War Fighting Techniques

MCI 8203
MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE
STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS

ADVANCED DISTANCE EDUCATION
PROGRAM
WARFIGHTING TECHNIQUES
MARINE BARRACKS
WASHINGTON, DC
WARFIGHTING TECHNIQUES (8203)
Course Introduction
Scope The responsibilities of senior staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs)

increases with every rank reached. Continuing your education on a variety of
subjects is required to master these additional responsibilities.
Technical and tactical proficiency is the hallmark of the Marine gunnery

sergeant. This course covers a wide range of subjects that will enhance your
abilities to maintain the high standards of the SNCO ranks.
Table of This course contains the following study units:

Contents
Study Unit Title Page

-- Course Introduction i
1 Close Air Support 1-1
2 Combat Operations Center 2-1
3 Combat Service Support 3-1
4 Rear Area Security 4-1
-- Review Lesson Exercise R-1
Estimated You will spend about 11 hours, 20 minutes completing this course. This
Study Time includes the time to study the text, complete the exercises, and take the final
exam.
Continued on next page
MCI Course 8203 i Course Introduction

Course Introduction, Continued
Reserve You will earn three retirement credits for completing this course. You will
Retirement earn reserve retirement credits at the rate of one credit for each 3 hours of
Credits estimated study time.
Note: If you are awarded credits for drill attendance during drill periods,
reserve retirement credits are not awarded for the MCI study time.
Summary The all important gateways needed to successfully complete this course are
summarized in the table below:
Step When you… Then you will…

1 Enroll in the program Receive your program material.
2 Complete the self-paced text Arrange to take the final examination.
3 Pass the final examination Receive a course completion
certificate.
Note: For more information, refer to the Program Introduction.
MCI Course 8203 ii Course Introduction

STUDY UNIT 1
CLOSE AIR SUPPORT
Overview
Estimated 3 hours
Study Time
Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give you advanced knowledge of close air
support (CAS), as well as some basic information that must always be
covered when addressing CAS. For example, the nine-line brief is a basic
foundation of close air support. Without it, communication between the
terminal controller and the aircraft would be difficult in an already difficult
and potentially dangerous situation.
Learning After completing this unit, you should be able to

Objectives
• State the functions of Marine aviation.
• State the types of aircraft and ordnance.
• Request air support.
• Terminally control Marine air.
In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Functions of Marine Aviation 1-3
Lesson 2 Aircraft and Ordnance 1-17
Lesson 3 Requesting Air Support 1-33
Lesson 4 Controlling Marine Air 1-47
MCI Course 8203 1-1 Study Unit 1

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LESSON 1
FUNCTIONS OF MARINE AVIATION
Introduction
Estimated 30 minutes
Study Time
Lesson Scope Understanding the definition, purpose, and makeup of Marine aviation is
important to understanding close air support. This lesson describes basic
missions and functions, as well as the types of support these functions
provide.
Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
• State the mission of Marine aviation.
• Identify the six functions of Marine aviation.
• Identify the two types of antiair warfare employment methods.
• Identify the three types of offensive air support.
• Identify the seven types of assault support.
In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-3
Missions and Functions 1-4
Antiair Warfare (AAW) 1-5
Offensive Air Support (OAS) 1-7
Assault Support 1-9
Air Reconnaissance 1-11
Electronic Warfare (EW) 1-12
Control of Aircraft and Missiles 1-13
Lesson 1 Exercise 1-14
MCI Course 8203 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Missions and Functions
Missions The primary mission of Marine Corps aviation is to participate as the

supporting air component of the Fleet Marine Force (FMF) in the seizure and
defense of advanced naval bases and conduct of such land operations as may
be essential for the prosecution of a naval campaign. A collateral mission is
to participate as an integral component of naval aviation in the execution of
other Navy functions as the fleet commanders so direct.
Functions The aviation combat element (ACE) provides the Marine air-ground task
force (MAGTF) with the assets to perform the six functions of Marine
aviation:
• Antiair warfare
• Offensive air support
• Assault support
• Air reconnaissance
• Electronic warfare
• Control of aircraft and missiles

Antiair Warfare (AAW)
Description AAW serves two purposes: to protect the force and to gain and maintain air
superiority. AAW is used to defend the MAGTF and to destroy or reduce to
an acceptable level, the enemy air and missile threat. It includes such
measures as the use of interceptors, bombers, antiaircraft guns, surface-to-air
and air-to-air missiles, electronic countermeasures, and destruction of the air
threat or operation missile threat both before and after it is launched. The two
types of antiair warfare are
• Offensive
• Defensive
Offensive AAW OAAW consists of destroying or neutralizing hostile aircraft, airfields, radars,
(OAAW) air defense systems, and supporting areas befo re they can be utilized by the
enemy. Characterized by responsiveness, bold actions, and initiative to gain a
decisive advantage over the enemy, OAAW is the preferred method of
conducting antiair warfare. OAAW operations is categorized as
• Preemptive measures
• Suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD)
• Local air superiority measures
• Reactive measures

Antiair Warfare (AAW), Continued
Defensive AAW Defensive AAW includes all defensive measures designed to destroy
(Air Defense) attacking enemy aircraft or missiles or to nullify or reduce the effectiveness of
such attacks. However, air defense operations cannot be viewed as purely
defensive. MAGTF air defense operations use the three principles of antiair
warfare:
• Destruction-in-depth
• Mutual support
• Centralized command and decentralized control
These principles provide a responsive, integrated air defense capability to

protect vital MAGTF assets.
Active and Defensive AAW measures are active or passive:

Passive
Measures • Active measures use available aircraft, air defense weapons, and
electronic warfare to achieve its goal.
• Passive measures include
• Early warning
• NBC protection measures
• Counter-surveillance
• Deception
• Camouflage
• Concealment
• Hardening
• Electronic protection
• Mobility dispersal
• Redundancy
• Recovery

Offensive Air Support (OAS)
Description Offensive air support employs effective firepower against selected enemy
targets and capabilities. The objectives of OAS are to destroy enemy
resources and isolate the enemy’s military force.
Categories OAS is divided into three categories. Each category is determined by the
supported unit’s required degree of coordination and type of platform needed:
• Close- in fire support (CIFS)

• Close air support (CAS)
• Deep air support (DAS)
Close-In Fire Close- in fire support

Support
(CIFS) • Used against targets located close to friendly forces
• Unique to attack helicopters (attack helicopters do not perform CAS)
• Requires detailed integration with a friendly ground force’s fire and

maneuver
• Can be used alone, but is most effective when combined with other
supporting fires
• May be the only OAS available in some situations (such as poor weather,
intense jamming, etc.)
Close Air Close air support

Support
(CAS) • Effective against hostile targets located close to friendly forces

maneuver. The ground commander requests and approves all CAS
mission within his area of responsibility (AOR)
• Best employed when integrated with other supporting arms and the
MAGTF’s fire and maneuver

Offensive Air Support (OAS), Continued
Deep Air MAGTF commanders use DAS to attack enemy forces before they become a
Support threat to MAGTF units. Attacking enemy forces with DAS can prevent them
(DAS) from becoming CAS or CIFS targets. Air interdiction and armed
reconnaissance are DAS tasks.
• Conducted on both sides of the fire support coordination lines (FSCL)

• Requires a complete understanding of the MAGTF commander’s intent
and scheme of maneuver, but does not require detailed integration with a
friendly ground force’s fire and maneuver
Employment OAS projects firepower to shape events in time and space. OAS allows the
Methods MAGTF commander to operationally influence the future battle and project
his will upon the enemy. OAS missions are executed as preplanned or
immediate.
Preplanned Preplanned missions are
• Performed according to a schedule

• Planned far enough in advance to permit detailed mission coordination
• Scheduled or on-call
• Scheduled missions are executed at a specific time and provide
effective coordination and economical use of aircraft and ordnance.
• On-call missions are preloaded for a particular target and placed in

readiness.
Immediate Immediate missions
• Meet requests that arise during battle

• Cannot be identified far enough in advance to permit detailed mission
coordination and planning. Response time, or the action cycle, begins
with the request and ends with the attack. Response time is a prime
consideration when requesting air support.

Assault Support
Definition Assault support involves the use of aircraft to provide
• Tactical mobility and logistical support for the MAGTF

• Movement of high-priority cargo and personnel within the immediate
area of operations
• In- flight refueling
• Evacuation of personnel and cargo
Assault support operations require detailed, coordinated, and concurrent

planning between the MAGTF and the supporting unit. These support
operations are tactical, administrative, or logistical in nature.
Types of Assault support employment strategy depends on the MAGTF’s mission and
Assault the enemy’s capabilities. The types of assault support are listed below:
Support
• Combat assault transport
• Air delivery
• Aerial refueling
• Air evacuation
• Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel (TRAP)
• Air logistical support
• Battlefield illumination
Combat Assault Combat assault transport provides mobility for MAGTF forces. The purpose
Transport of combat assault transport is to rapidly deploy forces, bypass obstacles, or
redeploy forces to meet the enemy threat.
Air Delivery Air delivery operations transport equipment and supplies to forward operating
bases or remote areas. Airdrops deliver equipment and supplies primarily via
fixed-wing transport aircraft. Airdrops are conducted when surface or
helicopter transport cannot fulfill resupply requirements due to range, closed
lines of communication, lack of adequate airfields, a prohibitive ground
tactical situation, high tonnage, or the need to reduce response time.

Assault Support, Continued
Aerial KC-130 aircraft serves as airborne tankers for rotary- and fixed-wing aircraft
Refueling with the probe and drogue system. Aerial refueling allows Marine aircraft to
conduct flight- ferrying operations and extend time on station and mission
range. Aerial refueling also aids in the recovery of damaged or low- fuel
aircraft.
Air Evacuation Air evacuation is the transportation of personnel and equipment from forward
bases to secure rear areas. This movement includes
• Flights from areas of operations to secure rear areas

• MEDEVAC
• Extraction of forces
Tactical TRAP missions facilitate the tactical recovery of personnel and equipment
Recovery of while avoiding additional losses. Specially trained and briefed aircrews with
Aircraft and a tasked organized force are assigned these missions. TRAP missions are
Personnel conducted when the tactical situation prevents the use of traditional search
(TRAP) and rescue techniques and only when survivors and their locations are
confirmed.
Air Logistical Fixed-wing aircraft perform air logistical support by providing assault support
Support to Marine ground forces in much the same manner as helicopters. Air
logistical support delivers troops, equipment, and supplies to areas beyond
helicopter range and lift capability or when surface transportation is slow or
unavailable.
Battlefield Fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft can be used to provide light (battlefield

Illumination illumination) in the battlespace. Battlefield illumination can be visible or
invisible to the naked eye (infrared spectrum) and can last for a few minutes
or several hours.

Air Reconnaissance
Definition Air reconnaissance employs visual observation and/or sensors in aerial

vehicles to acquire intelligence information. It supports the intelligence
function of warfighting and is employed tactically, operationally, and
strategically.
Types The three types of aerial reconnaissance are listed below:

• Visual Reconnaissance
• Multisensor Imagery Reconnaissance
• Electronic Reconnaissance (ER)
Visual Visual reconnaissance

Reconnaissance
• May be conducted by any airborne platform
• Consists of an observer or pilot visually searching a route, point, or area
• Supports the delivery of offensive fires such as artillery, naval surface
fires support, or CAS
Multisensor Multisensor imagery reconnaissance

Imagery
Reconnaissance • Includes photography from standard cameras, photograph and radar
imagery from the advanced tactical aerial reconnaissance system
(ATARS), and infrared imagery
• Detects and pinpoints the location of enemy installations, facilities, and
concentrations of forces
• Supports terrain analysis
Electronic Electronic Reconnaissance (ER)

Reconnaissance
(ER) • Detects, locates, identifies, and evaluates enemy electromagnetic
radiation
• Performs with passive interception equipment that recovers signals and
determines signal detection, source, and characteristics
• Gathers data that is processed into intelligence, which is used to update
the electronic order of battle and technical intelligence
• Consists of three subdivisions

Electronic Warfare (EW)
Definition Electronic warfare (EW) is any military action involving the use of
electromagnetic and directed energy to control the electromagnetic spectrum
or attack the enemy. EW involves the use of electromagnetic energy to
determine, exploit, reduce, or prevent hostile use of the electromagnetic
spectrum, and action that retains friendly use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Subdivisions Electronic warfare has three major subdivisions:
• Electronic attack involves the use of electromagnetic energy, directed

energy, or antiradiation weapons to attack personnel, facilities, or
equipment with the intent of degrading, neutralizing, or destroying
enemy combat capability.
• Electronic protection involves the actions taken to protect personnel,

facilities, and equipment from the effects of friendly or enemy
employment of EW that degrade, neutralize, or destroy friendly combat
capability.
• Electronic warfare support (EWS) is tasked by or under the direct control

of an operational commander and involves the actions needed to search
for, intercept, identify, and locate sources of intentionally and
unintentionally radiated electromagnetic energy for the purpose of
immediate threat recognition.

