PCN 144 000042 00

MCRP 3-30.7

(Formerly MCRP 3-11.1A)

US Marine Corps

Commander’s Tactical

Handbook

DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT A: Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
CD&I (C 116)

2 May 2016

ERRATUM

to

MCRP 3-11.1A

COMMANDER’S TACTICAL HANDBOOK

1. Change all instances of MCRP 3-11.1A, Commander’s Tactical 

Handbook, to MCRP 3-30.7, Commander’s Tactical Handbook.

2. File this transmittal sheet in the front of this publication.

PCN 144 000042 80
ERR ATA

to

MCRP 3-11.1A

COMMANDER'S TACTICAL HANDBOOK

 

PCN 144 000042 80

MCCDC (C 42)

17 Nov 1998

1. Change cover, line 6, "PCN 142 000042 00" to read: "PCN 144 000042 00."

2. Change page i, line 4, "30 July 1988" to read: "30 July 1998."

3. Change page ii, line 21, "DISTRIBUTION: 142 000042 00" to read:

"DISTRIBUTION: 144 000042 00."
Washington, D.C. 20380-1775

FOREWORD

Marine Corps Reference Publication (MCRP) 3

mander’s Tactical Handbook, contains reference 

quently used to organize, plan, and conduct Marine 

operations. Its intent is to assist small unit leaders fun

company level and below, but it also serves as a 

guide for all Marine leaders. Leaders of combat supp

service support organizations should familiarize th

the contents of this publication to understand the op

port requirements discussed. When applying the inf

tained in this publication, leaders must remember to—

l Make their orders concise, clear, and simple.

l Give subordinates a thorough understanding o

l Explain the mission and the immediate com

cept of operations.

l Give subordinates their mission (task[s] and 

pose).

l Integrate subordinate elements in coordinated 

l Allow subordinates freedom of action consi

need for coordination. Do not issue detailed in

ering every possible contingency.
ppp

the information presented in this publication. R

information presented in this publication is on

MCRP 3-11.1A is intended to be a handy compilatio

tactical information presented in loose-leaf format t

tate its use. It is based on information contained 

Marine Corps doctrinal publications. However, M

does not supersede or replace a doctrinal publicatio

explanations on the tactics, techniques, and proced

this publication, see Marine Corps Warfightin

(MCWP) 3-11.1, Marine Rifle Company (under dev

the appropriate warfighting publication.

Reviewed and approved this date.

BY DIRECTION OF THE COMMANDANT OF THE MAR

DISTRIBUTION: 144 000042 00

J. E. RHODES

Lieutenant General, U.S. Mar

Commanding Genera

Marine Corps Combat Developm
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

iii 

Table of Contents

TROOP LEADING STEPS.......................................

FIVE-PARAGRAPH ORDER FORMAT FOR 

COMPANY-LEVEL OPERATIONS ..........................

PART I. MANEUVER

OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS.....................................

Attack Order General Coordinating Instructions.

Movement to Contact...........................................

Attack of a Fortified Position..............................

Mechanized Attack .............................................

Night Attack .......................................................

Helicopterborne Operations................................

Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain ..........

Fundamentals of Securing a Room .....................

Amphibious Helicopterborne Assault .................

Amphibious Surface Assault...............................
General Coordinating Instructions

for Defense Orders .......................................

Reserve Considerations ......................................

Counterattack Considerations ............................

Defensive Military Operations on Urbanized Terr

Countermechanized Operations .........................

Engagement Areas .............................................

Conducting Reconnaissance to Define and Build 

Engagement Area .........................................

Retrograde Operations: Delay ............................

Retrograde Operations: Withdrawal ...................

Retrograde Operations: Retirement ....................

Rear Area Security .............................................

MILITARY OPERATIONS OTHER THAN WAR.......

Counterinsurgency Operations ...........................

Noncombatant Evacuation Operations ...............

Crowd and Mob Control ....................................

Cordon and Search Operations ...........................
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

v 

eeace: eevg Ut 

Relief in Place: Unit to be Relieved ...................

Passage of Lines: Passing Unit ..........................

Passage of Lines: Stationary Unit .......................

Linkup Operations .............................................

Infiltration ..........................................................

Convoy Operations ............................................

PATROLLING ..........................................................

Patrol Steps ........................................................

Patrol Order Information ....................................

Ambush Patrol ...................................................

Urban Patrolling .................................................

Urban Patrol Tips ...............................................

PART II. FIRE SUPPORT

GENERAL FIRE SUPPORT ....................................

General Information ...........................................

Company Fire Support Planning ........................
Fire Support Techniques ....................................

Company Fire Support Board ............................

QUICK FIRE SUPPORT PLAN ...............................

CALL FOR FIRE ELEMENTS .................................

CALL FOR FIRE PROCEDURES ...........................

CALL FOR FIRE FORMAT CARD ..........................

CLOSE AIR SUPPORT ...........................................

Close Air Support Control Procedures ...............

Close Air Support Briefing Form .......................

Appendix A. Machine Gun Employment .............

Appendix B. Weapons Handling .........................

Appendix C. Nuclear, Biological, and

Chemical Defense ............................................

Appendix D. Communications and

Information Systems .......................................

Appendix E. Landing Zone Brief and Markings .
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

vii 

Appendix G. Roadblocks and Searches .............

Appendix H. Enemy Prisoners of War ................

Appendix I. Patrol Coordination ..........................

Appendix J. Example Patrol Overlay ...................

Appendix K. Close Air Support Aircraft Capabilit

and Munitions ..................................................

Appendix L. Weapons Capabilities .....................

Appendix M. Common Threat Weapon Character

Appendix N. Antiterrorism Procedures ..............

Appendix O. Common Military Symbology ........

Appendix P. Common Tactical Terms, Definitions

and Symbols ....................................................

Appendix Q. Metric Conversion Charts ..............

Appendix R. Glossary ..........................................
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Troop Leading Steps 1 Troop 

1. Begin Planning.

a. Plan the use of available time.

b. Estimate the situation based on mission, enem

weather, troops and support available-ti

(METT-T).

(1) Mission. The mission must identify—

l Task assigned.

l Who, what, where, and when.

l Commander’s intent (why).

(2) Enemy. Commanders—

l Estimate the enemy’s composition a

based on size, activity, location, u

equipment (SALUTE), and strength.

l Estimate the enemy’s capabilities and 

defend, reinforce, attack, withdraw

(DRAW-D).

l Estimate the enemy’s most proba

action. 

l Identify vulnerabilities that can be exp
obstaces, aveues oappoac, ad wea

cal data (KOCOA-W).

(4) Troops and support available are evaluate

following: 

l People.

l Human factors.

l Equipment.

l Logistics.

l Fire support.

l Space. 

(5) Available time. Commanders use the fol

available time:

l 1/3 - 2/3 rule (allocate 2/3 of availabl

ordinates). 

l Backward planning.

l Parallel and concurrent planning.

c. Issue warning order.

2. Arrange.

a. Movement of unit (where, when, and how).

b. Reconnaissance.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Troop Leading Steps 3 Troop 

(2) Determine method (e.g., route, aerial, 

point).

c. Issue of order (notify subordinate leaders of ti

d. Coordination (adjacent and supporting units)

3. Make Reconnaissance.

a. Update METT-T.

b. Develop enemy’s most probable course of ac

c. Confirm enemy’s vulnerabilities.

4. Complete Plan.

a. Remember the concept of operations is drive

with an emphasis on mission (including i

enemy’s most probable course of action.

b. Develop scheme of maneuver to exploit enem

ity by placing him in a dilemma.

5. Issue Order.

Use the Five-Paragraph Order Format on page 5 (add

tage point, use terrain modeling, use overlays, etc., if 

6. Supervise.

Use brief backs, rehearsals, inspections, etc.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

5-Paragraph Order Format 5 5-Paragraph 

FOR COMPANY-LEVEL OPER

A map and/or terrain model orientation is normally 

issuing the order.

1. Situation.

a. Friendly forces.

(1) Higher unit mission (task and commande

(2) Adjacent unit missions (task and intent).

(a) Left.

(b) Front.

(c) Right.

(d) Rear.

(3) Supporting unit missions (task and intent

b. Enemy forces.

(1) Composition, disposition, and strength is 

activity, location, unit, time, and eq

LUTE).

(2) Capabilities and limitations to defend, re

withdraw, and delay (DRAW-D).

(3) Enemy’s most probable course of action.

c. Attachments and detachments (date and time 
Task to be accomplished and purpose (who, what, wh

why).

3. Execution.

a. Commander’s intent and concept of operation

(1) Commander’s intent.

(2) Concept of operations (scheme of man

support plan).

b. Subordinate element missions (main effo

efforts, and reserve).

c. Coordinating instructions (identify and discu

that are common to two or more elements).

4. Administration and Logistics.

a. Administration.

b. Logistics (beans, bullets, bandages, bad guys, 

5. Command and Signal.

a. Signal.

b. Command.

(1) Location of key leaders.

(2) Chain of command (command successio

Any questions? The time is now______________.
MANEUVER

“In tactics, the most important thing is not whether y

right, but why you go left or right.”

Genera

(MCDP 1-3

Marines move out to take Japanese position

(Tarawa, November 1943)

Property of the U.S. 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 9 

Attack Order General Coordinating In

The following list identifies kinds of coordinating in

are common to two or more elements:

l Order of movement/formations for movement

l Consolidation instructions: security, automatic 

app. A), fields of fire, entrench (SAFE), and o

l Displacement. Displacement instructions need 

n Method.

n Objective.

n Route.

n Time. 

l Time of attack (crossing the line of departure)

l Main effort.

l Base unit.

l Tactical control measures (e.g., line of dep

position).

l Report of crossing phase line.

l Report of arrival at checkpoints.
l Preparations to continue the attack.

l Mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) l

and 4. (See app. C.)

l Sleep plan.

l Rehearsal plan for the most critical to the least 

and actions.

l Bump plan.

l Rules of engagement.

l Linkup plans.

l Other (as required).

l Timeline.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 11 Movem

1. Contact Possibility.

a. Contact remote.

b. Contact possible/probable.

c. Contact imminent.

2. Formation.

a. Route column.

b. Tactical column.
3. Movement Considerations.

a. Speed characterizes bold and aggressive actio

b Security all around provides early warning 

nique).

c. Flexibility and ease of control are consistent 

tion of enemy contact (leapfrog technique).

d. Use of connecting files.

e. Initial contact with the smallest unit; develop 

4. Movement Techniques.

a. Traveling is used when—

l Speed is essential.

l Movement is easy to control.

l Enemy threat is remote.

b. Traveling overwatch is used when—

l Speed and security are equal.

l Movement is harder to control.

l Enemy threat is possible/probable.

c. Bounding overwatch is used when—

l Security is essential.

l Movement is hardest to control.

l Enemy threat is imminent.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 13 Movem

a. March objective.

b. Axis of advance or zone of action.

c. Phase lines.

d. Checkpoints.

e. Contact points.

f. Boundaries.

6. Combined-Arms Usage.

a. Designate planned, on-call targets for imme

sion and for shifting during movement.

b. Use priority targets that can be activated/d

order or by event.

c. Plan for flexible positioning of crew-served w

formation. 

7. Miscellaneous. 

a. Plan for all-purpose lightweight individual c

ment (ALICE) pack drop and retrieval durin

operations.

b. Plan and conduct extensive rehearsals (empha

ate action drills/contact).

c. Plan communications with the point element 

the signal plan facilitates action drills. (See a
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 15 Attack of a Fo

1. Principles.

a. Suppress enemy observation points and front

b. Obscure enemy with smoke concentration.

c. Secure breach point and initial positions.

d. Reduce frontline positions, roll flanks, and re

2. Planning Considerations.

a. Provide a thorough intelligence brief on the en

and capabilities.

b. Plan carefully when developing scheme of 

fire support plan.

c. Plan aggressive individual and small-unit acti

d. Plan effective control and coordination down 

level.

e. Understand the scheme of maneuver and princ

in the attack of a fortified position.

f. Consider conducting a clandestine breach. 

3. Breaching Task Organization/Tasks.

a. Support elements may be located in multiple p

l Support all phases of attack with fire. 

l Cover, initially, a large part of the objectiv

l Concentrate fires in a narrow sector to 

breach element to seize initial enemy pos
eeg detacet. t s oay te saes

l Breaches any obstacle in the path of an at

l Creates and defends the initial gap or o

enemy’s defense.

l Considers multiple or false breaches.

c. Penetration/exploitation element is the larg

element. It—

l Widens penetration of the enemy’s positio

l Continues the attack into the enemy’s 

fenses and rear areas.

l Occupies key terrain (e.g., trench intersec

kers).

Note: A unit can be assigned the mission of more tha

4. Special Equipment.

a. Demolitions (e.g., satchel charges, line char

torpedoes).

b. Mine detectors, wire cutters, and grappling ho

c. Large quantities of rockets, hand grenades, an

ammunition.

d. Flags to mark forward progress.

e. Flares/material to mark breach lanes.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 17 Attack of a Fo

a. Method of marking cleared bunkers/trenches

b. Reduction sequence and plan for destruction 

6. Clearing Teams (fire team organization).

a. No. 1 is an automatic rifleman who suppress

the trench after No. 2 throws the grenade.

b. No. 2 assists the automatic rifleman by throwi

and acting as a cover for No. 1.

c. No. 3 is a team leader who controls the team’

cedures and indirect suppressive fires.

d. No. 4 is a rifleman who provides rear security
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 19 Mec

1. Principles of Mechanized Operations.

a. Concentration.

b. Surprise.

c. Speed.

d. Flexibility.

e. Boldness.

2. Task Organization.

a. Assault element.

b. Support element.

c. Breach element.

3. Order of Movement.

a. Tanks lead in open areas or when faced with sig

threat.

b. Mounted infantry leads are only used if mech

is pure with no other antiarmor reinforcemen

ties.

c. Dismounted infantry leads when—

l Terrain and vegetation are restrictive.

l Visibility is poor.

l Antitank guided missiles are a threat.

l Significant obstacles or fortified position

tered.
l Speed is essential.

l Movement is easy to control.

l Threat of enemy contact is remote. 

b. Traveling overwatch is used when—

l Speed and security are equal.

l Movement is harder to control.

l Threat of enemy contact is possible/pr

technique). 

c. Bounding overwatch is used when—

l Security is essential.

l Movement is hardest to control.

l Threat of enemy contact is imminent (

nique).

5. Combined-Arms.

a. Designate planned, on-call targets for imme

sion and for shifting during movement.

b. Use priority target that can be activated/deact

or by event.

c. Plan for the use of smoke to obscure dismou

assault position.

d. Consider use of series targets for movement/a

e. Place enemy in a dilemma.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 21 Mec

a. Order of movement/formations for movemen

b. Consolidation instructions: security, autom

fields of fire, entrench (SAFE), and measures

c. Displacement. Displacement instructions nee

l Method.

l Objective.

l Route.

l Time.

d. Time of attack (crossing the line of departure

e. Main effort.

f. Base unit.

g. Tactical control measures (e.g., line of dep

position).

h. Report of crossing phase line.

i. Report of arrival at checkpoints.

j. Actions upon contact.

k. Report of enemy activity immediately to com

l. Preparations to continue the attack.

m. Mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) l

and 4.

n. Sleep plan.

o. Rehearsal plan for the most critical to the 

events/actions.

p. Bump plan.

q. Rules of engagement.
t. Timeline.

7. Additional Instructions.

a. Actions on contact.

(1) Contact from the front, rear, left, and righ

(2) Actions against air, artillery, ground defe

b. Actions for hasty and in-stride breach.

(1) Support force.

(2) Breach force.

(3) Assault force.

c. Alternate means of communication (e.g., han

nals, pyrotechnics). Signal plan facilitates act

d. March speed/maximum catch-up.

e. Distance between vehicles/distance between u

f. Security for disabled vehicles during movem

scheduled and unscheduled halts.

g. Technique of movement.

h. Antitank guided missile battle drill.

(1) Designate priority targets.

(2) Plan actions upon contact.

i. Dismount area.

j. Fire control measures (mechanized assets su

mounted attack by fire).
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 23 

1. Types.

a. Illuminated night attack principles are the sam

attack.

b. Nonilluminated night attack uses stealth to ac

c. Supported or nonsupported night attacks are 

on the degree of surprise needed.

Note: Always plan for the use of supporting fires.

2. Nonilluminated, Nonsupported, Night Attack P

a. Control (mark key leaders for easy identificat

b. Direction (use compasses and assault azimuth

c. Surprise (quickly follow with bold, aggressiv

3. Common Control Measures.

a. Point of departure.

b. Contact point.

c. Release points.

d. Probable line of deployment (PLD).

e. Routes.

f. Limit of advance.

g. Time of attack.
a. Gain detailed information on enemy and terra

b. Mark routes.

c. Provide guides for night attack force.

d. Maintain surveillance of the area of objective

e. Establish PLD.

5. Techniques for Loading PLD.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 25 

a. All units are physically tied in on the PLD.

b. PLD patrol is composed of Marines from eac

c. Contingency plans for enemy contact are use

l Prior to loading PLD.

l During deployment onto the PLD.

l If receiving sporadic fire from defensive 

vation post/listening post.

d. Obstacle breach is planned.

e. Illumination plan is initiated on contact.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 27 Helicopterbo

1. Planning Considerations.

a. Determine the total number of aircraft availa

ing the forward air controller/air officer.

b. Determine the number and type of aircraft all

wave by consulting with the forward air 

officer.

c. Determine the size of the landing zone and su

rain/vegetation by using maps, photograp

sance, and intelligence reports.

d. Determine load plan per aircraft.

(1) Spread loading of the key personnel, 

equipment.

(2) Establish a bump plan in case there are a

cations or changes.

e. Prepare and collect a manifest for each helite

f. Determine the need for landing zone security 

and insert).

g. Plan for both primary and alternate landing zo

authority to change from primary to alternate

h. Mark landing zone (e.g., panels, smoke, NAT

(See app. E.)

i. Use initial terminal guidance, if available.
ramp going down (12 o’clock). 

b. A rifle platoon is generally the smallest tactic

in one wave.

c. The helicopterborne force lands prepared t

direction.

d. Leaders must plan for security immediately u

e. Leaders establish unit sectors based on the cl

key terrain objectives.

f. Leaders establish procedures/signals to prepar

etc., upon landing.

g. Leaders designate guides for subsequent lifts

3. Loading Considerations.

a. Secure a corner of a large landing zone wit

force (leave remainder in the assembly/holdi

embarkation and debarkation).

b. Secure the entire perimeter of a smaller landi

embarkation and debarkation.

c. Designate a pick-up zone control officer/m

control officer.

d. Instruct the heliteams to head to the release 

area) and drop off the manifest. If manifest 

lected prior to helicopter arrival, units m

release point and, on signal, head directly for 

aircraft.

e. Extract the security unit last.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 29 Helicopterbo
b. Downed helicopter procedures.

c. Evasion and escape (E&E) plan.

d. Search and rescue (SAR) plan/combat sear

(CSAR) plan/tactical recovery of aircraft 

(TRAP) plan.

e. Weapon carried muzzle down for CH-46s/53s 

for UH-1s.

f. Packs slung over one shoulder can be ea

required.

g. Soft covers are removed when helicopters are 

h. The heliteam leader/senior man uses, once i

copter, an internal communications system (I

nate and confirm route, landing plan, and lan

the helicopter pilot.

5. Common Control Measures.

a. Identify the marking colors of the assembly 

zone, pick-up zone, holding area, and landing 

b. Identify and designate the number of release p

ing points required.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 31 Helicopterbo

UH-1N CH-46E CH-53D 

Normal troop capacity 

(peacetime)

6 12 18 

Normal troop capacity 

(combat)

6 15-20 30 

Maximum troop seating 

capacity

12 25 37

551

Litter capacity 6 15 24 

Classification utility 

light

medium heavy 

1Up to 55 seats (center line installation). The number of passeng

may be limited during training.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 33 

1. Military Operations on Urbanized Terrain (MOU

the Attack.

a. Reconnoiter the objective (reconnaissance a

gathering to support planning).

b. Isolate the objective (a portion or the entire u

c. Gain a foothold/establish a point of entry (ra

combat power).

d. Attack or clear the objective.

2. Platoon in the Attack.

a. Commander’s plan ensures understanding an

(detailed centralized planning/decentralized e

b. Attack is heavily decentralized (initiative, a

small-unit leadership).

c. Buildings are attacked as if they were fortifie

d. Unit size is based on mission, enemy, terrai

troops and support available-time available (M

e. Control is maintained between adjacent units

f. Scheme of maneuver and fire support plan em

direct fire weapons in close support of assaul

g. Scheme of maneuver must provide for detail

step-by-step reduction of all objectives assig

toon.
i. Assault is characterized by three steps.

(1) Isolate.

(2) Gain entry.

(3) Clear.

3. Coordinating Instructions.

a. Use phase lines, boundaries, checkpoints, etc

trol.

b. Identify structures (and the order in which 

attacked) by the number or letter.

c. Specify method for marking secured buildings 

identified by other friendlies.

d. Specify detailed actions of search team/cover 

e. Establish casualty collection points, enemy p

collection points, and refugee control point.

f. Specify the method for marking individua

entry points.

