalion FDC.

(4) If the ambush or any other enemy action is of such

magnitude as to cause the column to break up, individual

elements should proceed to the new position or designated

rally point on their own.

2-34. OTHER MOVEMENTS

a. 

Detailed descriptions of the various types of movements

and marches are in the following manuals:

FM 55-30, which includes information on the

organization of motor movements, the movement of

personnel, and the planning of motor movements.
FM 100-50.

FM 101-10-1, which includes planning guidance for

movements.

b. 

When the unit moves by rail, air, or water, it normally

moves as an element of the FA battalion or with a supported

unit. In any case, the battery receives detailed instructions

in the form of a movement order or pertinent extracts from

the movement order. A warning order alerts the battery

and gives enough information of the impending movement

for the battery to make plans and to take the necessary

preliminary action. The references listed below provide

adequate information for the following types of movement:

Movement by rail-FM 55-15, TM 55-601.
Movement by air—FM 55-9, FM 55-12, FM 90-4,

and FM 101-10-1.
Movement by water—FM 55-15 and FM 101-10-1.

2-35. MOVEMENT PROCEDURES

The BC ensures that movement procedures are included in

the unit SOPs. He should consider the following items before

establishing a movement SOP:

Tips on establishing a realistic movement SOP

(paragraph 2-41).
References identified in this chapter.
STANAG 2041 and QSTAG 520, 
Operation Orders,

Tables and Graphs for

-

Road Movement (see FM 55-30

for applicable details).

STANAG 2154 and QSTAG 539, Regulations for

Military Motor Vehicle Movement by Road The

applicable details of this agreement to be included in

unit SOPs are extracted from STANAG 2154 and

are shown below.

EXTRACT

STANAG 2154 (Edition 6)

REGULATIONS FOR MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLE MOVEMENT

BY ROAD

5. Composition of Columns.

a. A column may be composed of a number of organized elements.
b. Each organized element includes:

(1) A commander whose location may vary.
(2) In the first vehicle: a subordinate commander known as the pace setter.
(3) At the end a subordinate commander known as the trail officer.

c. A reporting officer* is to precede each column. His fiction is to report the details of the column to each

traftic control post or border crossing point as applicable.

d. A reporting officer* (who may be the trail officer) is to be appointed to report to each traffic control post

once the column has passed, giving details of any occurrences including vehicle casualties.

e. Each vehicle must have a vehicle commander, who may be the driver. He is responsible for both crew

discipline and the execution of the mission.

* May be of any rank as considered appropriate by the column commander.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

6. Identification of Columns.

a. Movement Number (Example at Annex A).

(1)

(2)

(3)

Each column which has been allocated a movement credit must be identified by a number known as the "movement

number." This number identifies the column during the whole of the movement, including the crossing of national

boundaries.

The movement number is to be placed on both sides of each vehicle. It must be permanently legible, from ground

level, at a minimum distance of 6 meters in normal daylight.

The movement number must be white or yellow and remain legible in all weather during the whole movement. It

must be removed as soon as the movement is completed.

b. Minimum Lighting and Flagging.

(1) In peacetime, headlights of all vehicles moving in the column must be on at all times (low beam).
(2) The first vehicle of each element must display a blue flag mounted on the front left-hand side of the vehicle.
(3) The last vehicle of each element must display a green flag mounted on the front left-hand side of the vehicle.
(4) The column commander should display a white and black flag at the front left-hand side as indicated below:

(5) The driver of a broken down vehicle must remove the flag(s) and filter (light) and if technical assistance is required,

a yellow flag is to be attached to the vehicle so that it is visible to approaching traffic.

(6) Flags must be approximately 30 cm (12 in) x 45 cm (18 in) in size.
(7) To obtain legal rights for column movements for different countries, see Annex D.

7. Movement Credit. A movement credit is issued by the National Movement Staff or the appropriate authority, on

whose territory the movement starts. The credit is coordinated by that staff or authority with the movement staff

or authority of another nation where the crossing of international boundaries is concerned. It is required for:

a.
b.
c.
d.

Columns of vehicles in accordance with national regulations (see Annex C).

Outsize or heavy vehicles in accordance with national regulations (see Annex B).

In the case of border crossing movement, see STANAG 2176.
Hazardous cargo (in accordance with national/military regulations).

8. Special Regulations for the Execution of Movement.

a. Halts.

(1)

(2)

(3)
(4)

Short halts made by columns normally are to last 10 minutes and should be taken where possible after every 2 hours

of operation.

Long halts made by columns for at least 30 minutes must always be specifically plotted on road movement graphs.
The movement control staff can give additional instructions concerning time, duration and/or place of halts.
Particular attention is to be paid to the following aspects of traffic discipline during halts:

(a)

(b)

When making a halt, single vehicles, or vehicles forming part of a column, should move off the

roads as much as possible.

