i

Republic of the Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

OFFICE OF THE CHIEF, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE Camp Crame, Quezon City

We need sustained economic growth and social development for our country to move forward. These can only be achieved in an environment of security and peace. For our government to implement development programs and set vital infrastructure projects, an atmosphere of peace must first be realized; terrorism and insurgency must be fully addressed.

This is the crucial role of the PNP particularly the Regional Public Safety

Battalions (RPSB), Provincial Public Safety Companies (PPSC) and Special Action Force (SAF) – to face the threats posed by the terrorists and insurgents. Their lives and limbs are always at risk.

The PNP leadership acknowledges the danger in the lives of these men in

the field, so it has taken actions to lessen the degree of risk by providing not only adequate training and equipage but guidelines to follow in the performance of their tasks. This is also part of our continuing endeavor to resolve organizational dysfunctions and improve the quality of police service with the end view of transforming the PNP into a more Capable, Effective and Credible Police Force.

To the National Operations Center, Directorate for Operations, the brain

endeavor, I commend you for your zeal in coming up with the PNP Combat Operations Checklist. It is a timely tool to guide our men especially the maneuver forces in making their operations against the enemies a success.

Keep up the good work!

NICANOR A BARTOLOME, CSEE Police Director General Chief, PNP

ii

Republic of the Philippines

Department of the Interior and Local Government NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION

NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY CHIEF, PNP FOR OPERATIONS

Camp Crame, Quezon City

The enemies of the state - the insurgents, the terrorists

and syndicated criminals - incessantly upgrade their equipage, train their men and employ new tactics to bring our men in the field down. But the PNP will not and does not allow this to happen. We make sure that if our enemies take two steps forward, the PNP maneuver teams will take two more steps ahead. The PNP Combat Operations Checklist created by the National Operations Center (NOC), Directorate for Operations is an essential tool for the PNP maneuver teams in defeating the enemies of the state.

This checklist will definitely simplify their operations with the end in view of

making each operation a success and success will not only mean the collapse of the enemy forces but having very minimal injury and damage to PNP maneuver teams.

Kudos to the NOC, Directorate for Operations for another valuable

achievement.

RAUL L CASTAÑEDA Police Deputy Director General The Deputy Chief for Operations

iii

Republic of the Philippines Department of the Interior and Local Government

NATIONAL POLICE COMMISSION NATIONAL HEADQUARTERS, PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE

OFFICE OF THE DIRECTORATE FOR OPERATIONS Camp Crame, Quezon City

“To plan and conduct special operations anywhere

in the region particularly in the aspect of counter insurgency, counter subversion, unconventional warfare, anti-terrorism and other related operations”.

This core mandate of the Regional Public Safety

Battalions (RPSB), Public safety Companies and Special Action Force puts the life of each member in peril. Dangers are imminent but while this is inherent in their task, there is always a means to minimize them. Careful planning, vigilance and prudent preparations are the keys. These keys must be imbibed by each of these men in the battle field to ensure their safety while making certain of the enemies’ defeat.

With the creation of the PNP Combat Operations Checklist, our maneuver

forces are assured of a guide in their daily operations. This will serve as a compass to lead them to the right direction so they will not be lost in the middle of the battle against terrorists and insurgents, and criminal elements as well.

The volleys of fire from the enemies are not reasons for our maneuver

forces to move back because they are well equipped physically, materially, spiritually and mentally. LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR. CESE Police Director Director for Operations

iv

The PNP maneuver units are essential to the peace and security of our country. We owe it to the men and women of these maneuver units and so we should provide them with better training, equipment and guidance so that they can carry out their jobs more effectively and safely. These men are never “off-duty”. They are dedicated to protect our country from terrorists and insurgents at any time and place that the peace is threatened. For this very sensitive and crucial responsibility, these men need all the assistance they can get from the PNP leadership.