Control of Aircraft and Missiles
Centralized Control of aircraft and missiles is used to integrate the other five functions of
Command and Marine aviation by providing the means for the MAGTF commander to
Decentralized exercise command and control authority over Marine aviation assets. Control
Control of aircraft and missiles involves the coordinated employment of facilities,
equipment, communication, procedures, and personnel to plan, direct, and
control the aviation combat element’s efforts. MAGTF aviation operates
under the philosophy of centralized command and decentralized control,
which are the two fundamental requirements of the aviation combat element
commander.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Directions Complete items 1 through 5 by performing the action required. Check your
answers against those listed at the end of this lesson.
Item 1 Which of the statements is the mission of Marine aviation?
a. Provide air defense for Marine units.

b. Participate as the supporting air component of the FMF.
c. Attack and defend opposing forces.
d. Provide air support in the attack.
Item 2 Which of the following is one of six functions for Marine aviation?
a. Offensive air support

b. Close- in fire support
c. Close air support
d. Deep air support
Item 3 Name the two types of antiair warfare employment.
a. Offensive and defensive

b. Direct and indirect
c. Surface-to-air and air-to-air
d. Forward and rear
Item 4 Offensive air support missions are executed as
a. scheduled or unscheduled.
b. fixed- or rotary-wing.
c. preplanned or immediate.
d. air-to-air or air-to-ground.
MCI Course 8203 1-14 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1 Exercise

Lesson 1 Exercise, Continued
Item 5 An operation requiring detailed planning, briefed aircrews, and confirmation

of survivors is which type of assault support?
a. Combat assault support

b. Air evacuation
c. Tactical recovery of aircraft and personnel
d. Air logistical support

Answers The table below lists the answers to the lesson exercise items. If you have
questions about these items, refer to the reference page.
Item Number Answer Reference

1 b 1-4
2 a 1-4
3 a 1-5
4 c 1-8
5 c 1-10

LESSON 2
AIRCRAFT AND ORDNANCE
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the platforms and ordnance that Marine aviation uses to
accomplish the various missions and functions associated with CAS.
Learning Upon completing this lesson, you should be able to

Objectives
• Identify the primary platforms used for CAS missions.
• Explain the advantages and disadvantages of CAS platforms.
• Identify the primary platforms used for CIFS missions.
• Explain the advantages of CIFS platforms.
• Identify the missions of CAS and CIFS platforms.
• Describe the effects of each type of ordnance.
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-17
Primary CAS Platforms 1-18
Primary CIFS Platforms 1-23
Ordnance 1-26

Primary CAS Platforms
Fixed-wing Fixed-wing CAS aircraft provide OAS for the MAGTF. CAS operations
Platforms deliver firepower against enemy installations, facilities, and personnel. The
MAGTF commander uses CAS to achieve his objectives by destroying enemy
resources and isolating the enemy’s military force.
Advantages and The table below lists the advantages and disadvantages of fixed-wing CAS :
Disadvantages
of Fixed-wing
CAS
Advantage Disadvantage
• Carries more ordnance than CIFS • Time on station due to fuel
assets consumption
• More devastating effects on the • Redeployment time

enemy in terms of
• Safe effective execution requires
• Physical destruction
• Detailed planning
• Destroys the enemy’s will to
fight • Coordination between aircrew
and ground units
• Carries several types of smart
ordnance that can be • Training of aircrew and
terminally guided by the pilot terminal controllers
or Marines on the ground for
greater accuracy

Primary CAS Platforms, Continued
Effective Use For CAS to be delivered effectively, some basic conditions that optimize CAS
employment must be considered as described in the table below:
Basic Condition Benefit

Air superiority • Permits CAS to function more freely
• Denies the enemy the capability to function
freely in the air
Suppression of enemy air Required for CAS aircraft to operate more
defense (SEAD) effectively within areas defended by enemy air
defense systems
Target marking • Improves CAS effectiveness
• Helps in locating and attacking the proper
target
Favorable weather • Improves aircrew effectiveness
• Minimum weather conditions are always
considered
Prompt response • Streamlined requests and control procedures
improve CAS responsiveness
• Forward operating bases (FOBs) reduce

distance to target area
Aircrew and terminal • Have a direct influence on mission success
controller skill • Requires frequent practice
Weaponeering Load, arming setting, and fuse setting must be
tailored for desired result
Communication and Communication between aircrew and terminal
information controller is a prerequisite for executing any
CAS mission

AV-8B Harrier The AV-8B is a single-seat, transonic—near the speed of sound—vectored-

thrust (directional thrust), light attack aircraft.
Its vertical/short takeoff and landing (V/STOL) capability provides increased

responsiveness to MAGTF commander’s OAS requirements through basing
flexibility and high sortie rates. Basing flexibility and high sortie rates are
accomplished through the AV-8B’s ability to land and rearm/refuel in
forward operating bases (FOB), expeditionary airfields, or amphibious ships
closer to the battlefield vice returning to an airfield in a secure rear area.
The AV-8B has night vision capability consists of a forward looking infrared
(FLIR) system, night vision goggle (NVG) -compatible cockpit lighting, and
a moving map display to allow ground attacks at night under all weather
conditions.
The AV-8B can carry up to 9,200 pounds of external ordnance and has a
standard 6-barrel, 300-round, GAU-12 25mm gun system. The system has
two pod- like structures (called paks) mounted to the bottom of the aircraft
fuselage. The left pod contains the gun and the right pod contains the
ammunition.
AV-8B The AV-8B is shown below:

Diagram

F/A-18C/D The F/A-18 (F/A-18D) is a multi- mission strike fighter, combining the
Hornet, F/A- capabilities of an interceptor and fighter with those of an attack and bomber
18E/F Super aircraft. This aircraft comes in a single seat version (F/A-18C/E) and a dual
Hornet, F/A- seat (F/A-18D/F) version that is primarily used for training.
18G Growler
The F/A-18E/F Super Hornet has 50 percent more endurance and 41 percent
more mission range than the previous model. It can carry approximately
17,750 pounds of external load and fuel on eleven stations. The F/A-18E/F
has night vision capability consisting of a FLIR system, NVG-compatible
cockpit lighting, and moving map display to allow ground attacks at night
under all weather conditions.
Currently the most advanced aircraft in the naval aviation inventory is the
E/F versions designed to be compatible with future advancements in sensor
and weapon systems. In the early 1990s, a modified F/A-18E/F called the
Growler, capable of providing close-in and standoff jamming began
development to replace the aging EA-6B Prowler, which will start being
retired around 2010.
F/A-18 (F/A- The F/A-18 (F/A-18D) is shown below:

18D) Diagram

Joint Strike In an effort to reduce spending, the Department of Defense (DOD) has
Fighter contracted for a single aircraft to meet each of the services’ (Marine Corps,
Navy, and Air Force) needs. The short takeoff and vertical landing joint
strike fighter variant being designed for the Marine Corps and for the Royal
Navy in Britain employs a direct lift system for short takeoffs and vertical
landings with uncompromising performance. This aircraft will replace the
AV-8B and is projected for service in 2010. Features of this future aircraft
are
• Internal and external payload capability

• Supersonic flight
• All-weather ordnance delivery
• Reduced radar signature through the use of advanced reduced observable
design
• Multiservice use emphasizing common parts, shared supply systems, and
joint repair facilities

Primary CIFS Platforms
Close-In Fire CIFS is often referred to as rotary-wing CAS because it is exclusively a

Support (CIFS) rotary-wing aircraft function. CIFS performance features are listed below:
• Effective against hostile targets located close to friendly forces

maneuver (The supported commander integrates CIFS into his scheme of
maneuver)
• Can be employed alone, but is most effective when combined with other
supporting arms
• Provides the MAGTF commander with the capability to cover gaps

between ground weapon systems and CAS
CIFS The advantage of CIFS is its flexibility, responsiveness, and time on station in
Advantage some fast moving, fluid battle situations.

Primary CIFS Platforms, Continued
AH-1W Cobra The AH-1W Cobra is the Marine Corps’ primary attack helicopter designed
to provide CIFS to the MAGTF. The Cobra carries a 3-barreled, rotary
action, 20mm gun system with a load of 300 rounds. Its night targeting
system integrates the existing TOW and HELLFIRE missile systems with
FLIR, laser range finder/designator, automatic targeting system, TV, and a
video recorder.
The AH-1 is also capable of air-to-air offense and defense as it can carry a
compliment of Sidewinder and Sidearm air-to-air missiles. In the year 2003,
the Marines will receive the upgraded AH-1Z, which will have a four-bladed,
hingeless, bearingless, rotor system upgrade. This improvement will increase
speed and payload as well as the flight altitude.
AH-1W Cobra The AH-1W Cobra is shown below:

Diagram

Primary CIFS Platforms, Continued
UH-1N The UH-1 is a utility helicopter (UH) that can conduct offensive operations
against enemy ground forces. However, the primary mission of the UH-1 is
to provide combat utility support for the MAGTF. The performance features
of the UH-1 are listd below:
• Transports up to 13 passengers
• Provides airborne command and control
• Aids in local search and rescue
• Provides aeromedical evacuation of causalities
Like the AH-1, the UH-1 is currently being upgraded to a four-blade version
(designated the UH-1Y), which will enter service in 2005. This upgrade will
significantly increase the aircraft’s speed (by 32 percent), payload (by 44
percent), and altitude, which will improve survivability, durability, and
performance.
UH-1 Diagram The UH-1 is shown below:

Ordnance
Factors Marine aviation uses a variety of aircraft weapons and associated systems.
Effecting Use The type of weapon or system will depend on the aircraft, mission, method of
delivery, and desired result.
To exploit the full capacity of any weapon system and properly employ CAS,
you must understand some basic nomenclature and what weapons options are
available.
Types and The table below describes some of the available ordnance and their effects:
Effects
Type Description Effect

MK-80 Series • Low drag bombs When fused for
General Purpose (GP) instantaneous
High Explosive Bombs • One of the most detonation, it provides
widely used weapons good fragmentation
in the inventory effects against
personnel and light
• May use mechanical
equipment.
and electric fuses, and
nose and tail fins
• Comes in several sizes
• MK-82: 500 lbs
• MK-83: 1,000 lbs
• MK-84: 2,000 lbs
MK77 Firebombs • Contains • Designed for use on
approximately 75 • Convoys
gallons of fuel gel • Dug-in troops
mixture that sticks to • Supply
most surfaces installations
• Other structures
• Weighs about 500 lbs
• On impact, it
• Previously known as
releases burning fuel
napalm
gel over the area in
the direction of
flight.

