1. Squad Live Fire Exercise Planning
Live Fire Training
Squad Live Fire Exercise Planning

2. AGENDA ARMY LFX PHILOSOPY / TC 7-9 SQUAD LFX DEVELOPMENT
NOTES FROM AR
RESOURCING
AMMUNITION (STRAC)
LFX ASSESSMENT

3. REFERENCES TC 7-9 Infantry Live-Fire Training
TC Training Ranges
AR Policies and Procedures for Firing Ammunition for Training, Target Practice, and Combat
DA Pamphlet Standards in Weapons Training
Weapons FMs and TMs, Doctrinal FMs
Local and other Range Control Regulations
Unit Files (AARs, S-3 files, etc.)

4. Why Do We Do Live Fire Training?
Build confidence in our units and weapons
Understand true weapons’ effects
Build proficiency at critical tasks and weapons’ skills under realistic conditions

5. What TC 7-9 Says
Select area where leaders can select the direction and method of fire and maneuver based on MTETTC
Integrate all organic and non-organic weapons systems and personnel (direct/indirect)
Exercise all combat-related activities (CASEVAC, CSS, etc.)
Use realistic targetry and return fire (MILES and simulators)

6. What TC 7-9 Says Avoid a “range mentality”
Use Crawl/Walk/Run (dry, blank, live)
Provide marksmanship feedback
Squad training should focus on positions, volume of fire, fire control, fire distribution, fire discipline
Plt training should focus on same major items as squad training
Do safety briefings and risk assessments

7. IDEAL CYCLE IAW TC 7-9 Stage 1 - Individual Stage 2 - Crew
Stage 3 - Buddy Team
Stage 4 - Fire Team
Stage 5 -Squad
Stage 6 - Platoon
Stage 7 - Company and Larger
Remember - Available time will dictate the real cycle

8. STAGE 1- INDIVIDUAL
BEGINS IN INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AND SUSTAINED IN UNIT AND INCLUDES:
ZERO WEAPON
QUALIFY WITH ASSIGNED WEAPON (RIFLE, PISTOL)
FAMILIARIZE WITH HAND GRENADE AND M203
ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS (RIFLE, BAYONET, GRENADE, ETC); CONDUCT MOBILE MARKSMANSHIP (ASSAULT FIRE, QUICK FIRE, ETC); CONDUCT INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT TECHNIQUES (IMT)
REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES)
MAINTAIN INDIVIDUAL WEAPON

9. STAGE 2 - CREW COLLECTIVE TRAINING BEGINS IN THIS STAGE AND INCLUDES:
ZERO ASSIGNED CREW -SERVED WEAPON.
QUALIFY WITH ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON.
CONDUCT CREW-DRILL ON ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON.
DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS).
REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES).
MAINTAIN ASSIGNED CREW-SERVED WEAPON.

10. STAGE 3 - BUDDY TEAM
FIRST COORDINATED MOVEMENT EXERCISE (FIRE AND MOVEMENT)
REFINE IMT AND COMMUNICATION (TO INCLUDE HAND AND ARM SIGNALS)
TAUGHT TO 11 SERIES MOS’ IN INITIAL ENTRY TRAINING AND MUST BE SUSTAINED IN UNITS.
INCLUDES:
DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS)
REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES)
CONDUCT LFX (BUDDY TEAM FIRE AND MOVEMENT)

11. STAGE 4- FIRE TEAM FIRST STEP THAT REQUIRES COMMAND AND CONTROL
TRAINED AND SUSTAINED BY UNIT COMMANDERS
INCLUDES:
DRY FIRE (ENGAGE ENEMY WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS.
REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES)
CONDUCT LFX (BASED ON AMMUNITION AVAILABILITY, THIS LFX CAN BE INTEGRATED INTO THE SQUAD LFX).

12. STAGE 5 - SQUAD TRAINING
MANEUVER AND COMMAND AND CONTROL PROCESS EXERCISED (FIRE TEAM LEADERS AND SQUAD LEADER)
FORCE ON FORCE EXERCISES MUST PRECEDE ALL LIVE FIRE EXERCISES AT THIS LEVEL AND HIGHER:
CONDUCT DRY FIRE (ENGAGE WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS)
REHEARSE (BLANKS/MILES)
CONDUCT LFX

13. STAGE 6 - PLATOON TRAINING
COMMAND AND CONTROL BY FIRE TEAM, SQUAD, AND PLATOON LEADERS IS MORE DIFFICULT
INTEGRATE SUPPORTING FIRES
INCLUDES:
INFANTRY PLATOON ORGANIC AND NONORGANIC SYSTEMS SUCH AS THE BFV, ANTI-ARMOR SYSTEMS, MORTARS, AND ARTILLERY.
AVAILABLE INDIRECT FIRES MUST BE INTEGRATED AT THIS LEVEL.
DRY FIRE (ENGAGE WITH MULTIPLE SYSTEMS)
REHEARSE (BLANK/MILES)
CONDUCT LFX

14. STAGE 7 - COMPANY AND BN
THIS IS RUN SIMILAR TO STAGE 6 WITH INCREASED EMPHASIS ON NONORGANIC AND/OR COMBINED ARMS SYSTEMS.