This is the rationale behind the crafting of the PNP Combat Operations

Checklist – to provide our maneuver units, the Regional Public Safety Battalions, Provincial Public Safety Companies and the Special Action Force, a guide to facilitate their operations. The checklist provides a clear-cut list to follow in carrying combat situation in the field. Casualties are impending in any combat operations but our goal is to allay these casualties and damages.

We have seen a number of our front liners in combat operations perish in

the battle field and we do not want to see more of our men suffer the same fate from the hands of terrorists and dissidents. The PNP leadership believes that there is always a way to assuage casualties. Thus this checklist was conceptualized by the National Operations Center (NOC), Directorate for Operations under the stewardship of PDIR LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR.

The PNP Combat Operations Checklist presents the basic combat rules for

troop movement, attack, defend, delay, withdraw, patrol, air assault and medical evacuation. It also presents strategies to follow for urban area operations.

We are optimistic, that with this checklist at hand, our maneuver forces will

develop more confidence every time the trumpets of the battle field are blown. We envision no more dwindling moves and no more deafening moans of pain but chants of victory. MELITO M MABILIN Police Chief Superintendent Chief, NOC

v

I would like to acknowledge the efforts and contributions of all PNP and

AFP officers, PNCOs and NUP in the preparation of the PNP Combat Operations Checklist.

Much of this work was initiated by PCSUPT MELITO M MABILIN, Chief,

National Operations Center; PSSUPT MIGUEL C ANTONIO, JR, Assistant Chief, NOC and PSINSP JOHANNES GOLD L AQUINO, Chief, Operations Section, NOC.

I would also like to acknowledge the assistance given by PSUPT CHRISTIAN

V HAVERIA; PSUPT CONRADO L VILLANUEVA; PSUPT RICO C BRACAMONTE; PCINSP IGMEDIO B BERNALDEZ; PCINSP BRYANT B DEMOT; PCINSP JOEL V CABURNAY; PCINSP JOHNNY I CAPALOS; PCINSP EDGARDO A ANGELES; PCINSP IRENE C CAYETANO; PSINSP GREGORIO C VILLAR; PINSP MICHAEL T VIRTUDAZO; SPO1 Maricel F Panahon; NUP Gina D Graza; NUP Elena E Laudit; NUP John Vincent Jose; Ms Jean Palpalatoc and NUP Frederick G Malabo.

Contributions of the following officers and men are likewise highly

appreciated: LTC EMMANUEL L CABASAN (OG3, PA); MAJ MARCELO F VALDEZ, JR (OG3, PA); PCINSP MICHAEL JOHN MANGAHIS (SAF); PCINSP HERALDO F DAPEG (RPSB, NCRPO); PCINSP CORNELIO D ORDANZA (RPSB, PRO 3); PSINSP JOHN DC ABREU (RPSB, PRO 4A); PSINSP ARNEL R MADOR (SAF); PSINSP ERICKSON B BORANES (SAF).

To all other men and women who have shared their knowledge in making

this checklist possible, my warmest gratitude. LEOCADIO SC SANTIAGO, JR. CESE Police Director Director for Operations

PNP COMBAT OPERATIONS CHECKLIST

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PAGE The Chief, PNP’s Message i TDCO’s Message ii TDO’s Message iii Preface iv Acknowledgement v

BASIC COMBAT RULES PLAN

Troop leading procedure 1 Warning Order (WARNO) 3 Operation Order (OPORD) 5

TROOP MOVEMENT Actions before movement 7 Actions for vehicular movement 8 Actions for movement by foot 9 Actions at halts on vehicular movement 10 Actions at halts on movement by foot (short halts) 11 Actions at halts on movement by foot (long halts) 12 Harboring 13

ATTACK Preparation for assault 15 Post Assault Consolidation and Reorganization 16

DEFEND Unit station security preparation 17 Establish observation post (OP) 19 Range card preparation 20 Range card (blank) 22 Range card (sample) 23 Fire distribution and control 24