Ordnance, Continued
Types and
Effects,
continued
Type Description Effects

MK-20 Rockeye A dispenser/cluster bomb Effective against
• Trucks
• Radar vans
• Missile sites
• Fuel storage tanks
• Surface ships
CBU-59/B Consists of two modes: Highly effective
Antipersonnel/ against personnel and
• Hard target mode
Antimaterial (APAM) lightly armored
bomblets penetrate and equipment under a
detonate in the inside. wide variety of terrain
• Soft target mode conditions
bomblets hit the
ground, eject aft part
into the air where they
detonate and cause
more fragmentation.
2.75-inch Aircraft • Fires from two pods: Can be used against a
Rocket holding 7 or 19 rockets multitude of targets
from dug in troops to
• Fires singly or in fortified positions and
ripple light armor
• Consists of three types:
• Fragmentation
• Antiarmor shaped
charge
• Smoke, flare, or
flechette (arrow
shaped projectiles)
warheads

Ordnance, Continued
Types and
Effects,
continued

5-inch Zuni Rocket • Fires from a four-tube Effective against
LAU-10 rocket pod
• Concrete
• Similar to the 2.75- inch
• Bunkers
system
• Personnel
• Fires in single or ripple • Heavy or lightly
mode armored vehicles
• Submarines
• Antisubmarine warhead
Walleye Laser Guided • Air-to-surface glide Most effective against
Bomb bomb heavily structured,
well-defined targets in
• Uses automatic video daylight/clear weather
tracking for homing and
guidance to surface
targets
• Cannot be employed by
AV-8B
M-65 Airborne TOW • Maximum effective Conducts a point
Wire Guided Missile range: 3,750 meters target attack of armor
• Guided during its flight
by receiving commands
from two wires attached
to the launch tube
• AH-1 Cobra uses TOW
AGM-144C • Uses radar frequency Pinpoint accuracy
Helicopterborne Fire seeker to track targets from a safe standoff
and Forget distance of
(HELLFIRE) Missile • Locks on target before approximately 5 miles
and after firing
• Maximum speed of 950
mph

Ordnance, Continued
Types and
Effects,
continued

AGM-65 Maverick • Consists of two types: Effective against
Laser Guided Missile • Laser-guided • Field fortifications
variant (AGM-65E) • Armored vehicles
• Surface combatants
• Imaging infrared–
seeker variant
(AGM-65F)
• Employed from
• F/A-18
• AV-8B
Fuel Air Explosive Explosive force comes • Effective against
(FAE) Bomb from the detonation of the • Mines
fuel that forms an aerosol • Boobytraps
cloud on impact and then • Tanks
ignited, resulting in an • Structures
overpressure that destroys • Personnel
the target. • Used to clear landing
zones
Gun System • Variety ranges from the Effective against
M60 machinegun to the • Personnel
GAU-12 gun system • Unfortified structures
• Provides offensive and • Light and medium
armored surface
defensive firepower
targets
• Air-to-air
• Air-to-ground
Flares All CAS aircraft can Illuminate/mark target
employ area up to 4 minutes

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Which is an advantage of a CAS platform?
a. Low fuel consumption

b. Saves friendly lives
c. Carries several types of smart ordnance
d. Fills in offensive gaps
Item 2 Which aircraft is one of the Marines Corps primary CAS platforms?
a. AH-1W
b. AV-8B
c. UH-1N
d. CV-22
Item 3 Which may be considered an advantage of a CIFS platform?
a. Responsiveness and flexibility

b. Effective only when supported with other supporting arms
c. Requires detailed, integrated planning with ground force’s fire and
maneuver
d. Highly effective against targets located deep within enemy areas targets
Item 4 Which aircraft does the Marine Corps use primarily for CIFS?
a. AH-1W
b. AV-8B
c. F/A-18
d. CV-22

Item 5 Read the following statements and then answer the question below.
1. Combat utility support

2. Search and destroy
3. Search and rescue
4. Transportation
Which statements best define UH-1 missions?
a. 1, 2, and 3
b. 1, 3, and 4
c. 2, 3, and 4
Item 6 Which ordnance provides good fragmentation effects against personnel and
light equipment?
a. Firebombs
b. Fuel air explosive (FAE) weapons
c. Air-to-surface guided missiles
d. General purpose high explosive bombs

Answers The table below lists the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
questions, refer to the reference page listed for each item.

1 c 1-18
2 b 1-20
3 a 1-23
4 a 1-24
5 b 1-25
6 d 1-26

LESSON 3
REQUESTING AIR SUPPORT
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson discusses the personnel, procedures, and communication involved
in requesting air support. Understanding how the process of requesting
Marine air works will help increase your chance of receiving the CAS you
want when you want it. Along with understanding the process, you must
know the personnel handling your request and the role they play in processing
air requests. Communication nets will close the lesson so you—the
controller—can effectively communicate with the processing chain and obtain
the CAS you requested.

Objectives
• Identify the personnel involved in controlling Marine air.
• Identify the purpose of a joint tactical airstrike request (JTAR).
• Identify the communication nets involved in requesting Marine air.
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-33
Command and Control Agencies 1-34
Joint Tactical Airstrike Request (JTAR) 1-37
Communication Nets 1-41

Command and Control Agencies
Amphibious CAS requires a command and control (C 2 ) structure that can coordinate
Tactical Air requirements, process requests, and control execution. The amphibious
Control System tactical air control system (ATACS) is organized and equipped to
(ATACS)
• Plan, direct, and control all air operations within an assigned area.
• Coordinate air operations with the other components of a joint force.
Marine Tactical The Navy tactical command center (TACC) controls all aviation assets while
Command afloat in support of the commander of landing forces. The Marine TACC and
Center (TACC) its other subordinate agencies
• Manage MAGTF aviation assets.
• Act as the senior Marine air command and control system (MACCS)
agency.
• Provide centralized command and direction of subordinate activities

(tactical air operations center (TAOC) and aircraft squadrons).
Tactical Air During the build up of landing force combat power ashore, the commander of
Direction landing forces establishes a tactical air direction center (TADC) to act as a
Center (TADC) coordination agency between the other MACCS agencies and the Navy
TACC afloat. The Marine TACC remains subordinate to the Navy TACC
until control of aviation has been passed ashore. The TAOC is under the
operational control of the Marine TACC. In this lesson, we will direct our
attention to the C2 elements that fall under the ground combat element (GCE)
of the MAGTF.

Command and Control Agencies, Continued
Direct Air The DASC is the air control agency for the MACCS. It is primarily
Support Center responsible for the direction and procedural control of air operations directly
(DASC) supporting the MAGTF’s ground combat element (GCE). DASC is usually
the first principal MACCS agency ashore. It is the first C2 agency that has a
direct impact on CAS responsiveness. DASC is directly supervised by the
TACC. It is normally co- located or electronically linked with the senior fire
support coordination agency ashore. The operations of the DASC are listed
below:
• Processes and coordinates requests for immediate air support
• Coordinates air missions requiring integration with ground forces and

other supporting arms
• Functions in a decentralized mode of operation
• Manages terminal control assets such as forward air controller (airborne)

(FAC[A]) and assault support coordinator (airborne ) (ASC[A]) as they
support ground forces
• Provides procedural control

• Assigned aircraft
• Unmanned aerial vehicles
• Aircraft transiting through its assigned area
Fire Support FSCCs exist at all levels of the GCE down to the battalion level. Through
Coordination this agency, the commanders plan and coordinate the fire of supporting arms
Center (FSCC) with the scheme of maneuver. The operations of the FSCC are listed below:
• Provides a representative to work in the supporting arms coordination

center (SACC), which is located on board ship to coordinate naval
surface fire support (NSFS)
• Plays a critical role in monitoring, coordinating, and deconflicting CAS

with other supporting fires (artillery, mortars)

Command and Control Agencies, Continued
Tactical Air The tactical air control party (TACP) is organic to the GCE down to the
Control Party battalion level. It is located with the GCE and provides ground commanders
(TACP) with the means to access direct air support. TACP consists of the unit’s air
officer (AO), a senior forward air controller, and some communicators. The
operations of the TACP are listed below:
• Establishes liaison and communications between parent units and

airspace control agencies
• Informs and advises the ground unit commander on the employment of

supporting aircraft
• Requests and controls air support
• Provides terminal control for CAS aircraft at the battalion level
The TACP is a MACCS agency, but administratively it is not part of the

Marine Air Command Group (MACG).
Fire Support An infantry, armor, or light armored reconnaissance company will have a fire
Team (FIST) support team (FIST) to plan and coordinate all supporting fires available to
the unit, including mortars, artillery, CAS, and NSFS.
Forward Air A forward air controller (FAC) is normally the terminal controller for aircraft
Controller engaged in CAS and maintains radio communications with assigned CAS
(FAC) aircrews from a forward ground position within sight of target. The FAC is
usually a naval aviator located with the TACP or with a FIST team. FAC
terminal air control aids in target identification and greatly reduces the
potential for fratricide.
Terminal A terminal controller (TC) is any person authorized to direct the maneuver of
Controller (TC) aircraft delivering ordnance, passengers, or cargo to a specific location or
target. A terminal controller is a type of air control. For example, a FAC is a
terminal controller for CAS; however, in extreme situations, a FAC may not
be available and a Marine trained in CAS execution will need to fill the FAC
role as a TC.

Joint Tactical Airstrike Request (JTAR)
Purpose All U.S. Armed Forces use the JTAR request form to request preplanned
CAS. The use of this form is mandatory unless otherwise authorized by a
higher authority. Marine units submitting requests for immediate CAS
transmit their JTARs on the tactical air request (TAR) net, directly to the
DASC. The AOs at intermediate-echelon FSCCs monitor the requests for
coordination purposes and indicate approval in the method prescribed by the
commander. The AO’s operations are listed below:
• Ensure the request meets the commander’s intent.

• Reduce duplication.
• Coordinate the fire support effort.
• Deconflict with other supporting arms.
Diagram The JTAR request form, DD 1972 is identified below:

Joint Tactical Airstrike Request (JTAR), Continued
Content The information required to request CAS is passed by the requester to the
DASC using the Joint Tactical Airstrike Request (JTAR). The first eight
blocks of the JTAR are required in requesting a CAS mission. The nine- line
brief is contained in the remarks block. When making the request, the items
in block 8 are transferred to the close air support brief form.
Transmission The request may be made in one transmission or in separate bursts, consistent
with the communications security situation, and should includ e pertinent lines
from the JTAR. Requests for preplanned CAS missions are submitted using
the same JTAR format, but are submitted in advance to the appropriate FSCC
for consolidation, approval, and forwarding to higher echelon FSCCs. The
FSCC is collocated with the DASC and must advise the DASC on whether
the mission is approved or disapproved before final mission processing is
completed and control of CAS aircraft is passed to the terminal controller.
The diagram below shows the JTAR process as it is being passed forward:
The TC requests immediate CAS up the chain to the DASC while the FSCC
monitors the transmission.

Mission The DASC process is listed below:

Processing
• Begin processing immediate CAS requests on receipt from a lower
echelon control agency (TACP, FACP, FIST, FAC, or TC).
• Complete mission processing upon receiving clearance from the FSCC.
• Identify what aircraft are available for the mission after examining assets
and priorities and coordinating with the TACC as required. The aircraft
assigned may come from multiple sources—ground alert aircraft, airborne
alert aircraft, and if required, aircraft diverted from another mission.
Note: The aircrew(s) will be provided with the final control data enroute to
the target.
• Keep the CAS requester informed of the status of the aircraft filling the
request.
• Assign a request number for the mission.

Procedural Procedural control of assigned aircraft will be provided by the DASC to a

Control point at which control will be assumed by the TC. The DASC determines
aircraft routing in coordination with the senior (GCE) FSCC on the basis of
the tactical situation and the threat. Aircraft are routed by using pre-
established control points throughout the area. The TC will provide routing
for the aircraft from the point at which initial contact is made with the aircraft.
The diagram below shows the CAS being handed down to the TC.

Communications Nets
Purpose Information exchange by tactical communication is necessary to facilitate

CAS and allow the proper control of CAS events. Communications between
aircraft and ground units are necessary to minimize the chance of fratricide
and enhance mission effectiveness. Flexibility and responsiveness of CAS
communications is possible using a variety of techniques, including secure,
frequency-hopping equipment; appropriate countermeasures; disciplined
emission control (EMCON); and standard communications nets.
Standard Nets C2 agencies and CAS aircraft conducting CAS use standard communication
nets. In addition to these standard nets, numerous alternative nets can be used
in critical situations. Alternative nets are designed to provide
communications redundancy in case a net is destroyed, jammed, or has too
much radio traffic.
Direct Air The direct air support net provides a means for the DASC to request direct air
Support Net support aircraft from the TACC/TADC. Information pertaining to aircraft
status and progress of direct air support missions may also be passed over this
net. This net operates under HF and VHF.
Tactical Air The tactical air request (TAR) net provides a means for ground maneuver
Request (TAR) units to request immediate air support from an air control agency such as the
Net DASC or TACC/SACC. The SACC/FSCCs monitor this net and may
approve, disapprove, or modify specific direct air support requests. The
DASC uses this net to brief the requesting unit. Multiple TAR nets may be
required depending on the extent of CAS operations. The TAR net operates
under HF and VHF; however a secondary VHF capability may be available
for additional traffic.
Tactical Air The tactical air control party (TACP) local net provides a means for
Control Party coordination between the battalion FSCC and his FACs. Coordination with
(TACP) Local TAC(A)s and FAC(A)s may also be conducted over this net. This net
Net operates under VHF.