15. SQUAD LIVE FIRE EXERCISES
FIRST LEVEL OF TRAINING THAT INVOLVES THE UNIT
CULMINATION OF ALL PREVIOUS TRAINING
ANTICIPATION AND MORALE ARE HIGH
UNIT LEADERSHIP MUST ENSURE THAT THIS IS A REALISTIC, WELL-PLANNED EXER
ARTEP MTP TASKS ARE TIED TOGETHER AND STXs ARE CONDUCTED

16. SQUAD LFX OBJECTIVES
REINFORCES PRINCIPLES OF C2 THRU THE FOLLOWING EMPHASIS:
CONCEPTS OF SUPPORTING FIRE, BASE OF FIRE, AND SYNCHRONIZATION OF FIRES,
CONCEPTS OF STARTING, STOPPING, LIFTING, AND SHIFTING FIRES (FIRE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL)
CONCENTRATION ON MANEUVER (INCLUDING SECURITY AND FRATRICIDE PREVENTION), FIRE CONTROL MEASURES, AND FIRE DISCIPLINE
COMMUNICATIONS (COMMUNICATION IS THE LINCHPIN OF SYNCHRONIZATION)
USE OF TERRAIN AND ITS IMPACTS ON MANEUVER AND C2.

17. SQUAD LFX OBJECTIVES
WEAPON SYSTEM INTEGRATION USING ORGANIC AND NONORGANIC WEAPONS NORMALLY FOUND AT SQUAD LEVEL (M16, M203, M249, HAND GRENADES, CLAYMORES ETC).
INTEGRATION OF A FIRE SUPPORT PLAN (INCLUDES CALLING FOR AND ADJUSTING INDIRECT FIRES).
TARGET IDENTIFICATION, ACQUISITION, AND ENGAGMENT (EMPHASIS ON FRATRICIDE PREVENTION).

18. LFX Scenario Development
Build so that range safety/limitations are part of the tactical plan - should be nearly invisible to training unit.
Target emplacement and OPORD/graphics, etc. get unit to go where they need to go and fire where they need to fire to meet range restrictions (the fewer “barber poles and range markers the better)
Complexity based on unit capabilities

19. Concept Sketch Consolidate and Reorganize Control Fires N AAR TENT
Knockout Bunker
Contact
4 man patrol
Contact
2 man OP
Patrol
Base
Move Tactically
React to Contact
React to Far Ambush
ASLT PSN
PLT AA
Conduct TLP’s
Conduct a Rehearsal
Prepare for Combat

20. Targetry and Scheme of Mnvr
ASSAULT LEFT = 36°
Target
Operator/Medic
SBF LEFT = 110° N
Ammo
15-40°
AAR TENT
SET 1
Lone soldier
SET 5
SET 3
SBF
SET 2
Patrol
Base
SET 6
SET 4
152 °
ASLT PSN
SET 1: SINGLE CONTACT
SET 2: LEAD TEAM ENGAGES 3 MAN PATROL
SET 3: SHIFT TGTs FOR BASE OF FIRE
SET 4: ASSLT ELEMENT
SET 5: COUNTER ATTK 1
SET 6: COUNTER ATTK 2
DOA 65°
SBF & Assault Right limit

21. Target Placement Considerations
Must fit in SDZs
Wargame to avoid fratricide
Always consider the richochet hazard – Area A
Clearly ID friend from foe
Do a good line of sight analysis from a shooter’s point of view
Angle so can be fired at from different angles if at all possible
Protect the target mechanism
Tactically/doctrinally sound

22. SQUAD LFX PLANNING
SAMPLE TRAINING PLAN FOUND IN TC PG 5-4 THRU 5-6.
SURFACE DANGER ZONE (SDZ) DEVELOPMENT IN APPENDIX G, TC 7-9, AND IN AR
COMPOSITE SDZs
MUST BE DEVELOPED FOR EACH SYSTEM TO BE FIRED
ANALYZED FROM EACH FIRING POINT (FP) AGAINST EACH TARGET ARRAY
THIS ENSURES APPROPRIATE MANEUVER CONTROL MEASURES ARE IMPLEMENTED AND THE TACTICAL INTEGRITY OF THE SCENARIO IS MAINTAINED.