If this practice cannot be observed, the commander of a column which is halted must take all necessary

measures to facilitate movement of other road users and to avoid accidents or traffic jams. The

measures to be taken will vary according to conditions and the width of the road and should include:

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

i. Warning at sufficient distance from the front and rear of the column (guards, warning flags,

lights or flares).

ii. Organizing and directing a system of one-way traffic along the column.

b. Overtaking of Columns.

(1) Single vehicles are authorized to overtake columns during their halts or if there is a large speed differential. Vehicles

may only overtake if it is safe to do so.

(2) Columns may only be authorized to overtake other columns by the movements control authorities and, if so, the

overtaking maneuver has to be supported by traffic regulation personnel.

(3) A column without movement credit may overtake another column in the following circumstances:

(a) When the other column is halted and it is safe to do so.
(b) When the column commander of the leading column gives clear intention that the following column

may overtake and it is safe to do so.

c. Road Movement of Outsized or Heavy Vehicles/Equipment (Special Movement). Special application for the

movement of outsize or heavy vehicles must be made before movement credits are granted. National restrictions,

above which special application to move must be made, are contained in Annex B.

d. Tactical Situation.

(1) On principle, the directions from the local police and from the military police must be obeyed. In times of crisis

or in wartime the tactical situation may require a deviation from one or more regulations laid down in this agreement.

Such situations may occur for the units in case of immediate danger of enemy threat.

(2) In times of crisis or in wartime, night movements will also have to be accomplished without or with restricted

lighting (black out lighting) depending on the situation, with due regard to regulations in force to the host nation.

It is desirable that a device be incorporated in the vehicle lighting switch, in order to prevent the driver inadvertently

switching on driving lights, passing lights or direction indicators while the vehicle is operating under black out

conditions.

ANNEX A TO STANAG 2154 (Edition No. 6)

REGULATIONS FOR MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLE MOVEMENT

BY ROAD

TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

2. Terms and Definitions used for the purpose of this Agreement.

a.

b.
c.

Column. A group of vehicles moving under a single commander, over the same route, at the same time in

the same direction.
Organized Element. Marching groups, convoys, packets (STANAG 2155 refers).
Movement Number. Number, allocated to a movement by the movement control staff responsible for the issue

of a movement credit. The movement number should comprise:

(1) Two figures indicating the day of the month on which the movement is due to commence.
(2) Three or more letters indicating the movement agency issuing the movement credit, the first two letters being the

national symbols of the movement agency (see STANAG 1059).

(3) 

Two or three figures indicating the serial number of the movement.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(4) 

One letter to identify the element of the column (this is optional).

Example below:

15 NLA 41D

d. Special Movement. Road movement of vehicles/equipment with or without load which requires movement

credit because of class, dimension or movement restriction based on national requirements.

e. Trail Officer. A subordinate commander in each column who travels at the rear of the column. His duties

are to be determined by the column commander. His duties may include:

(1) Reporting type and location of dropped-out vehicles.
(2) Organizing the safety measures at the rear of the column required at halts.
(3) Observing and reporting column discipline.

ANNEX B TO STANAG 2154 (Edition No. 6)

REGULATIONS FOR MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLE MOVEMENT BY

ROAD

SPECIAL MOVEMENT

All vehicles/equipment exceeding dimensions or qualifications listed below must be considered as special movement and

need road movement credit (see Annex C).

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Explanatory notes

1. a. Generally in most provinces and designated highways, size limits exceed the limitations quoted;

b. In some provinces certain types of articulated trains are not permitted;
c. Weight limitations are based on axle loads, axle spacing and tire size. They vary by provinces and designated

highways. Restrictions on weight may be imposed during spring thaws.

2. For vehicles and trailers with pneumatic tires the permissible axle load and the permissible total width must not

exceed the following values:

a.

b.

c.

d.

Single axle load

(1) single axles: 10.0 t
(2) single axles (live), except for two-axle busses: 10.0 t

Double axle load, taking into consideration the regulations for the single axle load:

(1) axle distance less than 1.00 m: 11.0 t
(2) axle distance 1.00 m to less than 1.30 m: 11.0 t
(3) axle distance 1.30 m to less than 1.30 m: 16.0 t
(4) axle distance more than 1.90 m: 20.0 t
Triple axle load, taking into consideration the regulation for the single axle load and the double axle load:
(1) axle distance 1.30 m or less: 21.0 t
(2) axle distance more than 1.30 m to 1.40 m: 24.0 t

Total weight of individual vehicles, except for semi-trailers, taking into consideration the regulation for axle

loads:

(1) vehicles with not more than 2 axles:

(a) vehicles: 16 t
(b) vehicles with live axle according to point a(2): 17.0 t
(c) trailers: 18.0 t