Communications Nets, Continued
Tactical Air The tactical air direction (TAD) net provides a means for
Direction
(TAD) Net • Controlling aircraft conducting CAS
• The TACC/TADC/DASC to brief CAS aircraft on
• Targe t information and handoff
• Assignment to the FAC or FAC(A)
Multiple TAD nets are required and used by various air control agencies. The
TAD net should be reserved for time-critical terminal control information
only. The TAD net operates under UHF—VHF in some cases.
Helicopter The helicopter request net provides a means for TACPs of helicopterborne
Request Net forces to request immediate support from the DASC or the helicopter
direction center. This net operates under HF/VHF.
Helicopter The helicopter direction net provides positive control of inbound and
Direction Net outbound helicopters in the amphibious objective area (AOA). It is a backup
net that is available to coordinate rotary-wing CAS. This net operates under
HF/VHF/UHF.

Communications Nets, Continued
Summary The different typ es of communication nets, frequencies, and activities that
participate on the specific nets are listed in the table below:
Net Freq TACC TADC TAOC DASC TACP Aircraft

Direct Air Support HF
X # X
VHF
Tactical Air Control
VHF X #
Party Local
Tactical Air UHF
X # # X # #
Direction VHF
Tactical Air Request HF X
# # X
VHF
Helicopter Request HF
# # X X
VHF
Helicopter Direction HF
VHF X # # X # #
UHF
Legend: X = Normal participation on the specified net

# = Participation when directed or as required
Controller Controller communication equipment used for ground radio is listed in the
Equipment table below:
Component Radio Frequency Hopping Secure Capability

AN/PRC-119 VHF-FM Yes Yes
AN-PRC-104 HF No Yes
AN/PRC-113 VHF-AM, UHF-FM No Yes

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Who is normally the terminal controller of aircraft engaged CAS?
a. DASC
b. TACP
c. FAC
d. MACCS
Item 2 When filling out a JTAR, which box is completed for the close air support
briefing form?
a. 2
b. 3
c. 6
d. 8

Items 3 Matching: In the space provided, place the letter of the purpose from column
Through 7 2 that matches the communication net in column 1. The answer in column 2
may be used only once.
Column 1 Column 2
Communication Net Purpose
___ 3. Tactical air request net a. Control for TACPs of heliborne

___ 4. Tactical air direction net forces to request support from the
___ 5. Tactical air control party DASC.
local net b. Coordination between the air
___ 6. Helicopter request net officer in the battalion FSCC and
___ 7. Helicopter direction net the FACs.
c. For units to request immediate air
support from an air control
agency.
d. Provides positive control of
inbound and outbound
helicopters.
e. The air control agency can brief
CAS aircraft on target
information and handoff.

any questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

1 c 1-36
2 d 1-38
3 c 1-41
4 e 1-42
5 b 1-41
6 a 1-42
7 d 1-42

LESSON 4
CONTROLLING MARINE AIR
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, we will cover the most critical aspect of CAS: engaging a
target and reporting the results of that engagement.

Objectives
• Identify airspace control measures.
• Identify the parts of a nine- line brief.
• Identify the purpose of suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD).
• Identify critical elements of battle damage assessment.
Topic See Page

Introduction 1-47
Airspace Control Measures 1-48
Close Air Support Briefing Form 1-52
Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD) 1-60
Battle Damage Assessment 1-62

Airspace Control Measures
Definition Airspace control measures are procedural control measures designed to

maximize the effectiveness of combat operations by promoting the safe,
efficient, and flexible use of airspace. Air control agencies, such as the
DASC, use these measures in directing aircraft to and from the target area.
Terminal controllers and observers must understand the meaning of each of
these measures.
Control Point Control points are used to route aircrews to their targets and provide a ready
means of conducting fire support coordination. Control points must be easily
identified from the air and support the MAGTF’s scheme of maneuver. The
MAGTF FSCC and the ACE select control points based on MAGTF
requirements. Control points are given names or numbers and are often used
to facilitate the establishment of airspace coordination areas (ACAs) for
aircraft operating in areas where flight routes or tactics can conflict with
indirect- fire trajectories.
Multiuse If possible, a variety of aircraft should be able to use control points. The
Control Point Marine TACC identifies the specific use for each control point as the tactical
situation dictates. The air tasking order (ATO) states the control points’ daily
intended use.
Entry/Exit Entry/exit points (EPs) are used to enter/exit the AOA. At EPs, the aircrew
Point (EP) must contact the TACC—Navy or Marine—for further clearance.
En Route Point En route points (ERPs) are used to define routes of flight to and from the
(ERP) target area. ERPs allow specific routing of aircraft for C2 , airspace limitation,
or rules of engagement (ROE) requirements. For the ingress routes, ERPs are
placed between the rendezvous point (RP) and the contact point (CP). For the
egress routes, the ERPs are placed between the egress control point and the
penetration point (PP).

Airspace Control Measures, Continued
Contact Point A contact point is the position at which an aircrew makes radio contact with
(CP) an air control agency. Normally, a contact point is outside the range of
enemy surface-to-air (SAM) weapons. The aircrew contacts the terminal
controller at the contact point during ingress. A contact point allows
coordination of final plans before heavily defended airspace is entered.
Initial Point Aircrews use initial points (IPs) to start their run to the target or their
(IP) approach to a landing zone. IPs are well-defined, easily identified (visually or
electronically), and located 5 to 15 nautical miles (NM) from the target area.
TCs and aircrews use IPs to help establish an ingress route for aircraft
executing CAS.
Egress Control An egress control point (ECP) is a well-defined, geographical control point
Point (ECP) outside the enemy air defense area. The ECP identifies a CAS aircrew’s
egress from the target. Contact with TCs normally ends at the ECP. The
DASC is the overall coordinator for the ECP. A FAC(A) or TAC(A) can
control the ECP. An aircrew can use an ECP as a secondary CP to start a
second attack.
Penetration A penetration point (PP) is used for reentry into the friendly air defense
Point (PP) network. PPs are located beyond the intercept zone of the friendly SAM
network. Aircraft with operating identification, friend or foe (IFF) equipment
or communications with the TACC continue with their recoveries from the
PP. Aircraft without IFF execute prebriefed identification procedures at or
before the IP or wait at the PP for rendezvous with friendly escort aircraft.
Holding Area Holding areas (HAs) are well forward in the battlespace and provide for
(HA) helicopter dispersion as well as cover and concealment from enemy
observation and fires. HAs may be located near the maneuvering regimental
or battalion headquarters or at the terminal controller’s position. CIFS
aircrews occup y holding areas while awaiting targets or missions.

Battle Position Battle positions (BPs) are maneuvering areas that rotary-wing aircraft
(BP) maneuver in and engage targets from, both laterally and in depth. While
awaiting the time-to-target (TTT), helicopters maneuver in BPs. The
supported commander coordinates and selects BPs through his FAC. BP’s
are usually designated as a grid intersection followed by the size of the BP,
typically a 4-square kilometer area–for example, “8564, 2 by 2.” Once the
terminal controller clears rotary-wing CAS aircraft into a BP, these aircraft
should not exit until authorized. Aircrews have freedom of movement within
the BP unless otherwise restricted.
CAS Control The diagram below shows the control points CAS aircraft use:
Points

CIFS Control In addition to multiuse control points, the re are rotary-wing specific control
Points points. Below is a diagram of control points used that are unique to planning
and employment of CIFS aircraft.

Close Air Support Briefing Form
Nine -Line Brief The CAS brief, also known as the “nine- line brief”, is the standard brief used
for all aircraft conducting CAS/CIFS. The brief is used for all threat
conditions and does not dictate the CAS aircrew’s tactics. The mission brief
follows the numbered sequence (1 through 9) of the CAS brief form shown
on the next page.
Purpose Use of a standard briefing sequence improves mission direction and control
by allowing terminal controllers to pass information rapidly and succinctly.
This mission information and sequence may be modified to fit the tactical
situation. The CAS briefing gives aircrews the information required to
perform the mission.
Procedures The aircraft contacts the terminal controller at the contact point during
ingress. It is at this point that the terminal controller passes the nine-line brief
to the aircrew. Giving the aircrew the nine- line brief at the contact point
allows coordination of final plans before heavily defended airspace is entered.
When the terminal controller wants confirmation the aircrew has correctly
received critical items of the brief, the terminal controller will request a read
back. When a read back is requested, the aircrew will repeat items 1, 6, 8,
and any restrictions.

Close Air Support Briefing Form, Continued
Sample Form
Omit data not required: Do not transmit line numbers. Units of measure are standard unless
otherwise specified.
*Denotes minimum essential inf ormation required in a limited communication environment. Bold
denotes read back when requested.
Terminal controller: _______________ this is __________________
* 1. IP/BP: __________________________________
* 2. Heading: _____________________ Offset: ___________(left/right)
* 3. Distance: ____________________________________
* 4. Target elevation: _________________________ (in feet above MSL)
* 5. Target description: ___________________________________
* 6. Target location: ___________________________________________

(latitude/ longitude, grid coordinates, offsets or visual)
* 7. Type mark: ______________________ Code:________________

(WP/laser/IR/beacon) (actual code)
Laser-to-target line: ______________________degrees
* 8. Location of friendlies: ____________________________
* 9. Egress: ________________________________________
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Remarks (as appropriate): _______________________________________

(Threats, hazards, weather, restrictors, ordnance delivery, attack heading, danger close, or SEAD)
Time on target: TOT ______________________________
-- or --
Time to target: standby ________ plus _________ …. hack

Line 1. IP/BP The IP is the starting point for the run- in to the target and normally is named
(Initial Point, or numbered. For CIFS, TCs establish the HA until the target attack phase
Battle Position) begins and the aircraft enters the BP. For CIFS, the BP is where attacks on
the target begin; however, CIFS can be performed with or without HAs or
BPs.
Line 2. The heading is given in degrees magnetic from the IP to the target or from the
Heading center of the BP to the target. TCs determine this heading from the map and
convert it to a magnetic heading for transmission in the brief.
TCs give an offset (offset left/right) if a restriction exists. The offset is the
side of the IP-to-target line on which aircrews can maneuver. The offset
direction is used to ease fire support coordination, safeguard friendly forces,
aid target acquisition, or align aircraft for the attack or egress.
Line 3. The distance is given from the IP/BP to the target. For fixed-wing aircraft,
Distance the distance is given in nautical miles and should be accurate to a tenth of an
NM. For attack helicopters, the distance is given in meters from the center of
the BP and should be accurate to the nearest 5m.
Line 4. Target The target elevation is given in feet above mean sea level (MSL) and is
Elevation necessary for rotary-wing.
Line 5. Target The target description should be specific enough for the aircrew to recognize
Description the target. The target should be described accurately and concisely.

