1. Learning Step 2
THREAT DEFENSE

2. General Admin Safety requirements: General safety Risk assessment: Low
Environment considerations: If you brought in, take it with you!!
Evaluation: Students will be evaluated during a written exam and throughout the duration of the graded FTX.

3. The Defense
Threat forces can assume the defense in contact with the enemy or out of contact with the enemy. The OPFOR uses the defense as means of transition into the offense (ie – counterattack)….

4. Threat Defensive Goals
To ruin or repel the offensive of a superior force.
To inflict significant losses on the enemy.
To hold important terrain.
** Thru these actions, the defense can create favorable conditions for the transition to a decisive offense.

5. Types of Defense
Out of Direct Contact
In Direct Contact
Withdrawal

6. Out of Direct Contact A security zone/covering force is established
For example: A regiment normally defends as part of divisions first or second echelon:
First echelon:
Prevent penetration by intense fire
& counterattack by reserves.
Second echelon:
Attempts to defeat any enemy penetration of the first echelon.

7. In Direct Contact
Used as a result of an unsuccessful offensive operation
Sometimes established on unfavorable terrain
Time for preparation is usually short

8. In Direct Contact
In order to establish, part of the force must fix the enemy
Remainder of force withdrawals and prepares temporary defensive positions

9. Withdrawal
A combat action designed to disengage units from attack by a superior enemy force….
Cut and Dry!!!

10. Elements of the OPFOR Defense

11. Defensive Depths and Frontages
Command
Division
Regiment
Battalion
Company
Platoon
Frontage Depth
20-30 KM KM
10-15 KM KM
3-5 KM KM
1500 m m
400 m

12. Security Zone 20 - 30 km deep Halts enemy Forces deployment
Prevents surprise
Reveals strength and direction

13. Forward Detachment Defense out of contact Delay, disrupt, destroy
Series of positions
On main avenues of approach
Engineer, artillery & air support

14. Combat Security Outpost (CSOP)
Found along main avenues of approach
Sample of a battalion CSOP:
1 PLT (+)
3 - 5 km forward of main defense
Form strong points
Delay, inflict losses and deceive the enemy about the location of the main defensive belt.

15. Main Defensive Belt Stop and destroy enemy Located on best terrain
Uses natural obstacles

16. Elements of the Main Defensive Belt
Battalion strong-points
- Co & PLT strong-points linked
together
Usually found on key terrain
All-round defense w/ ALT & SUPL positions
Fire sacks
Emplace minefields, obstacles & barriers covered by fire

17. Purpose of Fire Sacks
Destroy the enemy at max range, employing sudden & devastating indirect fire at first, then bring direct fire weapons to bear.
Direct and indirect fires tie into existing strong-points & obstacles.
Reserve carefully located to counterattack effectively once the fire has been lifted.
Camouflage includes dummy positions & weapons.

18. Obstacles Explosive: - Minefields, groups of mines, objects
prepared for demolition.
Non-explosive:
- Antitank ditches, wire barriers, water obstacles.
Combination:
- Explosive, non-explosive

19. Minefields
Part of a total obstacle plan incorporating barriers and terrain features.
Most forward row or belt normally extends to just within direct fire range.
5 basic types:
- AT
- AP
- Mixed
- Decoy
- Anti-landing

20. Purpose of Obstacles and Mines
To slow and force enemy to concentrate.
To break up the enemy assault.
Strip away the infantry’s supporting armor.
Confine the enemy in the fire sack.

21. Types of Reserves Available
Combined arms
Antitank
Specialized (engineer, chemical, others as required by situation)

22. Reserves - Defense Parent unit Type of reserve
Division Tank regiment (-)
Regiment Company (+)
Battalion Platoon (+)
Company Not normally est.

23. Reserve Missions Counterattack ( most common) Blocking force
Reinforcing 1st echelon
Rear area security

24. Secondary Defensive Belt
Second echelon forces
Exploits first echelon actions
Contains reserve forces
Combined arms

25. Review Threat defensive goals The types of defense employed by
the OPFOR
Elements of the OPFOR defense

26. QUESTIONS???

27. Check on Learning What is the purpose of defensive operations?
What are the three types of defense?
Name all element of the defense.