(2) vehicles with more than 2 axles:

(a) vehicles and trailers: 24.0 t
(b) busses which are constructed as articulated vehicles: 28.0 t
(c) vehicles with 2 double axles, the centers of which are at least 4.00 m apart: 32.0 t

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

e. Total weight of vehicle combinations (towing vehicles and semi-trailers) taking into consideration the regulations

for axle loads and individual vehicles:

(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)
(5)

vehicle combinations with less than 4 axles: 27.0 t
two-axle vehicle with two-axle trailer or semi-trailer: 35.0 t
other vehicle combinations with more than 4 axles: 34.0 t
vehicle combinations with more than 4 axles: 40.0 t
three-axle vehicle with two- or three axle semi-trailer which transports a 40 foot ISO container in combined

freight traffic within the meaning of Directive 73/130/EEC on the determination of common rules for specific

transports in combined freight traffic between member nations in the version dated 28 July 1982 (Official EC

Bulletin No. L247, page 6): 44.0 t

3.

4.

5.
6.

7.

8.
9.

2-28

Motor vehicles with one rear-axle: 11 m (IT motor coaches excluded). Motor vehicles with two or more axles:

12 m.
18 m; less if turning radius (a) exceeds 12 m and/or circular crown of turning way (b) is more than 5.30 m.

=<50; highways can be considered up to class 120; in peacetime forbidden for tracked vehicles.
Vehicles with:

a. 1 axle: 7 m;
b. 2 axles: 10 m;
c. 3 or more axles:

Maximum:

12 m.

total weight: 50,000 kg (50 tons);

single axle load: 10,000 kg (10 tons);
double axle load: 8,000 kg (18 tons);

: 20,000 kg (20 tons), axle distance>2.00 m;

triple axle load: 24,000 kg (24 tons).
15 m; for container transporters a maximum length of 15.50 m is allowed.

Max. load per single axle: 13 t

Max. load per tandem axle: 21 t

(Two single axles separated 1.5 m or less are considered a tandem axle)

From a separation of 1.35 m down, the maximum limit of 21 t has to be reduced in 700 kg for each decrease

of 0.05 m in the distance between the twin axles.

Vehicles with two axles, max weight: 20 t

Vehicles with three axles, max weight: 26 t

Vehicles with more than three axles, max weight: 38 t

Combined or articulated vehicles, max weight: 38 t

Max load density between farthest axles: 5 t per meter

Max pressure to the road: 9 Kg per square centimeter.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

10.

11.

12.
13.

In UK there is no legal limit applied to the length of a semi-trailer, however, due to the constraints of the

Construct and Use Regulations (UK) which limit the maximum tractor/semi-trailer combination length to 15 m,

the semi-trailer-length cannot exceed 12.2 m; in practice this is reduced normally to 12 m.

12 m; for trailers with 4 or more wheels and a distance between the heart of the two outmost rear axles of more

than three/fifth of the trailers overall length and provided that own weight of the tractor is 2030 kg or more;

otherwise the length of a trailer may not exceed 7 m.

12 m for a motor coach fit up for more than 8 seated passengers which can turn within a circle of 24 m diameter.

4.57 m; for a large motor coach as described at note (12). For motorlorries there is no limit, but certain vehicles

over 3.658 m height must carry a notice stating height in

-

feet and inches in the cab. Bridge heights on secondary

roads allow vehicles up to 3.962 m height.

ANNEX C TO STANAG 2154 (Edition 6)

REGULATIONS FOR MILITARY MOTOR VEHICLE

MOVEMENT BY ROAD

TABLE LISTING THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF VECHICLES FOR WHICH

A MOVEMENT CREDIT IS REQUIRED

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

ANNEX D TO STANAG 2154 (Edition 6)

NATIONAL MARKING OF COLUMNS AND LEGAL RIGHTS

Country BE and DA

1. Flagging

See 6.b. "Minimum lighting and flagging".

2. Lighting

See 6.b. “Minimum lighting and flagging”.

3. Legal rights

None.

Country GE

1. Flagging

a. Columns consisting of three or more vehicles are to be marked by flags. All vehicles except for the last

vehicle display a blue flag. The last vehicle displays a green flag.

b. If a column is separated in several independent elements and if the distance between the last vehicle of the

following element exceeds the distance ordered between the individual vehicles each element of the column is

to be marked by flags according to the provisions for a column.

2. Lighting

Also during the day the headlights of all vehicles moving in column must be on.

3. Other provisions

In order to warn the following rapid traffic on highways and freeways the last vehicle may display an

omnidirectional amber light, or if this light is not available the last vehicle may display operating hazard warning

lights instead.

4. Legal rights

Closed formations moving in column must leave gaps for the remaining traffic at appropriate intervals. Such

traffic must not interrupt the column at any other point.