Line 6. Target The terminal controller can give the target location in several ways (grid
Location coordinates, latitude and longitude, navigational aid fix, or visual description
from a conspicuous reference point). Because of the multiple coordinate
systems available for use, the data that will be used must always be specified
in the JTAR as shown below:
If using… Give the…
Grid coordinates 100,000-m grid identification
An area target • Location of the target’s center
• Location of the greatest concentration
A linear target Location of the ends of the target
Line 7. Mark Mark type is the type of mark the terminal controller will use (smoke or laser)
Type and the laser code (code) the terminal controller will use. Target marking
helps aircrews locate the target to be engaged. Terminal controllers should
provide a target mark whenever possible. The table below lists some forms of
marking:
Marker Function
Laser The most effective means of improving accuracy of
aircraft delivered ordnance
Infrared (IR) • IR pointers and other IR devices now available to
help a terminal controller mark a target at night
• Effective for aircrews with night vision devices
• Cannot be used to guide or improve the accuracy of
aircraft ordnance
Munitions • Artillery, NGF, or mortar fires(smoke or white
phosphorous) effectively help aircrews visually
acquire the target
• Cannot be used to guide or improve the accuracy of
aircraft ordnance
Direct fire • May be more accurate and timely than indirect fire
marking
• Use may be limited by range and visibility of the
weapon’s burst effect on the battlefield
Aircraft FAC aircraft may mark with white or red phosphorous
rockets, high explosive rockets, illumination, and/or
lasers

Line 8. The distance of friendly forces from the target is given in meters and in a
Locations of cardinal heading from the target (north, south, east, or west). If the friendly
Friendlies position is marked, identify the type of mark.
The accuracy of air-delivered ordnance is subject to many variables.

Therefore, unlike for indirect-fire weapons, a danger close distance for the
safe separation of air-delivered ordnance is difficult to establish.
Recommended minimum safe distances for troops can be found in the FAC
Handbook in the unit SOP’s or local range regulations. When air-delivered
ordnance is to be delivered near friendly forces (danger close), a careful
analysis must be made. The air control agency must consider the situation
when selecting and assigning aircraft. Once assigned, the pilot must
incorporate this situation into the selection of his attack tactics. Finally, the
terminal controller must provide data/instructions to assist the pilot in
ensuring safe separation. As with all CAS missions, the supported
commander must approve its delivery.
Line 9. Egress These are the instructions the aircrews use to exit the target area. Egress
instructions can be given as a cardinal direction or by using control points.
The word egress is used before delivering the egress instructions.

Close Air Support Briefing FormContinued
Remarks If applicable, the remarks block should contain the information described in
the table below.
Information Description
Laser-to-Target Line The attack heading must allow acquisition of the
reflected laser energy (the mark).
Ordnance Delivery Recommendation on delivery that will have the
greatest effect-on-target
Threat and Location Self explanatory
Final Attack Heading Any adjustments to the initial attack heading
Hazards to Aviation Advise on any antiair threats, including friendly
SEAD.
ACAs Airspace • Airspace that is reasonably safe from friendly,
Coordination Area surface-delivery
• Provides a warning to CAS aircraft of the

parameters of surface-delivered fire in a specific
area
Weather Self explanatory
Restrictions Any off- limit area established by air control agencies
Additional Target Any added information that will help the aircrew
Information cause the most damage to the target.
SEAD and location Indicate the presence of SEAD and the area it is
being conducted.
Laser, Illumination, Indicate whether you have any that you can use to
and Night Vision aid the aircrew in engaging the target.
Capability
Danger Close Indicate the presence of friendlies near the target.

Time on Target The terminal controller may give the aircrew a TOT or TTT depending on the
(TOT) Time to situation.
Target (TTT)
• TOT is the synchronized clock time when ordnance is expected to hit the
target. It is the timing standard for CAS missions. There is no time Hack
statement when using TOT.
• TTT is the time in minutes and seconds after the time Hack statement is
delivered—when ordnance is expected to hit the target. The time Hack
statement indicates the moment when all participants start the timing
countdown.
Standard A standard transmission by the DASC informing the terminal controller of the
Transmission, mission status of the immediate request is shown below:
DASC to TC
Transmission:
DASC: “Tiger 14, this is Budworth, mission 10-2, Check, two F/A-18s inbound with
Rockeye ETA 15, contact on Orange.”
Description of Transmission:
Identification Tiger 14, this is Budworth
Request number Mission 10-2
Call sign of flight1 Check
Number of aircraft Two F/A-18s inbound
Type of ordnance Rockeye
Estimated time of arrival (ETA) in ETA 15
minutes
Frequency of terminal control Contact on Orange
Legend: 1The aircraft flight is referred to collectively by call sign; individual aircraft in
the flight are referred to as “lead” (flight leader) and “dash (number)” (remaining
aircraft in flight), for example, “dash 2.”

Close Air Support Briefing FormContinued
Initial Contact, Below is the initial contact between the aircrew and the terminal controller:
Aircrew and
TC
Transmission:
Flight leader: “Tiger 14, this is Check 10-2, two F/A-18s
inbound Chevy 12 Rockeye each, 0 + 30.”
Terminal controller: “Roger, Check, proceed to Chevy, stand by for
brief.”
Flight leader: “Ready to copy.”
Identification Tiger 14, this is Check
Mission number 10-2
Number of aircraft and type of ordnance1 Two F/A-18s inbound Chevy 12 Rockeye each
Time on station 0 + 30
1
Legend: The ordnance may be referred to by a preestablished code, for example, D-22.
Nine -Line Brief Below is an example of a standard nine- line brief being issued to the aircrew:
Transmission:
“Snake 045, left 12.3, 55, five armored vehicles moving north to south in column, SS 623
456, WP, south 1,000, egress south to Ford.”
IP or battle position Snake
Heading and offset 045, left
Distance 12.3 is given in nautical miles to the nearest
tenth.
Target elevation 55 is given in feet “ MSL”
Target description Five armored vehicles moving north to south in
column
Target location SS 623 456
Type of mark (if beacon or laser, include WP
appropriate code)1
Location of friendly forces1 South 1,000
Egress1 Egress south to ford
Legend: 1 These elements may be omitted in a limited communications environment.

Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD)
Purpose Suppression of enemy air defense (SEAD) neutralizes, destroys, or

temporarily degrades surface-based enemy air defenses by destructive or
disruptive means. The MAGTF commander uses SEAD to increase
effectiveness and flexibility of MAGTF operations as well as to protect
MAGTF aircraft. SEAD allows friendly aircraft to conduct missions against
targets defended by enemy air defenses.
Combined Aviation and ground forces conduct SEAD to protect specific air missions.
Arms Effective SEAD requires unity of effort to achieve a combined-arms effect.
Combined arms enhances the results against the enemy air defenses while
reducing the risk to friendly aircraft. The MAGTF performs SEAD by
integrating air and ground combat power.
During Aircraft SEAD can be effective during periods of aircraft vulnerability. For example,
Vulnerability SEAD can support aircraft conducting CAS, helicopterborne forces en route
to a landing zone and during insertion, or air reconnaissance aircrews
collecting intelligence information. The MAGTF classifies SEAD as either
preplanned or immediate. Fire support planning and coordination are
essential to SEAD missions.
Requesting The unit requesting an air mission begins by identifying known or suspected
SEAD enemy air defenses that may effect the supported air mission. Requesters list
threats in the remarks block of the JTAR, CAS brief form, or assault support
request form along with organic SEAD assets available.
Preplanned Preplanned SEAD is primarily a fire support planning issue that supports and
SEAD is developed concurrently with the scheme of maneuver. Preplanned SEAD
is a plan for the use of a weapon. The FSCC assesses SEAD requirements
and assigns appropriate and available SEAD assets. When the preplanned air
request reaches the Marine TACC, the ACE decides if more SEAD support is
necessary. If the GCE cannot handle the request, the ACE passes the request
to the MAGTF commander. The MAGTF commander may reorder priorities
or request external SEAD support.

Suppression of Enemy Air Defense (SEAD), Continued
Immediate Immediate SEAD is primarily a fire support coordination issue that involves
SEAD the planning and execution of fires so that a suitable weapon or group of
weapons adequately suppresses targets (i.e. enemy air defense assets). The
terminal controller, together with other supporting arms controllers and FSCC
personnel, begins planning immediate SEAD by considering available SEAD-
capable assets and simple airspace control measures. If CAS platforms are
appropriate for the SEAD mission, the terminal controller requests support
from the DASC.
Method of Fire The method of fire and control includes instructions for timing and duration
of SEAD fires. To abbreviate the SEAD call- for- fire, two standard programs
are established for typical SEAD scenarios: continuous SEAD and
interrupted SEAD.
Continuous Continuous SEAD is delivered before and during the aircraft’s period of
SEAD vulnerability. Continuous SEAD suppresses enemy air defenses during the
aircraft’s approach, attack/landing, and egress or where SEAD will not
endanger friendly aircrews. The standard ordnance type for continuous
SEAD is a high-explosive munition with variable time fuse. The duration of
fire for cont inuous SEAD is 2 minutes, starting 1 minute before the
supporting air mission event and ending 1 minute after the event.
Interrupted Interrupted SEAD is temporarily interrupted at some time during the aircraft’s
SEAD attack to protect the aircraft from the effects of SEAD. The timing of
interrupted SEAD must be closely integrated with the aircraft’s attack or
landing. Interrupted SEAD protects aircrews when SEAD is necessary only
during the aircraft’s approach or where SEAD might endanger the aircrew
during their attack or landing. The standard ordnance type for interrupted
SEAD is a high-explosive munition with variable time fuse. The duration of
fire for interrupted SEAD is 30 seconds, starting 1 minute before the
supporting air mission event and ending 30 seconds before the event.

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA)
Purpose Battle damage assessment (BDA) is used to assess the effectiveness of the
CAS mission and to update the enemy order of battle after the CAS attack.
Accurate BDA is critical for determining if a target should be re-attacked.
Contents The contents of the BDA should include
• Information relating the BDA being given to a specific target (e.g., target
coordinates, target number, mission number, munitions expended, or
target description)
• Time of attack
• Damage actually seen (e.g., secondary explosions or fires, enemy

casualties, or number and type of vehicles/structures damaged or
destroyed)
• Mission accomplishment (were the desired effects achieved)

Battle Damage Assessment (BDA), Continued
Terminal Whenever possible, the TC provides attack flights with the BDA of their
Controller attack as they egress. The TC gives BDA for the flight, not for individual
Responsibilities aircraft in the flight. At times it may not be possible to pass all BDA
information. At a minimum, the TC should pass an assessment of mission
accomplishment. Additionally, the TC should provide all available BDA
information to the DASC or appropriate command and control agency.
Below is an example of a BDA report:
Transmission:
“SS619 456, 0905, 0906, 75 over 80, four armored vehicles destroyed, one
turning east, 10 killed in action (KIAs), mission successful, T6G.”
Target coordinates (location of target SS 619 456
when attacked)
Time on/off target (time of aircraft 0905, 0906
attack/time aircraft completed
mission and departed)
% of ordnance on target/ % of target 75 over 80
destroyed
Results Four armored vehicles destroyed, one
turning east, 10 KIAs, mission
successful
Unit support by the mission T6G

Lesson 4 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What is the control point where CIFS aircrews normally occupy while
awaiting targets or missions?
a. Contact point
b. Battle position
c. Initial point
d. Holding area
Item 2 The purpose of a nine-line brief is to
a. request logistical support.

b. allow the pilot to communicate with the FAC.
c. request close air support.
d. request air evacuations.
Item 3 To suppress, disrupt, neutralize, destroy, or temporarily degrade enemy air

defenses in a specific area is an example of
a. antiair warfare.
b. SEAD.
c. assault support.
d. offensive air support.

Item 4 Who provides battle damage assessment?
a. DASC
b. FAC
c. Pilot
d. Terminal controller

any questions about these items, refer to the reference page.

1 d 1-49
2 c 1-52
3 b 1-60
4 d 1-63

STUDY UNIT 2
COMBAT OPERATIONS CENTER
Overview
Estimated 1 hour, 20 minutes

Study Time
Scope This study unit will cover the combat operations center and review its
procedures, personnel, communications set up, security, and situation maps.
Learning After completing this study unit, you should be able to

Objectives
• Establish a main command post and its security.
• Identify combat operations center staff and responsibilities.
• Identify situation map terms, definitions, and symbols.

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Establishing a Command Post 2-3
Lesson 2 Operations Center Staff 2-17
Lesson 3 Situation Map 2-27


LESSON 1
ESTABLISHING A COMMAND POST
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will discuss how a command post would be established in a
tactical environment. The procedures for establishing any MEU- or MAGTF-
level command post would be similar, although each would be done on a
larger scale.