23. Some Key Points According to Doctrine
Safety is paramount during all live fire and laser operations - TC 25-8
Waivers of AR requirements granted at major Army command (MACOM) level
Red flags (day) and red lights (night) required on the range when firing
Personnel training must be separated from ammunition storage areas
If any round or explosive malfunctions,firing of that ammo lot will cease immediately and use of weapons involved will be discontinued
Material involved in malfunctions will be preserved

24. Notes from AR
15 degrees is the minimum angle between supporting small arms fire and a manuever element
Don’t modify ammunition (include de-linking tracers from 4X1 ammo)
Carefully research the rules on any laser device you may be using
Overhead Firing – NEXT SLIDE

25. OVERHEAD FIRE-Unprotected troops
Don’t do it with discarding sabot-type rounds (BFV AP rounds, tank rounds, etc.)
Don’t do it in training with mortar rounds
Can do with artillery as long as ammo lot approved and artillery registered
Only the installation commander or designated representative can authorize
Only ammo authorized is: artillery in indirect mode and machineguns (5.56mm to .50 caliber) on tripods firing from a stationary position

26. OVERHEAD FIRE-Unprotected troops
See page 16-2 of AR before using machineguns in overhead fire role
Use tracers (4X1) if firing overhead
Vehicle ring mounts are not authorized for overhead fire.

27. Overhead Fire-Protected Troops
Overhead fire with any weapon may be authorized over protected troops, provided the troops have positive protection from the munitions being fired (page 16-2, AR )
CHECK WITH YOUR COMMANDER BEFORE DOING IT
IAW AR TABLE 6-2 – SOME EXAMPLES
NATURE OF COVER
5.56mm
7.62mm
CONCRETE
14”
20”
DRY SAND
16”
24”
LOGS WIRED TOGETHER
28”
48”

28. KEY NOTES ON SOME DUD PRODUCING AMMO
40mm HE, 66mm LAW, AT-4, Handgrenades, and artillery ICM may be authorized for use in live fire areas only when fired into designated impact areas through which troops are not permitted to manuever (Page 16-3, AR )
NOTE: Lots of units have waivers for this. In many cases, same rules may apply to mortar ammo. Know the rules!
An RSO must supervise the throwing of HG

29. Training Resources
Commanders Assessment of METL Proficiency Determines Resource Priorities for Training Requirements
A METL-Based Events Approach To Resource Planning Is Used to Allocate:
Time Facilities / Terrain
Funds Fuel Products
Repair Parts Ammunition
Training Aids Other Resources

30. RESOURCE OF A SQUAD LFX
THE LOGISTICAL PLAN MUST COVER THE AMOUNT AND TYPE OF EQUIPMENT AND AMMUNITION NEEDED FOR EACH PHASE OF THE TRAINING:
PRE-EXECUTION TNG AND REHEARSALS
DRY FIRE AND WALK-THROUGH (DAY AND NIGHT)
BLANK FIRE WITH MILES (DAY AND NIGHT)
LIVE FIRE
AFTER ACTION REVIEW
ADDITIONAL CL V FOR TEST FIRES, ZERO, AND RE-TRAINING

31. RESOURCE OF A SQUAD LFX
CLASS V RESOURCE DOCUMENTS (STRAC MANUAL), EXAMPLES ARE IN TC 7-9, PG 5-12 THRU PG 5-14, AND APPENDIX F.
TARGETRY AND TRAINING ENHANCERS SPECIFIC TO LIVE FIRE EXERCISES ARE FOUND IN TC 7-9, APPENDIX C.
THOUGHTS:
COMPETENT O/Cs -TRANSPORTATION
OPFOR W/ UNI -TARGET OPERATORS
MEDICAL SPT -EXTRA COMMO
OBJECTIVE PROPS -TGT FEEDBACK

32. WHERE YOUR AMMO COMES FROM
Standards in Weapons Training
DA PAM
3 JULY 97

33. Training Readiness Conditions Levels and Categories
Active Duty Units TRC A & S*
Reserve Components TRC C
USAR Training Division TRC D
Note: S TRC Level Is for Special MP Unit (Civilian Equiv. Swat or Body Guard Type Mission)
Category I (Rifle / Infantry Scout)
Applies Only to Soldiers With Either an 11B or 11M MOS Assigned to Rifle Or Infantry Scout Squads
Category II (Combat Arms / Combat Support / Combat Service Support)
Applies to All Other Soldiers That Are Not Assigned To Rifle or Infantry Scout Squads

34. Chapter 5, STRAC Infantry Weapon Systems
Each Program Contains a Standard and Strategy Which Outlines the Training Sequence and Includes Suggested Frequencies of Live Fire, Subcaliber Fire, And Device Usage.
DRIVES YOUR UNIT AMMO ALLOCATION AND PLANNING!!