Hence follows that a closed formation or an element

thereof is to be considered one road user. That also applies at crossings and junctions. If a part of the formation

has already moved into a crossing, the next vehicle must not wait when a vehicle approaches on the road with

right-of-way or from the right. It is, however, not justifiable that that right of way is called upon without warning

the remaining road users.
The warning tasks (no traffic regulation) may be accomplished by military police forces or other military personnel

unless police forces regulate the traffic. Military police forces or military personnel detailed for warning must be

clearly recognizable as military traffic posts (warning posts), e.g. by brassards or respective clothing.
When accomplishing their tasks, military traffic posts are to use the same signals as prescribed for traffic regulation

by police forces (STANAG 2025). Other signals to warn road users-where necessary and appropriate-mnust,

however, not be excluded. Warning of the other road users must not be accomplished as a traffic regulation

function. Only the German Police has traffic regulation authority over civilian road users.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Country GR

1.

2.

3.

The priority rights of closed formations must not be called upon if:

the traffic is regulated in another way by police forces;

other road users call upon priority by displaying a blue flashing light together with a signal horn. Such vehicles must

always be given free way;
a threat to other road users cannot effectively be prevented by traffic regulation by police forces, warning by military

police forces of other military personnel detailed for that tasks. That applies especially if the traffic is regulated hy

alternating lights, permanent lights (traffic signals) or by the traffic signs "Stop! Give way” or “Give way!".

Flagging
a. See 6.b. “Minimum lighting and flagging”;
b. The driver of a broken down vehicle must remove the flag and filter (light) and, if technical assistance is

required, a yellow flag is to be attached to the vehicle so that it is visible to approaching traffic.

Lighting
a. The first vehicle of each element must display a blue filter on the front left-hand side headlight or a blue light;
b. The last vehicle of each element must display a green filter on the front left-hand side headlight or a green

light.

Legal rights

If part of the column/element, complying to the above stated national requirements, has already moved into a

crossing, the next vehicles have right of way. This right should be excercised with necesssary caution. Civilian

drivers are not to disturb or obstruct a column.

Country: NL

NL requirements for marking of columns in peacetime only:

1. Flagging

a. Two blue flags displayed on the first vehicle of an element mounted on the left- and right-hand front side of

the vehicle;

b. One blue flag displayed on each following vehicle of an element, except for the last vehicle, mounted on the

right-hand front side of the vehicles.

2. Lighting

a. Headlights (low beam) of all vehicles moving in column must be switched on at all times;
b. Each vehicle except the last of each element must display a blue filter in the front right-hand side headlight;
c. The last vehicle of each element must display a green filter on the front right-hand side headlight.

3. Legal rights

If a part of the column/element, complying to the above stated national requirements, has already moved into a

crossing, the next vehicles have right of way. This right should be exercised with necessary caution. Civilian

drivers are not to disturb or disrupt a column.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

1.

2.

3.

1.

2.

3.

4.

1.

2.

3.

Country: NO

Flagging

a. See 6.b. “Minimum lighting and flagging”;
b. One sign displayed on the front-side of the first vehicle and one sign displayed on the rear-side of the last

vehicle of an element stating "MILITAER KOLDNNE" (black capital characters on a white board).

Lighting

See 6.b. "Minimum lighting and flagging".

Legal rights

Columns complying to the above stated national requirements have right of way. Civilian drivers are not to

disturb or obstruct a column.

Country: SP

Flagging

See 6.b. "Minimum lighting and flagging".

A red flag must be displayed on vehicles carrying explosives

Lighting

or ammunition, dimensions are not required.

See 6.b. "Minimum lighting and flagging". In order to warn the following rapid traffic on highways and freeways

the last vehicle may display an omnidirectional amber light.

Other provisions

A hazard triangle must be displayed at the front of the first vehicle and at the rear of the last vehicle:

Legal rights

None.

Country: UK

Flagging

In the UK the national regulations do not recognize column flagging of any sort.

Lighting

See 6.b. "Minimum lighting and flagging".

Legal rights

None.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

Section VIII

OCCUPYING THE POSITION

2-36. TYPES OF OCCUPATION

This section describes three types of occupation-deliberate,

hasty, and emergency. Also, the key functions performed

in laying and readying the battery or platoon for firing and

for sustaining operations are addressed. Regardless of the

type of occupation, local security must be established and

maintained.
a. A deliberate 

occupation is one that has been planned.

The advance party precedes the unit and prepares the position.

The occupation may be during daylight hours following a

daylight preparation, at night after a daylight preparation,

or at night following a nighttime preparation. A common

error in a deliberate occupation is allowing too much activity

during preparation, thereby risking compromise. Only the

minimum number of vehicles and personnel should go

forward. When the tactical situation allows, a very good

method of occupying a new position is to do the advance

preparation prior to darkness and move by night. Nighttime

movement following a nighttime reconnaissance is often

necessary, but it can be more time-consuming.

b. 