DELAY Fundamentals of delay 25

WITHDRAW Disengagement actions 27 Unit Relief in Place 28

PATROL/RECON Patrol planning steps 29 Actions During Patrol 30 Designating Rallying points 33 After Patrol Report 34 Selection and Establishment of a Patrol Base 36 Occupation of an Established Patrol Base 38 Conduct a raid 40 Principles of an ambush 42 Conducting ambush 44 Reconnaisance mission 46 Actions to be taken in danger areas 48

AIR ASSAULT OPERATIONS Setting up of helicopter landing site 49

MEDICAL Request for air MEDIVAC 51

COMBAT IN CITIES Urban Area Operation 52 Building Assault 53

1

TROOP LEADING PROCEDURE STEP ACTION

1 Receive mission 2 Issue warning order (WARNO) 3 Make tentative plan

Mission Enemy Troops Terrain and weather Time Possible courses of action

4 Initiate necessary preparation Offensive operation:

Personnel Logistics and finance

Defensive operation: Physical security

5 Conduct reconnaissance 6 Complete the plan

Choosing the best course of action 7 Issue operations order

2

8 Supervise and refine Rehearsals and final preparation

Notes:

3

WARNING ORDER (WARNO) STEP ACTION

1 Situation:

Area of operation

Enemy forces

Friendly forces

Attachments and detachments 2 Mission:

Stated in terms of:

Who (unit involved/taking actions)

What (specific task of the unit taking actions)

Where(objective)

When (date and time)

Why (purpose) 3 General Instructions:

Tentative time schedule

Unit/s involved

Movement plan

Contingency plans

Weapons, ammo, equipment and mobility

Provisions

4

4 Specific/special instructions

5

OPERATIONS ORDER (OPORD) STEP ACTION

Task Organization 1 Situation:

Area of operation

Enemy forces

Friendly forces

Attachments and detachments 2 Mission:

Stated in terms of:

Who (unit involved/taking actions)

What (specific task of the unit taking actions)

Where(objective)

When (date and time)

Why (purpose) 3 Execution:

Commander’s intent

Concept of operations

Tasks

Coordinating instructions

a. General Instructions:

Movement plan

Contingency plans

6

Operational schedule (reverse planning sequence)

Deadlines

b. Special/specific instructions

4 Combat service support

a. Personnel

b. Logistics

c. Medivac 5 Command and signal

a. Command

Command succession

Location (CP/ACP)

b. Signal

Communication network/ diagram

7

ACTIONS BEFORE MOVEMENT

STEP ACTION 1 Give warning order (WARNO) 2 Preparation of troops, equipment

and provisions

3 Recon route from unit headquarters to point of interest

4 Record time from unit headquarters to point of interest

5 Coordinate with friendly forces for passage and/or route security

6 Inspection of troops, equipment and provisions

7 Preparation and inspection of vehicles

8 Sequence of movement, loading and unloading plan

9 Mission briefing with personnel

8

ACTIONS FOR VEHICULAR MOVEMENT

ITEM ACTION 1 Check completeness of vehicles 2 Conduct briefing on drivers 3 Observe unit integrity during loading

and unloading

4 Mount crew-served weapons advantageously

5 Observe sequence of movement 6 Maintain route security 7 Designate vehicle sectors of

observation and fire

8 Report passage on pre-designated points/critical area (unless radio silence is in effect)

9 Report arrival at the point of interest

9

ACTIONS FOR MOVEMENT BY FOOT

ITEM ACTION 1 Check completeness of personnel 2 Conduct briefing on team leaders 3 Observe unit integrity during

movement

4 Position crew-served weapons strategically

5 Observe sequence of movement 6 Observe movement techniques

(travelling, travelling overwatch, bounding overwatch) During night time, maintain tapping distance

