101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) Gold Book

ANNEX G - Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTPs)

REFERENCES:

2. PURPOSE: To seize an FLS, clear the FLS to allow the rapid build-up of combat power. Expand the airhead or lodgement to defend/secure the FOB.

3. CONDITIONS (GENERAL):

a. FLS / Runway is asphalt, concrete, stabilized clay.

b. MOS (Minimum Operating Strip) for a C-130 : 3000 ft. x 60 ft.

c. FLS may be near / in built-up area.

4. CONCEPT (GENERAL): Generally a three or four phased operation at Brigade level.

5. BATTLEFIELD ARCHITECTURE:

a. Establish an inner and outer ring. The inner ring is generally large enough to support all ground elements, the BSA, AVN Aas, and sufficient maneuver space for INF units to conduct MTC / Search and Attack operations (Generally out to enemy mortar range (3.8k) during the initial phase). The inner ring can be extended to 11.5 km (105mm) range. The outer ring is

M-TETT dependent; C2 is by the AVN TF Cdr.

b. CONTROL MEASURES:

(1) Define assault objectives and unit zones of action, C2 nodes.

(2) Define SR/MSR in zone, with link up points.

(3) Other measures to consider:

Engagement area Phase line

No fire area/restricted fire area Contact point

Battle position Airhead line (AHL)

Drop zone (Heavy drop) Objective

Heavy equipment point of impact (HEPI)

c. OPERATIONAL TERMS:

TASK PURPOSE

BLOCK PREVENT

CLEAR DENY

SECURE PROTECT

SEIZE SUPPORT

DESTROY

d. TTP (M-TETT dependent): Possible missions or TTP to consider in COA development.

CORDON AND SEARCH PATROL

MTC AREA RECON

SEARCH AND ATTACK MSR CLEARANCE

AMBUSH MSR MAINTENANCE

BATTLEFIELD CIRCULATION GAC

LINK-UP

6. PLANNING CONSIDERATIONS:

a. Forces available to the TF:

INTEL MANEUVER FS M/CM/S

LRS INF FA SAPPERS

ODA TM AT USAF HVY ENGR

SCT MTR NGF AAT

PFDR ATK AVN Q36 ARP

FCT LIFT AVN FCT TM

GSR HVY TM(-)

REMBRASS M1

CI M2

CSS ADA C2

FLE STINGER TM CCT (USAF)

ATLS AVENGER TM PFDR

TRAINS LSDIS TACSAT TM

CDS SIG TM

AIRLAND OPNS MP

CA

DST

b. INTEL:

(1) Coordinate for AH64 gun tapes, all available overhead imagery.

(2) Coordinate HUMINT through SOF, CA, LNO.

(3) Develop a RECON TM with BDE C2/ (R&S Plan).

(4) CCIR Focus: ADA, obstacles, reaction forces, heavy weapons, IDF systems.

(5) Obtain airfield diagrams/sketches/photos.

c. MANEUVER:

(1) Consider isolating the OBJ area prior to assault force entry.

(2) Deception (False insertions/fires) are a Combat Multiplier.

(3) Key: Deny enemy DF or observed IDF on the FLS.

(4) Blocking forces: Equip with AR weapons, mines, wire, marking kits.

(5) Augment TM CLEAR with additional mine detectors.

(6) Marking SOPs must be the same in all units (BDE TF SOP).

(7) Minimize rucksacks on all lifts. Limit sling loads on Lift 1.

(8) TM VILLAGE: CIV control (Chaplain, CA, DST, MP, CI, Security TM).

(9) Plan for CCA fires from ATK AVN (use BDE SOP for BHO).

(10) Determine LARP insertion location and times. Coordinate for DZ, HEPIs, and terminal guidance requirements.

(11) Determine BHO of FLS from INF TF to FSB HQ (ELE).

(12) Key Rehearsals:

Actions on FLS.

React to Contact vic FLS

Deliberate Sweep Ops

Link–Up Ops

FS Plan

Use Alt LZ

CASEVAC

(13) Objective area (Example):

(14) Air assault planning figures (General) (INF TF).

Rifle Co (3) 15 x UH60, 6 x CH47

Co D 10 x CH47

SCT 2 x UH60

MTR 4 x UH60

ADA Plt 3 x CH47

ENGR Plt 2 x UH60, 3 x CH47

FSE/TACP/TAC/CCT 4 x UH60

MP/CA/CI 1 x CH47

CMBT TRAINS 2 x CH47

TOTAL: 27 x UH60, 25 x CH47

(15) Air assault planning figures (General) (BDE TF).

INF TF 30 x UH60, 16 x CH47

INF TF 26 x UH60, 16 x CH47

BDE QRF (TM D) 26 x UH60, 16 x CH47

BDE TAC 8 x CH47

FA (TAC,Q36,BTRY,ENGR) 4 x UH60

ADA 3 x CH47

SIG 3 x CH47

MP 2 x CH47

FLE 3 x CH47

311 MI BN 4 x UH60, 1 x CH47

CCT/ATS 2 x UH60

TOTAL: 92 x UH60, 89 x CH47

d. FS:

(1) Plan for Q36 / Battery insertion: Pre H-Hour or H-Hour (+) (Offset LZ inside AHL).

(2) Non cratering munitions vic FLS (only).

(3) USMC FCT Teams for NGF/AVN CCA.

(4) Establish RFA, NFA vic the FLS.

(5) Plan for EW, CAS, NGF for SEAD and pre-assault fires.

(6) The GTC is responsible for all fires vic the FLS. Rehearse clearance of fire drills at BN/BDE TF FS technical rehearsals. Disseminate all marking SOPs/FS C2 Nets/Target lists.

e. ADA:

(1) Area coverage inside AHL.

(2) Avenger (FLIR) is useful for scanning FLS and DZ.

(3) Consider requesting a HIDACZ for better C2

f. CSS:

(1) Restrict re-supply until the FLS is clear and airhead secure.

(2) Consider additional ATLS Teams with the INF TF.

(3) Plan for CLIII / V resupply for ATK AVN and C2 A/C

(4) Plan for MSR/SR control inside the AHL.

(5) Be ready to accept CDS re-supply, AIRLAND, and follow-on forces.

(6) CASEVAC: Rehearse the following contingencies:

(a) Pre-H-hour: STC phase.

(b) Air/ground CASEVAC during the AASLT.

(c) Air/ground CASEVAC after the AASLT is complete.

g. C2:

(1) Define C2 roles inside AHL.

(2) Consolidate FS C2 to streamline clearance of fires drills.

(3) Graphically define all unit positions and assembly areas.

(4) Enforce overlay consolidation at TF level; disseminate at BDE/BN rehearsal.

7. TRAINING APPROACH (GENERAL FOCUS):

a. Leader training:

(1) "Brown Bag" LPDs for PLT LDR and above.

(2) TEWT on local FLS/airfield (SQD LDR and above) with TACSOP.

(3) CPX at CO level and above.

b. Collective training (Critical tasks/missions):

(1) PLT level:

(a) Assembly drills (Day/night) with marking SOPs.

(b) L/U drills.

(c) Actions on contact drills.

(d) Execute ALT LZ drill.

(2) CO level:

(a) Seize assault objectives.

(b) L/U drills.

(c) Provide QRF to TM clear.

(d) Execute TM clear with supporting TF elements.

(e) Execute CASEVAC.

(3) BN level:

(a) Develop GTP with supporting plans.

(b) Focus effort: Landing plan/air movement table (key-don’t spread units out over multiple lifts/serials).

(c) Actions on the objective: Work through the tasks of security, assessment proofing, and BHO to CCT/BDE C2.