Objectives
• Identify functions and characteristics of a tactical command post.
• Identify measures for establishing security of a command post.
• Identify considerations for establishing communications for a command

post.
Topic See Page

Introduction 2-3
Elements of a Command Post 2-4
Command Post Functions and Characteristics 2-5
Command Post Location 2-7
Security for a Command Post 2-8
Communications for a Command Post 2-12
Tasks and Responsibilities 2-13

Elements of a Command Post
Importance of The command post is the hub of the command and control facilities of the
Command Post battalion where members of the staff supervise the operation, obtain
information, and make recommendations to the commander so that
appropriate and timely decisions can be made.
Types There are three types of command posts:
• Main
• Tactical
• Rear
Main The main command post is normally located to the rear of forward-deployed
forces. The main command post focuses on execution of current operations
(maneuver, control and fire support coordination), reporting to higher
headquarters, and planning for future operations. The focal point for current
and future operations is the combat operations center (COC). The main
command post operates under control of the battalion commander, the
executive officer, or the S-3.
Tactical The tactical command post mirrors the main command post in capability and
sustainability. However, it has a greater flexibility in movement and
structure. It encompasses the minimum requirements for sustainment in both
equipment and personnel. The tactical command post is most often used
during operations characterized by numerous movements and displacements
and where duplication of command and control capabilities is required.
Rear The rear command post sustains the force during current operations, forecasts
future combat service support (CSS) requirements, and conducts rear
operations. The personnel or manpower staff officer (S-1) controls the rear
command post and normally collocates with the forward support battalion
command post in the MAGTF support area.

Command Post Functions and Characteristics
Main Below are some of the functions and characteristics of the main command
post:
Primary Function Characteristics

• Plans future operations • Organized in functional cells
(S-1, S-2, S-3, S-4)
• Coordinates operations
throughout the area of • Operates in mounted or dismounted
operations mode
• Coordinates combat support • Positioned in the MAGTF area

and CSS assets as directed
by higher echelons
• Executes planned deep

attacks
• Monitors the close fight
• Fights rear operations
• Keeps higher headquarters

informed
• Maintains operations for

extended periods
• Assumes command and

control of close operations if
the tactical command post is
destroyed

Command Post Functions and Characteristics, Continued
Tactical Below are some of the functions and characteristics of the tactical command
post:
Primary Functions Characteristics

• Controls ongoing close • Positioned forward in the area of
operations operation
• Operates in mounted or dismounted
• Provides commander with mode
critical combat information • Organized as a single cohesive cell
• Small, highly mobile
• Maintains current close • Low electronic signature
operations situation • Controlled by the battalion S-3
• Duplication of command and
• Disseminates commander’s control capabilities
decisions
Rear Below are some of the functions and characteristics of the rear command
post:
Primary Functions Characteristics

• Tracks current battle • Positioned as directed by MAGTF
commander
• Sustains current deep and
close operations • Collocates with forward support
battalion
• Forecasts future CSS
requirements • Operates in mounted or dismounted
modes
• Conducts detailed CSS
planning
• Serves as entry point for units

entering the MAGTF area

Command Post Location
Location The command post is located to facilitate the control of the battalion.
Considerations that influence the selection of a location are:
• Troop dispositions—where are the friendly troops?

• Routes of communications—where are roads and supply lines?
• Communications requirements—what assets are required?
• Type of tactical operation—what is the mission?
• Space required—how much of an area is required?
• Cover and concealment—is there plenty of cover?
• Security—have security procedures been established?
Displacement To maintain effective control of a unit, the command post is displaced in a

manner that involves the least possible interruption of operations. When a
displacement is necessary, the S-3 recommends to the commander a new
general location and time for the displacement. The executive officer will
control the displacement of the unit. Tactics involved in a displacement will
be dictated by the situation.
Alternate Plans are prepared and units are trained to ensure continued command and
control in the event that the battalion command post is rendered inoperative
through loss of command post personnel and equipment. Plans provide for
the immediate assumption of command by the senior officer present and the
formation of a new battalion command post.
Portions of these plans can be found in the local standard operating

procedures of a unit.

Security for a Command Post
Security The local security for the command post is the responsibility of the
Headquarters (HQ) commandant. He will establish a security detachment
comprised of Marines assigned to Headquarters and Service company and
from the various staff sections. The security detachment and the COC
personnel not conducting normal duties will provide perimeter security under
the direction of the HQ commandant. Observation posts (OP) and listening
posts (LP) will be manned and security patrols will be conducted by the
Marines assigned to the security detail.
Priority of Priority of work and establishing and expanding security for a command post
Work is the first task of setting up CP security. There are seven areas:
• Establishing security
• Positioning of crew-served weapons
• Clearing fields of fire
• Preparing primary positions
• Constructing obstacles
• Selecting and preparing alternate/supplementary positions
• Constructing dummy positions
Proceed to work on vital areas as time permits. Positions should be

continually improved and expanded. You should not set up to defend
everywhere at once, but should concentrate the available forces along likely
avenues of approach on key terrain and around critical positions, such as the
command post.

Security for a Command Post, Continued
Representation A representation of command post security is shown below:

of Command
Post Security
Security To ensure proper security of a command post, a unit must implement security
Measures and control measures that provide for in-depth security that will nullify or
reduce the effectiveness of enemy attacks. Security measures can be
identified as either passive or active.

Passive Passive security measures involve building up a position and those structures
Security inside an area. Four areas apply to passive security measures:
Measures
• Use camouflage and concealment, dispersion, and natural cover.
• Fortify key positions (the command post).
• Position security units to be mutually supporting.
• Establish redundant facilities to preclude capabilities from being rendered
ineffective if the primary facility is destroyed.
Active Security Active security measures deal with training, equipping, and positioning those
Measures Marines that will be providing the security for the command post. The areas
that apply to active security measures are:
• Train Marines in basic infantry skills to include air defense techniques.

• Organize HQ personnel for defensive operations.
• Equip security personnel with weapons and munitions required for local
defense.
• Use patrolling, OP/LP and other local security techniques.
• Establish defensive plans and positions to include barriers and obstacles.
• Provide access rosters to command post.
• Establish and coordinate security and reaction forces.
Access Access will be limited to only those who have a need to reach the command
post for operational purposes. ID cards and rosters will be used to confirm
the identities of those who need to gain access.
Security will be maintained on all avenues of approach. Communication

between access areas and the command post will reduce the chances of
miscommunication with supporting units and security personnel and will add
to the security of the command post.

Specific There are specific measures available to a commander in establishing security

Defensive for a command post:
Measures
• Establishing identification procedures
• Specifying area or base entry procedures
• Planning and rehearsing immediate action drills
• Enforcing noise and light discipline
• Coordinating defensive fires

Communications for a Command Post
Communica- Command post communications will utilize every means available to provide
tions the commander with the ability to exert his authority and fulfill his
responsibilities. It is the responsibility of the communications officer to make
the commander aware of the capabilities and limitations of all
communications inside and outside the command post.
Placement of The antenna site or ant farm will be placed a minimum of 500 feet from the
the Antenna command post and masked when possible.
Site (Ant Farm)
Communica- Radio nets, call signs, and frequencies will be distributed for the command
tions Networks post and the operation in the form of communications–electronics operating
instructions (CEOI). It is the responsibility of the holders of the CEOI to pass
the information provided to all subordinates involved in the operation.
Considerations All main and alternate command post radio equipment will be planned,
for Com- installed, operated, and maintained with the ability to enhance the command
munications post communications. Considerations for this ability will be reliability,
Equipment flexibility, security, and responsiveness. The ability to communicate during
any tactical situation is paramount to operational success.
Required When communications for a command post is established, safety is a required

Measures measure that can never be overlooked. Satisfactory grounds on all
communication–electronic equipment will be required. These include the
proper placement of switchboards, generators, and other terminal equipment.

Tasks and Responsibilities
Communica- The tasks and responsibilities the communications platoon are required to
tions Platoon complete during the establishment of command post operations are as
follows:
• Plan for, install, operate, and maintain all communications–electronic

equipment within the command post.
• Ensure the power distribution system is properly grounded and that

backup power is available.
• Ensure the displacement of the command post is executed with the

required equipment in accordance with the CEOI.
• Ensure the communications for the command post, if lost, are restored
expeditiously with all internal and external systems required by the CEOI.
Fire Support The fire support section within the command post is responsible for all fire
Communica- support for that given unit. Communications responsibilities and assets (all
tion communication–electronic equipment needed for fire support) will be
provided by the fire support personnel that have been assigned to the
command post.
Summary Communications for the command post is guided and established in

accordance with published CEOI and SOP. The commander is in charge; the
communications officer is responsible for the efficient operation of all
communication–electronic equipment and procedures within the command
post and the unit as a whole.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Identify a function of a tactical command post.
a. Establishes identification procedures

b. Constructs obstacles
c. Controls ongoing close operations
d. Constructs dummy positions
Item 2 Identify a characteristic of a tactical command post.
a. Operates in a rear area

b. Operates in a combat service support area only
c. Collocates with forward support battalion
d. Organized as a single cohesive cell
Item 3 Identify a security measure used when establishing a command post.
a. Executes planned deep attacks

b. Establishes and coordinate security and reaction forces
c. Establishes air patrols around command post
d. Establishes booby traps and hasty ambushes

Item 4 Identify considerations for establishing communications for a command post.
a. Reliability , flexibility, security, and responsiveness

b. Fluidity, dependability, security, and static squelch
c. Responsiveness, interference squelch, security, and clarity
d. Flexibility, security, dual modulation, and frequency hopping

Answers The table below provides the answers to the exercise items. If you have any
Item Number Answer Reference Page

1 c 2-6
2 d 2-6
3 b 2-10
4 a 2-12

LESSON 2
OPERATIONS CENTER STAFF
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This lesson will give an overview of how the combat operations center (COC)
functions in a tactical environment. It will describe the tasks and
responsibilities of the COC staff.

Objectives
• Identify the functions of a COC.
• Identify COC staff sections and their duties.
Topic See Page

Introduction 2-17
COC Functions 2-18
COC Staff Tasks and Responsibilities 2-19
COC Message Traffic 2-22

COC Functions
Specific The COC is the hub of the battlefield. Decisions that are made effect the
Functions battle space almost immediately. Specific functions that are accomplished
within the COC are listed below:
• Supervise current operations and report significant events to the

commander.
• Maintain communications with higher, adjacent, supporting units, and

maneuver elements of the battalion.
• Maintain and display the current friendly and enemy situation.
• Develop and disseminate the intelligence picture.
• Direct and manage intelligence collection.
• Prepare and submit operational reports to higher headquarters.
• Issue orders and tactical decisions of the commander to subordinate

elements and higher headquarters.
• Monitor the state of combat essential equipment/supplies and advise the

commander of short falls affecting the operation.
• Coordinate all available supporting arms: air, naval gunfire, artillery, and
81mm mortars.
• Serve as the principal point of contact for liaison personnel.
• Develop deception plans.
• Maintain continuous operations.
COC The COC is organized to facilitate the display, maintenance, and ease of
Organization access to critical information necessary to plan, monitor, and control the
execution of combat operations.

COC Staff Tasks and Responsibilities
COC Staff The COC is made up of personnel that provide specific information to the
commander during operations. These personnel have certain tasks and
responsibilities that must be executed in an environment that can be hectic
and confusing. The following are found inside the COC:
• Commanding officer
• S-1
• S-2
• S-3
• S-4
• Fire support coordinator
• Commanders of attached and supporting units
• COC watch officer
• Unit journal clerk
Commanding The commanding officer uses all available means to accomplish the mission.
Officer His plans, orders, and supervision ensure the actions of all units contribute
toward that end. He goes where he can best direct and control the operation.
He may be at the command post, at an observation post with the main
element, or anywhere else in his area of operations where his presence is
required.
The S-1 The S-1 is responsible for personnel activities and other administrative
matters not specifically assigned to another staff officer. He routes messages
received from the message center to the other sections within the command
post.
The S-2 The S-2 is responsible for producing combat intelligence and counter-
intelligence matters. He will keep the commander informed of the enemy
situation and capability, terrain and weather, and their effect on the mission.
As part of his counterintelligence tasks, he ensures that all internal security
procedures are in place and being conducted properly.