The hasty occupation differs from the deliberate

occupation mainly in the amount of time available for

reconnaissance preparation.

Generally, it results from

unforeseen circumstances. The hasty occupation begins as

a deliberate occupation, but due to limited time for advance

party preparation of the next position, it becomes a hasty

occupation. It reinforces the importance of the battery

commander’s planning ahead and establishing priority tasks.
c. An emergency 

occupation results when a call for fire

is received while the battery or platoon is conducting a tactical

movement.

2-37. DELIBERATE OCCUPATION

a. 

A guide meets the battery or platoon at the pickup point

and leads the vehicles to the entrance of the position area.

There the vehicle guides are waiting to lead the vehicles to

their selected locations.

b. 

Each gun guide aligns his weapon on the azimuth of

fire and gives the initial deflection to the gunner.
c. 

Intrabattery communications are used for laying.

d. 

The GSG implements the security and defense plan as

personnel become available.
e. 

Other considerations for night occupations areas follow:

(1) Light discipline must be practiced. Proper

preparation for a night occupation will minimize the need

for lights. Vehicle blackout drive and blackout marker lights

should be turned off as soon as the ground guide has begun

to lead the vehicle into position. During the laying process,

only the aiming circle (AC) and the weapon being laid should

have any night lights on.

(2) Noise discipline is most important, since noise can

be heard at much greater distances at night.

(3) The time for occupation is increased.
(4) Each vehicle guide should know where his vehicle

is in the order of march so the platoon can move smoothly

CAUTION

into position without halting the column.

(5) Filtered flashlights are used to lead the vehicles.

Each driver must stop his vehicle whenever he cannot

see the light from the guide’s flashlight.

(6) Vehicles will not move within the position without

a guide.

2-38. HASTY OCCUPATION

In a hasty occupation, day or night, the platoon requires

more time to occupy. This is because some preparatory tasks

were not accomplished due to the limited time available.

This may result in the following:

Delay in getting the vehicles off the route of march.

Laying by voice.
Increased laying time, since gun guides might not

have aligned the stakes on the azimuth of fire or

obtained initial deflections.

Increased FDC preparation time because not all

initial updated location data will be available.

2-39. EMERGENCY OCCUPATION

a. General.

(1) The nature of the emergency occupation requires

a modification of the normal procedures used to occupy and

lay. The procedures apply to all artillery units, towed and

self-propelled.

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

(2) The key to success for the mission is a

well-rehearsed SOP.

(3) The XO or platoon leader must know exactly where

he is at all times during a road march. He must constantly

be selecting possible emergency mission firing positions by

map and visual reference. If possible, the BC or gunnery

sergeant should identify suitable position areas for emergency

missions along the route while performing his reconnaissance

and pass this information to the platoon leader or XO.

b. Actions Upon Receipt of the Mission.

(1) The XO, platoon leader or FDO receives the call

for fire and does the following:

Authenticates the mission.
Ensures FDC personnel monitored the call.
Notifies the driver.

Signals the convoy.
Selects a firing position and passes the proposed

coordinates to the FDC personnel.
Determines the best method to lay the unit. In order

of preference, the methods areas follows:

Grid azimuth method.
Howitzer backlay method.
Aiming point-deflection method.

(2) The FDC does the following:

Determines the azimuth of fire.
Starts computing initial data. See Appendix

F for BCS emergency occupation

procedures.

c. Communications. 

Data must be passed quickly and

efficiently. The small unit transceiver (if available) is an

effective tool. Wire can be used if the battery internal wire

system is designed for very rapid emplacement. In the

absence of these systems or if some elements are not

operational, all key personnel must have relays and/or runners

in position to get data as they become available. For example,

as each nonadjusting howitzer is emplaced, a relay should

move immediately to the aiming circle to get his deflection.

Another runner should get firing data from the FDC.
d. Aiming Points. 

Aiming points will be established in

the following priorities:

Distant aiming point (DAP).
Collimator.

Aiming posts.

e. Security. 

In M109A3-5 units, for security, the M992

should automatically disperse in a semicircle from the right

front around the rear of the position to the left front. They

should be well outside the gun line and not be a factor in

line of sight between the aiming circle and the howitzer.

In towed weapon units where ammunition is carried

separately, the prime mover should move to the rear as soon

as possible to reduce line-of-sight problems and congestion.

Administrative vehicles and their occupants should move

into security positions.
f. Position Improvement.

Upon completion of the

mission, the tactical situation dictates whether the unit moves

on or continues position improvement, The unit should make

the five requirements for accurate predicted tire a priority.

