1 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Squad Tactics- Defense

2 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Lesson Objectives  Describe the purposes of the defense  Describe the characteristics of the defense  Explain the basic tasks performed by a squad in the defense  Apply troop leading procedures, METT-TC and tactical orders to tasks performed by a squad in the defense  Plan a squad defense as part of a platoon or company defense  Explain how to fight the defense  Describe the procedures to consolidate and reorganize

3 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Purpose of the Defense  Defeat enemy attacks  Buy time  Hold key or decisive terrain  Economize the Force  Develop conditions favorable for resuming the offense

4 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Characteristics of the Defense  Preparation  Security  Disruption  Massing Effects  Flexibility

5 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Overview of Defense  Prepare for Combat  Move to Defensive Positions  Establish Defensive Positions  Locate the Enemy  Initiate Contact/Actions on Enemy Contact  Fight the Defense  Consolidate and Reorganize

6 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Defensive Positions - Priorities of Work  Establish local security  Position key weapon systems and teams  Assign sectors of fires  Designate FPLs and FPFs  Position other assets attached to the platoon  Establish the CP and wire communications

7 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Defensive Positions-Priorities of Work (2)  Clear fields of fire and prepare range cards and sector sketches  Coordinate with adjacent units – left, right, forward, and to the rear  Prepare primary fighting positions  Emplace obstacles and mines  Mark or improve marking the TRPs and other fire control measures

8 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Defensive Positions - Priorities of Work (3)  Improve primary fighting positions  Prepare alternate fighting positions  Establish a sleep and rest plan  Reconnoiter routes  Rehearse engagements, disengagements, and counterattack plans

9 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Defensive Positions - Priorities of Work (4)  Adjust positions or control measures as required  Stockpile ammunition, food, and water  Dig trenches to connect positions  Continue to improve positions

10 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Locate the Enemy  Establish and maintain LP/OPs  Establish R&S Patrols  All Soldiers look and listen  Technology Aids □Night vision devices (NVDs) □PEWS □Thermal Imagery devices □Binoculars

11 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Fight the Defense  PL determines ability to destroy enemy  If yes, fight the deep battle first with indirect fires and close air support  Control fires and increase intensity as enemy closes  Control and distribute fires using trigger lines

12 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Consolidate and Reorganize  Reestablish security  Re-man key weapons  Provide first aid for wounded  Repair damaged obstacles  Replace mines and booby traps  Redistribute ammunition and supplies

13 MSL 301, Lesson 09b: Squad Tactics-Defense Revision Date: 31 July 2011 Closing  Summary  Review  Questions???