4. General Considerations.

a. Check all holes, doorways, and windows fo

prior to entering.

b. Enter buildings from the top if possible.

c. Breach/create ground floor entry by using 

direct fire weapons.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 35 

py g 

f. Maintain the principle of all-around security 

three-dimensional threat).

g. Conduct rehearsals and prepare standing op

dures which are vital down to the smallest un

h. Designate marksmen and use them.

i. Identify grenades by type and quantity, as well 

instructions.

j. Consider the use of riot control agents if auth

k. Consider the use of smoke, backblast from w

cover movements across danger areas.

5. Organization.

a. Platoon level is organized into assault, suppo

forces.

(1) Each force is normally based around a ri

(2) Squads may be reinforced with crew-se

forward observers, etc.

b. Squad level is organized into an assault forc

force and reinforced or task-organized as ne

METT-T.

(1) Assault force consists of one assault elem

rity element, and one fire team for each 

fire teams total).
c. Fire team level, assault element is organized 

search and two-man cover teams.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 37 Se

1. General Considerations.

a. Dominate the room and approaches.

b. Employ speed, accuracy, violence of action, a

c. Conduct area searches to eliminate all threats

d. Shoot threat targets, cover danger areas, prote

e. Report the situation.

f. Continue attack or defend.

2. Basic Rules to Follow.

a. Follow safety rules.

b. Know your weapon’s condition.

c. Move as fast as possible; however the ability 

rately must be maintained.

d. Lead with head and eyes.

e. Move smoothly but quickly from covered p

ered position, remain low when stationary.

f. Concentrate on the front sight post (eyes, mu

g. Follow through. Engage target until it is down

h. Cover assigned sectors.

i. Maintain awareness (don’t be startled).

j. Avoid speed reloading; keep track of your rem

nition.

k. Lead with physical aggression.
n. Never make entry alone.

o. Reload before all rounds are expended.

p. Normally assign at least one squad to clear a 

mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troop

available-time available [METT-T]).

q. Maintain three-dimensional security. Hallway

nels of fire.

r. Focus on hand-carried items and hand movem

pants to determine if weapons are present and 

tile intent.

s. Communicate constantly with each other.

t. Keep off walls (12 to 18 inches).
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 39 Phib Helico

The following coordinating instructions are comm

more elements:

l Assembly area for loading.

l Heliteam wave and serial assignment table 

(time) and (location).

l Heliteams formed by (time) and (location).

l Tactical spread loading and bump plan. 

l Manifest submitted by (time) and (location).

l Zone inspection, planning, preparing and oper

brief at (time) and (location) given by (who) f

l Heliteam organization.

l Landing plan.

l Landing zone organization (flying out).

l Landing zone organization (flying in).

l L-hour.

l Portion of landing zone reported as secure.

l 12 o’ clock is ______.

l Tentative extraction plan.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Offensive Operations 41 Phib S

The following coordinating instructions are comm

ments:

l H-hour.

l L-hour.

l Staging areas/boat stations.

l Boat team organization, ensuring tactical spre

bump plan.

l Serial assignment tables submitted by (time) a

l Manifest submitted by (time) and (location).

l Assault stage by (time) and (location).

l Boat teams formed by (time) and (location).

l Ship-to-shore movement.

l Landing plan.

l GO/NO GO criteria.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 43 Gene

General Information

1. Characteristics.

a. Preparation. Leaders post local security to 

warning.

b. Disruption of enemy attacks. Defensive ope

disrupt enemy attacks as far from friendly forc

c. Concentration of combat power. Leaders ensu

power is available at decisive time and place

d. Flexibility. Forces maintain the ability to deal 

of enemy courses of action.

e. Use of terrain. Leaders control avenues of app

key terrain, observation and fields of fire, cov

ment, obstacles, and avenues of approach (K

f. Security. Forces use both active and passive m

g. Mutual support. Leaders position units so the

each other.

h. Defense in depth. A shallow defense is vulne

centrated attack.

i. Obstacle plan. A coordinated obstacle pla

defensive operations.

j. Fire plan. Leaders coordinate and integrate 

fire plans with the scheme of maneuver and 

(See app. F.)
(1) Identify the type of reconnaissance pl

visual, helicopter).

(2) Identify the number of personnel and k

equipment participating in reconnaissanc

(3) Identify security requirements.

(4) Identify leaders remaining with the comp

(5) Develop 5-point contingency plan.

b. Plan reconnaissance actions.

(1) Develop/confirm occupation plan (e.g.

bent L).

(2) Confirm/deny possible enemy avenues o

courses of action.

(3) Designate fields of fire and dead space.

(4) Locate listening post (LP)/observation po

(5) Designate tentative primary, alternate, a

tary positions.

(6) Confirm and develop tentative obstacle

port plans.

(7) Designate tentative locations for comm

stations; nuclear, biological, and chemi

stations; medical evacuation station 

petroleum, oils, and lubricants; and logis
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 45 Gene

(9) Identify adjacent units positions and en

tors of fire are mutually supporting.

(10)Establish security plan (OP/LP) and initi

tions (wire) plan.

3. Final Planning Considerations. 

a. Does the defensive plan—

l Allow for flexibility?

l Allow for proper use of terrain?

l Provide for mutual support?

l Provide adequate security measures?

l Provide for enough depth?

l Allow for planned use of reserve and/or c

b. Have adjacent units’ positions, sectors of fire, 

firmed?

c. Is defense from battle position or sector?

d. Which type of defense is planned, linear, re

perimeter? Which defense best accomplish

and uses the terrain to best advantage?

e. What are the positions of key weapon systems

port the defensive plan? Are direct support/g

weapon systems within the position/sector 

cured by the infantry?
(patrolling) plans?

l Cover the use of high explosives, smoke

tion?

g. Does the engineering plan—

l Place the priority of effort on mobility, co

or survivability?

l Support the defensive scheme of maneuve

port plans?

l Integrate with the engineering plan of adj

l Provide for concealment of obstacles? 

l Provide for cover of obstacles by fire?

4. Battle Positions Versus Sector.

5. Defensive Types.

a. Perimeter.

b. Linear.

c. Reverse slope.

Considerations Battle Position 

Avenues of approach Well defined; enemy 

can be canalized

Not ea

Terrain Dominates avenues 

of approach

Domin

not ava

Area of operation Narrow/small Wide/la

Mutual support Achievable Not ea

Commander’s ability 

to control

Good Degrad
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 47 Gene

pp, 

l Receive the mission.

l Make tentative plans.

l Issue the warning order.

b. To prepare for reconnaissance missions, leade

l Confirm the enemy’s probable avenue of 

l Identify dead space.

l Identify location for OPs/LPs.

l Identify location of primary, alternate, an

tary positions for subunits and major wea

c. Once reconnaissance is completed, movem

defense begins:

l OPs/LPs and guides may be left in positio

l Unit leaders complete and issue orders, c

tions, and conduct rehearsals.

l The company moves forward by unit or b

tion to occupy position.

d. Occupation of the defense.

(1) Prior to entrenching, leaders—

l Walk the defensive position to reexam

fire and to confirm the position.

l Establish face-to-face coordination 

unit leaders.
dead space.

l Physically check and confirm pos

weapons.

l Check range cards.

l Complete defense fire plan sketch and 

next higher command.

l Look at weapons, positions, and o

enemy point of view.

l Disseminate any information received

l Ensure automatic weapons are integ

tected with infantry.

l Check security and alert plan, patr

watch, and logistics.

l Rehearse routes to and from alternate 

mentary positions.

(3) Based on mission, enemy, terrain and w

and support available-time available (

security, automatic weapon, fields of 

(SAFE), leaders—

l Establish location security (OP/LP) a

els of alert.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 49 Gene

tion of fire.

l Identify sectors of fire for all other 

emplace aiming stakes.

l Design primary positions and entrench

l Establish and register final protective 

and artillery) to cover dead space.

l Clear fields of fire and begin entrench

l Prepare range cards and fire plan sket

K.)

l Lay and bury communications wire.

l Emplace obstacles (e.g., wire, mines, 

l Mark target reference points (TRPs) 

control measures.

l Prepare alternate and supplementary p

l Establish rest plan.

l Rehearse engagements.

l Stockpile ammunition, food, and wate

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 51 D

for Defense Orders

The following coordinating instructions are comm

more elements:

l Movement into the defense (deliberate defens

l Location/grids for tactical and fire control m

boundary, sectors of fire, target reference poin

area). 

l Target precedence.

l Security plan (percent alert).

l Engagement and disengagement criteria and in

l Rates of fire.

l Priority of work based on security, automatic w

of fire, entrench (SAFE).

l Reporting requirements.

l Mission-oriented protective posture (MOPP) l

and 4.

l Control of illumination.

l Stand-to commences (time) and ceases (time)

l Movement within position.

l Other.

l Timeline.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 53 Reserve C

1. General Considerations.

a. Commit enough combat power to be decisive 

point.

b. Consider that the smallest unit capable of cre

is generally a company.

c. Prioritize missions for planning purposes (be 

d. Assign positions near the most likely place of 

e. Consider locating Reserve Force commander 

commander for better situational awareness.

2. Possible Missions.

a. Reinforce the main battle area.

b. Add depth to the defense.

c. Block or contain penetrations.

d. Protect flanks and rear areas.

e. Conduct a hasty counterattack.

f. Support the forward element by fire.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 55 Counterattack C

1. General Considerations.

a. Enemy’s strength and mobility.

b. Initial disposition, assembly areas, coordina

and routes.

c. Coordination with frontline units.

d. Fire support plan.

e Communications/signals.

f. Rehearsals.

2. Types.

a. Planned counterattack—

l Uses a designated force (not part of the re

l Is planned prior to battle and mission ass

unit as an on-order mission.

l Is prepared, coordinated, and rehearsed in 

l Is issued as an attack plan with tentative 

direction of attack.

l Becomes the main effort once employed.

b. Hasty counterattack—

l Is a defensive measure that wasn’t imple

commander’s original scheme of maneuv

l Tasks the least engaged unit if a reserve 

assigned.

l Is normally assigned as a be-prepared mi

as a fragmentary order.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 57 D

Urbanized Terrain

1. Principles.

a. Employ all-around defense and mutually su

tions.

b. Establish three-dimensional security (abov

around).

c. Deny enemy freedom of movement (barrica

approach).

2. Planning.

a. Leaders assign priorities of work in the def

mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troop

available-time available (METT-T); secur

weapon, fields or fire, entrench (SAFE); and 

ations.

b. Leaders plan positions to achieve defense in d

c. Leaders plan and implement obstacle/barrier 

d. Leaders determine the priority of buildings/ar

e. Leaders generally assign one platoon (based o

defend one block or one large building.

3. General Considerations.

a. Position security high for best observation an

b. Employ automatic weapons at ground level a

at higher level for effectiveness.
d. Construct firing ports and barricades in and 

tions.

e. Rehearse contingencies for moving within an

tions.

f. Construct cover using, preferably, reinforce

brick. Improve cover with sandbags or am

filled with dirt or debris.

g. Select observation positions that, at a min

observation of the adjacent unit’s sector.

h. Conceal firing positions back and away from 

doors. Wet down areas around weapons to pr

natures when firing.

i. Select fields of fire and positions that are mu

ing. Machine guns should have wire screens 

ing) to deflect grenades and to detonate rocke

j. Shut off gas and electricity to prevent fires. P

possibility of fires, floods, and electrical haza

k. Stockpile food, water, ammunition, etc., if de

extended period.

l. Select communications methods (e.g., prima

senger, voice, hand and arm, air panels, phon

survivability.

m. Plan escape routes and rehearse if time permi

n. Develop counterattack plan and identify force

o. Develop a retrograde plan. 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 59 Counterm

1. Tactical Considerations.

a. Identify and prioritize mechanized avenues o

mobility corridors.

b. Establish the means to detect enemy armor. 

c. Conduct intelligence preparation of the battle

d. Establish forces for security.

e. Use the terrain to gain advantage.

f. Ensure the barrier plan supports the defensive 

are essential in the defense.

g. Integrate all supporting arms into the combin

termechanized scheme.

h. Employ weapons in mass and in depth.

i. Decide whether to fight from battle position(s

2. Countermechanized Fires (two types).

a. Concentric and ever-increasing volumes of 

by—

l Heavy antitank weapon (HAW).

l Medium antitank weapon (MAW).

l Light antitank weapon (LAW).
bush.

(2) Supporting arms may be used in the sa

concentric method.

3. Engagement Areas.

a. Use engagement areas as a tool to help conce

optimize fire distribution.

b. Identify the engagement area by target re

(TRPs) or by prominent terrain features.

c. Design defense around avenues of approac

engagement areas.

4. Weapons Employment Considerations.

a. Mutual support.

b. Overlapping sectors of fire.

c. Dispersion.

d. Primary, alternate, and supplementary positio

5. Tactical Control Measures/Coordinating Instru

a. TRPs.

b. Sectors of fire.

c. Engagement criteria.

d. Target precedence.

e. Criteria for initiating fires (event, command, 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 61 Counterm

gpp

mentary, or successive positions.

h. Successive battle positions.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 63 Eng

1. General Considerations.

a. Used as a tool to concentrate fires and optimiz

b. Used most effectively with combined arms.

(1) Fixed-wing close air support (CAS).

(2) Rotary-wing CAS.

(3) Artillery.

(4) Tanks.

(5) Antitank guided missiles.

(6) Weapons organic to the infantry battal

pany. 

c. Identified by target reference points (TRPs) on 

the engagement area or by easily recognizab

tures around the engagement area.

2. Planning Considerations.

Determine the location of the engagement area bas

enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support 

available (METT-T).

a. Mission. Design the engagement area to prod

effects that support the scheme of maneuver. 

sions may favor different approaches.
egage by deteg te

l Size and configuration of enemy forces.

l Distribution between echelons and compo

l Time available to prepare the engagement 

c. Terrain and weather.

(1) Identify restricted avenues of approach 

enemy’s ability to deploy. 

(2) Find the avenue of approach that allows 

l Cover and concealment.

l Avenues of egress for disengagemen

ment of weapons at maximum range.

(3) Decide if terrain and weather favor mas

concentric fires (HAW, MAW, LAW).

(4) Determine whether to defend by sector 

positions. 

d. Troops and support available. Attempt to o

enemy with different threats to put him in a d

vival situation.

e. Time available. Specify the time to move to t

area and get all units and obstacles set in plac

ing—

l How fast the enemy can move across the 

l How many shots can be taken into the eng
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 65 Eng

l How much ammunition is required for en

pre-stage ammunition at subsequent pos

dite resupply.

3. Refinement Considerations. 

a. When augmenting existing or natural obstacle

may be used to—

(1) Stop the enemy.

(2) Split the enemy column.

(3) Divert the enemy column and reduce th

engagement area.

b. When positioning direct fire weapons—

l Consider the enemy will target ideal pos

map study.

l Select positions that aren’t obvious 

employment criteria.

l Use “hot/cold” fighting positions.

l Evaluate each weapon type individually.

l Use tanks to displace rapidly, to kill qui

rately, and to protect other elements as the

c. When calculating hit probability—

l Use the size of the engagement area.

l Consider the speed the enemy can move o
slowed down.

d. When employing rotary-wing CAS—

l Use artillery suppression to limit expos

fires.

l Select a holding area and two or more firi

e. When employing fixed-wing CAS—

l Use well beyond the engagement area.

l Use on trapped vehicles in and beyond th

area.

l Use for counterbattery fire.

f. When planning artillery, plan for fires beyon

ment area, in the engagement area, and in fro

tion.

g. When establishing conduct of fire (sequen

weapon—

l Assign fire distribution by sectors of fi

trigger and break lines.

l Specify fire control (on order or event ori

l Determine engagement/disengagement cr

l Establish target precedence.

h. When establishing command and control fo

engagement area—

l Centralized command is critical. The com

control initiation of artillery, change targ
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 67 Eng

This will ensure communication netw

artillery is on target, and timing is on. 

l Decentralized control allows leaders 

advantage of enemy weaknesses and exp

commander must ensure all unit leaders a

and have a clear understanding of the ta

plan of engagement.

i. When conducting contingency planning, dev

address no friendly artillery, no friendly CA

enemy air threat, enemy suppression of artil

covery of friendly positions, early enemy dep

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 69 EA: Con

an Engagement Area

1. Identification.

Identify mobility corridors, avenues of approach, an

sive terrain.

2. Engagement Area (EA).

Determine the location of engagement area issued b

quarters.

3. Battle Position.

Determine the ground location of proposed battle p

observation posts (OPs)/listening posts (LPs):

l Walk/drive the engagement area and area o

possible.

l Get the feel of the terrain in order to use it to g

l Confirm or deny the information presented du

gence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) pro

4. Target Reference Points.

Identify target reference points (TRPs).

a. Decide where to kill the enemy.
(2) Mark and identify TRPs for platoon secto

(3) Look for possible obstacles positioning 

mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troo

available-time available [METT-T] an

moving through the engagement area.

(4) Determine how these obstacles can be in

coherent defense.

b. Move vehicles and weapons into position. Dri

ment area while gunners make range/sketch 

dead space.

c. Identify the proposed battle position from th

spective. Determine at what point concealm

lost.

5. Direct Fires.

a. Ensure support and fields of fire.

b. Consider time of flight (antitank guided missi

c. Consider effective range.

d. Consider cover, concealment, and camouflag

e. Consider flanking shots.

f. Determine ability to maneuver.

g. Determine displacement routes.

h. Consider successive positions.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 71 EA: Con

Plan indirect fires to cover dead space.

a. Coordinate with adjacent units and confirm 

ability to provide overlapping fires.

b. Mark and identify trigger lines with TRPs.

c. Add trigger lines to range/sketch cards.

7. Vehicle Fighting Positions.

Prepare vehicle fighting positions.

8. Obstacle Locations.

Identify proposed obstacle locations and purpose (i.e

rupt, block).

a. Identify general obstacle location with engine

b. Direct the engineer to mark specific obstacle l

ground.

c. Verify that designated gunners can see obs

observe weapons effects, and cover obstac

fire.

d. Move obstacles to ensure observation of 

effects. (Ensure that the new obstacle locatio

the commander’s intent.)

e. Add proposed obstacles to range/sketch card

broken lines in graphics to solid as the obst

pleted).
a. Identify dismounted avenues of approach.

b. Identify and mark dismounted infantry TRPs 

cles; to cover dead space, flanks, and rear; and 

decisive terrain.

c. Identify dismounted infantry battle positi

enemy’s perspective.

d. Designate and mark crew-served weapons a

tions.

e. Record sector limit data on fire plan sketch.

f. Move Marines into position.

g. Walk engagement area.

(1) Position mortars, M203s, and claymores 

space.

(2) Mark and identify trigger lines with TRP

(3) Add trigger lines to range cards.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 73 Retrograde Op

1. General Considerations.

a. The force under pressure trades space for ti

becoming decisively engaged.

b. The delaying unit simultaneously does the fo

l Destroys as much of the enemy force as p

l Causes the enemy to deploy repeatedly.

l Preserves the friendly force’s freedom of 

l Conserves combat power to fight again.

c. The higher headquarters defines the delay ope

of preservation of the force, as well as time a

2. Fundamentals.

a. Ensure centralized control, but decentralized 

b. Make maximum use of terrain to slow the en

advantage.

(1) Key terrain.

(2) Observation and fields of fire.

(3) Cover and concealment, including observ

air.

(4) Obstacles, both natural and artificial.

(5) Avenues of approach, to include visibili

fire support, and battlefield mobility.
(2) Trade space for time.

d. Avoid decisive engagement.

(1) Make the enemy deploy; develop the situ

(2) Displace to the next position (successi

nate delay) before the decisive engageme

(3) Assign platoon sectors for each avenu

within the company sector.

3. Control Measures.

a. Sectors for each committed unit are establis

aries.

b. Location of battle positions or defensive posi

c. Phase lines.

d. Checkpoints.

e. Location of observation posts/listening posts 

position or defensive position.

f. Passage points.

g. Routes (primary and alternate) from one posit

h. Location of supply routes or ammunition cach

i. Indirect fire targets, priority of fires, priori

family of scatterable mines targets.

j. Establishment and dissemination of criteria 

ment.

k. Destruction of friendly items and gear.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 75 Retrograde Op

a. The larger the mobility differential achieved 

force over the enemy, the greater the probabi

b. Mobility is increased by—

l Conducting personal reconnaissance of a

and delay positions.

l Improving existing roads and trails.

l Executing well-rehearsed movements.

l Ensuring proper siting of antiair and a

missile assets.

l Positioning security forces at chokepoints

l Evacuating casualties early.

l Caching excess supplies along delay route

l Controlling key terrain that dominates h

nues of approach.

l Destroying selected roads and bridges.

l Improving natural obstacles and covering 

l Employing indirect fire and smoke to 

enemy’s vision and rate of advance.

5. Deception Considerations. 

a. Take maximum advantage of darkness and per

visibility. 

b Employ dummy minefields and decoy positio

c. Maintain the normal radio traffic patterns.
from actual activities.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 77 Retrograde O

1. General Considerations.

a. A planned operation in which a force in cont

from an enemy.

b. Intention is to put distance between the friend

enemy as quickly and inconspicuously as pos

c. A withdrawal operation differs from a delayin

that the main purpose is to remove the force 

ence of the enemy.

d. Elements may conduct delaying operations to 

the force to disengage.

2. Types of Withdrawal.

a. Withdrawal not under enemy pressure. Freed

preserved.

b. Withdrawal under enemy pressure, fighting to 

3. Purpose.

a. To avoid destruction of the force.

b. To avoid battle under unfavorable conditions

c. To draw the enemy into an engagement area.

d. To allow the force to be used elsewhere.

