The organization of an advance force will depend on the terrain and the
enemy situation. The Iraqis use the following terms during an advance
to assist in maintaining command and control (C2):
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Recon
Recon
Sections
Sections
Forward Security
I (-)
I
I I
Direction
of
Movement
Flank Guard
Flank Guard
Advance Force
Main Body
I
I
I
Rear Guard
NOT TO SCALE
Armor-Heavy Battle Group Employed as Advance Force of Brigade
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Axis. A general line along whose sides the battle group or combat team travels. The axis may follow roads or paths. It is not necessary to clear
the axis of enemy troops unless ordered.
Cleared Roads. Roads that the battle group or combat team must clear
of enemy troops. These cleared roads are necessary to supply a wheeled
thoroughfare as well as an evacuation route. They can also be used for
the rapid transport of individuals and supplies.
Bounds. Tactical intervals that lie on the axis or on its sides and that
may be occupied if necessary. Usually given coded names, combat
teams should not stop at these points unless ordered. These are not
called bounds until they have been cleared — or almost cleared — of
enemy troops.
Lines of Decision. These are landmarks that are easily distinguished,
such as roads, railroads, or a line of hills. They do not necessarily have
any tactical importance, but serve to make units aware of their progress.
It is best if they are in corners on the axis and are given coded names.
To keep up the thrust of an advance and to retain the initiative, the battle
group may opt to bypass enemy positions. This may be accomplished in
two ways:
■ A forward battle group bypasses an enemy position, leaving it to the
depth battle group to engage the enemy.
■ A forward battle group engages an enemy position, allowing the
depth battle group to bypass.
When preparing to bypass an enemy position, a battle group commander
should decide on several points:
■ Should the bypass be accomplished by the forward combat team, the
depth combat team, or both?
■ How deep behind the enemy position are the combat teams allowed
to penetrate?
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■ If a forward combat team is bypassing an enemy position, should it detach elements to maintain contact with the enemy?
As combat teams within the battle group make contact with defending
enemy units, they will initiate a series of four maneuvers:
■ Bypass.
■ Envelop. Maneuver around the enemy position to cut off enemy
withdrawal or to attack the position from the flank or the rear. It is
preferred that other combat teams attack the enemy from the front
during an envelopment maneuver.
■ Bracket. Enveloping the enemy from both sides simultaneously
(double envelopment).
■ Turning Movement. Maneuver conducted around an enemy posi-
tion. However, instead of attacking another enemy unit farther to the
rear, the combat team attacks into the first enemy unit’s rear area.
This maneuver forces the enemy to abandon its current positions and
fight the turning force on unfavorable terrain.
Artillery
Artillery units attached to a battle group are organized in platoons that
will move forward in leap-frog maneuvers or in succession according to
the rate of advance. Artillery reconnaissance teams will move with a
forward battle group, but are not limited to a specific area.
Mortars should not usually be moved in leap-frog maneuvers or in suc-
cession. The mortar carriers should move with the battle group’s main
body.
Forward artillery observation officers, mobile fire controllers, and forward
air controllers should be in the best positions to secure fire support during
contact. Usually they move with a forward combat team headquarters.
Reconnaissance elements usually consist of tanks, platoon reconnais-
sance patrols, and engineering reconnaissance teams. Army air force
helicopters may also support the reconnaissance effort.
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Every forward combat team will need its own close range reconnais-
sance to secure detailed information about the terrain and the enemy.
I I
I I
Bypassing
Enveloping
Maneuver
Maneuver
I I
I I
Turning
Bracketing
Maneuver
Maneuver
Various Maneuvers
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The missions of close range reconnaissance forces during night and day include the following:
■ Distinguishing enemy positions and giving an early warning.
■ Providing information on the conditions of roads and positions.
■ Finding openings in enemy lines and roads around enemy positions.
■ Providing information about areas the enemy has abandoned.
■ Observing the near flanks.
Engineering reconnaissance teams should usually be collocated with the
forward combat teams. They should keep the engineering commander
informed about the state of all roads and positions.
Flank guards warn of enemy movement. These units perform this duty
either by traveling along roads parallel to those used by the advance
force or by monitoring the side approaches.
The composition of the flank guards depends on the enemy threat, the
kind of advance under way, and the nature of the area. Flank guards may
contain armor, infantry, reconnaissance troops, and antitank detach-
ments. Army air force helicopters may also support the flank guard.
On contact with enemy forces, a battle group’s lead elements are
expected to bring the enemy under fire, fix the wings of the enemy posi-
tion, determine his strength, and maneuver to bypass or attack the
enemy position.
To conduct an attack, the battle group commander may:
■ Order the forward combat team to conduct a rapid attack or a bypass.