The Cat’s Eye Moving and Securing the Div Cav Squadron s Fielc

There are several ways to skin a cat, just as there are several methods of tactically deploying and securing a division cavalry squadron’s field hains. In accordance with Field Manual 17-95, Cavalry Operations, the mission of the field trains is to provide combat seMce support (CSS) of squadron operations. Additionally, Charlie and Delta troops (air) are based in the field trains and provide combat power forward in habitual relationships with Bravo and Alpha troops (ground) respectively.

Normally, the squadron’s field trains will be deployed and located with a ground brigade’s support area as part of the base defense cluster plan, with the aviation brigade’s support area, or may possibly be deployed separately. A typical battlefield template for the divisional cavalry squadron and its field trains are depicted in Figure 1. The tactical deployment and security of afield trains is conducted in phases: preparation or pre-deployment, displacement, establishment (occupation), and enhancement.. Preparation. Preparation is the key to easily and expediently deploying and securing the field trains. Key events during the preparation phase are precombat inspections, publication of OPORDs and movement orders, and rehearsals.

While these are routine procedures throughout the Army, it is particularly important that, during pre-combat inspections, every individual soldier, every piece of unit equipment, and every vehicle be thoroughly inspected and their functions checked. displacement. Upon completion of the preparation phase, tactical dis-20 kms COMBAT TRAINS

ALOC (SllS4) Medrsl Aid Sta UMCP (SMO)

AB Troop MsWSuppty Sedion C Tmop D Troop support PR.

E Troop (AWM)(PROV) -FARP

Mamt Spl Team (DS) PAC

Flight Ops ngure 1 Battlefield Template - Cav Squadron and Field Trains 20 Trains placement begins with marshalling of vehicles and serial briefings to ensure drivers are informed. One of the unique features of a divisional cavalry squadron is its combination of air and ground components. Units can capitalize on the air troops’ speed and intelligence-gathering capability during the displacement phase. Normally, one air troop is given the mission to conduct a route (air and ground) reconnaissance and may possibly be assigned to screen a sector of the route so as to enhance C31 during convoy operations. After one air troop reconnoiters the route, the other may be tasked to conduct an aerial NBC and area reconnaissance of the assembly a m prior to the anival of the main body. During occupation of the assembly area, the air troop may maintain a screen to enhance security, and may be assigned the task of locating and identifying potential enemy avenues of approach and landing zones. The air cav troop submits its written report to the rear CP before darkness, because this information will be critical for planning security forces as well as fire support.

While reconnaissance operations are in-progress, convoy operations begin as part of the overall movement of the squadron. Based on the factors of METT-T, the situation may also dictate that the entire squadron initially deploy to the field trains site as an initial staging base (ISB). In this particular unit, field trains deploy in four serials: The first serial is the advance (quartering) party, including the HHT commander, SMO and support platoon representatives, to include refuel on the move (ROM) vehicles, and first sergeants from C, D, and E Troops. With the HHT commander is the follows: ular unit’s identification codes are as (the ability to provide combat, combat support, and/or combat service sup-troop NBC reconnaissance party. It precedes the advance party prior to the release point (RP) to confm the presence or absence of NBC contaminants, based on the aerial NBC reconnaissance. Obviously, this team conducts its reconnaissance in MOPP IV.

The second serial is composed primarily of HHT support elements. They are emplaced second to establish base support operations, to include flight operations, Class IIW, and the squadron mess. There should be a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour separation between the advance party and the second serial. The third serial is composed of C, D, and E troops. They are normally 15 minutes behind the second serial. They are also emplaced well ahead of the arrival of the aviation assets. Each air troop may be required to leave a team at the tactical assembly area (TAA) or forward support base (FSB), to assist with logistical support for initial deployment of the aircraft, and then infiltrate to the squadron’s field trains separately.

The fourth serial, or trail party, consists of the HHT first sergeant, SMO, and direct support maintenance assets. They also provide recovery for squadron convoy operations. They are normally 15 minutes behind the thud serial.

For tactical displacements during the hours of darkness, there are also several methods of deployment. Successful “night moves” demand a sound driver training program and simple, routine quartering party operations. The “chem light method“ can ease this process.

Each platoon, section, and troop has a unique identification. The basis for this system is the universal navigation lighting system -green light on the right, red light on the left -as seen from the driver’s position. This partic-Color Code SectionlPlatoonTTroop (UR on Vehicle) Rear CPMHT Supply Support (Incl Mess) SMO/DS Maint Flight Opns PAC

C Troop D Troop E Troop NonelGreen BlueIGreen RecUGreen Green/Green Yellow/Green Red/Red Blue/Blue YellowNellow Note: All HHT vehicles have a green light on the right. port), establishment of sleep areas, and continuous improvement (enhancement). The ease and expediency with which an assembly area is occupied depends primarily on well-established and understood operating procedures.