4. Planning Considerations.

a. New locations of rear positions/assembly area

b. Sectors/routes of withdrawal, guides, and traf
(DLICs) (e.g., 1/3 rifle company, 1/2 weapon

e. Actions on enemy contact.

f. Location/composition of ambushes.

g. Supporting fire plan/displacements.

h. Deception measures and tactical cover.

i. Control measures (i.e., checkpoints, phase 

points, and release points).

j. Medical evacuation and movement of logistic 

k. Traffic control measures/priorities.

l. Alternate plans and counterattack plans.

m. Commander’s daylight reconnaissance.

n. Destruction of equipment left behind.

o. No communications plan/procedures.

5. Time of Withdrawal for the Detachment Le

(DLIC).

a. On order.

b. Designated time.

c. Event. 

6. Withdrawal Under Pressure.

The covering force is behind the initial position, a

detachment left in contact.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 79 Retrograde O

a. Allow time to regain sufficient strength.

b. Draw the enemy into an unfavorable position

c. Learn the enemy’s intent through time and in

d. Protect the main force.

e. Gain time to reestablish defenses.

8. Fundamentals.

a. Characterize by centralized control and decen

tion.

b. Make maximum use of terrain and obstacles.

c. Force the enemy to deploy and maneuver.

d. Maintain contact.

e. Avoid being decisively engaged.

f. Develop a counterattack plan.

g. Maintain a strong reserve.

h. Require a reserve that only the commander ca

i. Develop alternate plans.

9. Overlay. 

a. Initial positions.

b. Subsequent battle positions.

c. Main battle force routes.

d. Counterattack plans.

e. Control measures for rear passage of lines.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 81 Retrograde Op

A retirement operation occurs when a force moves 

enemy. Proper security is maintained during the m

enemy conflict is probable.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 83 Rea

1. Principles.

a. Rear area security is a Marine air-grou

(MAGTF) commander’s responsibility.

b. Units are responsible for their own security.

c. The rear area security effort will normally 

reliance on the ground combat element (dep

enemy threat and situation).

d. The rear area security effort must be balanc

threat.

2. Security.

a. The threat should be determined before decid

rity plan.

b. External and perimeter rear area security con

as follows:

l Are there established boundaries? (May 

smaller, mutually supporting positions or 

sive position.)

l Where will avenues of approach be locate

l Can the site (e.g., obstacle, barrier/existin

isolated?

l Are fortifications required?

l Where will access points and search poin

l Is a lighting plan necessary?
mutual support) be located?

l Are roving patrols necessary?

l What are the specific weapons required fo

l Have fires been coordinated with adjacen

impact areas been checked?)

c. Internal rear area security considerations are 

l Has the location response team of the 

been determined?

l Are combat service support operations ce

operations center, and command post s

dures established?

l Are observation posts feasible?

l Are fortifications necessary?

l Has a plan to control hired nationals been 

l Is a traffic plan established?

3. Planning Considerations.

a. Determine the number of Marines available.

(1) Designate a chain of command.

(2) Ensure there are enough personnel for m

two reliefs, but three is ideal.

(3) Assign qualified Marines for each relief 

weapons.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 85 Rea

(5) Establish a command element (i.e., com

enlisted, and radio/telephone operator).

b. Determine the number of posts required.

(1) Ensure mutual support.

(2) Determine access routes for the reaction 

(3) Designate alternate and supplementary p

c. Specify the types of posts.

(1) Sentry post.

(2) Observation post.

(3) Duty watch in the rear area operations ce

(4) Vehicle search points.

(5) Pedestrian search points.

(6) Vehicle access points.

(7) Pedestrian access points.

(8) Combat service support operations cen

operations center, and command post sec

(9) Roving patrols.

d. Specify personnel rotation and shift length (6 

e. Establish a crowd/mob control plan.

f. Designate an internal reaction force (i.e., an of

the security force).
h. Determine sentries tasks.

4. Observation Posts.

a. Planning considerations.

(1) Select overt or clandestine posts.

(2) Analyze mission, enemy, terrain and w

and support available-time availabl

including civil situation/routine.

(3) Conduct reconnaissance (pick site with 

area, concealment area, and a covered en

(4) Determine the observation post (OP) t

man) and equipment (e.g., binoculars, c

ons).

(5) Plan time and method for occupation, re

routine.

(6) Plan for OP protection. Coordinate with 

patrols.

(7) Determine action in case clandestine O

mised.

(8) Plan logistic (e.g., beans, bullets, Band A

[the 4Bs]; batteries; record log; cooking 

(9) Plan for communications.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Defensive Operations 87 Rea

5. Fortifications and Obstacles.

a. Fortifications are constructed considering en

ties and limitation.

(1) Use sandbags. If possible, use engineer

the limitations of using sandbags on/in th

(2) Cover window screens to deny enemy o

sniping. Also, tape windows to reduce bl

(3) Protect the roof. Placing chain link fenci

mesh 1 meter above the roof will deto

mortar projectiles. Use sandbags to absor

(4) Use screens made of chain link fenc

against rocket propelled grenades and thr

b. Obstacles are used to slow down, turn, or sto

cles and personnel.

(1) Consider the enemy may use subsurf

approaches.

(2) Stagger obstacles across the route to crea

maze.

(3) Scatter single sandbags to create road bu

delays.

(4) Designate an access point.

(5) Illuminate fences, gates, and obstacles, if 

(6) Cover obstacles by observation and fire.
b. Provide adequate mobility and firepower to c

c. Establish procedures for employment and 

plans.

d. Rehearse.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 89 Counterinsurgen

THAN WAR

Counterinsurgency Operation

1. General Considerations.

Counterinsurgency operations are military, paramil

economic, psychological, and civic actions taken by 

to defeat insurgency. It is one of the most frustratin

operations for a military force to execute. Its overall s

crafted at the higher levels of command. Unit com

want to emphasize the following principles to their M

a. Political. Support of the people is the key to a 

Marines must understand the culture and c

local population. Commanders must giv

classes on the nation’s political history and 

led to the insurgency. If available, use native 

scouts to teach basic language skills.

b. Intelligence. Intelligence collection is fundam

ing the insurgent. While on patrol or mo

should be on the lookout for anything unusua

ately report information to higher headquarte

c. Tactical situation. Guerrillas strike at the tim

their choosing. They may be inactive for long 

after collecting detailed intelligence, and then 
d. Flexibility. Marines must be prepared to cond

tactical operations.

e. Mobility. Generally, guerrillas know the area

the population, and move relatively freely un

Marines must deny this freedom of moveme

gent.

f. Minimum use of force. Marines must u

observe the rules of engagement. Misuse of 

repercussions among the local population 

within the U.S.’s allied political structure.

g. Patience. Marines must stay alert. Counterins

tions are long and often boring. Guerrillas wa

pying force to become complacent and 

Emphasize security, security, security.

h. Reserves and reaction forces. Counterinsurge

usually saturate the area with small units and 

rapidly when contact with the insurgent is ma

to communicate is essential; otherwise, sm

being isolated/cutoff. 

2. Tactical Tasks.

a. Security operations. 

(1) Protect the populace.

(2) Conduct with or conducted by host nat

police forces.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 91 Counterinsurgen

y g

(2) See appendix G for more information on 

tasks.

c. Civil disturbance/riot control. See Crowd and 

on page 103.

d. Raids or strikes. Create doubt and uncertain

forces.

e. Patrols. 

(1) See Patrolling on page 131 and Urban 

page 143.

(2) Use saturation patrolling which is critica

terinsurgency operation.

f. Ambushes. Deny the guerrilla force freedom 

g. Humanitarian operations. Perform medical/d

tions, rebuild schools/hospitals, distribute foo

h. Roadblocks. See appendix G for more inform

tactical tasks.

i. Observation points—

l Deliver information on the enemy.

l Provide security for the force.

j. Perimeter security. See Rear Area Security o

more information on these tactical tasks.

k. The reaction force—

l Provides a force that reacts to enemy actio

l Consists usually of light/heavy forces w

execute timeline and rehearsed contingen
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 93 

The protection and safeguarding of qualified evacu

combatant evacuation operation (NEO) focus; howe

U.S. personnel is priority. Leaders use mission, enem

weather, troops and support available-time available 

adapt NEO mission planning and execution guidelin

ate.

1. Planning Considerations.

a. Has the location and number of evacuees bee

b. What is the threat to evacuees and the NEO f

rorist, insurgents, military)?

c. Will the host government assist or resist the N

d. Is the environment permissive, uncertain, or h

e. Where is the assembly area located per the em

plan?

f. What is the categorical breakdown of evacu

number and the black, white, gray list if appr

g. Who is the senior U.S. official? Who are the s

h. Have the location and number of third cou

been determined?

i. Have all sensitive U.S. properties and faciliti

security and/or destruction been identified?

j. Where are the helicopter landing zones locate

slopes, obstacles, etc., been identified?

k. What type of medical support is required?
2. NEO Mission Commander’s Considerations.

a. Plan for possible deterioration to an uncertain 

b. Plan on Marines and evacuees being exp

degrees of danger.

c. Prioritize evacuees.

d. Evacuate personnel if in doubt as to their stat

e. Plan for two or three times more than the numb

briefed.

f. Ensure that families are not separated.

g. Ensure the evacuation control center (ECC

organic reaction capability to deal with contin

h. Take health and comfort packs for evacuees.

i. Use standing operating procedures when—

l Preparing explosive ordnance pits.

l Searching females.

l Dealing with problem evacuees.

l Handling pets.

l Receipting valuables.

l Exercising courtesy.

j. Plan/build demolitions pits as necessary for h

ploded and confiscated ordnance.

k. Include a public affairs officer and staff judge 

plan to provide media support and to answer 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 95 

qpg

n. Show minimal force, but be prepared.

o. Do not piecemeal units into the area.

p. Take medical/chaplain support.

q. Consider all Marine air-ground task force un

show of force.

r. Develop, early in the planning process, a sim

plan to support planning requirements.

s. Identify showstoppers early (NO GO criteria)

t. Be prepared to leave stay behind forces, if req

u. Develop plans for the use of alternate sites a

means as required.

v. Develop plans for dealing with mass casualtie

ations.

w. Develop contingency plans for recovery of i

ees.

3. Evacuation.

a. Categories.

Category 

I American citizens 

II Alien members of American families 

III Alien employees of U.S. Government/businesses 

IV Third Country Nations and other designated aliens 
(2) Women with children, unaccompanied 

18, and designated sponsors of unacco

dren.

(3) Aged and infirmed individuals.

(4) Unaccompanied women 18 years or olde

(5) Men 18 or older.

4. Small-Unit Screening, Processing, and Movem

ations.

a. Instructions to Marines.

(1) ROE.

(2) Procedures for handling very important p

(3) Procedures for handling women and dep

(4) Procedures for request for political asylu

rary refuge.

(5) Procedures for handling combatants and 

b. Evacuee considerations.

(1) Designated VIPs are—

l Handled with courtesy and respect.

l Given priority of movement.

l Assigned guides.

l Provided health care and comfort.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 97 

l Searched for contraband.

l Treated as third country nationals.

l Separated into groups of women, chi

abled/injured people. Women are ca

groups of mothers, unaccompanied 

pregnant women.

(3) Individuals seeking political asylum and 

l Given protection pending approval o

by Department of State.

l Reported to higher headquarters.

l Denied refuge when their request for 

minated.

l Not encouraged. 

(4) Combatants/infiltrators are treated as en

of war (see app. H) and are—

l Searched for weapons and contraband

l Segregated into groups.

l Silenced (enforce silence at all times)

l Evacuated quickly and humanely.

l Safeguarded (keep under guard and pr

l Tagged as required to identify an in

sonal effects and equipment.

c. General evacuee treatment rules.
(2) Use the minimum force required for the 

(3) Ensure that pets are left behind.

(4) Ensure that gifts, tips, or bribes are not a

(5) Enforce baggage limitations.

(6) Keep people and their baggage together i

d. Site reconnaissance and liaison.

(1) Department of State representative shoul

(2) Prospective staging/processing sites are i

(3) Security requirements are identified (e

from small arms and in direct fire).

e. Establishment of presence at the evacuation s

(1) Identify yourself and your purpose.

(2) Reassure evacuees of their safety.

(3) Explain the procedures and safety consid

(4) Seek evacuees’ cooperation.

f. Processing procedures at the evacuation site.

(1) Maintain order.

(2) Provide security.

(3) Provide guidance.

(4) Ensure timeliness.

(5) Ensure continuous flow of evacuees.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 99 

a. Platoon sergeant is assigned responsibility 

reception/registration.

b. One squad is assigned responsibility for cond

ing (i.e., verifies identification, conducts sea

individuals and belongings).

c. Corpsmen provide medical support.

d. Appropriate individual(s) are designated to p

support.

e. One squad is assigned responsibility for e

evacuees.

f. One squad is assigned responsibility as securi

force.

g. The diagram below depicts a typical ECC or

flow pattern of evacuees.
traband, weapons, explosives, or sensitive 

boarding military aircraft or naval vessels. Wh

inspections—

l Brief evacuees on the practical reasons 

the search, especially safety concerns.

l Deny evacuation to any evacuee who ref

to a search.

b. Personal searches of female evacuees are 

female embassy or medical personnel.

c. American ambassadors and other designated U

their families, papers, or personal effects are 

d. Designated foreign diplomats, their famili

property are immune from searches. Their pe

may be examined in their presence only if s

exist to believe the baggage contains contrab

e. A foreign diplomatic pouch may not be sea

evacuation force command may deny the dipl

transportation if the pouch is suspected of co

ons or explosives.

f. Embarkation procedures.

(1) Assemble and post functional details.

(2) Welcome/brief evacuees.

(3) Search personnel and baggage.

(4) Collect valuables and issue receipt.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 101 

(6) Move to embark stations.

g. Procedures at debarkation destination.

(1) Disseminate and brief debark plan.

(2) Debark in groups as designated in the de

(3) Make provisions for lodging and food.

(4) Customs (follow host government proce

ment of State coordinates).

(5) Follow-on transportation is the respon

Department of State.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 103 Crowd an

1. Principles. 

a. Maintain flexibility to change tactics in an uns

b. Rehearse procedures and drills.

c. Give the appearance of minimum force w

troops.

d. Establish control.

(1) Position leaders properly.

(2) Use a megaphone.

(3) Communicate with the crowd.

e. Maintain all-round defense.

(1) Assign sectors of observation.

(2) Ensure 360-degree security.

f. Use speed when deploying, arresting, an

change.

g. Gain surprise by being unpredictable.

2. General Approach.

a. The best way to disperse rioters may be to m

to make it plain that further rioting will result 

comfort to lawbreakers.

b. Mob unity may be disrupted by threatening 

arresting leaders, and breaking the mob into s
d. Escalating measures may require the applicat

3. Escalating Orders.

a. Try to talk.

(1) Sit down with the riot leaders.

(2) Ensure Marines in riot gear are out of sig

b. Deploy if talking fails; move Marines quic

into position.

c. Give warning and instruct the crowd to dispe

d. Take pictures to use for prosecution of indiv

psychological effect.

e. Advance Marines equipped with riot gear in f

mish line, wedge, or echelon).

(1) Choose formation based on desired desti

(2) Drive against the obstacle that forces th

with the intent to divide and disperse 

until mob cohesion is lost.

(3) Position units to follow in a colum

advanced guard to support the advance 

independent advanced guard duties as 

forced down multiple side streets.

(4) Employ riot batons, riot control agents

and fixed bayonets when appropriate.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 105 Crowd an

(6) Employ snipers only in a life-threatening 

f. Dominate the area when the crowd begins to 

(1) Allow rioters to escape.

(2) Prevent rioters from massing in another l

g. Withdraw and return control to civil authoriti

4. Summary.

a. Minimize the necessary force to maintain co

trol.

b. Allow an escape route.

c. Remember the principles.

d. Escalate the use of force.

(1) Follow the rules of engagement.

(2) Practice constraints and restraints.

e. Emphasize patience.

(1) Riots are very stressful.

(2) The mob mentality will eventually subsid
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 107 Cordon a

1. General Considerations.

a. Understand the commander’s intent.

b. Exercise tight control over the unit during con

ians.

c. Consider likelihood of contact, other than boo

tact inside the village may be minimal).

d. Observe the behavior and reaction of children 

all times.

e. Isolate those persons that need to be question

2. Principles.

a. Conduct a cordon and search operation with 

venience to the population.

b. Show respect for inhabitants, property, custom

c. Conduct the search using local forces (e.g., 

with U.S. assistance if possible.

d. Execute as a combined civil and military ope

3. Organization of the Force.

a. Cordon element.

(1) Control access in and out.

(2) Use the largest element.
(2) If possible, search element should not co

sonnel.

(3) Task-organize as needed into a minimum 

l Reconnaissance and search teams.

l Population control team.

l Prisoner control team.

l Documentation team.

l Medical team.

l Census team.

c. Reaction element.

(1) Use reserve.

(2) Position near the highest threat area.

4. Intelligence Requirements.

a. The village.

(1) Physical layout (three-dimensional).

(2) Avenues of approach.

(3) Terrain and vegetation.

(4) Livestock/animals.

(5) Potential alarms.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

MOOTW 109 Cordon a

() y 

(2) Number of men in the village.

(3) Behavior of the children.

c. Guerrilla activity (usually very little informat

(1) Degree of training.

(2) Village (use and reliance).

(3) Security (type and degree).

5. Planning Considerations.

a. Task-organize cordon, search, and reserve for

b. Determine the method and time of establishin

c. Determine the approach/withdrawal route, tim

main effort.

d. Maximize observation to avoid gaps in the co

e. Consider the cordon to village distance may 

situation, but 800 meters is generally a goo

tance.

f. Locate the reaction element in the most critic

g. Minimize the number of people entering town

h. Setting the cordon, emplacing the reaction 

approaching the search element are the crit

will compromise the mission.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 111 Relief

Relief in Place: Relieving Un

1. Planning Considerations.

a. Conduct actual relief at night whenever pos

vulnerability/threat. (Assume the enemy is ob

b. Conduct daylight reconnaissance by compan

platoon commanders and liaison personnel (g

(1) Designate area.

(2) Designate routes.

(3) Determine guide linkup points.

(4) Become familiar with—

l Defense (fire plan sketch/overlay).

l Terrain.

l Enemy situation.

l Fire support plan.

(5) Coordinate command post location (coll

ble).

(6) Determine the reconnaissance method (i.

elon, indepth or adjacent).
(9) Walk/talk through the evolution. (Lea

themselves: Can the mission be accompl

position?)

c. Make arrangements for—

l Turnover of fire plan sketches, range ca

records, obstacle records, etc.

l Turnover of excess barrier material, wire

piled ammunition, etc.

l Exchange/turnover of machine gun tripod

plates, field phones, camouflage netting, e

l Guides to mark the route to platoon and 

point.

l Attachment of crew-served weapons for 

the unit in whose area the weapons’ posit

2. Tactical Considerations.

a. Command post is located to best coordinate r

command post if possible).

b. Company is moved to platoon release points.

c. Platoons are guided to squad release point.

d. At squad release points—

(1) Guides from an outgoing unit lead the 

defensive position.

(2) One fire team is relieved at a time.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 113 Relief

(4) Crew-served weapons are relieved aft

Range cards are received.

(5) Local security is relieved last.

e. A clear event/time for battle handover/passag

is designated. Battle handover usually occu

thirds of the unit is in place.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 115 Relief: Unit 

Leaders must address the following planning conside

l Company/platoon commanders remain in plac

units’ reconnaissance.

l Company commander/executive officer coord

tive plan (e.g., routes/guides).

l The executive officer and platoon representat

to—

n Reconnoiter the route for the relieving unit

n Provide and man guide locations.

n Coordinate and reconnoiter the new area to 

l The commander of the unit to be relieved lin

commander of the relieving unit. Commande

mine—

n Command post location (collocate if possib

n Turnover of excess ammunition and suppli

n Turnover of fire plan sketches, obstacle bar

n Exchange of crew-served weapons, etc.

l Company/platoon commanders brief incom

manders on—

n Enemy situation.

n Defensive layout.
n Fire plan sketch/overlay.

n Communications (especially if hard-wired)

l Company/platoon commanders designate—

n Squad release points for the incoming unit.

n Guides for each squad.

n Sequence of relief.

n Rifle units (individual briefs).

n Automatic weapons locations.

n Local security.

l Weapons crews are attached to rifle platoons f

l Squads move to platoon assembly areas onc

lieved.

l Platoons move to the company assembly area 

toon is relieved.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 117 Passage of 

1. Planning Considerations. 

a. Bypass units whenever possible. (Passage of l

and time consuming.)

b. Determine the enemy situation. (Is the unit m

toward the enemy or rearward away from the 

c. Determine tactical employment of the unit 

(include fire support overlays and communic

d. Determine security measures of the stationary 

e. Conduct reconnaissance for—

l Areas, lanes of passage, release points, 

and check points.

l Command post/combat operations center 

f. Specify the number of guides needed.

g. Develop security measures for both units dur

h. Plan fire support.

(1) Extent.

(2) Type.