COC Staff Tasks and Responsibilities, Continued
The S-3 The S-3 is responsible for matters pertaining to the organization, training, and
combat operations of the battalion. Included within the S-3 section is an
assistant S-3, an artillery liaison officer, and an air liaison officer who
coordinates the employment of aviation units in support of the battalion. The
S-3 is responsible for establishing internal operating procedures for the COC
and the efficient functioning therein.
The S-4 The S-4 has the responsibility for logistics, budgeting, and financial
management. He is responsible for the formulation of logistical policy and
for planning, coordinating, and supervising the logistical effort.
Fire Support The fire support coordinator is responsible for the operation of the fire
Coordinator support coordination center, determining fire support requirements, assisting
in the development of the fire support plan, and coordinating and integrating
supporting fires.
Commanders of Commanders of attached and supporting units and units under operational
Attached and command are advisors to the battalion commander and staff on matters
Supporting pertaining to their unit’s capabilities during an operation.
Units
Unit Journal The purpose of the unit journal clerk is to provide readily accessible,
Clerk comprehensive, and accurate information of events and incidents that take
place during operations. Each section in the COC will usually maintain a log
or journal.

COC Staff Tasks and Responsibilities, Continued
COC Watch The watch officer will be assigned by the S-3 in order to supervise the
Officer operation of the COC permitting other section heads the needed time to
prepare for further phases of an operation.
The watch officer will receive and forward communications and messages
and must at all times be prepared to brief the commander or supporting and
attached commanders on the battlefield situation. S-3 will generally post a
watch officer roster that shows the date, time, and what section will provide
the watch officer.

COC Message Traffic
Message Most units use a standard report/message format (yellow canaries) for all
Routing messages. The messages will be forwarded, received, and destroyed in
manners prescribed by a local SOP. The following is an example of how an
incoming message would be routed in a COC:
• The COC radio operator receives an incoming message and forwards the
message to the watch officer in the COC.
• The watch officer and radio operator both initial the “yellow canary.”
• The watch officer sends copies of the message to all other sections in the
COC.
• The original is returned to the journal clerk to be logged into the journal
and filed.
Flash Messages An incoming flash message (a message needing urgent attention) or

operational immediate messages will be immediately referred to the watch
officer for action.
Outgoing The originator of outgoing messages is responsible for the drafts of the
Messages messages and the encryption of those messages to ensure security of message
traffic. The steps that should be followed are listed below:
• The originator keeps a copy of the outgoing message and forwards the
original to the watch officer who assigns the precedence for the message,
initials it, and passes it to the appropriate radio operator.
• The radio operator assigns the message a date–time group (DTG) and
transmits it.
• The watch officer then hands the message to the appropriate journal clerk.
• The journal clerk logs the message into the journal and files the message.
The watch officer notifies the message originator the message has been sent
or if there was trouble while transmitting the message.

COC Message Traffic, Continued
Emergency All sections within the COC will have emergency destruction plans for all
Destruction classified material and message traffic in accordance with OPNAVINST
5500.1. Only the commander or delegated personnel can order destruction.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Which of the following is a function of a COC?
a. Constructing obstacles
b. Placing radios out on observation posts
c. Directing and managing intelligence collection
d. Directing all air traffic for host country
Item 2 Which of the following is not a function of a COC?
a. Maintaining continuous operations

b. Developing deception plans
c. Developing rules of engagement
d. Coordinating all available supporting arms
Item 3 Identify which section of the COC reports to the commander on the terrain
and weather during an operation.
a. S-1
b. S-2
c. S-3
d. S-4

Item 4 Identify which section is responsible for combat operations.
a. S-1
b. S-2
c. S-3
d. The commanding officer


1 c 2-18
2 c 2-18
3 b 2-19
4 c 2-20

LESSON 3
SITUATION MAP
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope This study unit will present information on the situation map (sitmap) that is
used in the COC and the symbols and colors associated with the sitmap.

Objectives
• Identify the common operational symbols used on sitmaps and their
associated definitions.
• Identify what colors are used on a sitmap.
Topic See Page

Introduction 2-27
Operational Symbols 2-28
Symbols and Terms 2-29
Colors Used on a Situation Map 2-41
Items Displayed on Situation Map 2-42

Operational Symbols
Symbols on Situation maps (sitmaps) provide a way to display operational plans,

Situation Maps concepts, and friendly or enemy battle situations.
Unit Symbol To indicate a particular unit or installation, place the unit’s own designation
to the left of the symbol with the higher echelons of command to the right of
the symbol. Slashes separate command echelons. To avoid cluttering the
symbol, known units in the chain of command may be omitted.
Example
Standard There are too many symbols used on sitmaps to mention in this lesson. A
Symbols complete listing of symbols and their definitions used on sitmaps can be
found in MCRP 5-12A. On the following pages are some of the more
frequently used operational terms and symbols.

Symbols and Terms
Examples of Examples of operational terms and symbols used on sitmaps in the COC are
Terms and shown below:
Symbols

Symbols and Terms, Continued
Unit Type Examples of unit type symbols are shown below:

Symbols

Obstacles Examples of symbols for obstacles used on sitmaps are shown below:

Weapons The following are standard symbols for weaponry:

Symbols

Armored Below are standard symbols for the types of armored vehicles:
Vehicle
Symbols
Lines The following are some of the lines that would be found on a sitmap:, with
examples on the following page.
Line Definition
Line of Departure (LD) A line for coordinating the departure of attack elements.
Limit of Advance A recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking
(LOA) elements will not advance.
Line of Contact (LOC) A line showing the location of two opposing forces.
Probable Line of A line selected on the ground, usually the last covered
Deployment (PLD) and concealed position prior to the objective.
Phase Line (PL) A line used for control and coordination of operations,
usually a terrain feature extending across a zone of
action.
Lateral Boundaries Control measures that define the left and right limits of a
unit’s zone of action or sector.

Examples of The following are some examples of the lines that would be found on a
Lines sitmap:
Symbol Definition of Line

Probable line of deployment
Line of departure
Limit of advance
Line of contact
Phase line
Lateral boundary

Symbols for Below is a symbol definition table explaining points and maneuvers used on
Points sitmaps:
Symbol Definition for Points

Contact Point—In land warfare, point on the terrain, easily identified, where
two or more units are required to make contact.
Coordinating Point—Point at which, in all types of combat, adjacent units

must make contact for purposes of control and coordination.
Checkpoint—Point used as a means of controlling movement.
Linkup—Easily identified point on the ground where two forces meet and
link up.
Rally Point—Easily identifiable point on the ground at which units can

reassemble and reorganize if they become dispersed.
Passage Point—Place where units will pass through one another while
advancing or a withdrawing.

Symbols for Below is a symbol definition table explaining symbols for maneuvers used on
Maneuvers sitmaps:
Symbol Definition of Maneuvers
Attack Position—Last position occupied by the assault echelon
before crossing the line of departure.
Main Attack— The principal attack into which the commander

throws the full weight of the offensive power at his disposal.
Supporting Attack—Offensive operation in conjunction with a

main attack and designed to achieve the mission of a main
attack.
Objective—Clearly defined goal toward which operation should

be directed.
Axis of Advance—Line of advance assigned for the purpose of

control, often a road or a group of roads or a designated series
of locations, extending in the direction of the enemy.
Air Axis of Advance—Line of advance assigned to aircraft for

the purpose of control, often a road or a group of roads or a
designated series of locations, extending in the direction of the
enemy.
Direction of Attack—Specified direction or route that the main
attack or center of mass of the unit will follow during an attack.
Attack by Fire—Fires used to destroy an objective from a

distance. Used when the objective would not be occupied.
Bypass—Maneuver around an obstacle, position, or enemy

force to maintain momentum.

Fire Support Fire support coordination measures are used to facilitate timely and safe use
Coordination of fire support. The application of fire support coordination measures varies
Measures with operation and target density. The measures simplify the battlefield and
allow for more reactive support.
Coordination Several types of coordination lines are used on a map. They are located
Lines generally between units, battle boundaries, and operation phase lines. The
table below provides examples of coordination lines used in conjunction with
fire support:
Symbol Definition of Fire Lines

Coordinated Fire Line— Line beyond
which conventional, direct and indirect
surface fire support means may fire at
any time within the boundaries of the
establishing headquarters without
additional coordination.
Fire Support Coordination Line—Line
established by appropriate land or
amphibious force commander to ensure
coordination of fire not under the
commander’s control but affecting
tactical operations.
Restrictive Fire Line—Line established
between converging friendly forces that
prohibit fires or effects of fires across
the line without coordination with
affected force.
Note: Symbols are displayed farther apart on a map.

Fire Support Fire support coordination areas are designated for certain types of fire.
Coordination Symbols for fire areas and their definitions are listed below:
Areas
Symbol Definition of Fire Areas

Free Fire Area—Specified area in which any weapon
system may be fired.
No Fire Area—Area in which no fire or effects of fire

are allowed, except self-defense fires.
Restrictive Fire Area—Area in which specific

restrictions are imposed and into which fires that
exceed those restrictions may not be delivered
without prior coordination.
Targets Below are symbols and their definitions used for targets on a sitmap:
Symbol Definition of Targets

Group —Two or more targets on which fire is
desired simultaneously. A group of targets is
designated by letter/number combinations or a
nickname.
Series—In fire support, a number of targets and/or

groups of targets planned in a predetermined time
sequence to support a maneuver phase of combat,
indicated by a nickname.

Overlay Below is an example of a sitmap overlay of a battalion in the attack on a

single objective that could possibly be found in a battalion operations center:

Example of Below is an example of a company in the defense. Symbols inside the

Company platoon sector are weapons covering the fields of fire, and the small “X”s and
Defense dashes around the areas are obstacles that have been erected to channel the
enemy into the fields of fire.

Colors Used on a Situation Map
Standard MCRP 5-12 A establishes a standardized color code to differentiate symbols

Colors for friendly and enemy orders of battle and for specific events and objects.
You may also have an explanatory legend or color key to eliminate any
possibility of confusion; this is especially important if you depart from the
standardized color code or use additional colors to portray symbols, events, or
objects. The standardized color code is as follows:
• Symbols in blue or black represent friendly units, equipment, and

activities.
• Symbols in red represent enemy units, equipment, and activities.
• Areas in yellow indicate areas that have been contaminated by friendly or

enemy nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) weapons. They can also
represent unknown units.
• Symbols in green represent man-made obstacles of both friendly and

enemy construction.
Example of The following is an example of standard sitmap colors:

Standard
Colors
Color Meaning
Blue or Black Friendly
Red Enemy
Yellow Contaminated, unknown, or pending units
Green Manmade obstacles
Blue Water

Items Displayed on Situation Map
Maintaining the The sitmap must be continually revised so that it displays the most current
Sitmap information. Every individual in the COC must assume responsibility for the
accuracy of the sitmap’s information, although only one person per watch
may actually be designated to maintain the information on the sitmap.
Items Displayed The following items are plotted on sitmap for prepared defensive positions
and field fortifications, including trench networks:
• Automatic weapons
• Supporting mortars
• Antitank guns
• Artillery positions
• Air defense weapons
• Minefields
• Logistics and command facilities
• Aircraft and helicopter staging areas and refueling points
• All NBC areas contaminated or suspected of contamination
• All emplaced obstacles, both friendly and enemy
Marginal Marginal information is that information displayed on sitmaps to allow the

Information viewer a quick reference for specialized information. The information is
usually displayed in the margins. Specialized information that would be
displayed would consist of the following:
• Unit
• Date-time group
• Name of the operation
• Who prepared the sitmap or maintained it

Items Displayed on Situation Map, Continued
Example of
Marginal 24th MEU OPS SITMAP
Information Operation Noble Cause
DTG//291429OCT01
Prepared by
GySgt J.H. Marine

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 Identify this symbol.
a. Friendly position
b. Friendly unit
c. Enemy position
d. Enemy unit
Item 2 Identify this symbol.
a. AT gun
b. Mortar
c. Machinegun
d. Howitzer
Item 3 Identify the color red as it pertains to sitmaps.
a. Manmade obstacles
b. Contaminated areas
c. Enemy
d. Unknown units

Item 4 Identify the color for manmade obstacles.
a. Blue or black
b. Red
c. Green
d. Purple


1 d 2-29
2 a 2-32
3 c 2-41
4 c 2-41

STUDY UNIT 3
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
Overview
Estimated 1 hour, 30 minutes

Study Time
Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give you an overview of combat service support
(CSS). You will learn about the objective, purpose, principles, and functional
areas of CSS. You will also receive knowledge on the mission and structures
of the individual CSS elements.