(A more detailed discussion of the five requirements is in

FM 6-40.)
g. Teamwork. There are few tactical activities which

require more teamwork than an emergency occupation.

Everyone (drivers, gunners, relays, chiefs) must know his

job and do it automatically. Remember, engines will be

running, and if success depends on a leader shouting

commands and directives to untrained personnel, the mission

will surely fail.

2-40. SUSTAINING ACTIONS

a. 

Once the occupation is completed and the unit is ready

to answer calls for fire, sustaining actions begin. They are

continuous and done in the priority determined by the BC

or platoon leader. These actions may include the following:

Improve position defense plans.
Improve camouflage.

Bury and overhead wire lines.
Harden critical elements.
Perform maintenance.
Rehearse reaction forces.
Conduct training.
Resupply all classes of supply.

Complete position area survey.
Be prepared to march-order.
Improve the technical solution to meet the five

requirements for accurate predicted fire.

b. 

Care must be taken in the way ammunition is resupplied

and vehicles are refueled, particularly in SP units. These

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

activities can reveal the location of the battery. If possible,

these tasks should be done at night.

c. 

The advance party should always be prepared to leave

at a moment’s notice.

2-41. TRAINING TIPS

a. 

During combat, a unit keeps proficient in those skills

that are used day-to-day. If not used or practiced, skills

that may be required later can be lost. Consideration should

be given to conducting training during combat lulls. Such

training will ensure that a platoon stays able to perform all

skills required.
b. 

Training in convoy operations and immediate action

procedures should conform to the unit SOP. This will ensure

that personnel are adequately trained to cope with situations

that may confront them.

Some considerations for

establishing a training program are discussed below:

(1) Establish a realistic movement SOP. It should

conform to battalion SOPs and should cover, as a minimum,

the following:

Approval authority for displacing the battery or

platoon.
Duties of convoy commanders.
Convoy organization.
Weapons and ammunition to be carried.
Hardening of vehicles.
Protective equipment to be worn by personnel.
Preparation of vehicles (detailed instructions regarding

tarpaulins, windshields, and tailgates).
Counterambush action.
Drills in reaction to air or artillery attack.
Security measures.

Maintenance and recovery of disabled vehicles.

Any scheduled refueling and/or rest halts.

Establishment of rally points.

(2) Stress estimating and maintaining the specified

interval between vehicles, especially if the column halts.

Put interval-marking signs on your motor pool exit to help

train drivers.
c. 

Teach the drivers to habitually evaluate the terrain in

light of the cross-country mobility of their vehicles. Even

in a well-developed area with a good road net, a driver may

be required to make an off-road detour to bypass a roadblock

or a section of damaged highway. The habit of constant

terrain evaluation enables him to make a quick decision and

select the most practical route promptly.
d. 

Practice terrain movement in small elements.

e. 

Practice immediate action. Include vehicle breakdowns,

equipment transfer, and vehicle repair or recovery. Many

such items can be in the SOPs.
f. 

Practice blackout movements to accustom the drivers to

using the blackout lights. As they become proficient, restrict

them to "cat’s eyes" only.

g. 

Consider the following tips for increasing the

units capability for rapid and secure tactical vehicle

marches.

(1) Do not limit training to those times when the entire

unit is available. Whenever two or more vehicles are going

to the same place, conduct the movement as a tactical march.

(2) Find out how fast the unit can travel, both on and

off the road, without losing the slowest vehicles. (Putting

the slowest vehicles up front will automatically pace the

column.)

(3) As a planning guide, on roads and trails the battery

or platoon will average 25 kilometers (km) per hour in an

open column and 10 km per hour in a close column (at

night).

2-35

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

CHAPTER 3

BATTERY DEFENSE

This Chapter implements STANAG 2113, STANAG 2047/ QSTAG 183, and STANAG 2934, Chapter 13/QSTAG 503.

Section I

INTRODUCTION

3-1. THREAT CAPABILITIES

The enemy will direct actions against the field artillery to

suppress, neutralize, and/or destroy our capability to fight.

All field artillerymen must know and apply passive and active

defense measures against artillery, air, and ground attacks

if they are to survive and provide continuous and responsive

fire support.
a. Detection. 

The enemy will try to detect FA elements.

Detection is done through the study of our doctrine and the

processing of signals intelligence (SIGINT), imagery

intelligence (IMINT), and human intelligence (HUMINT).

(1) Signals Intelligence.

(a) Using signal intercept and radio direction finding

(RDF) equipment, the enemy collects various tlequency

modulated (FM) and amplitude modulated (AM) transmissions.