(3) Control measures.

i. Provide logistic support for the casualty co

enemy prisoners of war, etc..

j. Establish conditions for when passage of com
a. Link up with the stationary unit.

b. Establish collocated command posts/combat o

ters.

c. Direct to guides linkup.

d. Deploy the security element to clear the area 

release point.

e. Use smoke to screen passage.

f. Conduct passage quickly.

g. Decide on required conditions for the passage 

h. Notify all subordinate units when passage o

conducted.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 119 Passage of Li

The commander of the stationary unit normally con

duct of the passage of lines. Leaders must address 

planning considerations:

l Provide intelligence report (enemy situation) 

unit.

l Provide tactical plans (include fire support ov

munications plans).

l Provide guide(s) for reconnaissance to be con

ments of the passing unit.

l Brief the moving unit on security measures.

l Provide recommendations on routes. 

l Coordinate linkup passage, command post 

command relationship.

l Provide guides at designated points.

l Brief the extent, type, and control measures fo

support.

l Determine the extent of logistic support for c

tion points, enemy prisoners of war, etc.

l Conduct the passage of command at a time m

upon by both units. If command is transferre

sage, the passing unit controls the unit positio

with the enemy.

l Inform all subordinated units of the passage o

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 121 Link

1. Concept of Operations.

The key to a rapid and successful operation is a clear 

of the units’ responsibilities and the recognition of si

a. Stationary force tasks.

(1) Recommend the establishment of a rest

to the fire support coordinator.

(2) Recommend the time and location of prim

nate linkup points to the S-3.

(3) Man linkup points.

(4) Reply to the linkup force’s long-range a

recognition signals.

(5) Provide guides for the linkup force.

(6) Provide lanes/routes through obstacle

linkup force movement. 

(7) Provide assembly areas for the linkup for

(8) Provide information on recent enemy act

b. Linkup force (moving force) tasks.

(1) Arrive on time at designated linkup poi

the alternate linkup point.

(2) Initiate long-range and short-range recog

(3) Prepare to continue the operation.
the joining forces.

(2) Coordinate fire support to include con

(e.g., restrictive fire line).

(3) Designate primary and alternate linkup p

(4) Estimate time of linkup.

(5) Designate one unit to assume stationary 

both units are moving.

2. Coordinating Instructions. 

Commanders establish contact as early as possible to 

l Linkup time and command relationships of un

l Mutual recognition signals (i.e., near, far, and 

l Communications plan.

l Schemes of maneuver (to include control mea

l Action to be taken after linkup. Units mainta

continuing the mission as quickly as possible.

l Exchange of liaison officers.

l Alternate plans to include routes, lanes, and li

3. Command and Signal.

a. Identify primary and alternate frequencies an

b. Designate long- and short-range recognition s

day and night, as well as alternates for each.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 123 

Leaders must address the following general plan

ations:

l Release point locations and markings.

l Time of release.

l Point of departure.

l Assembly areas are defensible, concealed, an

for an entire unit. (The first unit organizes the 

and provides guides.)

l Time the infiltration must be completed.

l Lanes or guides.

l Single lane or multiple lanes (see page 124).

l Rendezvous point, alternate rendezvous poin

rendezvous.

l Lost-man procedures.

l Escape and evasion procedures.

l Contact procedures.

l Near and far recognition signals.

l Route to attack position.

l Objective.

l Fire support.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 125 

l Planned fires in event of compromise.

l Separation between units (time is generally b

tance).
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 127 Conv

1. General Considerations.

a. Determine type of convoy.

(1) Administrative.

(2) Tactical.

b. Determine the formation.

(1) Open column:

l Normally used during the day.

l Vehicles are spaced between 50 to 100 

l May be used at night with infrared r

blackout lights, chemlights, etc.

(2) Close column:

l Normally used at night.

l Vehicles are spaced approximately 2

or to the limit of observation of prece

blackout lights.

(3) Infiltration:

l Normally used when security (vice s

persion are critical.

l Vehicles are dispatched individua

groups, or at irregular intervals along 

ple routes.
d. Determine fire support requirements.

(1) Designate planned, on-call targets.

(2) Use priority targets.

(3) Consider aviation support (e.g., rotary-

support for escort, route reconnaissance, 

aerial vehicles).

e. Determine common control measures.

(1) Start point/release point.

(2) Contact points.

(3) Critical points.

(4) Passage points.

(5) Passage lanes.

(6) Routes (primary and alternate).

(7) Checkpoints.

(8) Phase lines.

2. Planning Considerations.

a. Treat a convoy as a vehicular patrol.

b. Brief actions on enemy contact from—

l Front.

l Rear.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Specific Tactical Operations 129 Conv

g

l Sniper.

l Ambush both road not blocked and road b

ios.

c. Plan and brief actions at security halts, both l

d. Plan and brief actions for disabled vehicles.

e. Plan and brief actions at the destination.

(1) Security force tasks.

(2) Drivers tasks.

(3) Specific duties.

f. Plan for primary and alternate means of comm

(1) Position radios with each element.

(2) Use pyrotechnics, flags, air panels, and 

signals as alternate means of communica

(3) Develop signal plan and action drills.

g. Plan for the use of guides.

(1) Establish their duties.

(2) Plan for their collection.

h. Plan and brief actions at critical points (i.e., c

i. Establish march and catchup speed.

j. Prepare tactical vehicles.

k. Designate air sentinels and mark designated v

panels.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 131 

Patrol Steps

1. Patrolling Principles.

a. Detailed planning.

b. Productive and realistic rehearsals.

c. Thorough reconnaissance.

d. Positive control.

e. All-around security.

2. Types of Patrols.

a. By mission.

(1) Reconnaissance.

(2) Combat.

b. By mobility.

(1) Foot.

(2) Motorized.

(3) Waterborne.

(4) Helicopterborne.
necessary. The order of the steps may vary.

a. Study the mission.

b. Plan use of time (backwards planning).

c. Study terrain and situation.

d. Determine requirements.

e. Organize the patrol.

f. Select men, weapons, and equipment.

g. Issue a patrol warning order.

h. Coordinate continuously. (See app. I.)

i. Make reconnaissance.

j. Complete detailed plans.

k. Issue the patrol order.

l. Supervise at all times, inspect, rehearse.

m. Execute the mission.

4. Patrol Warning Order.

The patrol warning order consists of the following 

ing for all):

a. A brief statement of the situation (enemy and 

b. Mission of the patrol.

c. General instructions.

(1) General and special organization.

(2) Uniform and equipment common to all.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 133 

(4) Chain of command.

(5) A time schedule for the patrol’s guidan

planning).

(6) Time, place, uniform, and equipment fo

patrol leader’s order.

(7) Times and places for inspections and reh

d. Specific instructions.

(1) To subordinate leaders.

(2) To special purpose teams or key individu
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 135 Patrol Ord

1. Task Organization.

a. Units (maintain unit integrity as much as pos

(1) Security. Address position in formation 

bilities.

(2) Headquarters. Address position in f

responsibilities.

(3) Assault. Address position in formation a

ities. Designate any subunits required (te

(4) Support. Use as required. Comprised m

organic to patrol.

(5) Reconnaissance/reconnaissance and se

quired. Include designation of requ

(teams).

b. Teams.

(1) Assault. Use A, B, C, etc., to designate if 

assault team.

(2) Reconnaissance/reconnaissance and sur

A, B, C, etc., to designate if more than 

sance team.

(3) Aid/litter. Provide specific instructions.

(4) Search/enemy prisoner of war. Provide sp

tions.

(5) Demolition. Prepare claymores or satch

the mission.
for its conduct. The team leader pro

instructions to subordinates.

(2) Assistant patrol leader (APL) is second 

The team leader provides the APL 

instructions on responsibilities, including 

collateral duties.

(3) Navigator is responsible to the team lead

ing the patrol.

(4) Radio operator is responsible to the te

communication.

(5) Pacers are responsible for conducting an

counts.

(6) Flanks are responsible to the team leader 

rity during movement.

(7) Recorder records all essential informatio

d. Reserves.

2. Coordinating Instructions.

a. Specify time of departure.

b. Specify time of return.

c. Designate the primary route azimuths and dis

leg and illustrate the route on the terrain mod

d. Designate the alternate route azimuths and dis

leg and illustrate the route on the terrain mod
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 137 Patrol Ord

f. Specify procedures for actions on enemy 

through the plan in detail to include transition

of units/teams.

(1) Hasty ambush (front, flanks, rear).

(2) Immediate assault (front, flanks, rear).

(3) Counter ambush (near/far).

(4) Break in contact (include plan for speci

and distance of movement).

(5) Reaction to indirect fires (direction and d

g. Specify procedures for actions in the objective 

security patrols, but planning will be extensi

raid, or reconnaissance patrol. Address occ

final preparation position to objective rally p

h. Specify procedures for departure of friendly 

(use terrain model to talk through).

i. Specify procedures for reentry of friendly 

(include primary and alternate communicatio

as linkup plan).

j. Specify procedures for actions at rally po

should be talked through (include GO/NO 

escape azimuth, as well as the location of any 

points).

k. Specify procedures for actions at danger are

and cross compartment, but emphasize the di
m. Specify procedures for rehearsals and inspect

actions to be rehearsed.

n. Specify debrief.

(1) Location.

(2) Time.

(3) Attendees.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 139 

1. Principles.

a. Surprise.

b. Coordinated (violent) employment of fires t

porting arms to isolate the area.

c. Control is most critical when the enemy is ap

kill zone.

2. Factors for Successful Ambush.

a. Favorable terrain.

b. Prior planning.

c. Occupation procedures.

d. Control measures.

e. Security.

f. Patience.

g. Movement techniques and individual actions

h. Fire support planning.

3. Ambush Site Selection Considerations.

a. Availability of natural obstacles can canalize t

or protect the withdrawal.

b. A suitable ambush site is also good for the en
d. The selected site should allow the force to 

reverse slope.

4. Organization.

a. Assault element.

b. Security element.

(1) Secures objective rally point/final prepar

(2) Provides flank/rear security during occup

c. Support element is optional. Fires complem

element.

d. Patrol headquarters.

5. Occupation of the Site.

a. Position security quickly/quietly.

b. Establish communications.

c. Position machine guns, squad automatic weap

adiers.

d. Position all other weapons and assign sectors

e. Prepare claymores, flares, etc.

f. Select location to initiate the ambush (patrol l

g. Estimate completion time for preparation.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 141 

a. Once occupation of the ambush site is comple

preparation of the kill zone.

b. Patrol leader alerts security/support elements 

element is moving into kill zone.

c. Assault element leader moves the team into th

(1) Demolition teams emplace mines/demoli

(2) Remaining assault element emplaces cla

cles.

(3) Teams report to the assault element lead

rations are complete and when positio

pied.

(4) Assault element leader makes final ins

kill zone.

(5) Assault element leader reports to the patr

7. Execution.

a. Use designated signals to alert, initiate amb

fires, and withdraw.

b. Enforce fire discipline when fire is initiated. F

l Immediate.

l Heavy.

l Accurate.
d. Withdraw quickly and quietly. Consider the 

traps during withdrawal. 

8. Other Considerations.

a. Tailor equipment and weapons to the mission

b. Use field phones or signals (use radio comm

exception).

c. Minimize time spent in the vicinity of the kil

ducting rehearsals and reaction drills and 

standing operating procedures.

d. Wait patiently to allow the enemy main bod

zone.

e. Cover withdrawal with mines, booby trap

agents, and supporting fires.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 143 U

1. General.

The following basic patrolling principles and techn

permissive and uncertain urban environments:

l Overt presence (attempt to establish a positive 

and the support of the population).

l Depth (urbanized terrain usually limits a pat

disperse laterally and to maintain dispersion a

of the patrol formation).

l Mutual support (positioning of units within 

depth enables one unit to cover another’s mov

ing security]).

l Deception/pattern avoidance (vary patrol ro

and departure times).

l Intrapatrol communications (each unit within 

should have the means to communicate).

l Establishment of a reaction force.

l Three-dimensional threat (pay constant att

three-dimensional urban environment).

2. Patrol.

a. Methods.

(1) Dismounted.

(2) Vehicular.
(1) Security patrols make up the vast maj

patrols.

(2) Combat patrols are employed to—

l Secure information.

l Confuse the enemy.

l Destroy installations.

l Seize materials or suspicious individu

3. Planning Considerations.

a. Rules of engagement must be understood by 

b. Constraints and restraints may change frequen

to changing situations.

c. Unit integrity of the fire team/squad should b

d. The vulnerable nature of patrolling requires s

vide for their own security in addition to the 

of the mission.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 145 U

4. Task Organization.

a. Task-organize to meet the specific mission re

b. Use attachment specialists:

l Explosive detection dogs and their handle

l Marine interrogator translator team and 

gence team.

l Explosive ordnance disposal personnel.

l Communications personnel.

l Members of host nation or allied military 

l Interpreters.

l Local community leaders.

l Local law enforcement officers.

l Public affairs Marines as media personne
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 147 Ur

1. Movement Considerations.

a. Move within the patrol under observation/c

individuals.

b. Know where cover can be taken in case of a h

c. Plan for contact with civilians, especially chil

d. Expect the presence of moving and stationary 

the route.

e. Have a plan to deal with approaching dogs.

f. Limit the use of camouflage to avoid frighteni

ing the local population (situational).

g. Vary the movement rate during the day, wh

from short halts to brief double time.

h. Take up mutually supporting firing positions t

quently during short halts.

i. Ensure at least one unit/team is in motion at a

platoon-sized patrols.

j. Work in pairs, ensuring mutual support.

k. Stay within sight of assigned buddy; last ma

provides rear security. 

2. Patrol Formation Considerations.

a. The need for immediate firepower outweighs 

becoming canalized.
p

c. Assault and security elements follow in trace 

unit integrity on separate sides of the street.

d. Platoon-sized squads generally travel abreast 

along parallel routes.

e. The interval between units depends on missio

rain and weather, troops and support availa

able (METT-T), but is usually 100 to 150 me

3. Control Measures.

a. Checkpoints and phase lines are located in as

major streets, alleys, buildings, etc.

b. The detailed patrol overlay (see app. J) is 

higher headquarters.

c. The terrain model is maintained at higher head

in supervision and control.

4. Individual Tasks.

a. Task marksman to engage point targets.

b. Look out for suspicious or known insurgent v

c. Attempt to recognize previously identified en

d. Attempt to gain information from casual conv

e. Search vehicles and personnel.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Patrolling 149 Ur

a. Observers on rooftops, in windows, etc., who 

tracking the patrol.

b. The unusual absence of pedestrian traffic, peo

etc.

c. Stores, markets, or street vendors closed sudd

explanation.

d. A dramatic change in civilian attitude towar

bers.

e. Unfamiliar individuals, roadblocks, or vehic

patrol area.

f. Vehicles riding unusually low due to overload

ing people and weapons).

g. Agitators trying to provoke an incident with p

h. Civilian workers failing to appear at U.S. bas

i. Normal deliveries, pickups, etc., which are lat

out reason.

6. Immediate Action Drills.

a. Bomb threat/discovery (cordon off and contro

b. Sniper (seek cover, identify position, limit col

depending on rules of engagement, and atte

escape routes).

c. Hostile individuals/crowd (see Crowd and M

page 103).

d. Decisive engagement (treat as a conventional 
FIRE SUPPORT

Fire support section, defensive position.

(Beirut, Lebanon 1982)

“There is still a tendency in each separate unit . . . t

handed puncher . . . the rifleman wants to shoot, th

charge, the artilleryman to fire . . . . That is not the 

battles. If the band played a piece first with . . . the 

then the clarinet, . . . there would be a . . . lot of n

music. To get harmony in music each instrument must 

others. To get harmony is battle, each weapon must 

other. Team play wins.”

General Geo

(MCDP 1-3, T

Property of the U
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 153 Gene

General Information

1. General Considerations.

a. What is the mission?

b. What is the enemy situation?

c. What is the scheme or maneuver?

d. What is the zone of action or defensive sector

e. What are the most likely avenues of approach

f. What are the priority targets?

g. What are the desired effects (damage criteria)

h. Which subordinate unit is the main effort, an

ority of fires?

i. Will priority of fires or priority targets shift, 

signal?

j. Where are special fires (e.g., smoke, improve

munition)?

k. Is there a requirement to register fire support 

l. Are there restrictions on supported arms; if so

fire support coordination measures needed?

m. What maneuver control measures have been e

n. What additional fire support assets have been 

o. What are the future plans or on-order mission
procedure requirements?

q. What is the guidance on counterfire? 

r. What is the guidance on suppression of enem

s. How much time is available?

t. What is the ammunition status?

u. What are special fuze or shell considerations?

2. Planning Considerations.

a. Offense.

(1) Plan fires to cover movement to the obj

obscure, and/or use deception to cover 

support assets, observation posts (OPs), 

(LPs), and landing zones.

(2) Plan fires to cover movement to the as

Request/plan priority target on suspe

strong points or ambush sites.

(3) Plan fires to support the attack by—

l Preparing the objective.

l Preparing OPs/LPs.

l Considering the use of smoke to supp

tion effort.

l Targeting likely assembly areas (AAs

ments.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 155 Gene

l Pursuing fire along likely withdrawal 

l Fixing on the enemy to destroy with d

b. Defense.

(1) Plan fires forward to canalize/reduce th

by—

l Moving the enemy to the engagement 

l Targeting AAs, C2 assets, and fire sup

(2) Plan fires on the flanks to deny the e

assault position, probable line of deploym

tration routes. Register targets in zone.

(3) Plan fires on the defensive position and f

fires to support planned couterattack or t

gagement/withdrawal.

(4) Plan fires behind the position to cover t

of friendly forces. Prevent enemy enve

the rear.

(5) Confirm targeting decisions with the we

company commander.

(6) Add, delete, or amend the fire support 

submit to higher headquarters.

(7) Report higher headquarters response to th

(8) Write up fire support plan.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 157 Co Fire Su

1. General Considerations.

a. Like the regiment’s and battalion’s fire sup

company fire support planning must mirro

process.

b. At the company level, the planning process co

leading steps commonly referred to as be

arrange for reconnaissance, make reconnaiss

the plan, issue the order, and supervise (BAM

c. The following planning considerations list th

actions during each step of BAMCIS.

d. These actions may be accomplished simultane

sequence.

e. The company fire support planner must organ

these requirements in a time constrained envi

2. Planning Considerations.

a. Begin planning.

(1) Update friendly and enemy situations.

(2) Determine available assets, allocations, a

coordinating measures.

(3) Obtain the battalion’s target list workshe

execution matrix (FSEM), and attack gui
(5) Identify essential fire support tasks (EF

company.

(6) Brief the command on the above.

(7) Receive the commander’s restated missio

(8) Receive the commander’s guidance for f

(9) Participate in the development of the com

order.

(10)Issue the warning order to fire support 

mortar section on fire support specific is

b. Arrange for reconnaissance.

(1) Conduct map analysis.

(2) Plot obstacles and known enemy location

(3) Plot all battalion targets.

(4) List EFSTs.

(5) Advise the commander if guidance can 

met with available assets and allocations

(6) Refine battalion targets, if necessary.

(7) Determine if battalion targets support the 

guidance.

(8) Plot targets necessary to support the 

guidance (within the target allocation).
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 159 Co Fire Su

(10)Develop the target list worksheet.

(11) Develop FSEM.

(12)Brief the commander on the initial fire su

c. Make reconnaissance.

(1) Ensure battlefield observation is maintain

(2) Accompany maneuver leaders on reconn

(3) Confirm or modify the plan.

(4) Verify target locations, trigger points, an

alternate observation plans.

d. Complete the plan.

(1) Modify the plan as necessary after recon

(2) Brief the commander on the scheme of fi

(3) Emphasize observer movement, observ

quirements, and triggers.

(4) Receive fire support plan approval.

(5) Transmit the target list worksheet and 

requirements to the battalion fire suppo

center and the company mortars section.

(6) Brief fire support personnel on the fire su
(2) Ensure fire support representatives and t

tion leader attend the order brief if possib

f. Supervise.

(1) Conduct rehearsals.

(2) Conduct inspections (as required).

(3) Continue to refine targets and triggers f

tion, ground reconnaissance, or new en

tion.

(4) Continuously update and coordinate the 

sary.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 161 

Operating Procedure

1. Suppression.

a. Immediate suppression/immediate smoke is p

indirect fire support agencies in the following 

edence:

l Naval gunfire.

l Artillery.

l 81mm mortars.

l 60mm mortars.

b. The most responsive asset is the company’s ow

tars.

c. The 60mm mortars can be used to suppre

another agency can provide fires.

2. Call for Fire.

a. The standard calls for fire will be used by all 

attachments.

b. See Call for Fire Format Card on pages 183–

Air Support Briefing Form on pages 191–194

3. Priority Targets.

a. The fire support coordinator (FSC) will des

targets.
c. Final approval of targets is with the FSC.

4. Smoke.

a. Normally, screening/obscuration fires, to i

mortars and M203 smoke, must be authorized 

b. The company must give an estimate of the ti

smoke when it is requested.

