ABOLC TERMS

AMBUSH

An attack by fire or other destructive means from concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy. (FM 3-90-1)

ATTACK BY FIRE

A tactical mission task in which a commander uses direct fires, supported by indirect fires, to engage an enemy force without closing with the enemy to destroy, suppress, fix, or deceive that enemy. (FM 3-90-1)

BLOCK

A tactical mission task that denies the enemy access to an area or prevents his advance in a direction or along an avenue of approach. Block is also an obstacle effect that integrates fire planning and obstacle effort to stop an attacker along a specific

BREACH

A tactical mission task in which the unit employs all available means to break through or establish a passage through an enemy defense, obstacle, minefield, or fortification. (FM 3-90-1)

BYPASS

A tactical mission task in which the commander directs his unit to maneuver around an obstacle, position, or enemy force to maintain the momentum of the operation while deliberately avoiding combat with an enemy force. (FM 3-90-1)

CANALIZE

A tactical mission task in which the commander restricts enemy movement to a narrow zone by exploiting terrain coupled with the use of obstacles, fires, or friendly maneuver. (FM 3-90-1)

CLEAR

A tactical mission task that requires the commander to remove all enemy forces and eliminate organized resistance within an assigned area. (FM 3-90-1) 2. To eliminate transmissions on a tactical radio net in order to allow a higher-precedence transmission

CONTAIN

A tactical mission task that requires the commander to stop, hold, or surround enemy forces or to cause them to center their activity on a given front and prevent them from withdrawing any part of their forces for use elsewhere. (FM 3-90-1)

CONTROL

Authority that may be less than full command exercised by a commander over part of the activities of subordinate or other organizations. (JP 1) 2. In mapping, changing, and photogrammetry, a collective term for a system of marks or objects on the Earth or

DESTROY

A tactical mission task that physically renders aenemy force combat-ineffective until it is reconstituted. Alternatively, to destroy a combat system is to damage it so badly that it cannot perform any function or be restored to a usable condition without

DISRUPT

A tactical mission task in which a commander integrates direct and indirect fires, terrain, and obstacles to upset an enemy's formation or tempo, interrupt his timetable, or cause enemy forces to commit prematurely or attack in piecemeal fashion. 2. An ob

FIX

A tactical mission task where a commander prevents the enemy from moving any part of his force from a specific location for a specific period. Fix is also an obstacle effect that focuses fire planning and obstacle effort to slow an attacker's movement wit

FOLLOW AND ASSUME

A tactical mission task in which a second committed force follows a force conducting an offensive task and is prepared to continue the mission if the lead force is fixed, attrited, or unable to continue. (FM 3-90-1)

FOLLOW AND SUPPORT

A tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive task. (FM 3-90-1)

ISOLATE

A tactical mission task that requires a unit to seal off�both physically and psychologically�an enemy from sources of support, deny the enemy freedom of movement, and prevent the isolated enemy force from having contact with other enemy forces. (FM 3-90-1

NEUTRALIZE

A tactical mission task that results in rendering enemy personnel or materiel incapable of
interfering with a particular operation. (FM 3-90-1)

PASSAGE OF LINES

An operation in which a force moves forward or reward through another force's combat positions with the intention of moving into or out of contact with the enemy. (JP 3-18) See ADRP 3-90, FM 3-09, FM 3-90-1, FM 3-90-2.

RELIEF IN PLACE

An operation in which, by direction of higher authority, all or part of a unit is replaced in an area by the incoming unit and the responsibilities of the replaced elements for the mission and the assigned zone of operations are transferred to the incomin

SCREEN

A security task that primarily provides early warning to the protected force. (ADRP 3-90)

SUPPORT BY FIRE

A tactical mission task in which a maneuver force moves to a position where it can engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force. (FM 3-90-1)

SUPPRESS

A tactical mission task that results in temporary degradation of the performance of a force or weapons system below the level needed to accomplish the mission. (FM 3-90-1)

SEIZE

A tactical mission task that involves taking possession of a designated area using overwhelming force. (FM 3-90-1)

GUARD

A security task to protect the main force by fighting to gain time while also observing and reporting information and preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body. Units conducting a guard mission cannot operate independent

COVER

Protection from the effects of fires. (ADRP 1-02) 2. A security task to protect the main body by fighting to gain time while also observing and reporting information and preventing enemy ground observation of and direct fire against the main body. (ADRP 3

Counter Reconnaissance

This is a tactical mission task that encompasses all measures taken by a PL to counter enemy reconnaissance and surveillance efforts. Counter-reconnaissance is not a distinct mission, but a compone

Exfiltrate

This is a tactical mission task where a commander removes Soldiers, Marines, or units from areas under enemy control by stealth, deception, surprise, or clandestine means.

Disengage

This is a tactical mission task where a PL has the unit break contact with the enemy to allow the conduct of another mission or to avoid decisive engagement.

Occupy

This is a tactical mission task that involves moving a friendly force into an area so that it can control that area. Both the force's movement to and occupation of the area occur without enemy opposition.

Retain

This is a tactical mission task in which the PL ensures that a terrain feature controlled by a friendly force remains free of enemy occupation or use.

Secure

This is a tactical mission task that involves preventing a unit, facility, or geographical location from being damaged or destroyed as a result of enemy action.

Battle Drills

Change Formation
Contact
Action
Reaction to Indirect Fire
Reaction to Air Attack
Reaction to CBRN

Column

The column formation provides excellent control and fire to the flanks, but permits less fire to the front. It is used when speed is critical, when the platoon is moving through restricted terrain on a specific route, and/or when contact with an enemy is

Staggered Column

The staggered column formation is a modified column formation with one section leading, and one section trailing to provide overwatch. The staggered column permits good fire to the front and flanks. It is used when speed is critical, when there is a limit

Wedge

The wedge formation permits excellent firepower to the front and good firepower to the flanks. It is employed when the platoon is provided with overwatch by another element and is moving in open or rolling terrain.