7 Designate sectors of observation and fire

8 Report passage on pre-designated points/critical area (unless radio silence is in effect)

9 Report arrival at the point of interest

10

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON VEHICULAR MOVEMENT

ITEM ACTION

1 Park at roadside – maintain vehicle formation

2 Establish/maintain security 3 Move stalled vehicles to the side of

the road – set up early warning devices and direct traffic when necessary

4 Maintain observation/contact with other vehicles

5 Report status 6 Take appropriate actions/repair

vehicles if possible

11

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON MOVEMENT BY FOOT (SHORT HALTS)

ITEM ACTION

1 Choose vantage positions 2 Observe noise discipline 3 Observe light discipline and tapping

distance at night time

4 Stay alert 5 Cover approaches into sector with

key weapons

12

ACTIONS AT HALTS ON MOVEMENT BY FOOT (LONG HALTS)

ITEM ACTION

1 Choose vantage positions 2 Observe noise discipline 3 Observe light discipline and tapping

distance at night time

4 Maintain security 5 Cover approaches into sector with

key weapons

6 The troops should occupy a security perimeter similar to the techniques used in harboring

7 Account personnel before resuming

13

HARBORING

ITEM ACTION 1 Select harboring sites which are

concealed and defensible from all directions

2 Recon and clear primary and alternate harboring sites

3 Occupy harboring site only when it gets dark

4 Designate sectors (area of responsibility) and ensure cohesiveness of the troops

5 Enforce light and noise discipline 6 Observe Stand-to-Technique 7 Emplace sentinels/security 8 Emphasize buddy system and inform

the patrol members when leaving the harbor site

9 Set up warning devices 10 Report position/location to your

headquarters

11 Disseminate passwords and countersigns to all members

14

12 Remove traces of occupancy when leaving the harbor sites

15

PREPARATION FOR ASSAULT

TASK ACTION 1 Issue warning order 2 Assemble troops/personnel 3 Perform communications check 4 Check weapons 5 Check key equipment 6 Rehearse specific tasks 7 Recon routes to objective 8 Issue operation order 9 Coordinate with higher, supporting,

adjacent units

10 Check/integrate augmentation 11 Rehearse coordinated action 12 Inspect troops 13 Feed troops 14 Rest troops

Notes: Several steps may occur at the same time.

16

POST ASSAULT CONSOLIDATION AND REORGANIZATION

STEP ACTION

1 Neutralize all remaining resistance 2 Occupy hasty positions and prepare

for enemy counterattack

3 Bring up base of fire element 4 Position key weapon systems 5 Account for personnel 6 Attend to the wounded and

prepare for evacuation

7 Account for equipment 8 Redistribute ammunition 9 Check enemy casualties and

recovered equipment

10 Develop quick fire plan 11 Prepare range cards, if applicable 12 Continue planning to sustain the

offensive (map recon, orders and request for resupply)

Notes:

17

UNIT STATION SECURITY PREPARATION

STEP TASK 1 Organize community network 2 Prepare sketches of areas/sectors

defense positions

3 Designate squad and platoon sectors

4 Check communications systems 5 Emplace key weapons and vehicles

to strategic position

6 Coordinate with adjacent units for interlocking sectors of fire

7 Clear fields of fire 8 Prepare range cards 9 Emplace warning devices and

barriers

10 Observe fire discipline 11 Make sentinel and rest plan 12 Designate supply/evacuation routes 13 Maintain additional basic load of

ammunition/food, water and first aid kits

14 Designate and maintain a reserve force

18

15 Rehearse actions that will be done during engagement

16 Continue to improve positions

19

ESTABLISH OBSERVATION POST (OP)

ITEM ACTION 1 Select covered and concealed

vantage positions

2 Designate personnel with security to occupy the posts

3 Establish reporting procedures 4 Prepare withdrawal plan

(procedures and routes)

5 Use binoculars/Night Optic Devices (NODs), communications equipment and navigational devices (maps and compasses)

6 Change observers as often as situation permits

20

RANGE CARD PREPARATION

Make card and copy for each primary, alternate, and supplementary position STEP ACTION