5. Illumination.

a. Normally, employment of illumination is auth

light marking of targets for aircraft.

b. Normally, illumination at night must be aut

FSC. This includes 60mm mortar illuminatio

star parachutes, and white star parachute pop
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 163 Fire Supp

1. General Considerations.

a. Universal times will normally come from th

tioning system or time hacks from high fr

radio frequencies of 5.000, 10.000, 15.000

25.000 megahertz (MHz).

b. Time on target (TOT) is the exact minute at 

aircraft’s bombs will hit the deck. For exampl

to land at 2136, say TOT is 36.

c. Marking with white phosphorus, red phospho

should be timed to impact 30 seconds prior t

nation should impact 45 seconds prior to TOT

2. Laser Employment Consideration. 

a. Laser use is normally coordinated by the forw

ler (FAC).

b. The pilot must be within 30 degrees left or ri

line from the FAC to the target before des

guided munitions.

c. The pilot can be at any aspect from the laser lin

d. Direct fire will be coordinated by the FAC 

commander using tracers and/or smoke from 
Indirect fires impact at -1 minute, -30 secon

seconds, or +1 minute.

b. Interrupted SEAD. Indirect fires impact at ei

or -30 seconds.

c. Other combinations of fires must be explicitly 

a timeline with TOT being used as zero. For e

prise a target using air, the call for fire to the 

tells them to mark at -30 seconds and suppr

+30 seconds, +1 minute, and +1 minute 30 s

other combination. To avoid fratricide, all 

after TOT should be at my command.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 165 Fire Supp

a. Maintain situational awareness of locations an

support assets and missions. (See the sample 

Support Board on page 167.)

b. Ensure a forward observer reports both the 

target and of the company mortar position to t

coordination center (FSCC) when employing 

during SEAD missions.

c. Report maximum ordinate of rounds at the ran

which is taken from the 60mm mortar tabu

(whiz wheel).

d. Coordinate all company direct fires with FA

helicopters.

e. Ensure direct fire information is not passed to 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

General Fire Support 167 Company Fire 

Our Location_____________ TOT_____________

Target Suppression Location Target Marking Location Mark

60MM __________________ _______________________ ______

ISUP ISMK FFE AF SUPP SEAD (Contin

81MM __________________ _______________________ ______

ISUP ISMK FFE AF SUPP SEAD (Contin

Artillery

ISUP ISMK FFE AF SUPP SEAD (Contin

Naval Gunfire

ISUP ISMK FFE AF SUPP SEAD (Contin

Locations

60s 81s Artillery N

_____________ _____________ _____________ __

_____________ _____________ __

AP/IP Final attack heading: ______________m

________________________________________________________________

60s ______________________________________________

81s ______________________________________________

ARTY ______________________________________________

NGF ______________________________________________

CAS ______________________________________________
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Quick Fire Support Plan 169 Quick Fir

FIRE PLAN ________ SUPPORTING ________ ORIGINATOR __________ MODIFICA

________ H-HOUR _________ SHEET _______ OF _______ DATE/TIME GROUP ____

TARGET INFORMATION

(a) (b) (c) (d) 

LINE TARGET NO. DESCRIPTION LOCATION ALT

ASL

M/FT

1 Bunker 420267 160

2 AD0421 AT Rocket 422260 220

3 AD3093 OP 421261 180

4 AD3094 OP 409271 170

5

6

SCHEDULE

(f) (g) (h) 

LINE ORG FIRE 

UNIT

TIMINGS 

1 1/12 B $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

2 1/12 B $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

3 $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

4 $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

5 $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

6 $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $ x $ $ $ $

AD3093

 48 (a)

AD3094

 48 (a)

BACK

AD3011

48 (a)

FRONT

APPLE 3/8

1240
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Elements 171 Call Fo

1. Observer Identification.

Example: You (call sign), this is me (call sign).

2. Warning Order.

a. Type of mission.

(1) Adjust fire.

(2) Fire for effect.

(3) Suppression.

(4) Immediate suppression.

(5) Suppression of enemy air defenses.

b. Size of element to fire (optional).

c. Method of target location.

(1) Grid (standard default if method not spec

(2) Polar.

(3) Shift from a known point.

3. Target Location. 

a. Grid is used for a 6- or 8-digit coordinate (an 8

ferred).

b. Polar is used for observer to target direction

up/down vertical shift (if greater than 30 met
geateta30 etes).

4. Target Description.

a. Type.

b. Size.

c. Activity.

d. Degree of protection.

e. Shape.

5. Method of Engagement.

a. Type of adjustment.

(1) Area fire (default).

(2) Precision fire (registration or destruction 

b. Danger close (within 600 meters of friendly f

c. Mark.

d. Trajectory.

(1) High angle (default for mortar).

(2) Low angle (default for artillery).

e. Ammunition. High explosive projectile/fuze 

used as the default if no other ammunition is 

(1) Projectiles include—

l High explosives (HE).

l Antipersonnel (APERS).
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Elements 173 Call Fo

l Illumination (ILLUM).

l Tactical riot control agent (CS).

l Smoke (SMK).

l White phosphorus (WP).

l Cannon launched guided projectile 

perhead).

(2) Fuzes include—

l Quick (Q).

l Delay (D).

l Variable time (VT).

l Mechanical time (Ti).

l Base detonating (naval gunfire) (BD[N

(3) Volume of fire.

f. Distribution.

(1) Parallel (default for mortars).

(2) Circular (default for artillery).

(3) Open.

(4) Converged.

(5) Special.
(1) One gun in adjust (default).

(2) Platoon.

(3) Section.

(4) Left or right by piece.

b. Method of control. (Artillery will be fired wh

no other method of control is specified.)

(1) At my command.

(2) Cannot observe.

(3) Time on target (TOT).

(4) Close air support TOT.

(5) Coordinated illumination.

(6) Continuous illumination.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Procedures 175 Call For F

1. Mil Angle Estimation.

When estimating angles in mils with the hand, the 

fully extended.

2. Target Location Methods.

a. Grid method is used to determine a 6-digit gri

the target (8-digit for precision fire).

b. Polar method is used to—

l Determine the observer to target (OT) d

nearest 10 mils (always a 4-digit number)
nearest 5 meters (sent as up or down if 

greater).

c. Shift method is used to—

l Identify the known point to be used.

l Determine the OT direction.

l Determine the left or right lateral shift 

known point to the target (express to 

meters). 

W = SF (shift factor) x M (number of mils b

known point and target).

SF = Range to the known point divided by 1

(expressed to the nearest 10th).

M = Measured angle in mils between the kn

and the target.

l Determine the add/drop range shift fro

point to the target to the nearest 100 mete

l Determine the up/down vertical differen

between the known point and the target 

ference is 35 meters or greater; express t

meters.

3. Call for Fire Examples.

a. The following table lists types of missions an

calls for fire for each.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Procedures 177 Call For F

b. A Call for Fire Format Card sample is shown 

184.

4. Smoke Employment.

Grid A1D de L2P FFE k

Grid 487624 k

2 T-72s in open, ICM k

Di

se

co

Polar A1D de L2P AF Polar k

Dir 5340, Dist 1200, Up 70 k

Two PMPs in the open k

Fir

ter 

wa

loc

po

Shift A1D de L2P AF Shift AB3001 k

Dir 4800, R250, Add 400, Down 95 k

Company assembly area k

Bo

ce

ob

ha

loc

Note: k means over

Delivery

System

Type of 

Round

Average 

Burn Time

Average O

Length (Met

Crosswind

155mm HC

WP

M825

4 min

1–1.5 min

5–8 min

350

150

350

105mm HC

WP

3 min

1–1.5 min

250

75

81mm WP

RP

1 min

1.5–2 min

100

90–150

60mm WP 1 min 75 

5"/54 WP 1 min 150 
l Obscures, protects, or marks smoke over 

l Is more responsive, but the duration and c

smoke is limited.

b. Elements of the call for fire sent in one trans

follows:

l Observer identification.

l Warning order.

l Target location is normally directly on the 

l Authentication of the transmission.

c. Example call for immediate smoke: W5S this 

diate smoke, grid 487624, I authenticate INDIA 

6. Message to Observer.

a. After the fire direction center receives the c

fire direction officer will determine how the 

attacked.

b. The attack decision is announced to the forw

the form of a message to observer (MTO).

c. The forward observer will read the MTO b

direction center to ensure confirmation.

d. The MTO consists of the following elements:

l Unit to fire for effect.

l Any changes to requests in the call for fir

l Method of fire (number of rounds to be fi

l Target number.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Procedures 179 Call For F

7. Corrections.

a. After the initial round is fired, the forward obs

subsequent corrections until the mission is te

b. The order subsequent corrections are transmi

lows:

l Direction.

l Danger close.

l Trajectory.

l Method of fire.

l Distribution.

l Projectile.

l Fuze.

l Volume of fire.

l Deviation.

l Range.

l Height of burst.

l Target description.

l Change in type mission control.

l Splash.

l Repeat.
plying, in mils, the deviation between impact 

(the deviation spotting) by the OT factor. De

tions are expressed to the nearest 10 meters.

Left or right deviation Deviation spotting O

correction in meters = (to nearest 5 mils) x f

b. A deviation correction less than 30 meters 

minor and is ignored during the mission.

c. The OT factor is the expressed distance fro

observer to the target in meters divided by 1,

OT factor = Expressed OT distance

 1000

d. If an OT distance is greater that 1,000 mete

distance to the nearest thousand meters. If an 

less than 1,000 meters, express the distance 

hundred meters. For example:

 The OT distance is 1,500 meters, which is expresse

meters.

Deviation spotting is L45.

OT factor = 2000 = 2

 1000

The deviation correction = 45 x 2 = 90 meters. 

diviation correction is R90.

 The OT distance is 650 meters, which is expressed 

Deviation spotting is R60 mils.

OT factor = 600 = .6

 1000

The deviation correction = 60 x .6 = 36 meters, 

to 40 meters.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Procedures 181 Call For F

a. Range corrections consist of the commands a

away from observer) and drop (move burs

observer).

b. Range corrections are transmitted in multiples 

50-meter corrections may be used when en

effect.

c. Range correction methods.

(1) Successive bracketing.

(2) Hasty bracketing.

(3) One-round adjustment.

(4) Creeping fire (used during danger close 

corrections greater than 100 meters).

d. Minimum bracketing guide.

10. End of Mission Statement.

a. Refinement (optional).

b. Record as target (optional).

c. End of mission.

d. End of surveillance (to include battle damage 

e. Example end of mission statement: R10, +30, 

end of mission, target neutralized, estimate 5 casualt

OT Distance Initial Bracket

0–100 meters 100 meters

1000–2000 meters 200 meters

2000 meters and beyond 400 meters
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Call For Fire Format Card 183 Call For Fi

FRONT

1.

“________de ________ AF/FFE/SEAD [POLAR (or) SHIFT] (TGT 

2.

“GRID ________________k”

(POLAR) “DIR __________ DIS __________ U/D ________ VA + 

(SHIFT) “DIR __________ L/R __________ + / - ________ U/D 

3.

(TARGET DESCRIPTION) “_________________________________

(METHOD OF ENGAGEMENT) “ _____________________________

 [DANGER CLOSE/MARK/HIGH OR LOW ANGLE/AMMO (HE/Quick Stand

(METHOD OF FIRE AND CONTROL)“_________________________

 [When READY is Standard/AMC/CANNOT OBS/TOT/COORD or CONT IL

SUPPRESSION, IMMEDIATE SUPPRESSION, AND IMMEDIA

“________de ________ SUPP/IMMED SUPP/IMMED SMK”

“(TGT #) _______________________ k”

“GRID ________________k”

(POLAR) “DIR __________ DIS __________ U/D ________ V

SHIFT (TGT #) “DIR _________ L/R _________ + / - _______ U/

MESSAGE TO OBSERVER

“MTO ________ _______ _____________ rounds _______ _

 (unit to fire) (changes) (# of rounds in FFE) (TGT #) 
BACK

RNG DEV HOB L/R +/- U/D RND # 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Close Air Support 185 CAS Cont

Close Air Support Control Proced

1. General Considerations.

Typically, close air support (CAS) briefings are prese

line brief” format. (See pages 191–194.) This forma

detailed coordination is required. However, if Marin

diate air support and they are unfamiliar with the 9-

should establish communication with the aircraft and 

to the target. Appendix K provides a description o

capabilities.

2. Air Support Requests.

Air support can be requested from either the direct a

ter (DASC) or from the air officer in the fire suppo

center (FSCC). Immediate air support is normally r

the DASC via the tactical air request net (high fre

Communications may be established with the DASC 

air traffic control net, tactical air direction (TAD) n

support net. Marines must also establish a location 

(TAD net) for the aircraft to contact them. If UHF/V

cations have not been established, tactical air contro

(FM) nets can be used. If unable to contact the DASC

tions are established with the FSCC via any available 
vide either the DASC or the FSCC with the followin

l Who they are.

l Where they are.

l What they need.

3. Terminal Control.

Once communication is established with the supporti

pilot must acquire the target as quickly as possible si

will have limited time on station. The requesting unit 

the pilot’s acquisition of the target by providing the fo

mation.

a. Reference large areas/objects that the pilot wil

and then work down to smaller areas/objects

Requesting unit: See the road you are circling o

low that road north for about eight clicks and 

prominent hill mass just to the east of the road. 

the north side of the hill. Friendlies are general

south and west and the bad guys are on the east 

and to my north.

b. Reference the exact position in order to orien

Requesting unit: From my position you will see 

my immediate north and a deep draw that runs t

the open area. There is an enemy platoon dug i

that is just north of the draw. Do you see that?
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Close Air Support 187 CAS Cont

tially engage the target at this time. Pass any 

information that would be helpful to the pilot.

Requesting unit: There are a couple of heavy 

vehicles in the treeline on the northern edge 

Request that you engage these first and then th

me rolling in with your direction of attack.

d. Wait for the pilot to assimilate all the informat

late the plan of attack.

Pilot: I am rolling in from the southeast, about 

your position . . . wings level.

Requesting unit: Cleared hot.

“Wings level” means that the pilot is ready to 

the target and is waiting for permission. Perm

cated by a “cleared hot” from the requesting 

unit gives permission to the aircraft, it must 

aircraft is pointed at the target area and not at 

unit.

e. Provide any corrections to the second aircraft 

after the first aircraft (lead) drops its bombs.

Requesting unit: From lead’s hits, east 100 met

f. Instruct the aircraft to re-attack the target a

give refinements.

Requesting unit: You are cleared for an imme

From dash two’s hits, northeast 200, try to hit th
h. Provide a detailed debrief on what the aircraft 

if it was effective.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Close Air Support 189 CAS 

If a significant surface threat to the aircraft does not 

situation brief and target location may be all that is r

aircraft to engage the target. If the briefing format is 

brief in a slow, concise manner and “unkey” the ra

three lines for a couple of seconds.

Aircraft check-in procedures are extremely importa

the flow of information between aircraft and control

air support (CAS) check-in briefing format is used w

in with terminal controllers.

The CAS briefing form (9-line briefing form) shown 

used to pass data to the pilot. A typical 9-line brief fo

aircraft’s CAS mission might sound as follows:

Georgia, 315 left, 7.5. . . . 750, 4 BMPs on road, 

WP, SW 1400, egress east then south to Kentuck

2000 meters north of target. Final attack headin

Time on target 25. If the aircraft understood a

and doesn’t have any questions, you would he
(cat tasts to cotoe)

Aircraft: “_____________________, this is _______________

 (controller call sign) (aircraft c

1. Identifiication/mission number: “______________________

NOTE: Authentication and appropriate response suggested he

may be abbreviated for brevity or security (“as fragged” or “with 

2. Number and type of aircraft: “________________________

3. Position and altitude: “______________________________

4. Ordnance: “______________________________________

5. Time on station: “__________________________________

6. Abort code: “_____________________________________

 (if applicable)

CAS Check-In Briefing Form
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Close Air Support 191 CAS 

Omit data not required; do not transmit line numbers. Units of mea

unless otherwise specified.

*Denotes minimum essential information required in a limited comm

ment. Bold denotes readback items when requested.

Terminal controller: “________________________, this is __________

 (aircraft call sign) (term

*1. IP/BP: “_______________________________________________

*2. Heading: “________________________” (magnetic). “Offset _____

*3. Distance: “____________________________________________

*4. Target elevation: “_______________________________________

*5. Target description: “_____________________________________

*6. Target location: “_______________________________________

(latitude/longitude or grid coordinates or offsets 

7. Type mark: “________________________” Code: “___________

(WP/laser/IR/beacon) (actu

Laser to target line: “____________________________________

*8. Location of friendlies: “_________________________________

Position marked by: “____________________________________

 9. “Egress _______________________________________________

--------------------------------------------------------------

 Remarks (as appropriate): “__________________________________

(Threats, Hazards, Weather, Restrictions, Ordnance Delivery, Attack Heading, Da

Time on target: “TOT _______________________________________

 OR

Time to target: “Stand by ____________________ plus ____________

CAS Briefing Form (9-Line Briefing Fo
otaywg acat. t s 3,0005,000 etes ot

large area (1000 x 1000 m or >) from which a rotar

engages the target. In some instances, an informal a

nation area (ACA) may have to be established to all

wing aircraft to run-in closer (500–1500 meters) to th

Line 2. Heading. The heading is given in degrees ma

(or center of the BP) to the target. The Offset (left or r

the side of the IP to target line that aircrews can man

in the target area. Saying degrees magnetic after the 

necessary—degrees magnetic is understood.

Line 3. Distance. The distance from the IP/center of 

target. It is given in nautical miles to the nearest te

nautical miles) to fixed-wing aircraft and in meters 

hundred (e.g., 3200 meters) for rotary-wing aircraft. S

miles after the number is not necessary—nautical m

stood.

Line 4. Target elevation. The target elevation is given 

mean sea level. If the map contour interval is in feet, 

tion directly from the map. If the map contour is in m

it to feet.

Line 5. Target description. The target description con

ber, type of target, and degree of protection. It is a 

description of the target. It includes target activity 

tion that may assist its identification. For example, 4 

stationary. . . . Bunker complex. . . . Tank column in open

to south.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Close Air Support 193 CAS 

latitude and longitude. Any Marine Corps CAS aircra

UTM grid coordinate.

Line 7. Type mark. The type of mark used: e.g., WP (w

rus), RP (red phosphorus), laser (include 4-digit code

on the deck, HE, mirror flash. If no mark is availab

guided onto the target using available reference

streams, open areas, prominent terrain).

Line 8. Location of friendlies. Cardinal direction (nort

west) and distance (in meters) from the target to the n

position, which is frequently the forward air contro

Example: SW 1500.

Line 9. Egress. Instructions the aircraft will follow to 

area after engaging the target. It includes direction to 

target area and a control point to which the aircraft w

word “Egress” before giving egress instructions. Ex

east, then south to Georgia.

Remarks. If applicable, additional threats, hazards, 

attack heading, artillery gun target lines, etc., can be 

Time on target. Time on target (TOT) is the synchron

clock time when ordnance will hit the target. The

“HACK” for TOT. TOT is the preferred towing meth

Observatory (DSN 762-1401) or a global positioning 

can provide a common time reference. If neither is 

terminal controller can still execute a TOT mission b

ing time using a watch as a reference. It is passed to t

number of minutes past the hour (e.g., 1624 would b

municated as Time on target 24).
utes woud be passed as pus 00). edatey 

utes and seconds are passed, HACK is said. The p

stopwatch in the aircraft and prepares to put bombs o

the requested time. Example: Stand by for the time to 

to target 4 plus 00. . . . HACK.

Note: “HACK” indicates that all participants start t

Amplifying remarks. Anything else that is pertinent 

must also be passed to the pilot. If a further explanati

area will assist the pilot in locating the target, that 

passed after the TOT/TTT has been passed. There is 

this information. Communicate with the pilot using p
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix A A-1 Machine Gu

Machine Gun Employment

1. General Considerations.

a. Type of support.

(1) General support.

(2) Direct support.

(3) Attached.

b. Mission statement.

(1) Suppress.

(2) Neutralize.

(3) Destroy.

c. Offensive employment.

(1) Close support fires.

(2) Long-range fires.

(3) Flank protective fires.

(4) Fires in support of consolidation.

d. Defensive employment.

(1) Final protective lines (FPL).

(2) Principle direction of fire (PDF).
(2) Interlocking fires.

(3) Coordination of fires.

(4) Mutual support.

(5) Defilade.

(6) Enfilade.

(7) Protection.

2. Range Cards.

a. A range card is a rough terrain sketch that s

poses.

(1) Record of firing data.

(2) Document for defensive fire planning.

b. Two copies are prepared.

(1) One copy is passed up the chain of com

in the preparation of the unit’s fire plan s

(2) The other copy stays with the gun(s) t

potential turnover of a firing position t

team. 

c. Walking the FPL. 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix A A-3 Machine Gu

(2) Conduct to ascertain the extent of grazin

space (the latter must be noted on the r

covered by another weapon system).

(3) Follow the steps below when walking the 

l The gunner places himself behind th

sight on the limit of grazing fire (60

M240G and 1,000 meters for M2), an

on an aiming point 600 (or 700) meter

the FPL.

l The team leader walks the FPL usi

measured pace.

l When the team leader drops off into 

the gunner can no longer see him from 

down, the gunner signals “mark” eith

arm signals or by tugging on a line t

has in his hand. When the team lead

second tug or signal is given. When th

grazing fire, a signal is given and th

returns.

l The team leader records on his pace c

of paces he has covered to each point. 

ued until the team leader reaches the l

fire for the weapon.

l This information is then incorporated 

card (samples follow).

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix A A-5 Machine Gu

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix A A-7 Machine Gu

(1) Firing primary sector.

2) Firing secondary sector.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix B B-1 Wea

Weapons Handling 

Weapons handling procedures provide a consistent 

ized way for a Marine to safely and confidently loa

employ individual small arms during training and co

1. Safety Rules.

These rules apply to all weapons at all time and mus

lated.

Rule 1—Treat every weapon as if it were loaded.

Rule 2—Never point a weapon at anything you do 

shoot.

Rule 3—Keep finger straight and off the trigger 

ready to fire.

