Number of committees, board independence and firm value

The infantry battalion has its own direct and indirect fire support, reconnaissance/

security, and communications section. Their 6-24

effective employment is critical to the commander’s ability to mass his combat power against the enemy. All of the battal-ion’s combat support elements except the communications platoon are assigned to the combat support company.

The combat support company com-mander has a unique role in that he:

Is a special staff officer, making recommendations on the employment of his elements to the battalion commander Retains command responsibility for the platoons and sections of the company even though he normally loses operational control in a tactical environ-ment (He still supports them logistically and administratively unless the platoons or sections are attached to a rifle company. )

May become the battalion combat base commander (See battalion combat base, chapter 5.)

May be used as a maneuver element commander

The battalion commander must determine how to use the combat support company elements through a thorough examination of the battalion’s mission and the combat support company’s state of training. Only then can he select the appropriate role for the combat support company commander and his unit.

If and when the combat support company commander becomes a maneuver element commander, the commander of headquarters and headquarters company must assume the responsibility of commanding the combat base. In addition, soldiers

essential replace soldiers.

antitank

must be taken from the least jobs in the battalion trains to the combat support company Normally, the scout platoon, the platoon, and the battalion reserve

FM 90-5—

element would be formed into a maneuver element.

FUNCTIONS OF THE SCOUT PLATOON

The mission of the scout platoon is to perform reconnaissance, provide limited security, and assist in controlling the battalion’s movement. The scout platoon is normally employed as a unit under battalion control. However, under certain conditions it may be attached to another unit or operate as a separate element with an area of operations of its own. Generally, under all three of these conditions, it is the primary mission of the scout platoon to find the enemy. In a jungle environment it normally performs route, zone, and area reconnaissance. The scout platoon has a limited capability to conduct security operations, to provide early warning of enemy maneuver, and to deny the enemy information concerning the battalion disposition and movements. The primary security mission for the scout platoon is the

screen. A screen is a series of OPs from which enemy movement can be observed. When vegetation allows good observation, OPs are located on high ground and patrols are only used for local security around the OP. When observation ranges are very short, the OPs may have to be moved to the lower areas.

Patrols between OPs are required to detect enemy movement. The distances between OPs may be extremely long so they must be alert for signs of enemy infiltration.

FUNCTIONS OF THE ANTITANK PLATOON

primary mission of the antitank is to destroy enemy tanks. Its The

platoon

secondary missions are to engage other vehicles, crew-served weapons, fortified positions, and other point-type targets.

Against an enemy with no tanks, or in terrain which does not permit the use of long-range antitank weapons, the antitank platoon may be used as a rifle platoon.

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FM 90-5

CHAPTER 7

Combat

Section I. GENERAL

Combat service support elements in a jungle environment retain the same basic missions and capabilities as in other environments. However, they must make adjustments due to terrain, weather, and vegetation.

Jungle operations subject personnel and equipment to effects not found in other environments. Trafficability and security problems, discussed in other chapters, often affect combat service support elements as much as maneuver forces.

The lack of an extensive all-weather transportation network in many jungle areas makes the mission of support units more difficult. Transportation difficulties may dictate that maneuver units be resupplied by air, pack animals, or human portage.

US Army forces in the jungle will normally operate at the end of a long line of

communication. Cargo space must not be wasted on unessential items. Transportation priority must be given to essential materials, and support areas must not become crowded with comfort items.

Jungle combat operations are char-acterized by ambushes and infiltration. The security threat caused by infiltrators will require that lines of communication be patrolled frequently and convoys be escorted.

Consequently, it is essential that combat service support is performed as far forward as the tactical situation permits. This not only improves response time, but reduces road movement and allows the combat service support elements to take advantage of the security offered by combat units.

The heat and humidity of jungle areas also have harmful effects on men and equipment.

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–FM 90-5

Weapons tend to rust quickly, and must Electrical connections corrode quickly.

be cleaned and oiled more frequently than in

most other areas. Lenses and dials become quickly fogged

with internal moisture.

Canvas items rot and rubber deteriorates

much faster than in more temperate areas. Troops drink more water, requiring greater water purification and transport Battery life is shorter than is normal. means.

Section II. LOGISTICS