1 Draw symbol for weapon/position in center of circle

2 Draw/label left/right sector limits 3 Determine range value for each

circle by dividing range to most distant terrain feature by number of circles and label card

4 Draw final protective lines/principal direction of fire

5 Draw and number Target Reference Points (TRPs), Reference Points (RPs) and possible Engagement Areas (EAs) as ordered

6 Show and label areas that cannot be covered by fire

7 Draw maximum engagement lines 8 Draw terrain features and mark

weapon reference point from terrain or map

21

9 Fill in data section in the standard form provided

Identify primary, alternate or supplementary positions

Date and time range card complete Identify weapon/vehicle List left/right limits, TRPs, reference points in numerical order

Show gun elevation (mils), ammunition, range (meters) to limits, TRPs and reference points, describe objects

10 Fill in weapon reference data (description, grid, magnetic azimuth, distance from weapon to position) in remarks

11 Fill in marginal information, not higher than company and direction of magnetic north arrow

22

RANGE CARD STANDARD FORM

SQD ________ PLT ________ CO ________

May be used for all types of direct fire weapons MAGNETIC NORTH

DATA SECTION POSITION IDENTIFICATION DATE

WEAPON EACH CIRCLE EQUALS ________________ METERS

NO. DIRECTION DEFLECTION

ELEVATION RANGE AMMO DESCRIPTION

REMARKS: DA FORM 5517R

23

SAMPLE

24

FIRE DISTRIBUTION AND CONTROL ITEM PRINCIPLE

1 Engage critical targets first; engage laterally and in-depth

2 Avoid target overkill 3 Use fire distribution

Incorporate indirect fires Use each weapon in its best role

4 Destroy most dangerous targets first, considering range, terrain and weapon capability

5 Concentrate on long range targets if possible, to gain standoff advantage

6 Take best shots; expose only systems actually needed

7 Control firing; conserve ammunition if possible

8 Avoid fratricide 9 Engage different threats simultaneously

25

FUNDAMENTALS OF DELAY

ITEM ACTION 1 Control is maintained at Hqs level

but execution is left to the subordinate units

Continue enemy engagement Secure the flanks against enemy maneuver

2 Maximize use of OAKOC Observation and fields of fire Avenues of approach Key terrain Obstacles and movement Cover and concealment

3 Disrupt enemy synchronization (plans and timing)

Use snipers, ambushes to slow enemy forces

Trade space for time 4 Use obscuration smoke or night

moves to cover withdrawing forces

5 Use obstacles Natural and reinforcing Cover by observation/fire

26

6 Keep free to maneuver Avoid decisive engagement

Displace to next position. Move less engaged forces first, more heavily engaged forces move under cover of security force

7 Mission: Delay the movement of enemy forces for specified time

8 Assign sectors or avenue of approach for each unit

27

DISENGAGEMENT ACTIONS

ITEM ACTION 1 Deceive the enemy with smoke,

maneuver and fires

2 Use cover-fire elements to keep enemy pressure from disengaging forces

3 Maintain secrecy discipline in movement and communication

4 Recon/prepare routes 5 Recon/prepare new positions 6 Move wounded 7 Move equipment 8 Move support elements ahead of

the main group

9 Move during limited visibility 10 Use obstacles to slowdown the

enemy

28

UNIT RELIEF IN PLACE

ITEM ACTION 1 Incoming leader recons area 2 Incoming and outgoing leaders

coordinate

3 Exchange liaison personnel 4 Coordinate positions of weapons

and vehicles

5 Exchange range cards and fire plans 6 Exchange relief or organic fire

support elements

7 Coordinate obstacles locations 8 Coordinate routes into and out of

positions

9 Coordinate vehicle guides 10 Coordinate communications during

relief

11 Coordinate enemy situation and intelligence

12 Coordinate sequence of relief 13 Coordinate schedule of change of

responsibility for the area

Notes:

29

PATROL PLANNING STEPS

STEP ACTION 1 Make a plan for a given period of

time (Plan the use of time)