Rule 4—Keep weapon on SAFE until you intend t

2. Weapons Conditions Codes.

A weapon’s readiness and safety status is described 

conditions. The steps in the loading and unloading p

weapon through four specific conditions that indicat

readiness for live fire. Always clear a weapon before 

condition 4. Always clear a weapon if the firer is 

condition the weapon is in and after condition 1 prio

into any other condition. 
fired, the safety must be engaged.

Condition 2—Ammunition must be in positi

the weapon’s action must be closed, the 

be forward. (This condition only appli

that have single-action external hammers

Condition 3—Ammunition is in position to 

the chamber is empty, the action is close

on (off for M249s and M240Gs).

Condition 4—All ammunition is removed, 

empty, the action is closed, the safety 

M249s and M240Gs).

b. M9 9mm pistol condition codes.

Condition 1—The weapon is loaded and read

azine is inserted, round is in the chambe

is not cocked, the ambidextrous safety is 

Condition 2—Not applicable to the M9 pisto

Condition 3—The slide is forward on an em

ambidextrous safety is on with a full ma

in the weapon.

Condition 4—The magazine is removed, p

ammunition, slide is forward on an em

ambidextrous safety is on.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix B B-3 Wea

g

ber, bolt is forward, weapon is on SAFE.

Condition 2—Not applicable to the M16A2.

Condition 3—Bolt is forward on an empty ch

magazine is in, safety is on.

Condition 4—Magazine is out, bolt forward 

chamber, safety is on.

d. M249 squad automatic weapon (SAW) condi

Condition 1—Ammunition is in position on 

(or magazine is inserted), bolt is to the re

Condition 2—Not applicable to the M249.

Condition 3—Ammunition is in position on 

(or magazine is inserted), chamber is em

ward, safety is off.

Condition 4—Feed tray is clear of ammunitio

removed), chamber is empty, bolt is for

off.

3. Commands.

Unload Clear the weapon and p

weapon in condition 4

Load Place the weapon in co

Make ready Place the weapon in co

Fire Engage targets.
secod dvduapo

condition 4.

4. Unload Execution.

To execute unload, taking the weapon from conditi

tion 4 (belt-fed technique), perform the following ste

l Take the weapon off of SAFE.

l Pull the cocking handle to the rear.

l Put the weapon on SAFE.

l Open the feed tray cover.

l Remove all ammunition and belt links.

l Lift the feed tray and inspect the chamber to 

ammunition is present.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix C C-1 

Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical D

1. Warning.

The battalion’s primary means of control of unit nucl

and chemical (NBC) defense is the NBC Warning 

System. This system prescribes basic defensive pro

low during stated conditions and is based on progres

NBC alerts.

a. Condition white: all clear.

b. Condition yellow: attack imminent.

c. Condition red: actual attack.

2. NBC Markers.

a. Known contaminated areas are marked to ind

as shown in the following figure.

b. The written marker side is positioned to be r

entering the area.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix C C-3 

The NBC Warning and Reporting System includes 

downwind message and the required reports.

a. NBC 1, Observer’s Report (details of an atta

FLASH priority message.

BRAVO Position of observer.

CHARLIE Direction of attack from 

DELTA Date-time group of atta

ECHO Illumination time or le

FOXTROT Location of attack.

GOLF Means of delivery.

HOTEL Type of burst or agent/

JULIETT Flash to bang time.

KILO Crater diameter.

LIMO Nuke burst cloud angle 

utes after burst only).

MIKE Cloud top or bottom an

H + 10.

b. NBC 2, Evaluated Data Report.

ALFA Strike serial number.

DELTA Date-time of the attack

FOXTROT Location of attack.
NOVEMBER Estimated yield.

YANKEE Downwind direction o

ZULU Effective windspeed/do

tance of zone 1.

c. NBC 3, Immediate Warning of Expected Con

port.

ALFA Strike serial number.

DELTA Date-time of attack.

FOXTROT Location of attack.

HOTEL Type of burst or agent/

NOVEMBER Estimated yield.

ROMEO Area of expected conta

YANKEE Downwind direction o

ZULU Effective windspeed/do

tance of zone 1.

d. NBC 4, Monitoring and Survey Results Repo

QUEBEC Location of reading.

ROMEO Dose rate.

SIERRA Date-time of reading.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix C C-5 

ALFA Strike serial number.

DELTA Date-time group of det

HOTEL Type of burst.

SIERRA Date-time of reading.

TANGO H + 1 date-time.

UNIFORM 1,000RAD/HR contou

4. Chemical Agent Characteristics.

Nerve Blister Blo

Dissemination

Aerosol or vapor Liquid droplets Liquid droplets Vapor (g

Detection Automatic chemical 

agent alarm; chemical 

agent detector kit.

Chemical agent 

detector paper.

Chemical agent 

detector paper.

Automati

chemical 

alarm; ch

cal agen

tor kit.

Symptoms Difficult breathing, drooling, nausea, vomiting, 

convulsions, and sometimes dim vision.

Nitrogen mustard, 

no early symptoms; lewisite, 

searing of eyes, 

stinging of skin; 

phosgene oxime, 

irritation of eyes 

and nose.

Convulsi

and com

Effects Incapacitates; kills if 

high concentration is 

inhaled.

Incapacitates; kills if 

contaminated skin is 

not decontaminated 

rapidly.

Blisters skin; 

destroys respiratory tract; can 

cause temporary 

blindness. Some 

agents sting and 

form whelps on 

skin.

Incapacit

kills if hig

centratio

inhaled.
5. MOPP Levels Before Chemical Attack.

6. Selective Unmasking Procedure.

a. Select and disarm two or three Marines to tes

Rate of action Very rapid by inhalation; slow through 

skin.

Delayed through skin; 

more rapid through 

eyes.

Blistering delayed 

hours to days; eye 

effects more rapid. 

Mustard, lewisite, 

and phosgene 

oxime very rapid.

Rapid. 

First aid Give nerve agent antidote injection. Artificial 

respiration may be necessary.

None. Artificial 

ration ma

necessar

Decontamination

None. Flush eyes with 

water; decontaminate skin with M258 

kit.

Flush eyes with 

water; decontaminate skin with 

M258 kit or wash 

with soap and 

water.

None. 

Protection Protective mask; protective clothing. Protective mask; 

protective clothing.

Protectiv

mask.

MOPP 

Level

Over-Garment Over-Boots Mask with 

Hood

1 Worn open or 

closed based on 

temperature

Carried Carried 

2 Same as MOPP-1 Worn Carried 

3 Same as MOPP-1 Worn Worn hood open 

or closed based 

on temperature

4 Worn closed Worn Worn hood 

closed
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix C C-7 

c. Remask, clear and check the mask.

d. Wait in the shade for 10 minutes and chec

symptoms.

e. Break seal and take two or three breaths.

f. Remask, clear and check mask.

g Wait in the shade for 10 minutes and chec

symptoms.

h. Unmask in the shade for 5 minutes.

i. Remask for 10 minutes.

j. Check Marines for symptoms.

k. If no symptoms have appeared, have all Mari
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-1 Comm an

Communications and Information Sy

1. General Rules for Radio Use.

a. Listen before transmitting.

b. Avoid excessive tuning and testing.

c. Ensure message is clear, concise, premeditate

sible, previously written.

d. Speak clearly, slowly, in natural phrases, and 

word. If the receiving operator must write, a

time for writing.

e. Assume the enemy is always listening.

f. Notify higher headquarters using an alternate 

munications if jamming occurs. After jammin

meaconing, intrusion, jamming, interference 

g. Maintain whip antennas in a vertical position

h. Ensure the vehicle-mounted radio is turned o

ing the vehicle.

i. Communicate directly with other leaders on 

sible) if the unit is in contact with the enem

municate directly with other leaders wh

clarification or explaining a situation.
include overall handling time from the poi

delivery to the addressees at the point of dest

b. When taking and delivering messages via voic

tions, the use of “yellow canary” message 

speed and accuracy.

3. Field Expedient Antennas.

a. Operators use field expedient antennas to—

l Replace a damaged antenna.

l Increase the distance of their radio’s signa

l Concentrate the radio’s signal in a particu

b. The most common element used to construct 

ent antenna is WD-1 communications wire, b

rials can be used (e.g., barbed wire, met

springs, metal posts, metal windows, other ty

cal wire). 

Precedence Category Time Standa

Flash Not fixed. Handled as fast a

possible; objective is less th

utes.

Immediate 10 minutes to 1 hour.

Priority 1 to 6 hours.

Routine 3 hours to start of business 

day.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-3 Comm an

table:

d. Wire length can also be computed using the q

antenna length chart on page D-4 and D-5.

e. When measuring wire for the antenna, the le

to be approximated. If a tape measure or some 

ing device is not available, cut the wire 6 to 

the length derived from the formula. This will 

plete half wave or full wave.

f. Some field expedient antennas are constructed 

lowing insulators:

Calculate Wire Lengths in Feet

Wavelength Formula

Quarter wave length 225.5 = 5.03 feet or 5 feet 3

44.80 MHz

Half wave length 451 = 7.86 feet or 7 feet 

57.35 MHz

Full wave length 902 = 13.7 feet or 13 feet 

65.85 MHz

Best Good Last Choice

Plastic Wood Cloth/rope

MRE spoon Stick 550 cord

MRE pouch Tree bark Rags
.

HF VHF

Operating 

Frequency

in MHz 1/2 Wave 1 Wave

Operating 

Frequency 

in MHz 1/2 Wave 

2 225' 6" 451' 30 15' 3/8" 

3 150' 4" 300' 8" 32 14' 1-1/8

4 112' 9" 225' 6" 34 13' 3-1/8

5 90' 2-3/8" 180' 4-3/4" 36 12' 6-3/8

6 75' 2" 150' 4" 38 11' 10-3/

7 64' 5" 128' 10-1/3" 40 11' 3-3/8

8 56' 4-1/2" 112' 9" 42 10' 7-7/8

9 50' 1-3/8" 100' 2-2/3" 44 10' 3" 

10 45' 1-1/4" 90' 2-3/8" 46 9' 9-5/8" 

11 41' 82' 48 9' 4-3/4" 

12 37' 7" 75' 2" 50 9' 1/4" 

13 34' 8-1/4" 69' 4-1/2" 52 8' 8" 

14 32' 2-1/2" 64' 5-1/8" 54 8' 4-1/4" 

15 30' 7/8" 60' 1-7/8" 56 8' 5/8" 

16 28' 2-1/4" 56' 4-1/2" 58 7' 9-3/8" 

17 26' 6-3/8" 53' 3/4" 60 7' 6-1/4" 

18 25' 3/4" 50' 1-1/3" 62 7' 3-1/4" 

19 23' 8-7/8" 47' 5-5/8" 64 7' 5/8" 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-5 Comm an

4. Sloping Wire Antenna.

a. Cut a wire to the required length (see the q

antenna length chart above or use the antenna 

on page D-3).

b. Attach insulator to one end of the wire. Attac

of the wire to the antenna connector on the ra

c. Tie a rope to the insulator end. Throw the ro

limb. See figure on page D-6.

d. Pull the rope up. Make sure there is enough s

slope. Take the radio and move in the directio

sion.

20 22' 6-5/8" 45' 1-1/4" 66 6' 10" 

21 21' 5-3/4" 42' 11-3/8" 68 6' 7-5/8" 

22 20' 6" 41' 70 6' 5-1/4" 

23 19' 7-3/8" 39' 2-2/3" 72 6' 3-1/8" 

24 18' 9-1/2" 37' 7" 74 6' 1-1/8" 

25 18' 1/2" 38' 1" 76 5' 11-1/8

26 17' 4-1/4" 34' 8-1/4" 78 5' 9-3/8" 

27 16' 8-3/8" 33' 4-7/8" 80 5' 7-2/3" 

28 16' 1-1/3" 32' 2-1/2" 82 5' 6" 

29 15' 6-5/8" 31' 1-1/4" 84 5' 4-3/8" 

30 15' 3/8" 30' 7/8" 86 5' 2-7/8" 
5. Verticle Half Rhombic Antenna.

a. Take four wave lengths of field wire (WD-1/T

ple of two wave lengths of the operating freq

quick reference antenna length chart on pages 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-7 Comm an

other side of the insulator and stake it down 

stake. Support the center of the wire with a m

or whatever is handy (20-30 feet high).

c. Keep the directional line straight. Extend the 

until it is tight. Attach the WD-1.

d. Enhance communications if material and time 

(1) Run a length of WD-1 from the ground 

the wire under the antenna about a foot h

other end of the wire to the handle of 

(This improves the signal. This constru

counterpoise.)

(2) Wire a 600 ohm, 1 or 2 watt carbon resi

insulator at the far end; this improves the 

in that direction. (The antenna is bidirec

the resistor and unidirectional with the re
is especially good for use in heavily wooded areas.

a. Compute (or use the quick reference antenna 

pages D-4 and D-5) and cut the four wires 

wave. Build a triangle for the bottom of the R

sible, find sticks about as long as the element

b. Connect the WD-1, or coaxial lead-in, as sho

gram below, before pulling the antenna up in 

c. Use five insulators, one at each end to separat

Attach an insulator to the vertical element, 

rope, tie on a weight, and throw the rope ov

(The antenna can then be raised and lowered 

ment lengths each time the frequency is chan

d. Add a rope from the bottom of the head of 

ground below if you expect strong winds. 

swaying and a signal that fades in and out.)

NOTE: Some types of soil absorb radio signals and r

inate radio signal output from tactical radios. To 

this problem, employ a counterpoise or fake groun

keeps the signal from being absorbed into the gr

radio. To construct a counterpoise for the vertical ha

a length of communications wire equal to the dist

radio to the end of the antenna. Strip the ends of the 

nect one end to the chassis of the radio (i.e., the bat

and connect the other end to the stake holding the an

If using a resistor, connect the counterpoise to the e

tor that is not connected to the antenna.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-9 Comm an
8. Communications Security.

a. General Considerations.

(1) Communication security is the means 

Marines employ to prevent unauthorized 

gaining military information from Marin

munications networks.

Radio Net 

Equipment Units/Individuals o

Platoon Tac (VHF) PRC-68 Platoon commander, squad leaders, a

Company Tac (VHF) PRC-77, PRC-119 Company commander, platoon comm

tars, attachments

Battalion Tac 1 (VHF) PRC-77, PRC-119, 

MRC-110

Battalion combat operations center, c

battalion mortars, heavy weapons, att

Battalion Tac 2 (VHF) PRC-77. PRC-119, 

MRC-110

Battalion combat operations center, c

battalion mortars, heavy weapons, att

Battalion Mortars 

(VHF)

PRC-77, PRC-119, 

MRC-110

Battalion mortars, battalion combat op

forward observers, (81 COF) attachm

Artillery COF (VHF) PRC-77, PRC-119, 

MRC-110

Artillery fire direction center, battalion 

center, artillery forward observers

TAR/HR (HF) PRC-104, MRC-138 DASC, battalion combat operations ce

trollers

TAD/HD (UHF) PRC-113, VRC-83 Aircraft, battalion combat operations c

trollers

TACP/Local VHF PRC-77, PRC-119 Battalion combat operations center, fo

NGF Ground Spt 

(HF)

PRC-104, MRC-138 Supporting ships, battalion combat op

team

SFCP/Local (VHF) PRC-77, PRC-119 Battalion combat operations center, s
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-11 Comm an

by the information’s impact on national s

(3) Classified material contains information 

given a security classification.

(4) Communications security applies to docu

ten information regardless of its form or 

b. Requirements for Handling Classified Inform

(1) Clearance. An administrative determ

Marine’s eligibility to handle classified 

specific classification or category.

(2) Need to know. Material a Marine must 

perform his/her duties.

(3) Access. Authorization to gain possession 

of classified material.

c. Security Components.

(1) Emission security measures are taken to 

rized persons information of value that m

from intercepts and analysis, thereby 

transmissions from cryptographic equip

communications systems.

(2) Transmission security measures are desig

transmissions from unauthorized int

exploitation by traffic analysis, imitative 

direction finding.

(3) Cryptographic security deals with the 

technically sound cryptographic systems 
(4) Physical security is concerned with all 

sures necessary to prevent unauthoriz

equipment, facilities, material, informat

ments and to safeguard them from espion

loss, damage, and theft.

d. Classifications.

(1) Top secret is the most important categor

the highest degree of protection. If co

could cause exceptional damage to nation

(2) Secret material requires a substantial de

tion. If compromised it could cause seri

national security.

(3) Confidential material requires a substan

protection. If compromised it could cau

damage to national security.

(4) Unclassified material contains no class

tion.

9. SINGARS Radio Information.

a. General Considerations.

(1) Single-channel ground airborne radio s

GARS) integrated communications sec

radios provide short-range voice and dat

tions.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-13 Comm an

(3) Cryptographic equipment has been inte

into the radio.

b. Characteristics.

(1) Frequency modulated (FM).

(2) Frequency range is 30.00 MHz to 87.975 

(3) Channel spacing is 25 kHz.

(4) Channels of operation: 2,320.

(5) Frequency offset ability is +/- 5 and 10 k

(6) Number of preset channels are—

l Eight in single-channel mode.

l Six in the frequency hopping mode.

(7) Emissions include voice, secure voice, an

(8) Power requirement is 13.5 VDC.

(9) Radio frequency power output is—

l Low (LO): 500 microwatts.

l Medium (M): 160 milliwatts.

l High (HI): 4 watts.
l Medium (M): 330 yards to 2.5 miles.

l High (HI): 2.5 miles to 5 miles.

(11) Modes of operation are—

l Single channel (SC).

l Frequency hopping (FH).

l Frequency hopping master (FH-M).

l Retransmission SC to SC, SC to FH, F

tronic remote fill relay.

l Remote in either plain or cipher text w

39; control-monitor; or control, recei

C-11561(C)/U.

(12)Tuning is electronic. Frequency is entere

using the keyboard. Up to eight SC chann

channels can be loaded and later selected 

switch.

(13)Electronic counter countermeasure cap

ability to overcome or avoid jamming. 

capable of frequency hopping (randomly 

quencies while maintaining communic

systems will frequency hop at a rate of u

quencies per minute.

c. Components. See diagram on page D-15.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix D D-15 Comm an
(2) Battery box: CY-8523A.

(3) Antenna: AS-3683A or AS-4266.

(4) Handset: H-250.

(5) Pack frame: LC-2.

d. Batteries.

(1) Power BA-5590 or BB-590 batteries su

power source to the radio.

(2) Holdup batteries BA-1372 or BA-5372 

ory batteries for the radio set.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix E E-1 Landing Zone B

Landing Zone Brief and Marking

1. Landing Zone Brief.

1. MISSION NO. ___________________

2. LOCATION: COOR/RAD/DME ___________________

3. UNIT CALL SIGN ___________________

4. FREQUENCY PRI UHF _____________

SEC UHF _____________

FM

FM

5. LZ MARKING ___________________

6. WIND DIRECTION/VELOCITY _________/_________

7. ELEVATION/SIZE/SHAPE ______/______/______

8. OBSTACLES ___________________

9. FRIENDLY POSITIONS:

DIRECTION/DISTANCE _________/_________

10. ENEMY POSITIONS:

DIRECTION/DISTANCE _________/_________

11. LAST FIRE RECEIVED:

TIME/TYPE _________/_________

12. DIRECTION OF FIRE/DISTANCE _________/_________

13. CLEARANCE TO FIRE:

DIRECTION/DISTANCE _________/_________

14. APPROACH/RETIREMENT

(RECOMMENDED) _________/_________

15. PERSONNEL/EQUIPMENT _________/_________

16. OTHER

 a. FORMATION

 b. _____________

_____________________

_____________________

___
prior to landing.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix E E-3 Landing Zone B
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix F F-1 Sample Fire 

Sample Fire Plan Sketches

1. Squad Fire Plan Sketch.

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix F F-3 Sample Fire 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix G G-1 Roadblocks 

Roadblocks and Searches

1. Types of Roadblocks.

a. Planned. A planned roadblock is a permanen

manent roadblock used on borders, outskirts 

the edge of controlled areas. They are valuab

identifications and as a deterrent. See page G-

ple of a planned roadblock. 

b. Hasty. A hasty roadblock is a temporary road

spot checks. Its main value is the element of su

most effective within the first half an hour of 

tion—before word on its presence spreads th

population. It can consist of two vehicles pla

across a road, or a coil of barbed wire, or jus

See page G-3 for an example of a hasty roadb

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix G G-3 Roadblocks 
nel manning roadblocks should—

l Know and understand the rules of engage

l Know their jobs thoroughly and act qu

thodically.

l Be polite and considerate at all times.

l Hand over suspects to civil police quickly 

imum disturbance.

b. The following considerations may apply whe

executing roadblocks:

(1) Concealment. Tactically site the roadb

cannot be seen more than a short distanc

bends or dips in the road are ideal.)

(2) Security. Plan for enough troops to pro

block. Plan for enough sentries and cove

vehicles well short of the main search ar

the effect of vehicle bombs.

(3) Construction and layout. See sample lay

and hasty roadblocks on page G-2 a

respectively.

(4) Manning. Determine the number of troop

threat and the expected column of traf

personnel (i.e., civil police, female searc

ers, and explosive ordnance experts) may 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix G G-5 Roadblocks 

(6) Communications. Establish essential exte

nal communications.

(7) Rule of engagement. Ensure Marines m

blocks are aware of their legal powers a

regard to search, arrest, and use of force.