35. Table 5-5. Cross reference table.
Weapon Systems
TRC A
TRC B
TRC C
TRC D
Machine Gun M60/M240B (CAT I)
Para a.
Table
o 90% of assigned MG/AG will qualify:
o MG last 6 mo
o AG last 1 YR
o LFX last past 3 months.
o PLT EXEVAL last 6 mo.
o 80% of assigned MG/AG will qualify:
o MG last 1 yr
o AG last 2 YR
o LFX last YEAR
o PLT EXEVAL last 2 YR
o AG EVERY OTHER TNG YR
No TRC D units
Machine Gun M60 /M240B M249LMG(CAT II)
Para b.
Table
oo MG last YR
AG last 2 YR
o 80% of MG will qualify within past training year and will have completed all record fire requirements within the past 2 training years.
o 80% of assigned machine gunners will qualify within past training year.
o 80% INSTR qual on the record (10 meter) and transition courses within the past 12 months.

36. Frequency By TRC Event Rounds Per Event A B C
Pre-Marksmanship TNG EST
10 Meter Zero/Prac 117 Ball
10 Meter Record Ball
Transition Zero/Practice 182 Mix
Transition Record Mix
Night Zero/Practice/Record 196 Mix
Assistant Gunner (AG) 10M 236 Ball
AG Transition/Night 532 Mix
Sqd/Plt LFX Mix
CALFEX Mix
Sqd/Plt/Co FTX/STX 400 Blank
Bn FTX Blank
EXEVAL (ARTEP) 400 Blank
DRF Prep Fire Mix

37. Annual Ammunition Cycle
DA Form 581 Reconciliation (9) DA 5811-R, Live T/I, and Residue T/I to account for 100% of ammunition
BN Annual Allocation (1)
Company Annual Allocations (1)
Ammo Supply Point DA581’s prepared for dunnage and live turn-in.
DA Form 581 (8) Excess ammunition returned to ASP and made available for re-forecasting
Monthly Allotments (Annually) (2) Projected budget based on annual training requirements, guidance and annual allocation. Preferably alloted by week. USES STRAC
Draw, Utilization, Storage, Turn-in Preparation (7)
Monthly Forecasts (5 mo out) (3) Revised projection which determines the ammunition available for the period forecasted. Consists of an adjusted allotment based on updated training guidance and previously unused ammunition from this FY.
Process DA Form 581 (6) BDE, DAO and ASP confirm authorization and availability of ammunition based on forecast and on-hand status of requested ammunition
Ammo Conference months out, Bde ammo manager attends, DAO approves forecasts, ASP coordinates for ammo.
Prep DA Form 581 (5) Company requests are consolidated and adjusted as necessary to match depot packaging round count.
Ammunition Requests (4) (by week 6 weeks out MIN,
MAY BE LONGER)
Unexpected Requirements Unforecasted, short notice events. May require Bde Cdr’s signature.

38. Controlling a LFX
Controllers walk through scenario on site under same conditions that LFX will be done under (day, night, etc.) and wargame it thoroughly to find problems with target placement, potential hazards, etc.
If done at night, wear NVGs and carry a flashlight
Ensure commo with all controllers and with controllers of units providing supporting fires
Conduct briefback before each iteration (Cadre Huddle)
Positive control of target operator a must
Avoid stressing out participants whenever possible

39. Controlling a LFX Rehearse MEDEVAC plan
Rehearse the triggering of targets
Fight targetry realistically
Don’t teach soldiers to be afraid of their weapons (let them chamber rounds prior to crossing LD, load starter belts, etc.)
Position near dangerous weapons (SAW, handgrenade, AT-4, etc.).

40. LFX ASSESSMENT
STX DEVELOPED BY THE COMMANDER USING DRIVES HIS ASSESSMENT PLAN:
SPECIFIC COLLECTIVE TASKS IAW ARTEP 7-8 MTP.
ANY INDIVIDUAL TASKS THAT SUPPORT IAW THE SOLDIERS MANUALS.
MUST STRESS INTEGRATION OF ORGANIC AND NON ORGANIC WEAPONS.
PLAN AAR ON SITE...REHEARSE / RETRAIN WEAKNESSES IMMEDIATELY...TIMELINE MUST INCORPORATE AAR PROCESS.
USE DEVICES THAT ENHANCE FEEDBACK...TARGETS, ETC.

41. LFX NIGHT CONSIDERATIONS
TARGETRY CAN BE MARKED WITH THERMAL TAPE OR HEAT SOURCE TO SIMULATE REALISM..MUZZLE FLASH SIMULATORS ARE ALSO EFFECTIVE.
AS PART OF THE TACTICAL PLAY UNITS SHOULD CONSIDER:
MARKING ITS ROUTE AND CONTROL POINTS AS PART OF THE RECON PLAN
MARK INDIVIDUAL SOLDIERS WITH VISIBLE MARKINGS AND HAVE A PLAN TO MARK UNITS ON THE OBJECTIVE.
ILLUMINATION FROM MORTARS AND M203 SHOULD BE FACTORED INTO THE SCENARIO

42. QUESTIONS??