2 Analyze the situation in the area of interest

3 Make a map study or map recon (include enemy route of withdrawals after a possible engagement)

4 Coordinate (with other friendly forces)

5 Select men, weapons and equipment

6 Issue Warning Order 7 Conduct Reconnaissance 8 Complete Detailed Plan 9 Issue Patrol Leader’s Order 10 Supervise, inspect, brief and

rehearse

30

ACTIONS DURING PATROL

STEP ACTION 1 Security Considerations

Move along terrain that offers cover and concealment

Use the proper movement formation and technique

Move as fast as the situation will allow to degrade the enemy’s ability to detect the unit

Enforce noise and light discipline Anticipate and prepare for any contingency as you move

Plan your actions in case of an engagement and designate rallying points

Stay alert at all times Avoid being predicted. Never use same route

2 Avoid danger areas. If unavoidable, follow SOPs

3 Crossing danger areas SOP Designate near and far RP

(Rallying Point)

31

Secure the near side Secure the far side Cross the danger area

4 River Crossing SOP Ensure that it is safe for your troops to cross

Prepare necessary equipment for crossing i.e. Poncho raft, utility ropes

Tie down loose equipment and rifles to the raft

Water proof your packs and essential equipment

Follow SOP same as crossing danger areas

5 Crossing Linear Open Areas SOP Recon and secure the near side Recon and secure the far side Cross by bounding over-watch

6 Crossing Large Open Areas SOP

If with ample time, go around the area

Use combination of travelling over watch or bounding over watch depending on the situation

32

7 Crossing Small Open Areas SOP Detour Bypass Method – turn right or left 90 degrees then continue mission

Contouring around the open area Establish reference point and azimuth, then proceed thereat

At reference point, recomputed or redirect movement towards objective. One or more consecutive reference points maybe used. Consider the distance, time, terrain, cover and concealment

33

DESIGNATING RALLYING POINTS ITEM DESCRIPTION

1 Selection Easy to find/locate Offer cover and concealment Away from natural lines of drift Defendable for short periods

2 Types Initial RP – inside friendly lines En route RP – every 100 to 400 meters

based on terrain, vegetation, visibility Objective Rally Point (ORP) – outside

friendly lines but away from enemy sight, hearing and small arms range

Re-entry Rally Point - outside friendly final protective fire (FPF)

Near and Far Side Rally Points – located at the near or far side of rivers and open areas which are considered danger areas

34

AFTER PATROL REPORT

A. Rank and Name of Patrol Leader __________

___________________________________________ B. Patrol size and composition (unit size and nr.

of personnel)______________________________ ___________________________________________

C. Vehicle/s used (nr, description and plate nr) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

D. Mission (type, location, purpose of patrol) ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

E. Time and date of Departure and return_____ ___________________________________________

F. Routes out and back (objectives, prominent/key terrain features, grid coordinates, map overlays)________________ ___________________________________________

G. Description of terrain and enemy position ___________________________________________

H. Results of enemy encounters (if any)________ ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________

I. Misc information/map corrections__________

35

___________________________________________ J. Condition of personnel ____________________

___________________________________________ K. Observations/recommendations ___________

___________________________________________

36

SELECTION AND ESTABLISHMENT OF A PATROL BASE

STEP ACTION

1 Pick tentative patrol base site from map then conduct area recon by air, vehicle or foot

2 Plan for alternate site; recon and observe until you occupy or no longer needed

3 Select site considering strategic and tactical advantage over the enemy, terrain, communication signals, movement accessibility and water supply (avoid enemy strongholds, built up areas, ridges, roads/trails, slopes)