3. Personal Searches.

a. The person being searched should be made to 

apart in a leaning position, placing hand ag

vehicles. This position would prohibit mov

falling down but would allow them to be kno

ily.

b. The searcher should always work from behind 

being searched.

c. Two searchers should be employed, one t

search and the other to cover.

4. Type of Searches.

a. A quick body search or frisk is used as a prel

to detect weapons that might be used against 

as the usual form of search in a low threat ar

10 people may be selected for a more thoroug

b. A detailed body search is used as a more metic

search of the entire person to check for weap

band. The search should follow a logical sequ

to toe, as is often done at airports. Clothing 

patted; use a stroking movement instead. Bot
l The hair (in or under hats).

l Armpits.

l Inside legs.

l Half-clenched hands.

l Any medical dressings.

l Any carried bags or cases.

l Walking sticks, umbrellas, and crutches.

l Shoes/boots.

5. Vehicle Searches.

Refer to the Vehicle Search Card when conducting se

a. Occupants. Remove occupants from vehicl

drivers and passengers. Also, search any loo

the passenger area.

b. Car trunk. Direct the driver to open and ide

Search—

l Under and around the spare tire.

l Tool boxes.

l Luggage.

l Partition between trunk and rear seat.

l Spare tire housing if it is under the vehicl

l Spare tire (use tool kits to test the air in th
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix G G-7 Roadblocks 
l All containers.

l Oil and air filters.

l Behind sound proofing.

l Front grill.

l Heater.

d. Car interior. Be suspicious of strong sme

Check methodically from front to rear. Searc

l Behind the dash.

l Fittings such as radio/cassette player.

l The glove compartment.

l Behind panels; check screws.

l Under the floor mats.

l In, under, and behind seats and cushions.

l Window tracks by rolling them down.

l Toys and decorative animals.

l Ashtrays.

e. Car exterior. Search—

l Wheel wells.

l Behind bumpers.

l Headlights.

l Hubcaps.

l Underside.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix G G-9 Roadblocks 

performed on commercial vehicles:

l Drivers’s cab.

l Space between body and cab.

l External stowage area/bins.

l Wooden bodies, false doors, and sides.

l Space between rear double wheels.

l Wheel chocks that can be hollowed out.

Remember to—

l Include vehicle search information in the bri

ting up roadblocks and conducting p

searches.

l Always have someone covering the searc

those being searched.

l Make the vehicle occupant(s) open all doors 

partments.

l Use explosive detectors or dogs in searches

ble.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix H H-1 

Enemy Prisoners of War

1. General. 

a. Enemy prisoners of war EPW(s) are a good s

mation.

b. EPWs must be handled per international la

losing a chance to gain intelligence.

2. Handling EPWs.

a. Search EPWs as soon as they are captured. 

(1) Take their weapons and papers, except 

papers.

(2) Give them a written receipt for any per

and documents taken.

(3) Tag EPWs’ documents and personal prop

(4) Have one man guard while another searc

(5) Re-search any EPWs that are relocated. 

b. Segregate EPWs into groups: officers, non

officers, enlisted men, civilians, males, fema

cal figures. Segregation helps prevent EPW 

organizing, giving support, and promoting 

Keep groups segregated as they move to the r
keeps them from planning an escape, fr

each other on security, and from inventin

ing stories that could result in lost intellig

nities.

(2) Report anything an EPW says to you or 

another EPW to the S-2.

d. Speed EPWs to the rear. Platoons turn EPW

company. Use guards to move EPWs to the rea

ing by the S-2.

e. Safeguard EPWs when moving them to the r

(1) Make sure they arrive safely.

(2) Watch out for escape attempts.

(3) Ensure that they do not bunch up, spread 

start diversions (e.g., fist fights). These c

for escape.

(4) Ensure that no one abuses them.

f. Tag EPWs and their possessions using an Ene

War (EPW) Capture Tag (DA Form 5976). Se

on pages H-4 and H-5.

(1) Tag the EPW before evacuation to the E

point.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix H H-3 

and the item should be separated from hi

of DA Form 5967.) 

(3) Evacuate all documents found on an E

EPW.
5 RANK 6 SERVICE NO

7 UNIT OF EPW 8 CAPTURING UNIT

9 LOCATION OF CAPTURE (Grid coordinates)

10 CIRCUMSTANCES OF

CAPTURE

11 PHYSICAL CONDITION 

OF EPW

12 WEAPO

MENT, DO

1 DATE AND TIME OF CAPTURE 2 SERIAL NO

3 NAME 4 DATE O

5 RANK 6 SERVICE NO

7 UNIT OF EPW 8 CAPTURING UNIT

9 LOCATION OF CAPTURE (Grid coordinates)

10 CIRCUMSTANCES OF

CAPTURE

11 PHYSICAL CONDITION 

OF EPW

12 WEAPO

MENT, DO

1 DATE AND TIME OF CAPTURE 2 SERIAL NO

3 NAME 4 DATE O

5 RANK 6 SERVICE NO

7 UNIT OF EPW 8 CAPTURING UNIT

9 LOCATION OF CAPTURE (Grid coordinates)

10 DESCRIPTION OF WEAPONS, SPECIAL EQUIPMENT, DOCUMENTS

FRONT

XXX

XXX

Enemy Prisoner of War Capture Ta
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix H H-5 

Attach this part of tag to EPW. (Do not remove from E

1 Search – For weapons, military documents, or special equip

2 Silence – Prohibit talking among EPWs for ease of control

3 Segregate – By rank, sex, and nationality

4 Safeguard – To prevent harm or escape

5 Speed – Evacuate from the combat zone

6 Tag – Prisoners and documents or special equipment

DA Form 5976, JAN 91

UNIT RECORD CARD (Part B)

Forward to Unit

(Capturing unit retains for records.)

Use string, wire, or other durable material to attach the appropriate se

 form to the EPW’s equipment or property

DA Form 5976, JAN 91

DOCUMENT/SPECIAL EQUIPMENT/WEAPONS CARD (P

Attach this part of tag to EPW’s retained property. (Do not remove from 

As a minimum, the tag must include the following information:

— Item 1, date and time of capture.

— Item 8, capturing unit.

— Item 9, place of capture (grid coordinates).

— Item 10, circumstances of capture (how the EPW was captured).

DA Form 5976, JAN 91

BACK
checking all pockets and areas where the EP

ceal weapons or documents. Done only whe

mount.

b. A detailed search is similar to a hasty searc

detail. Search EPWs thoroughly, checking fo

ets on the inside of the uniform, belts, and bo

c. A strip search is the most preferred search. Str

clothing to ensure there are no hidden weapon

or documents. Check all clothing for hidden 

Remember to return the EPW’s protective ge

Note: For female EPWs, care must be taken to ensu

with international law. Females search females. If n

able, the order of precedence for searchers is med

members of the clergy, and if none of the aforementio

able, the senior officer on site.

4. Procedures for Handling and Searching EPWs

a. Search EPWs located within an enclosed spac

hasty search. 

b. Cover all EPWs (continue to cover immediate 

c. Sweep visible weapons away from all the occu

closure.

d. Check suspected dead.

e. Flex cuff all EPWs.

f. Conduct hasty search of the dead for weapon

g. Conduct hasty search of the living prisoners.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix H H-7 

i. Detail search the dead and leave in place.

j. Mark dead once they have been searched.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix I I-1 Patro

Patrol Coordination

1. Patrol Leader.

The patrol leader ensures that the listed issues are a

coordinating with the following:

S-2.

l Current enemy situation.

l Terrain and vegetation.

l Weather and light data.

l Previous patrol reports.

l Aerial photos and imagery.

l Photos or information on enemy uniforms and 

l Priority intelligence requirements and inform

ments (information to be collected).

l Debrief (who, where, when).

l Special equipment.

l Sniper attachments.

S-3.

l Submission of route overlay.

l Current friendly situation.

l Departure/reentry of friendly lines—
n Emergency signals.

l Adjacent patrols.

l Restrictions (illumination, smoke, riot contro

technic).

l Required reports and reporting occasions.

l Location and time of rehearsal.

l Location and time of test firing of weapons.

Fire support coordinator.

l Fire support means available.

l Ammunition types and fuzes available.

l Priority of fires.

l Priority targets.

l Control measures (coordinated fire line and bo

l Frequencies and call signs.

l Submission of fire support overlay.

S-4 (or company gunnery sergeant).

l Equipment requests.

l Time and location to draw.

l Ammunition and pyrotechnic requests.

l Transportation.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix I I-3 Patro

l Aircraft availability.

l Frequencies and call signs.

Communications officer.

l Frequency, call signs, and times when they ch

l Reporting instructions.

Weapons platoon commander.

l Attachments.

l Debrief.

l Fire support assets (60mm mortars).

Adjacent patrols.

l Identity of patrol leader.

l Identity of unit.

l Size of patrol.

l Time of departure/time of return.

l Enemy action.

l Routes (primary/alternate).

l Mission.

l Frequencies and call signs.

l Challenge and password.
with forward unit commanders in areas where the pa

ate or pass.

Information provided.

l Identity of the patrol leader.

l Identity of the unit.

l Size of patrol (at time of departure and time o

l Mission of patrol.

l Time of departure and time of return.

l General area of operation.

l Patrol frequencies and call signs.

Information collected.

l Terrain and vegetation.

l Enemy situation.

l Friendly positions.

l Barrier plan.

l Fire support plan.

l Units’ frequencies and call signs.

l Challenge and password.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix I I-5 Patro

l Location of initial rally point and return rally p

l Location of point of departure and point o

friendly lines.

l Departure/reentry procedures.

l Frequencies and call signs.

l Emergency signals/plans.

l Passage of information to relief.

Support requested.

l Guide through lines.

l Fire support.

l Reaction force.

l Litter team.

l Navigational aids.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix J J-1 Example P

Patrol leader: Sgt Smith Map sheet: 

Unit: 1st Sqd, 2nd Plt, I 3/2 Scale: 

Date of patrol: 7 May 1984 TOD: 

TOR: 

Patrol frequencies: Code words:

Primary: 33.60 Switching to alternate freque

Alternate: 45.70 Switching to alternate route

Call sign: N4A

Emergency signal: _____________

Primary route

POD: 754 283

CP5: 757 287

CP4: 758 291

FPP/OPR: 760 295

OBJ: 760 296

CP9: 753 293

CP2: 754 288

POR: 752 282

Alternate route

POD: 754 283

FPP/OPR: 760 295

CP7: 756 292

CP6 751 287

POR: 752 282

Primary route

Alternate route

Target List

Number Location Description 

Checkpoint AB1001 756 290 Road junction 

AB1002 760 297 Road (objective

AB1003 763 297 Road junction 

AB1004 758 297 Road junction 

AB1005 752 293 Hill top 

#

MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix K K-1 

Close Air Support Aircraft Capabil

and Munitions

Aircraft Capabilities

Aircraft Ordnance Types

Maximum 

Load Gun Typ

AV-8B All conventional unguided, 

Maverick

8,000 lbs 25mm, 

399 round

F/A-18 All conventional unguided, 

Maverick, Walleye

13,500 lbs 20mm, 

580 round

AH-1W Rockets, TOW, Hellfire 2,000 lbs 20mm, 

750 round

A-10 All conventional unguided, 

Maverick

5,100 lbs 30mm, 

1174 round

F-14 General purpose (MK 80s) 

and cluster munitions

8,000 lbs 20mm, 

515 round

F-15 All conventional unguided, 

Maverick, Walleye

6,000 lbs 20mm, 

512 round

F-16 All conventional unguided, 

Maverick, Walleye

6,000 lbs 20mm, 

515 round

1. CAS times on station (TOS) reflect 30 minute transit to/from target a
Conventional Guided Munitions

1. All MK 80 series general-purpose bombs may be fitted with 

l High-drag fin or drogue shoot assembly allowing for 

2,000 feet) delivery.

l Laser-guided bomb kit allowing for point target capab

bomb.

2. All laser-guided weapons require target designation for emp

Munition 

p

MK 82 500 lb bomb Bunkers, vehicles, troop

MK 83 1,000 lb bomb Bunkers, vehicles, troop

MK 84 2,000 lb bomb Bunkers, vehicles, troop

MK 20 Rockeye DPICM w/ 247 bomblets Troops, tanks, POL site

CBU 59 APAM DPICM w/ 717 bomblets Troops, med tanks, POL 

tion

CBU 72 FAE Fuel air explosive Troops, POL site, bldgs

MK 77 napalm Firebomb Troops, POL site, vehic

Rockets 2.75"/

5.00"

Pod-launched area fire 

weapon

Troops, vehicles, POL s

Munitions Description Suitab

AGM-65 Maverick Infrared or laser-guided missile Any point targe

Walleye Optically-tracked 2,000 lb. bomb Reinforced bun

BGM 71 TOW Wire-guided antiarmorer missile Armor, APCs a

AGM 114 Hellfire Laser-guided antiarmor missile Any tank, any 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix L L-1 Weapo

Weapons Capabilities

Weapons

Maximum 

Effective 

Range

(meters) Ammunition

Rates of Fire

Rounds Per Minute Effective 

Casualty 

Rapid Sustained Radius 

Hand grenades 

fragmentation

M67

40 HE N/A N/A 15m 

White

phosphorus

M34

30 WP N/A N/A 35m 

Riot control

M7A2

40 CS N/A N/A 25m 

Riot control

M25A2

50 CS N/A N/A 5m 

Incendiary 

AN-M14

N/A Thermite N/A N/A Will burn 

through 1/2 in

of steel

Illumination

MK1

40 Illumination N/A N/A Illuminates 

200m

Smoke colored 

M18

35 Yellow, red, green N/A N/A N/A 

Pistol 9mm 50 Ball N/A N/A N/A

Rifle 5.56

M16A2

550 Ball, tracer 12-15 N/A 

Grenade

launcher

40mm M203

150 point 

target

350 area target

HE, WC, WSP, 

HEDP, CS

multiprojectile, HE 

bounding

Maximum 

effective 

7-9 rounds 

per minute

5m 

Squad automatic 

weapon 5.56 

M249

1,000 Ball and tracer 

4+1 link

200 85 N/A 

Machine gun

 7.62 M60E3

1,000 Ball and tracer 

4+1 link

200 100 N/A 

Machine gun 7.62 

M240G

1,800 Ball and tracer 

4+1 link

200 100 N/A 

Machine gun .50 

HB M2

1,830 HEDP 40+ 40 rounds 

or fewer

2 inches of 

steel at 90 

degrees
() p

MK-19 40mm 1,500 HEDP

TP

60 40 15m

2 in. steel

Assault rocket 

launcher

83mm ARL

SMAW

400 area

250 point

HEDP

500 HEAA

HEDP HEAA, 

practice, 9mm 

tracer

N/A N/A 7 1/2 ft.

 reinforced 

sandbags 

8 in. concret

 12 in. brick 

1 in. armor

Mortar

60mm M224

M720 HE 

3,500

M772 WP 

3,500

M721 ILLUM

3,200

HE, WP, ILLUM 30 rounds 

per minute

20 HE - 27.5m

WP 10m

 ILLUM- 500m 

radius 40 se

onds

Mortar 81mm

M252

M889 HE 

5,700

M375 WP 

4,500 

M853A1 

ILLUM

5,100

HE, WP, RP, 

ILLUM

IR ILLUM

30 rounds 

per 

minute/

2 minutes

15 HE–35

WP–15 

ILLUM-500m 

60 seconds

IR ILLUM

74 seconds

Howitzer 155mm 

M198 (towed)

14,700

chg 7

18,100

chg 7

Red

30,000 RAP

HE, ILLUM, WP, 

SMK, ICM, 

ADAM, RAAM, 

HD, GB, VX, 

CLGP

Fuzes: 

Q,D,Ti,VT,CP

4 2 50m 

5"/54 21,887 HC, ILLUM, HE, 

WP

Fuzes: PD, MT, 

VT, CVT,

Delay

20 16 45m 

AT-4

 

300 HEAT N/A N/A In excess o

17 in. of stee

Dragon M47 1,000 HEAT N/A N/A 24 in. of stee

TOW M220 3,750 HEAT N/A N/A In excess o

25 in. of stee
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix L L-3 Weapo

Weapons

g

(meters) AmmunitionRapid Sustained

y 

Radius 

LAV 25mm 2,000 HE-I, APDS

target practice

200 100 Will penetrat

a BMP at 

2,200m

Tank 120mm 2,200 HEAT, HEP, 

APDS, WP, 

APERS

Crew dependent HEAT/APDS

is effective 

against all 

types of armo

at 2,200m
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix M M-1 Commo

Common Threat Weapon Character

Weapon Range Guidance 

Antiaircraft Weapons

ZSU-23-4 2,500m

3,000m

Optical track

Radar track

Cyclic r

rounds 

SA-6 24 km Radar Tracked 

SA-7 3.5 km IR heat seeker Man po

SA-8 10 km Radar Wheele

SA-9 8 km IR heat seeker BRDM v

SA-14 4.5 km IR heat seeker Man po

SA-16 5.2 km IR heat seeker Man po

S-60 57mm Antiair 6 km Radar tracked towed 4.2 km 

Small Arms

AK-47, 7.62mm 400m Asia, M

China, 

North K

AK-74, 7.62mm 400m

RPK-74, Light MG,

5.45mm

800m

FN, 7.62mm FAL Rifle 650m

65, 7.62mm H&K Rifle 800m

RPD, 7.62mm light MG 800m China, V

Korea, 

RPK-74, 5.45mm 800m

SVD, 7.62mm Sniper 

Rifle

900m
AGS-17, 30mm Auto

Grenade Launcher

1,730m

SG43/SGM Goryunov, 

7.62mm Medium MG

1,000m Middle 

KYPT, 14.5mm, HMG 2,000m

NSV, 12.7mm HMG 2,000m

KPV, 14.5mm MG 2,000m Mounted on BTR-60/

70/80, BRDM-2

M37, 82mm Mortar 3,000m

M43, 120mm Mortar 5,700m

Rocket-Propelled Grenade (RPG)

RPG-7, Rocket 300-

500m

RPG-16, Rocket 500-

800m

RPG-18, Rocket 200m

RPG-22, Rocket 250m

Antitank-Guided Missiles (ATGM)

Malyutka (AT-3) 3,000m

Fagot (AT-4) 2,500m

Konkurs (AT-5) 4,000m

Shturm (AT-6) 5,000m

Metis (AT-7) 1,000m

Kobra (AT-8) 4,000m

Ataka (AT-9) 6,000m

Basnya (AT-10) 4,000m

Svir (AT-11) 5,000m

Metis (AT-13) 1,500m
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix M M-3 Commo

p

ZSU 23, 23mm Cannon 2,500m

125mm, Main Gun

T-64, T-72, T-80

2,000–

2,500m

30mm Cannon BMP 1,800–

2,000m

Artillery

D-30 122m Howitzer 15,400m

152mm SP Gun, 2S5 28-33km
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix N N-1 Antiterrori

Antiterrorism Procedures

1. Personal Protective Measures.

a. Obey security orders.

b. Know your interior guard routines.

c. Be inquisitive.

d. Remain aware of your surroundings.

e. Keep alert.

2. Personal Routines.

a. Avoid wearing uniform if possible.

b. Avoid calling each other by rank while in civ

c. Vary patronage of eating/socializing establish

d. Vary fitness routines and routes.

e. Keep a low profile—do not flash large sums o

f. Avoid taking liberty alone (use the buddy pla

g. Avoid unsafe areas (keep to well-populated d

h. Check up and down streets for suspicious cars 

before departing.

3. Transportation.

a. Vary mode of transport if possible.

b. Always lock the car, even in a locked garage.

c. Vary times and stops if using bus, train, or su
f. Use unmarked vehicles if possible.

g. Never pick up hitchhikers.

h. Avoid isolated or back streets and roads.

4. Mail and Parcels.

Be aware of the following letter and parcel bomb ind

l Is the postmark or sender unknown?

l Is the handwriting of foreign style?

l Is the balance of the package unusual?

l Is the letter too heavy for its size?

l Are there protruding wires?

l Does it have grease stains or an unusual smell

l Does it contain more postage stamps than nec

If any of the above indicators are encountered, do not 

explosive ordnance disposal expert. 
MCRP 3-11.4A Commander’s Tac

Appendix O O-1 Common Milit

Common Military Symbology

1. Basic Military Symbols.

Positions

Battle

Supplementary

Strong point

Fram

Unit

Command post

Observation post

Logistical/Medical

Enemy unit

Unit Sizes

Fire team Battalion

Squad Regiment

Section Brigade

Platoon Division

Company MEF/Corps
Infantry Artillery

Armor Assault amphibious

Light armor Reconnaissance

Mechanized infantry Antitank

Engineer Motor transport

Supply Air defense

Medical Communications

Maintenance Electronic warfare

Wire

Unspecified

Double apron fence

Single concertina
MCRP 3-11.4A Commander’s Tac

Appendix O O-3 Common Milit

Light Medium 

Air defense gun

Surface-to-air missile

AT missile

AT rocket

AT gun

Machine gun

Mortar

Howitzer

Mines

AP AT

Claymore
Cavalry vehicle

AAV

APC

LAV

Light

Medium

Heavy

2. Control Measures.

Lines

Probable line

of deployment

Line of

contact

Line of

departure Phase line

Limit of 

advance

Lateral 

boundary
MCRP 3-11.4A Commander’s Tac

Appendix O O-5 Common Milit

Contact point Linkup point

Coordinating point Rally point

Check point Passage point

Maneuvers

Attack position Axis of advance

Main effort Air axis of advance

Support attack Ambush

Objective Direction of attack
Coordinated fire line

Fire support coordination line

Restrictive fire line

Fire Areas

Free-fire area

No-fire area

Restrictive fire area

Airspace Coordination

Area
MCRP 3-11.4A Commander’s Tac

Appendix O O-7 Common Milit

Circular

Group of 

targets

Rectangular

Series of 

targets

Linear

Point
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix P P-1 Terms, Defini

Common Tactical Terms, Definitio

and Symbols

Ambush. A surprise attack by fire from

concealed positions on a moving or temporarily halted enemy.

