EL ARMAGEDÓN Y EL MONTE CARMELO: SEGUNDA PARTE

6-36. Regardless of the ongoing operation, the type of base, or the location of a base, the characteristics of the defense do not change. The best technique for base defense is the perimeter defense.

T

6-37. Proper evaluation and use of the terrain in the area is essential to hold down the number of additional forces required for base defense. Key terrain factors to consider include the following:

• Use of the terrain's natural defensive characteristics.

• Use of artificial obstacles to enhance the terrain's natural defensive characteristics. • Control of all roads and waterways leading into the base.

• Control of military lines of communications and civilian commerce routes.

• Control of land areas surrounding the base to a range beyond that of enemy mortars and rockets.

H

N

S

F

6-38. The base commander should consider the integration of Host Nation security forces in the overall base defense effort. Particular emphasis is on integration of host country forces in patrol and populace control activities. Both host and third country forces provide local security for their own units. However,

to ensure maximum benefit, all such local plans should be coordinated and integrated with the base master defense plan.

C

6-39. Control is the key to a successful base defense. To achieve the necessary control, a communication capability must be established between the base defense operations center and sector commanders, and between the sector commander and his bunkers, towers, and reserve. Bunkers or Towers within each section can communicate laterally within the sector, and flank bunkers of one sector can communicate with flank bunkers of adjacent sectors.

S

6-40. Depending on the mission and status of the battalion, the type of transport available, the weather, and the terrain, resupply may be by air or ground. The availability of landing zones and drop zones protected from the enemy's observation and fire is the main consideration if selecting organizing aerial resupply.

P

6-41. All units in the base area are responsible for preserving its fighting potential. Protective measures reduce the probability (and the effects) of damage caused by hostile action. Responsibility for the conduct of protective measures is assigned to fire fighting units, chemical units, medical units, and other units. In addition, all units assigned to the base are tasked to conduct activities such as dispersion, camouflage, blackout, field discipline, and use of shelters.

S

6-42. Early warning of pending actions ensures the base commander time to react to any insurgent threat. Outposts, patrols, ground surveillance and countermortar radar, military working dogs teams, and air reconnaissance and surveillance provide early warning. Information provided by civilians and actions of indigenous personnel near the base are excellent indicators of pending enemy actions. All-round security is essential.

D

D

6-43. Alternate and supplementary positions, observation posts, and mutually supporting strong points in front of the base forward defense area extend the depth of the defense. The commander plans fires throughout the defensive area up to the maximum range of available weapons. Portable obstacles may be placed around critical targets during reduced visibility to disrupt the enemy’s plan and add depth to the defense.

P

6-44. Base defense operations to counter small groups of enemy forces include aggressive, frequent patrolling by squad—and platoon-size forces to detect, capture, or destroy small groups of insurgents. Dogs, if available, may be used to add security and additional detection ability to patrol operations. Populated areas near the base are searched, and surprise checkpoints are established along known or suspected routes of insurgent movement.

M

U

O

A

6-45. Since the objective of the base defense is to maintain a secure base, the defender maximizes the use of offensive actions to engage enemy forces outside the base. On initial occupation of the base site, friendly forces take offensive actions to destroy enemy forces in the immediate area. The area commander employs patrols, raids, ambushes, air attacks, and supporting fires to harass and destroy any remaining enemy force. Once the enemy has been cleared from the area, the base can be defended by a smaller force. The base commander maintains constant liaison with major tactical unit commanders in the area to stay abreast of efforts to remove the threat.

M

S

6-46. Defending forces are positioned to ensure mutual employment of defensive resources that include fires, observation, and maneuver elements. Mutual support between defensive elements requires careful planning, positioning, and coordination because of the circular aspects of the base area. Surveillance, obstacles, prearranged fires, and maneuvers are used to control gaps.

A

-A

D

6-47. In defensive planning, the base commander must be prepared to defend against enemy attack from any direction. Plans are sufficiently flexible, and reserves are positioned to permit reaction to any threat. Base defense forces are assigned primary and alternate positions and sectors of responsibility. All personnel are assigned duty stations or shelters.

R

6-48. Attacks against a base may range from long-range sniper, mortar, or rocket fire to attacks by suicide bombers or major forces. The insurgent has the advantage of deciding when, where, and with what force he will attack. The defender positions his forces and plans fires and movement so he can respond to the widest possible range of enemy actions. The defender prepares plans, to include counterattack plans, and rehearses, evaluates, and revises them as necessary.

Q

R

F

6-49. A QRF is a designated organization for any immediate response requirement that occurs in a designated area of operation (FM 3-90.6). A QRF increases the overall flexibility of a base defense and is available for contingencies. Usually a battalion will maintain a platoon sized QRF.