4 Establish patrol base and plan for Observation Posts (OPs)/commo with Observation Posts (OPs)

5 Plan for defense of patrol base, withdrawal routes, rally and rendezvous points

37

6 Provide security/alert plan, camouflage, and observe noise/light/litter discipline

38

OCCUPATION OF AN ESTABLISHED PATROL BASE

STEP ACTION

1 Before occupying (approach) – patrol halts at approximately 200 meters from site

2 Patrol leader and element leaders conduct recon

3 Actions during recon Patrol leader designates single entry point and Command Post at center of base Element leaders recon sectors and return to Command Post Patrol leader sends 2 personnel to bring patrol forward

4 Occupation must be in single file and undercover

5 Patrol leader checks perimeter by meeting element leaders one by one

6 Recon and Surveillance team will clear the surroundings within the 500 meters to 1 km radius moving clockwise or counter-clockwise direction

39

7 Recon and Surveillance team report enemy activity, Observation Posts, Rallying Points and withdrawal routes

8 Patrol leader designates routes and Rallying Points outside of the patrol base

9 Each element establishes communications and Observation Posts

40

CONDUCT A RAID

STEP ACTIONS 1 Patrol move to Objective Rallying

Point (ORP) for recon

Recon and secure ORP then patrol leader will conduct recon of the objective

Patrol leader synchronizes movements of elements to objective

2 Security elements (blocking force) duties:

Move to positions and secure ORP Block avenues of approach of enemy reinforcement and prevent enemy escape from the objective

Cover withdrawal of assault and support elements from ORP

Engage only when detected or when ordered

3 Support element (base of fire and/or snipers) duties:

Move into position prior to assault element

41

Cover the withdrawal of assault elements from the objective

Withdraw on order/signal 4 Assault element duties:

Move to objective for immediate assault

Seize and secure objective to protect demolition/search teams

Withdraw on order/signal 5 Reorganize patrol 1km from ORP

Account personnel Treat casualty/ies (if there is any) Redistribute ammunition (if necessary)

Check equipment Disseminate instructions/order

42

PRINCIPLES OF AN AMBUSH

ITEM PRINCIPLE 1 Place primary weapons (crew-

served) for effective fire within the kill zone

2 Assign sectors of fire for maximum casualty

3 Use well-trained teams 4 Maintain security especially when

returning to friendly position

5 Consider concealment and field of fire in the deployment of elements and equipment

6 Ensure clear command/signal in open, shift and cease fire

7 Point ambush When enemy is attacked in a single kill zone

8 Area ambush When there are two or more related point ambushes in an area

Provide security elements/teams on the flanks and its rear

Leader should organize elements

43

into 3 groups: assault, support, and security Use manmade obstacles or natural boundaries to isolate target in the kill zone

Use indirect fire to seal off area and prevent enemy withdrawal

Use primary weapons to produce maximum casualty

9 Vehicular ambush Engage and stop lead and trail vehicles in the kill zone; destroy armoured vehicles first

10 Night ambush similar to day Control elements/issue clear orders and signals

Use reference points to determine sector of fire

Move to position during limited visibility to avoid enemy detection

Plan illumination

44

CONDUCTING AMBUSH

Ambush formation considerations: Ambush formation of elements is dependent on the available terrain

Easy control of elements must be considered in choosing an ambush formation

Vulnerability of the target must also be considered

STEP ACTION 1 Patrol designates and occupies

Objective Rallying Point (ORP)

Secure ORP then confirm location Recon possible ambush site Leave security team at selected ambush site

Return to ORP and make ambush plan

2 Leave elements to secure ORP and then secure the flanks of ambush site

3 Support and assault elements leave ORP

45

Assault elements occupy ambush positions when security is in place

Support elements to overwatch the movement of the assault elements

4 The patrol waits for the target after all the elements are in position

5 Security team alerts assault elements on enemy direction of movement, target size and special weapons or equipment

6 Patrol leader alerts and initiates command when most of the target are inside the kill zone

7 Leader commands ceasefire when enemy has been neutralized

8 Leader commands assault/search 9 Withdraw to ORP for accounting

and dissemination then return to friendly position for debriefing

46

RECONNAISANCE MISSION STEP ACTION

1 Planning Current intelligence (Intelligence

summary from friendly units and info from intel/action agents)

