Perimeter Defense Illustration
The figure below illustrates a platoon perimeter defense.
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MCI Course 8015A 3-38 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2
Defensive Formations,
Continued
Linear Defense A linear defense (illustrated below)
· Calls for interlocking and overlapping observation and fields of fire to prevent penetration across a unit’s front
· Generally deploys a company’s bulk of combat power well forward to achieve interlocking sectors of fire between platoons
· Must have sufficient resources available to provide adequate combat power across the frontage to detect and stop an attack
· Relies on
· Fighting from well-prepared mutually supporting positions
· A high volume of direct and indirect fires
· Uses a reserve, usually no larger than a platoon, to
· Reinforce forward units
· Give depth to the defense to block penetrations and counterattack to regain key terrain
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MCI Course 8015A 3-39 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2
Defensive Formations,
ContinuedAdvantages of the Linear Defense
Advantages of a linear defense are that
· Defensible terrain is available in the forward portion of the company’s sector
· It can take advantage of a major linear natural obstacle (river, ridgeline, etc.)
· Natural or manmade obstacles neutralize the mobility of a mounted enemy, forcing him to attack dismounted
Linear defense is effective when
· Defending against an enemy that is mainly infantry
· Conducting a security mission such as counter-infiltration
· Specific terrain along the forward edge of the battlefield must be retained
Disadvantages of the Linear Defense
Disadvantages of the linear defense are the
· Lack of flexibility and the difficulty in seizing the initiative and seeking out enemy weaknesses
· Difficulty of repositioning forces (laterally and in depth) to reinforce areas or to prevent a penetration
· Lack of planning for obstacles, indirect fires, and effective contingencies resulting in failure of the linear defense
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MCI Course 8015A 3-40 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2
Defensive Formations,
ContinuedReverse Slope
Defense The reverse slope defense is organized to use a topographical crest to mask the unit from the enemy’s observation, direct fire, and supporting indirect fire.
Although some units and weapons may be placed on the forward slope, the crest, or the counter-slope (a forward slope of a hill or the rear of a reverse slope), most of them are positioned on the reverse slope. Moving to the reverse slope removes the enemy’s standoff advantage.
Units may adopt a reverse slope position when
· Enemy fire makes the forward slope untenable
· Lack of cover and concealment on the forward slope makes it untenable
· The forward slope is exposed to enemy direct fire weapons beyond the effective range of your unit’s weapons
Advantages to the Reverse Slope Defense
The key to the reverse slope defense is control of the topographical crest by fire and observation forward of the topographical crest. The terrain protects the unit from long-range direct fire and reduces the effects of indirect fire due to the inability of the enemy to adjust his fires. Friendly units have the advantage of surprise and the masking effects of the slope on the communication assets.
Disadvantages of the Reverse Slope Defense
Disadvantages of the reverse slope defense are that
· It limits the ability of friendly units to observe the enemy and engage him at the maximum effective range by direct fire
· The enemy has the advantage of attacking downhill if they gain the crest.
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MCI Course 8015A 3-41 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2
Defensive Formations,
ContinuedReverse Slope Defense Illustrated
The figure below illustrates the reverse slope defense.
MCI Course 8015A 3-42 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise
Estimated
Study Time 10 minutes
Directions Complete the following items. Check your answers against the correct answers at the end of this lesson. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Item 1 List the three echelons of the defensive area.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 List the three basic defense techniques.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
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MCI Course 8015A 3-43 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise,
ContinuedItems 3
Through 7 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the terms from column 2 that matches the characteristics in column 1. The answers in column 2 may be used more than once.
Column 1 Characteristics
Column 2 Terms ___ 3. Used when securing an
isolated objective such as a bridge, LZ, assembly area, or patrol base
___ 4. Technique calls for
interlocking and overlapping observation and fields of fire to prevent penetration across a unit’s front
___ 5. Organized to use a
topographical crest to mask the unit from the enemy’s observation and direct fire ___ 6. Used when defending against
an enemy that is mainly infantry
___ 7. Terrain protects the unit from long range direct fire and reduces the effects of indirect fire due to the inability of the enemy to adjust his fires
a. Reverse slope defense b. Linear defense c. Perimeter defense
MCI Course 8015A 3-44 Study Unit 3, Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 2 Exercise Solutions
Correct
Answers The table below provides the correct answers to the exercise items. If you have any questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.
Item Number Answer Reference Page 1 · Security area
· Main battle area
· Rear area
3-39
2 · Perimeter defense
· Linear defense
· Reverse slope defense
3-40
3 c 3-40
4 b 3-42
5 a 3-44
6 b 3-43
7 a 3-44
MCI Course 8015A 3-45 Study Unit 3, Lesson 3