Attack by fire. Fires employed to destroy

the enemy from a distance, normally used

when the mission does not dictate or support occupation of the objective. This task

is usually given to the supporting element

during the offensive and as a counterattack

option for the reserve during defensive operations. An attack by fire is not done in

conjunction with a maneuvering force.

Block. 1. A tactical task assigned to a unit

which requires it to deny the enemy access to a given area or to prevent enemy

advance in a given direction or an avenue

of approach. It may be for a specified time.

Units assigned this mission may have to

retain terrain and accept decisive engagement. 2. An obstacle effect that integrates

fire planning and obstacle effort to stop an

attacker on a specific avenue of approach

or to prevent an enemy from exiting an

engagement area.
fense, obstacle, minefield, or fortification.

Bypass. A tactical task which involves

maneuvering around an obstacle, position,

or enemy force to maintain the momentum

of advance. Bypassed obstacles and enemy forces are reported to higher headquarters.

Canalize. A tactical task used to restrict

operations to a narrow zone by the use of

obstacles, fires, and/or unit maneuvering or

positioning.

Clear. A tactical task to remove all enemy

forces from specific location, area, or zone.

Contain. A tactical task to restrict enemy

movement.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix P P-3 Terms, Defini

an attack by a part or all of a defending

force is made against an enemy attacking

force, for such specific purposes as regaining ground lost, cutting off or destroying

lead enemy units, and with the general

objective of regaining the initiative and

denying the enemy the attainment of his

goal or purpose in attacking.

Counterattack by fire. Fires employed

to destroy the enemy from a distance, normally used when the mission does not dictate or support occupation of the objective.

This task is usually given to the supporting

element during the offensive and as a

counterattack option for the reserve during

defensive operations. An attack by fire is

not done in conjunction with a maneuvering

force.

Delay. Usually conducted when the commander needs time to concentrate, preserve, or withdraw forces; to establish

defenses in greater depth; to economize in

an area; to cover a defending or withdrawing unit; to protect a friendly unit’s flank; or

to complete offensive actions elsewhere. In

the delay, the destruction of the enemy

force is secondary to slowing his advance

to gain time.
forces; to establish defenses in greater

depth; to economize in an area; to cover a

defending or withdrawing unit; to protect a

friendly unit’s flank; or to complete offensive actions elsewhere. In the delay, the

destruction of the enemy force is secondary to slowing his advance to gain time.

Destroy. A tactical task to physically render an enemy force combat-ineffective unless it is reconstituted.

Disrupt. A tactical task or obstacle effect

that integrates fire planning and obstacle

effort to break apart an enemy’s formation

and tempo, interrupt the enemy’s timetable,

cause premature commitment of enemy

forces, and/or the piecemealing of his attack.

Fix. 1. A tactical task in which actions are

taken to prevent the enemy from moving

any part of his forces either from a specified location or for a specific period of time

by holding or surrounding them to prevent

their withdrawal for use elsewhere. 2. A

tactical obstacle effect that integrates fire

planning and obstacle effort to slow an attacker within a specified area—normally an

engagement area.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix P P-5 Terms, Defini

conducting an offensive operation and is

prepared to continue the mission of the

force it is following when that force is fixed,

attrited, or otherwise unable to continue.

Such a force is not a reserve, but is committed to accomplish specified tasks.

Follow and support. An operation in

which a committed force follows and supports the mission accomplishment of a

force conducting an offensive operation.

Such a force is not in a reserve, but is committed to accomplish specified tasks.

Interdict. A tactical task which is oriented

on the enemy to prevent, hinder, or delay

the use of an area or route by enemy

forces.

Isolate. A tactical task given to a unit to

seal off (both physically and psychologically) an enemy from its sources of support, to deny an enemy freedom of

movement, and prevent an enemy unit

from having contact with other enemy

forces. An enemy must not be allowed

sanctuary within its present position.

Neutralize. To render enemy personnel or

material incapable of interfering with a particular operation.
out opposition and controls that entire area.

Penetrate. The breaking through of the

enemy’s defense and disrupting the defensive system.

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. The responsibilities of the replaced

elements for the mission and the assigned

zone of operations are transferred to the

incoming unit. The incoming unit continues

the operation as ordered.

Retain. A tactical task to occupy and hold

a terrain feature to ensure it is free of

enemy occupation or use.

Retirement. A form of retrograde operation; a directed, rearward movement by a

force that is not in contact with the enemy

and does not anticipate significant contact

with the enemy.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix P P-7 Terms, Defini

out force, and to deploy in a manner which

prevents its destruction or loss to enemy

action. The attacking force may or may not

have to physically occupy the area.

Security. A task to maintain surveillance;

provide early warning to the main body; or

impede, destroy, and harass enemy reconnaissance within its capability.

Guard. A form of security operation whose

primary task is to protect the main force by

fighting to gain time, while also observing

and reporting information, to prevent enemy ground observation of and direct fire

against the main body by reconnoitering,

attacking, defending, and delaying. A guard

force normally operates within the range of

the main body’s indirect fire weapons.

Cover. Shelter or protection from enemy

observation that reduces the effects of enemy direct and indirect fire.

Seize. A tactical task to clear a designated

area and obtain control of it.
enemy by direct fire to support a maneuvering force by either support by fire by

overwatching or by establishing a base of

fire.

Withdrawal. A type of retrograde where a

force in contact plans to disengage from

the enemy and move in a direction away

from the enemy.

Withdrawal under pressure. A type of

retrograde where a force disengages and

moves directly away from the enemy while

the enemy is attacking.
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix Q Q-1 Metric Con

Metric Conversion Charts

1. Conversion Chart.

Multiply By To Ob

Centimeters .03281 Feet

Centimeters .3937 Inches

Cubic feet .02832 Cubic met

Cubic meters 35.31 Cubic feet

Degrees 60.00 Minutes (c

Feet 30.48 Centimete

Feet .3048 Meters

Feet per minute .01136 Miles per h

Feet per second .6818 Miles per h

Gallons (U.K.) 1.201 Gallons (U

Gallons (U.S.) .8327 Gallons (U

Inches 2.540 Centimete

Inches .08333 Feet

Inches 1000.00 Miles

Kilometers .6214 Miles

Meters 100.00 Centimete

Meters 3.281 Feet

Meters 39.37 Inches

Meters 1.094 Yards

Miles 5280.00 Feet

Miles 1.609 Kilometers
2. Meters to Feet or Miles.

Square meter 10.76 Square fee

Square meter 1.196 Square ya

Square miles 2.590 Square kilo

Square yards 0.8361 Square me

Temperature (C) + 17.8 1.80 Temperatu

Temperature (F) -32 .5556 Temperatu

Yards .9144 Meters

Meters Feet Miles

 1 3.281

 50 164.043

 100 328.087

 200 656.10 0.12

 300 984.30 0.19

 400 1312.30 0.25

 500 1640.40 0.31

 1000 3280.90 0.62

 2000 6561.7 1.24

 3000 9842.60 1.86

 4000 13123.50 2.49

 5000 16404.3 3.11

 6000 19686 3.73
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix Q Q-3 Metric Con

 8000 26248 4.97

 9000 29529 5.59

 10000 32810 6.21
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-1 Abbreviations 

Glossary

Section I. Abbreviations and Acronym

A&S . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .assau

AA. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

ADAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . artillery delivered 

ALICE. . . . . all-purpose lightweight individual carry

APC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . armored pe

APDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . armor-piercing d

APERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

AP-I. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . armor pierc

APL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . assista

aslt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

AT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

ATGM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . antitank 

BAMCIS . . . . . . . begin planning, arrange for reconn

reconnaissance, com

issue the order

BD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . b

BP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

C

2

 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . comma

CAS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cl

CLGP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cannon launched gu

co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

COF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

CP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
CV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cotoe

D . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

DOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Depa

DRAW-D . . . . . . . . . . . . defend, reinforce, attack, w

E&E . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . evas

EA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . en

EFST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . essential fir

EPW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . enemy 

FAC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forwar

FDC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire d

FDO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire d

FFA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

FFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

FH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . freq

FH-M . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frequency h

FM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frequen

FO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fo

FPF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . final 

FPL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . final 

FPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . final prepa

FSC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire supp

FSCC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire support coor

FSCM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire support coordin

FSEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fire support ex

FSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fi

FUC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forward u
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-3 Abbreviations 

GP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . g

HC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . helic

HE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HEAA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high explo

HEAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high expl

HEDP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high explosiv

HE-I . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high explos

HEP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . high ex

HF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HMG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heav

HQ. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

HR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hel

ICM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . improved convent

ICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . internal communi

ILLUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

inf . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

IPB . . . . . . . . intelligence preparation of the battlesp

IR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . inf

ISMK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . im

ISUP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . immedia

kHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

km . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

KOCOA . . . . . key terrain, observation and fields of 

concealment, obstacles, and avenu
oappoac, weate/as

ldr . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

LOA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . li

LP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

LZ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

m . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MAGTF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine air-gro

MCRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Marine Corps referen

mech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

METT-T . . . . . . . . .mission, enemy, terrain and weat

support available

MG . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MHz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MIJI. . . . . . . . . . . . . . meaconing, intrusion, jammin

mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

MOOTW. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . military operations 

MOPP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mission-oriented pro

MOUT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . military operations on ur

MRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . me

MT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m

MTO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mess

NATO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . North Atlantic Treat

NEO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . noncombatant evacu

NGF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

obj . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-5 Abbreviations 

ORP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . objec

OT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ob

PAX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

PD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . p

PHIB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

PIR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . priority intelligen

PLD. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . probable line 

POD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . poi

POL. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . petroleum, oils, 

POR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

PSYOP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . psycholog

pyro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

PZCO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pick-up zone 

Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

RAAMS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . remote antiarm

recon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r

RF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . r

ROE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rules 

RP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

RPG. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rocket pro

SAFE. . . . . . . . . security, automatic weapon, fields o

SALUTE . . . . . . . . . . . size, activity, location, unit, ti

SAR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sea

SC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

SEAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . suppression of enem
SO. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stadg opea

sqd. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

tac . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

TACP. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tactical a

TAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tactic

TAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .tact

Ti. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . m

TOT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

TOW . . . . . . . tube launched, optically tracked, wire 

TP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tr

TRAP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tactical recovery of aircraf

TRP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . target 

TTT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

UHF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ultra

UTM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .universal tra

VDC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . volt

VHF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . very 

VT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 

VX. . . . . . . . . . . . . . O-ethyl methyl phosphonothiol

WC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . whit

WP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wh

WSP . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . white 

ZIPPO . . . . . . . . zone inspection, planning, preparing 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-7 

A

alternate position—The position given to a we

individual to be occupied when the primary pos

untenable or unsuitable for carrying out its task. The 

tion is so located that the weapon can fulfill its 

(FMFRP 0-14)

ambush—A surprise attack by fire from concealed 

moving or temporarily halted enemy. (FMFRP 0-14)

assault position—That position between the lin

and the objective in an attack from which forces ass

tive. Ideally, it is the last covered and concealed p

reaching the objective (primarily used by dismou

(FMFRP 0-14)

automatic rifleman—A fire team member respo

effective employment of the automatic rifle and for 

and care of his equipment. (FMFRP 0-14)

B

battle position—A defensive location oriented on 

enemy avenue of approach from which a unit may de
te geeaoute ote batte posto, but oteo

ate outside the battle position to provide early detec

forces and all-round security. (FMFRP 0-14)

bounding overwatch—A tactical movement t

when contact with enemy ground forces is expec

moves in bounds. One element is in position to overw

element’s move. The overwatching element is alway

support the moving unit by fire or by fire and maneu

slowest but most secure movement technique. (FMFR

breach—The employment of any means avail

through or secure a passage through an enemy def

minefield, or fortification. (FMFRP 0-14)

bypass—Maneuvering around an obstacle, positi

force to maintain the momentum of advance. Previou

obstacles are reported to higher headquarters. By

forces are reported to higher headquarters. (FMFRP 

C

clear enemy in zone—A requirement to elimin

resistance in an assigned zone by destroying, captur

the withdrawal of enemy forces that could interfere 

ability to accomplish its mission. (FMFRP 0-14) 
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-9 

employs ground and aviation combat, combat suppo

service support elements or portions thereof. The 

tions center continually monitors, records, and sup

tions in the name of the commander and includes 

personnel and communications to do the same. (FMF

combined arms—The tactics, techniques, an

employed by a force to integrate firepower and mobi

a desired effect upon the enemy. (FMFRP 0-14)

coordinated fire line—A line beyond which con

face fire support means (mortars, field artillery, and 

ships) may fire at any time within the zone of the esta

quarters without additional coordination. (FMFRP 0-

counterinsurgency—Those military, paramilit

economic, psychological, and civic actions taken by 

to defeat insurgency. (Joint Pub 1-02)

D

delaying action—A type of retrograde operation i

is traded for time, and maximum punishment is in

enemy without accepting decisive engagement, p

being bypassed. (FMFRP 0-14)
ad ctg audaage ote eey wt

ple, becoming decisively engaged. (Joint Pub 1-02)

E

emergency action plan (EAP)—State Departm

and maintained set of documents to assist emergen

particular post. The post’s evacuation plan is a portio

documents. Contains information on assembly are

sites, key personnel, phone numbers, radio keys, eva

and number of United States citizens, etc.

evacuation control center (ECC) site—Plann

administrative processing of noncombatants, usua

with the assembly area for evacuees.

evacuation site—Planned site for the assembly an

of noncombatants during a NEO.

F

final coordination line—A line used to coordina

and shifting of supporting fires and the final depl

assault echelon in preparation for launching an ass

enemy position. (FMFRP 0-14)
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-11 

final protective line may be parallel with, or oblique 

the position. (FMFRP 0-14)

fire and maneuver—The process of one or more e

lishing a base of fire to engage the enemy, while 

ment(s) maneuver to an advantageous position from 

with and destroy or capture the enemy. (FMFRP 0-14

fire and movement—A technique primarily used 

wherein a unit or element advances by bounds or ru

elements alternately moving and providing covering 

moving subelements. Fire and movement may be don

als (personnel or vehicles) or units (such as fire tea

Usually, fire and movement are used only when unde

from the enemy because it is relatively slow and diffi

(FMFRP 0-14)

fire support—Assistance to elements of the Mar

task force engaged with the enemy rendered by oth

including (but not limited to) artillery, mortars, nav

support, and offensive air support. (FMFRP 0-14)

fire support coordinator—The officer in charge 

port coordination center. He is the direct representati

ing force commander for the planning and coord

available fire support. (FMFRP 0-14)
p, ppg

the Marine Corps, a forward air controller is a na

naval flight officer, within the tactical air control par

cifically trained and qualified to exercise control, fro

of air support of ground forces. (FMFRP 0-14)

free-fire area—A specifically designated area in

weapons system may be fired without any additiona

(FMFRP 0-14)

frontage—The width of the front plus that distan

flanks covered by observation and fire by a un

(FMFRP 0-14)

frontal attack—An offensive maneuver in which t

is directed against the front of the enemy forces and 

direct approaches. (FMFRP 0-14)

H

hack—The command to begin timing or sync

(FMFRP 0-14)

helicopterborne operation—A military action in 

forces and their equipment maneuver about the batt

copters or vertical-landed aircraft. Aviation activitie
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-13 

(FMFRP 0-14)

L

lane—A clear route through an obstacle. A lane for 

minimum of one meter in width and may be furthe

foot lane is marked with tracing tape along its center 

lane for vehicles is a minimum of eight meters in w

lane is at least 15 meters in width. Vehicle lanes are 

means available. (FMFRP 0-14)

linkup—An operation wherein two friendly grou

together in a hostile area. (FMFRP 0-14)

local security—Those security elements establish

imity of a unit to prevent surprise by the enemy. (FM

M

mechanized operations—Tactical operations des

mize the ground mobility, protection, shock action, 

of combat vehicles to concentrate combat power rapi

enemy. Combat power is generated by the massed e

tanks and by enhancing the mobility of the forces thro

assault amphibious vehicles and other ground m

(FMFRP 0-14)
abty to accopsts ssoa toc evo

ture permits maximum protection from chemical age

out unacceptable reduction in efficiency. (FMFRP 0-

N

no-fire area—A designated area into which ne

effects of fires will occur. Two exceptions occur: (a

ing headquarters asks for or approves fire or (b) a

takes refuge in the area, poses a major threat, and t

cient time to clear the fires needed to defend the 

(FMFRP 0-14)

O

obstacle—Any obstruction designed or employed 

turn, or block the movement of an opposing force, 

additional losses in personnel, time, and equipment o

force. Obstacles can exist naturally or can be manma

combination of both. (Joint Pub 1-02) The effect

obstacle is enhanced considerably when covered b

and fire. Obstacles can include abatis, antitank d

bridges, built-up areas, minefields, rivers, road crate

wire. (FMFRP 0-14)

overhead fire—Fires delivered over the heads of f

(FMFRP 0-14)
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-15 

fire. 2. The tactical role of an element positioned 

movement of another element with immediate fire. (F

P

point of departure—A specific place where a uni

line of departure. (FMFRP 0-14)

position—1. A location or area occupied by a milita

location of a weapon, unit, or individual from whic

ered upon a target. (FMFRP 0-14)

a. primary position—A position which provides 

to accomplish the assigned mission.

b. alternate position—A position to be occupied 

mary position becomes untenable or unsuitable f

its task. The alternate position is located so that 

can continue to fulfill his original task.

c. supplementary position—A position which 

best means to accomplish a task that cannot be 

from the primary or alternate position. (FMFRP 0

principal direction of fire—The direction of fi

designated as the main direction in which a weapo

ented. It is selected based on the enemy, mission, terr

ons’ capability. (FMFRP 0-14)
p(

probable line of deployment—An easily re

selected on the ground where attacking units deploy 

tion prior to beginning a night attack. (FMFRP 0-14)

protective wire—Barbed wire entanglements loca

surprise assaults from points close to the defensive p

are close enough to be observed day and night and fa

friendly positions to keep the enemy beyond norma

range. Protective wire is normally positioned from 5

from friendly positions. (FMFRP 0-14)

pursuit by fire—When the assault through the assi

is completed, the squad fires upon withdrawing enem

they are no longer visible or are beyond effective rang

14)

R

rally point—An easily identifiable point on the gr

units can reassemble and reorganize if they beco

(FMFRP 0-14)

rear area security—The measures taken before, 

after an enemy airborne attack, sabotage actio
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-17 

restrictive fire area—An area in which specific 

imposed and into which fires that would exceed tho

will not be delivered without coordination with th

headquarters. The purpose of the restrictive fire area 

fires into an area according to the stated restrictions. 

restrictive fire line—A line established betwe

friendly forces that prohibits fires, or effects from fi

line without coordination with the affected force. T

the restrictive fire line is to prevent interference bet

ing friendly forces. (FMFRP 0-14)

route reconnaissance—A directed effort to o

information of a specified route and all terrain fr

enemy could influence movement along that route. (F

retirement—An operation in which a force out of 

away from the enemy (Joint Pub 1-02).

retrograde—A type of operation in which a un

directed, organized movement to the rear or away fr

Forms of retrograde include delay, withdrawal, a

(MCRP 5-2A).
seize—To clear a designated area and obtain 

(FMFRP 0-14)

successive positions—Defensive fighting pos

one after another on the battlefield. A force can cond

action from successive delaying positions. (FMFRP 0

supporting arms—Weapons systems of all type

provide fires to the commander. (FMFRP 0-14, prop

tion to Joint Pub 1-02)

T

tactical air control party—A subordinate opera

nent of a tactical air control system designed to prov

to land forces and for the control of aircraft. (Joint P

Marine Corps, tactical air control parties are organ

divisions, regiments, and battalions. Tactical air 

establish and maintain facilities for liaison and co

between parent units and airspace control agencie

advise the ground unit commander on the employm

ing aircraft, and request and control air support. (FM

tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel—

formed by an assigned and briefed aircrew for the sp
MCRP 3-11.1A Commander’s Tac

Appendix R R-19 

ing and when survivors and their location have be

(FMFRP 0-14)

target precedence list—The commander’s lis

mobile potential targets arranged in the order in wh

be attacked. It establishes target priorities for reac

(FMFRP 0-14)

time on station—The time that an aircraft can 

performing its assigned mission. It does not include t

ing to and from the operating site. (FMFRP 0-14)

time to target—The number of minutes and sec

before ordnance impacts on target. (FMFRP 0-14)

traveling overwatch—A movement technique u

tact with enemy forces is possible. The lead eleme

element are separated by a short distance which vari

rain. The trailing element moves at variable speeds 

for short periods to overwatch the lead element. It 

ment to terrain and the lead element. The trailing 

watches at such a distance that should the enemy e

element, it will not prevent the trailing element from 

ing to support the lead element. (FMFRP 0-14)
withdrawal operation—A planned operation in w

contact disengages from an enemy force (Joint Pub 1