Capabilities of unit (personnel, special weapons, communications and other equipment needed)

Deceptive measures (activities that will divert enemy attention)

Task organization to support mission (command group and support elements like the quick reaction force)

Rehearsal of critical tasks Inspection of recon elements and equipment

2 Execution Team insertion/infiltration (the entry

of recon elements inside the target area)

Recon proper Gathering of Priority Information Requirements (PIR) – specific

47

location, strength of enemy and firepower Gathering of Other Information Requirements (OIR) – natural and man-made obstacles, other prominent terrain features and mobility corridors

Use Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Night Observation (STANO) devices to enhance gathering of PIRs/OIRs

When recon elements are compromised and detected extricate immediately

In case of enemy contact avoid decisive engagement and coordinate with support elements

Team extraction/exfiltration (return of recon elements to friendly lines)

3 Debriefing Reporting of gathered information Recommend possible courses of

action based on initial assessment

Notes:

48

ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN IN DANGER AREAS

STEP ACTION

1 Halt upon recognition of a danger area (disembark when onboard a vehicle)

2 Occupy covered and concealed position

3 Establish security 4 Observe and assess the situation 5 Designate rallying point for possible

withdrawal in case of engagement

6 Send recon and clear the perceived danger area

7 Move to the designated rallying point in case of engagement

8 Advance to objective when danger area is clear

49

SETTING UP OF HELICOPTER LANDING SITE

STEP ACTION 1 Select and secure landing site;

Size depends on number and type of helicopters

2 Ground slope of site must not be more than 15 degrees. If the slope is less than 7 degrees, land upslope; if 7-15 degrees, land side slope

3 Ensure surface conditions free of rocks and debris; avoid dust and sand

4 Ensure that the ground is firm enough to keep helicopter in stable position during loading/unloading

5 Remove obstacles on approach/ Departure ends and clearly mark Obstructions that cannot be removed. Ensure sufficient runway to clear obstacles: for every 1 meter of vertical obstacle, provide 10 meters of horizontal distance as clearance

50

6 Mark landing site and touchdown point using smoke, signalman and lights; at night, mark touchdown point with inverted “Y” composed of 4 lights.

51

REQUEST FOR AIR MEDIVAC

LINE ITEM 1 Location of pick-up site 2 Pick-up site radio frequency,

call sign, and suffix

3 Number of patients by precedence (urgent, priority, routine)

4 Special equipment required 5 Number of patients by type (litter,

Ambulatory)

6 Security of pick-up site 7 Method of marking pick-up site

(smoke, panel, prominent features, lights)

52

URBAN AREA OPERATION

ITEM PRINCIPLES 1 To dominate the situation, attack

rapidly and thoroughly with the aid of smoke

2 Employ shock-producing weapons to reduce enemy strong points

3 Wear body armor, use armored vehicles as transports/moving shield

4 Employ expertise/equipment of combat engineers

5 Clear streets, houses, buildings and basements

6 Clear each house thoroughly and then consolidate assault elements

7 Mark cleared structures 8 Plan for casualty armored vehicle

evacuation

9 Keep equipment light

53

BUILDING ASSAULT

STEP ACTION 1 Organize unit into assault force

and support force

2 Designate special weapons/ teams

3 Support force ISOLATES building from over watch position, covering smoke and fire

4 Support force suppresses enemy in building and nearby to cover assault force’s move

5 Support force resupply ammunition, replace personnel, evacuate wounded

6 Assault force ENTERS building at highest level possible or mouseholes into unexpected wall to gain foothold

Assault force ENTERS building at the main door or back door using breaching equipment (mechanical – battering ram, armored vehicle; ballistics – shotgun; thermal – torch;

54

explosives – detonation cord, shape charges)

7 Assault force CLEARS building room-by-room, by grenade or burst of fire as the case may be

8 Assault force marks each room/ each building when cleared