Echelon

The echelon formation permits excellent firepower to the front and to one flank. It is used to screen an exposed flank of the platoon or of a larger moving force.

VEE

The VEE formation provides excellent protection and control, but limits fires to the front. This formation is used when terrain restricts movement, or when overwatch within the platoon is required.

Line

The line formation provides maximum firepower forward. It is used when the platoon crosses danger areas, and is provided with overwatch by another element, or when the platoon assaults through the enemy positions.

Coil

The platoon uses the coil formation to establish a perimeter defense during extended halts, or lulls in combat, when it is operating independently. The lead vehicle, usually the PL, halts his vehicle in the direction of travel (12 o'clock) while the other

Herringbone

The platoon uses the herringbone formation when it must assume a hasty defense with 360-degree security. This formation allows the platoon to remain ready to continue movement in its original direction of travel. The herringbone formation is normally empl

Characteristic of Offense Tasks

Surprise
Concentration
Tempo
Audacity

Surprise

Surprise is achieved by attacking the enemy at a time or place he does not
expect or in a manner for which he is unprepared. Platoons achieve surprise by
following operational security procedures and making the best possible use of
vehicle speed, covered

Concentration

Concentration is the massing of overwhelming effects of combat power to
achieve a single purpose. Platoons achieve concentration by massing the effects of
their weapon systems without necessarily massing platoon vehicles at a single
location.

Tempo

Tempo is the relative speed and rhythm of military operations over time with
respect to the enemy. The PL must understand the different rates of speed when
comparing dismounted forces to mounted forces. He must ensure that his platoon's
movement is synchr

Audacity

Audacity is a simple plan of action, boldly executed. Audacity inspires
Soldiers to overcome adversity and danger. At the platoon level, audacity is marked
by violent execution of the mission and a willingness to seize the initiative. The PL
must have kno

Offensive Tasks

Movement To Contact
Attack
Exploitation
Pursuit

Movement To Contact

Movement to contact is an offensive task designed to develop the situation
and establish or regain contact. It also creates favorable conditions for subsequent
tactical actions. The platoon conducts a movement to contact (MTC) when the
enemy situation is

Attack

An attack is an offensive task that destroys or defeats enemy forces, seizes
and secures terrain, or both. Attacks incorporate coordinated movement supported by fires. They may be either decisive or shaping operations. Attacks may be hasty or
deliberate,

Exploitation

Exploitation is an offensive task that usually follows the conduct of a
successful attack and is designed to disorganize the enemy in depth. Exploitations
seek to disintegrate enemy forces to the point where they have no alternative but
surrender or take

Pursuit

A pursuit is an offensive task designed to catch or cut off a hostile force
attempting to escape, with the aim of destroying it. A pursuit normally follows a
successful exploitation. However, any offensive task can transition into a pursuit, if
enemy resi

Forms of Maneuver

Envelopment
Turning Movement
Frontal Attack
Penetration
Infiltration

Envelopment

Envelopment is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to
avoid the principal enemy defenses by seizing objectives behind those defenses that
allow the targeted enemy force to be destroyed in their current positions.

Turning Movement

A turning movement is a form of maneuver in which the attacking force
seeks to avoid the enemy's principle defensive positions by seizing objectives
behind the enemy's current position; thereby causing the enemy force to move out
of his current positions

Frontal Attack

A frontal attack is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to
destroy a weaker enemy force or fix a larger enemy force in place over a broad
front.

Penetration

A penetration is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force seeks to
rupture enemy defenses in a narrow front to disrupt the defensive system.

Infiltration

An infiltration is a form of maneuver in which an attacking force conducts
undetected movement through or into an area occupied by enemy forces to occupy a
position of advantage behind those enemy positions while exposing only small
elements to enemy defe

Sequence of the Offense

Gain and maintain enemy contact.
Disrupt the enemy.
Fix the enemy.
Maneuver.
Follow through.

Forms of Contact

Direct
Indirect
Non-hostile or civilian
Obstacle
CBRN
Aerial
Visual
Electronic

Actions on Contact

Deploy and report.
Evaluate and develop the situation.
Choose a Course of Action.
Execute the selected Course of Action.
Recommend a COA to the higher commander.

Warfighting Functions

Mission Command
Movement and Maneuver
Intelligence
Fires
Protection
Sustainment

8 Forms of Contact

(DINOCAVE)
Direct
Indirect
Non-hostile
Obstacle
CBRN
Aerial
Visual
Electronic Warfare

Characteristic of the Defense

(MOMS-PDF)
Mass and Concentration
Operations in Depth
Maneuver
Security
Preparation
Disruption
Flexibility

Forms of the Defense

(DR. P)
Defense of a Linear Obstacle
Reverse Slope Defense
Perimeter Defense

Defensive Tasks

(MAR-WRD)
Mobile Defense
Area Defense
Retrograde
- Withdrawal
- Delay
- Retirement

Defensive Techniques

Defend in Sector
Defend a Battle Position
Defend a Strong Point
Defend a Perimeter

Fundamentals of Reconnaissance

Gain and maintain enemy contact
Orient of the Reconnaissance objective
Retain freedom of maneuver
Report information rapidly and accurately
Develop the situation rapidly
Do not keep reconnaissance assets in reserve
Ensure continuous reconnaissance

Terrain Based Fire Control Measures

Target Reference Point
Engagement Area
Sector of Fire
Direction of Fire
Terrain Based Quadrant
Friendly Based Quadrant
Maximum Engagement Line
Restrictive Fire Line
Final Protective Line

Fire Control Process

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