Through triangulation, the enemy frees the signal. FM monitors

are closer to the forward line of own troops (FLOT) because of

the limited range of FM radios; AM radio direction finding

monitors follow the fmt echelon. About 25 seconds after

communications begin, the enemy targeting sequence can continue

even if our communications stop. Within 2 to 3 minutes the

information can produce a jamming mission, fwe mission, or a

combat mission. Tactical FM radios operating on low power can

be picked up by enemy RDF units at distances in excess of 10

kilometers. High power signals can be detected at distances up

to 40 kilometers. However, directional antennas will improve

survivability.

(b) Other targeting means are radars, sound, and visual

target detection teams. Radars can detect firing weapons within

100 meters or less. Higher trajectories produce more accurate

results. Seismic and sound ranging can produce targets with a

target location accuracy of 1 percent of range up to 10 km (error

of 100 meters). However, their accuracy is diminished by other

battle noise and they are affected by weather and the soil. Unaided

visual observations depend on line of sight and their accuracy

varies. Visual, sound, and radar collectors are commonly organic

to the front line units; and immediate targeting can be expected.

About 10 percent of enemy detection of friendly artillery is by

RDF; sound and flash provide about 20 percent and radar and/or

visual assets provide the remaining 70 percent.

(2) Imagery Intelligence. This effort is normally

coordinated, cued by other sensors. It consists of

photographic electro-optical imagery, thermal detection,

radar location, and laser imagery. The product from these

sensors may require laboratory processing. Data may have

to be transcribed to a map sheet during the analysis. The

processing of IMINT requires no more than 2 hours. Target

location errors from IMINT will be no more than 100 meters.

(3) Human Intelligence. Long range patrols, spies,

partisans, and enemy prisoners of war (EPWs) are the

HUMINT collectors. Although HUMINT relies primarily

on visual observation, the peculiar equipment, predicted

activities, bumper markings, spoils of the war, and rubbish

that is left behind, add to the accuracy of the targeting effort.

b. Attack. 

A battery can be suppressed and destroyed by

the following:

Counterfire. Enemy attacks with up to 600 rounds

fired into a 200- x 100-meter area (see FM 100-2-1,

page 9-23).
Air attack (high-performance aircraft and helicopters).

Ground forces (mounted forces of tanks and motorized

infantry; dismounted forces of infantry, airborne and/or

air assault, and partisans and/or guerrillas).
Radio electronic combat (REC). REC combines

SIGINT, direction tinding, intensive jamming,

deception, and destructive fires to attack enemy

organizations and systems.

3-1

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

3-2. BATTERY RESPONSIBILITIES

a. 

The BC is responsible for general planning, coordination,

and execution of his battery defense. The BC analyzes the

S2’s IPB and develops an overall defensive plan. On the

basis of the tactical situation, the BC must develop his own

engagement area based upon avenues of approach, lines of

intervisiblity, and the expected threat. The BC must be able

to conduct a modified terrain analysis of the position area

and surrounding terrain to determine from where the enemy

will attack. The BC must graphically portray to his leaders

how he intends to defend his position. With this as a

beginning, the platoon leader can develop a plan to defend

his platoon. He will coordinate with his platoon sergeant

for positioning of listening posts (LPs) and/or OPs, fighting

positions, direct fire targets, target reference points, or range

markers to direct the firepower of the platoon into the

engagement area.

b. 

The first sergeant is responsible overall for the execution

of battery defense. The first sergeant integrates the platoon

defense plans into an overall battery defense plan. This

may not be possible due to the distances platoons may be

dispersed from each other. If this is the case, the 1SG will

review both platoon defensive plans and forward them to

battalion. He also will coordinate for resupply all Class IV

material and support as necessary.

Note: In a USMC battery, the local security chief is

overall responsible for the execution of battery

defense.

c. 

Once the BC’s time line and defensive priorities are

established, the platoon leader will coordinate with the

platoon sergeant to accomplish the following:

Establish a rally point immediately upon occupation.
Develop the platoon defensive
Supervise the defense forces.

plan.

Direct and sight in the positioning and preparation of

the following:

Crew-served weapons.
Antitank weapons.
Observation posts and/or listening posts.

Ensure that communications are installed, checked, and

functioning.
Designate air TRPs.
Select positions for TRPs and range markers.
Organize and rehearse the reaction force.
Ensure that unit members know equipment and/or

material destruction procedures.
Ensure that howitzer direct fire targets are established

and integrated into overall defensive plan.
Ensure that killer junior targets are computed by the

FDC and distributed to each howitzer section and that

each section chief knows how to compute 10/R.
Ensure there is a plan for medical evacuation.

d. 

The section chief does the following:

Ensures that the howitzer range card is prepared

according to the sectors assigned by the platoon

sergeant/1SG.
Studies the route to and locations of alternate and

supplementary positions.
Ensures that the crew-served weapons range cards are

prepared in accordance with assigned sectors.
Ensures that individual and crew-served fighting

positions are properly prepared and have overhead

cover.

e. 