Respective platoons, sections, and troops have assigned sectors based on the clock method. The 12 o’clock position is usually oriented on the Threat or forward area of operations (see Figure 2). Additionally, entry and exit points are. Establishment, or Assembly Area limited, visually identified in accor-Occupation. Priorities for occupation dance with SOPS, and tightly con-of afield trains site are identical to trolled. As seen in Figure 2, the ar-those for any other assembly area - rangement resembles a cat’s eye. security (cover and concealment), Direct communications, via wire, communications, operational readiness FM, or the ANPRC-127, are estab- \ \ 21 lished and maintained between the rear CP and guard personnel. Wire is the primary means of communication within the field trains, with the ANPRC-127 as aback-up to critical sections, such as the gate guards, FARP, and flight operations. Within the rear CP, the squadron command and admidlog nets are maintained with secure voice. The division early warning (EW) is monitored in the event of an air attack. If required, an AM radio is available for long-distance communications. The squadron maintenance section and supporting maintenance units are normally responsible for security from the 11 o’clock position to the 5 o’clock position. This is because they have the only heavy armor vehicles (M88Als) in the field trains and several heavy crew-served machine guns ( S O cal M2s). Additionally, CSS doctrine calls for keeping armored vehicles that are not mission capable in the SMO area so that their weapons systems can be used for security. The road network should be in close proximity to this area to ease vehicle recovery and allow easy access for vehicles Canying major end items. The support platoon, which includes the transportation, Class m/v, and mess sections, is normally responsible for local security from the 5 o’clock position to the 9 o’clock position. Additionally, they are responsible to maintain security of the “main gate.” They are assigned a large sector to include the main gate because they also possess the majority of heavy machine ons are emplaced to overwatch key terrain, to include road intersections, open. fields, and obstacle emplacements which cover dead spaces. All crew-served weapons have the secondary role of air defense, and their emplacements are planned with this consideration as well.

The remaining perimeter security responsibilities, from the 5 o’clock to 9 guns (M2s). These crew-served weap-o’clock positions, are shared by E Troop, the PAC, and the flight operations section. C and D Troops are emplaced within the perimeter because they are unable to provide security continuously. With fewer personnel, aircraft maintenance requirements, and the need for crew rest, they are least able to contribute to perimeter security. However, C and D troops do provide personnel for ready reaction forces 0.

The rear CP and flight operations are emplaced separately for redun-Passive and active security measures must be maintained to protect the field trains. Passive measms include the use of cover, concealment, camouflage, and strict noise and light discipline. Active measures must be aggressive and consistently monitored to be effective. Upon completion of occupation of the field trains, the unit designates fighting positions, fields of fire, and areas of responsibility. Then, the communications systems are installed to support the security plan. Communications systems consist of wire, FM, and the ANPRC 127s. A diagram of the assembly area and the security plan is maintained in the rear CP to direct personnel to a specific section, particularly during the hours of darkness, and to guide ready reaction forces 0.

The RRF is composed of approximately 15 personnel that may not have specific fighting positions. This group is formed to counter squad- and possibly platoon-sized threats. A rally point (RP) is designated to collect the RRF. Other active security measures are taken as resources are available.

Weapons systems are emplaced to overwatch likely avenues of approach and open areas. These may include crew-served weapons on tracked vehicles and aircraft armament systems. Another key element of security is to conduct counterreconnaissance operations if forces are available. Based on dancy in c31 tasks. intelligence, likely enemy avenues of approach may be kept under surveillance during specific times. Additionally, if enemy intrusions have been identified, the RRF may conduct aggressive counteroffensive operations to locate, positively identify, and destroy the threat. When air cavalry assets depart for or return from missions, they are also assigned the task of expeditiously screening the field h-ains before landing to locate and counter any enemy formations moving toward the assembly area. enb ban cement. Improvements are continuously made to the assembly area as the unit refmes communications and security systems. It establishes sleep areas and implements sleep plans. It trains and evaluates security forces and conducts continuous after-action reviews to improve operations. Obviously, there are several methods to administer a unit’strains. This is merely one way for those faced with this particular task. Major Allen T. Storey received his Armor commission from North Georgia Cob lege in 1977. His previous assignments include tank platoon leader and company XO, B Co, 5-68 Armor; asst S3 (Tng), AeroRecon plt cdr, and trp S3, 2d Sqdn, 17th Cav; asst S3 (Opns) and adjutant, 4th Sqdn, 7th Cav (Air); Aviation doctrine and tactics writer/instructor at Ft. Rucker; Aviation training battalion XO, 1 st Bn, 145th Aviation; Aviation training company cdr, Co D, 1st Bn, 212th Aviation; and S3, 1st Bn, 4th Aviation (Attack). He is currently commander, HHT, 2d Sqdn, 7th Cavalry at Fort Carson, Colo.