CHAPTER 1: OPFOR Structure and Task Organization Principles

1-8 MANEUVER TASK ORGANIZATION.

    This section covers the guiding OPFOR principles for task organizing combat formations. While the emphasis will be at the division and below, it is important to consider the impact of army group and army-level assets on the tactical fight. Detailed discussion on OPFOR offense is found in Chapter 5, and OPFOR defense in Chapter 6.

    If, during the course of the battle, the force on the main effort is not achieving the expected result, OPFOR commanders would strip assets away to support a secondary effort that appears to be achieving a greater success.

     a. ECHELONMENT.

          (1) Offense. The development of OPFOR tactical combat formations and echelonment in the offense is greatly influenced by the depth and the level of preparation of BLUFOR defenses, and is intended to build combat power continuously on the line of contact. OPFOR commanders at division, brigade, and battalion levels organize their forces either in two echelons or in one echelon with a small combined arms reserve. Within the division, the pattern of echelonment can vary at different levels of command. For example, a division may deploy its brigades in two echelons, while some of the brigades deploy their battalions in one echelon.

    Single-Echelon Formation. When attacking unprepared or partially prepared BLUFOR defenses, the OPFOR should organize into a single echelon with a reserve. If the BLUFOR has hurriedly assumed shallow defenses under these conditions, a single echelon may be sufficient to defeat it. The OPFOR will also use a single-echelon formation when attacking on a secondary axis. When using a single echelon, the OPFOR generally designates a combined arms reserve, thereby retaining the ability to influence the battle. After committing the reserve, the OPFOR creates another immediately.

    Two-Echelon Formation. A two-echelon formation is employed when attacking a prepared defense, or at least partially prepared in depth and on the higher commander’s main axis. The first echelon normally contains the majority (2/3) of the combat power. In addition to second echelon, he forms a small combined arms reserve consisting of approximately one ninth (1/9) of the combat power.

          (2) Defense. As in the offense, the OPFOR can deploy in one or two echelons. Also, within a formation different levels of command may use different echelonment schemes. The formation used will also depend greatly on the nature of the terrain. European-type terrain lends itself to the use of multiple echelons, while more open terrain such as in the desert would see more mobile defense.

    Single-Echelon Formation. As with the offense, a single-echelon formation is most common on secondary axes. A secondary axis, considered by the OPFOR as less threatened, will typically be given a wider frontage to defend. The combined arms reserve is considered to be sufficient for depth in this case.      Single-echelon formations are also adopted when the defender has suffered heavy casualties.

    Two-Echelon Formation. A two-echelon formation is employed on the most threatened axis. A narrower frontage (compared to the supporting effort) allows fewer units to defend in the first echelon, with significant forces remaining in depth.

    Special Conditions. Two-echelon formations are most common when defending in cities, and may even include a reserve. In the mountains, defense is organized normally when located on plateaus and wide valleys. In restricted terrain, the emphasis is not on echelonment, but on creating and holding strongpoints. The strongpoints, created where possible to be mutually supporting, are integrated with key terrain features and chokepoints such as passes, road junctions, and river crossings.