All battery leaders must become familiar with the defense

plan, rehearse the plan, and brief their subordinates on its

execution.

Section II

CONSIDERATIONS FOR DEFENSE

3-3. USE OF TERRAIN

Note: 

Paragraph F-10 and Appendix H provide

further guidance and checklists for battery defense.

a. 

Camouflage. If it can be seen, it will be hit. If it can

be hit, it will be killed. A battery that is concealed or cannot

3-2

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FM 6-50, MCWP 3-1.6.23

be recognized has greatly increased its odds for survival.

There are six factors of recognition: position, color, shape,

shadow, texture, and movement. Following the principles

of concealment (camouflage construction, light and noise

discipline) helps the battery avoid detection.

(1) Use artificial camouflage. Two artificial

camouflage measures that reduce the chance of recognition

are pattern painting of equipment with the NATO three-color

patterns and proper use of the lightweight screening system.

(2) Properly site electronic equipment to reduce

signatures, and position all battery equipment to eliminate

exposure and detection.

(3) Make use of all camouflage. Trees and shrubs can

hide a battery or platoon. Built-up areas are great for hiding

equipment, because man-made items look like other

man-made items and do not contrast with natural

surroundings.

(4) Use whatever terrain and natural concealment are

available to blend into the surroundings.

(5) Maintain light and noise discipline.
(6) Use the track plan. The most common signs of

military activity in an otherwise well camouflaged area are

tracks, spoil, debris, and movement. The BC must enforce

his track plan. Existing roads and trails must be used. If

none are available, some should be created with heavy

vehicles to give the appearance that a unit has moved through

the area. The roads and trails must have logical starting

and ending points.
b. Fortification.

(1) Occupy positions that have natural advantages for

defense, such as interior tree lines and ravines.

(2) Harden battery positions and dig in whenever

possible. FM 5-103 shows good examples of hardened

positions.

(3) Whenever possible, construct obstacles to delay,

stop, divert, or canalize an attack force. All obstacles should

be covered by fire. Types of man-made obstacles and

techniques for their employment are found in FM 5-103.

(4) In fast-moving situations, or when emergency

displacement is anticipated, hardening might be limited to

digging fighting positions on the perimeter, placing sandbags

around sensitive equipment such as collimators and tires,

and constructing individual shelters for prone personnel.

Placing sandbags on or around the engine compartment and

the ballistic shield improves survivability of the howitzer.

If natural cover is limited or unavailable, individual fighting

positions should be constructed. FM 7-7 gives instructions

on how to construct fighting positions, machine gun positions,

range cards, and how to establish sectors of fire with

crew-served weapons.

(5) Camouflage the spoil from position hardening.

3-4. DEFENSE IN DEPTH

Defensive operations should be planned so that the BC and

platoon leaders are warned of an impending attack soon

enough to displace the unit or defend the position. Maneuver

forces operating in the same area can provide early warning

of enemy attacks. The BC should talk to these elements.

OPs and LPs are also key elements for early warning. When

determining the location of the OPs and/or LPs, consider

observation and field of fire, cover and concealment,

obstacles, key terrain, avenues of approach, and METT-T.

How far from the battery area OPs and LPs are located

depends on terrain, visibility, likely threats, and how much

time the battery requires to displace or occupy preselected

fighting positions. Locate OPs to observe likely avenues

of approach so the enemy can be engaged at long range

with artillery, mortars, or close air support. Man OPs with

at least a two-man team and provide them with antitank

weapons, a map, binoculars, night vission goggles, food,

water, and two means of communications. OPs must be

able to quickly identify target reference points (TRPs) in

avenues of approach and communicate to higher. OPs must

be briefed on their responsibilities and the enemy situation.

3-5. SECURITY

The cannon battery/platoon is highly vulnerable to attack

as it occupies or displaces from a position. The first order

of business is establishing security. Due to personnel

constraints, a unit may not be able to both fully man an

effective defensive perimeter and provide continuous fire

support. In accordance with the factors of METT-T, the

commander may consider alternatives such as requesting an

element from the supported maneuver unit, or “calling out”

one of his sections to man the perimeter.

a. 

Upon occupying a position, each section must have a

predetermined sector of responsibility. It must make

maximum use of primary weapons and ensure there is a

coordinated, all-around defense with interlocking fires. The

defense plan includes defensive resources (see Table 3-1,

page 3-4) and is visually depicted by a defense diagram

(see Section III). The defense diagram is based on the data

for each howitzer and each machine gun range card. It

includes the fields of fire for grenade launchers, antitank

weapons, and individual weapons. The diagram is prepared

by the platoon sergeant and approved by the platoon leader.

If howitzer sections are dispersed over great distances, the

section becomes responsible for its defense. It must be able

to defend itself until help arrives.

3-3

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