Objectives
• State the fundamentals of combat service support.
• Describe the mission of the force service support group (FSSG).
• Describe the mission of the brigade service support group (BSSG).
• Describe the mission of the Marine expeditionary unit (MEU) service

support group (MSSG).
• Identify the structure of the force service support group (FSSG).
• Identify the structure of the brigade service support group (BSSG).
• Identify the structure of the MEU service support group (MSSG).

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Fundamentals of Combat Service Support 3-3
Lesson 2 Combat Service Support within the MEF 3-15
Lesson 3 Combat Service Support within Other MAGTFs 3-27


LESSON 1
FUNDAMENTALS OF COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn about the objective and purpose of CSS, as well
as the seven principles and six functional areas of CSS. The lesson will
conclude with an overview of the CSS operations center (CSSOC).

Objectives
• State the objective of combat service support.
• Match the six functional areas of combat service support with their sub-
functions.
• Identify the seven principles of combat service support.
• State the purpose of the combat service support operations center.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-3
Combat Service Support Element 3-4
Six Functional Areas of CSS 3-5
Seven Principles 3-6
Combat Service Support Operations Center 3-7

Combat Service Support Element
Definition The combat service support element (CSSE) is part of MAGTF designed to
support the continued readiness and sustainability of the force as a whole:
• Task-organized by FSSG based on MAGTF’s mission
• Provides functions not within the organic capability of the other elements
of MAGTF
• Supports and sustains MAGTF (depending on the size) in a variety of

ways for a prescribed period of time by providing most classes of supply
and a variety of other services
CSS Objective CSS is applied operational logistics. The objective of CSS is to sustain and
enhance the relative combat power of MAGTF at the tactical level of war.

Six Functional Areas of CSS
Focus of CSS has six major functional areas that provide a basis for an integrated and
Functional analytic approach to planning and executing logistical support operations for
Areas MAGTF at the tactical and operational levels of war. The six functional areas
focus on the readiness and sustainability aspects of military capability. The
table below lists each functional area and their sub-functions:
Functional Area Sub-Function Functional Area Sub-Function

Supply • Determination of General • Engineer reconnaissance
requirements Engineering • Construction
• Procurement • Facilities maintenance
• Storage • Demolition and obstacle
• Distribution removal
• Salvage • Explosive ordnance
• Disposal disposal
Maintenance • Inspection and Health Service • Health maintenance

classification • Casualty collection
• Servicing, adjustments, • Casualty treatment
tuning • Temporary
• Testing and calibration hospitalization and
• Repair evacuation
• Modification
• Rebuild and overhaul
• Reclamation
• Recovery and
evacuation
Transportation • Embarkation Services • Disbursing
• Landing support • Postal
• Port and terminal • Exchange services
operations • Security support
• Motor transport • Legal services support
• Air delivery • Civil affairs support
• Freight/passenger • Graves registration
transportation

Seven Principles
Purpose The principles of CSS are guides for planning, organization, management,
and execution. They are not to be construed as rigid rules applicable in every
situation. Identifying those principles that have priority in a specific situation
is essential for establishing effective CSS. The table below lists the principles
and their definitions:
Principle Definition
Responsiveness The ability to provide the right support at the right time
and in the right place. This is the most critical principle
of CSS.
Simplicity The ability to avoid complexity, which fosters efficiency
in the planning and execution of CSS operations.
Flexibility The ability to adapt CSS structure and procedures to the
changing situations, missions, and concepts of operations.
Economy The ability to provide support at the lowest cost in terms
of the resources available and necessary to accomplish the
mission.
Attainability The ability to provide the essential supplies and services
required to begin combat operations.
Sustainability The ability to maintain support throughout the operation.
Survivability The inherent capacity of the organization and its
capability to prevail in the face of potential destruction.

Combat Service Support Operations Center
Definition The combat service support operations center (CSSOC) is located within
CSSE’s command post. It controls and coordinates the day-to-day operations
of the CSS organization by focusing on meeting the needs of the supported
units.
CSSOC The CSSOC has several functions that require close communication with
Functions subordinate units, supported units, and higher headquarters. The normal
functions of CSSOC are listed below:
• Monitor non-aviation CSS operations and report significant events to the

commander.
• Be the principal point of contact for liaison between senior, supported, and
adjacent units regarding CSS-related issues.
• Transmit orders and decisions.
• Provide dedicated communication channels to control CSS operations.
• Receive and record operational reports.
• Advise interested staff sections of events or information of immediate
concern.
• Prepare and submit operational reports to higher headquarters.
• Maintain current plots of friendly and enemy situations on display.
• Maintain rear area security overlay:
• Preplanned targets
• Active security measures for CSS installation
• Main supply routes within the rear area
• Coordinate security of CSS installations and main supply routes within the
rear area with higher and adjacent elements of MAGTF.
CSSOC The CSSOC is not a separate organization. The staff is composed of

Organization operations and communications personnel from each CSS unit in MAGTF.
Generally, the commander chooses one of two methods to configure the
organization of his CSSOC—centralized or decentralized.

Combat Service Support Operations Center, Continued
Centralized The advantage of the centralized CSSOC is the watch officer’s immediate
CSSOC access to technical advice from the functional representatives of the CSS
Advantage elements represented in MAGTF as shown in the diagram below:
The centralized CSSOC option is appropriate when tactical considerations do

not require dispersal.
Centralized A disadvantage to the centralized CSSOC is the confusion generated by large

CSSOC number of personnel communicating with each other and others via radio in a
Disadvantage confined facility. The centralized CSSOC is used in higher-level CSS
organizations and those further to the rear.

Combat Service Support Operations Center, Continued
Decentralized The advantage of the decentralized CSSOC is its mobility and versatility as
CSSOC shown in the diagram below:
Smaller CSS organizations and those further forward use the decentralized
CSSOC. In situations when not enough personnel are present to operate a
centralized CSSOC, a decentralized CSSOC is required.

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 State the objective of a combat service support unit.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 List three of the six sub-functions for supply.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 3 List four of the eight sub-functions for maintenance.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 4 List three of the six sub-functions for transportation.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 5 List three of the five sub-functions for general engineering.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 6 List two of the four sub-functions for health service.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 7 List four of the seven sub-functions of service support.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 8 List the seven principles of combat service support.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 9 State the purpose of the combat service support operations center.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Answers The table below lists the answers to the lesson exercise. If you have any

1 • Sustain and enhance the relative 3-4
combat power of MAGTF at the
tactical level of war.
• Support the missions and concepts of

operations of the units they are
tasked to support.
2 • Determination of requirements 3-5
• Procurement
• Storage
• Distribution
• Salvage
• Disposal
3 • Inspection and classification 3-5
• Servicing, adjustments, tuning
• Testing and calibration
• Repair
• Modification
• Rebuild and overhaul
• Reclamation
• Recovery and evacuation
4 • Embarkation 3-5
• Landing support
• Port and terminal operations
• Motor transport
• Air delivery
• Freight/passenger transportation

Answers,
continued

5 • Engineer reconnaissance 3-5
• Construction
• Facilities maintenance
• Demolition and obstacle removal
• Explosive ordnance disposal
6 • Health maintenance 3-5
• Casualty collection
• Casualty treatment
• Temporary hospitalization and
evacuation
7 • Disbursing 3-5
• Postal
• Exchange services
• Security support
• Legal services support
• Civil affairs support
• Graves registration
8 • Responsiveness 3-6
• Simplicity
• Flexibility
• Economy
• Attainability
• Sustainability
• Survivability
9 Controls and coordinates the day-to-day 3-7
operations of the CSS organization by
focusing on meeting the needs of the
supported units

LESSON 2
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT WITHIN THE MEF
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn about the mission of the FSSG and the seven
battalions of an FSSG and their services.

Objective
• State the mission of the FSSG within the Marine expeditionary force
(MEF).
• List the seven organic battalions of the FSSG.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-15
Force Service Support Group (FSSG) 3-16
Structure of FSSG 3-17

Force Service Support Group (FSSG)
FSSG Mission The mission of the FSSG is to provide sustained combat service support to
To MEF MEFs. FSSGs are also tasked to provide services to other joint and combined
forces and federal agencies, as well as personnel and equipment to sustain
MAGTFs below the MEF level. As the CSSE of MEF, the FSSG supports
• The ground combat element (GCE)—comprised of one division

• An air combat element (ACE)—comprised of one Marine aircraft wing
(MAW)
• The surveillance reconnaissance intelligence group (SRIG)
Seven Organic The FSSG is a permanently structured command that consist of seven organic
Battalions battalions:
• Headquarters and service

• Maintenance
• Supply
• Engineer support
• Transportation
• Medical
• Dental

Structure of FSSG
Economy of The FSSG embodies one of the fundamental principles of CSS—economy of

Operations operations—through
• Centralization of logistic resources

• Decentralization of support operations
The FSSG organizations are structured to provide task-organized detachments

to support independently deployed battalions, regiments, MAGTFs, and
geographically separated units.
Headquarters The headquarters and service battalion consists of four companies:

and Service
Battalion • Headquarters
• Service
• Communications
• Military police
Headquarters The headquarters and service battalion provides

and Service
Battalion • Command and control
Mission
• Administration
• Communications
• Security support to the FSSG

Structure of FSSG, Continued
Maintenance The maintenance battalion consists of these companies:

Battalion
• Ordnance maintenance
• Engineer maintenance
• Electronics maintenance
• Motor transport maintenance
• General support maintenance
Maintenance The maintenance battalion provides

Battalion
Mission • Intermediate-level and third- and fourth-echelon maintenance support for
• Tactical ordnance
• Engineer
• Motor transport
• Communications-electronics equipment
• General support equipment of the MEF
• Evacuate equipment to repair facilities
Supply The supply battalion consists of these companies:

Battalion
• Supply
• Ammunition
• Medical logistics
Supply The supply battalion provides

Battalion
Mission • General supply support for class II, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX items
• Organizational and intermediate maintenance on medical and dental
equipment
• Packing, preservation, and packaging capabilities

Engineer The engineer support battalion consists of these companies:

Support
Battalion • Headquarters and service
• Engineer support
• Bridge (only located within 2d FSSG)
• Bulk fuel
• Engineer
Engineer The engineer support battalion provides

Support
Battalion • General engineering support of an expeditionary nature, to include
Mission survivability and mobility and counter mobility enhancements
• Explosive ordinance disposal
• Horizontal and vertical landing zones
• Utilities support
• Engineer reconnaissance
Transportation The transportation support battalion consists of these companies:

Support
Battalion • Headquarters and service
• Support
• Beach and terminal operations
• Landing support
• General support motor transport
• Direct support motor transport
Transportation The transportation support battalion provides

Support
Battalion • Motor transport, air delivery, and landing support for MEF
Mission
• Coordination of ship-to-shore movement transportation
• Terminal operations coordination
• Medium and heavy lift transportation

Medical The medical battalion consists of these companies:

Battalion
• Surgical
Medical The medical battalion provides

Battalion
Mission • Initial resuscitation
• Temporary casualty holding
• Ground evacuation support
• Preventive medical support
Dental The dental battalion consists of these companies:

Battalion
• Dental
The mission of the dental battalion is to provide dental services.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 State the mission of the force service support group.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 List the seven organic battalions of FSSG.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 3 List the missions of the headquarters battalion.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 4 List the missions of the maintenance battalion.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 5 List the missions of the supply battalion.
______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 6 List the missions of the engineer support battalion.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 7 List the missions of the transportation support battalion.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 8 List the missions of the medical battalion.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 9 List the mission of the dental battalion.
______________________________________________________________


1 Provide sustained combat service support to 3-16
Marine Expeditionary Forces. Force Service
Support Groups are also tasked to provide
services to other joint and combined forces
and federal agencies along with providing
personnel and equipment to sustain MAGTFs
below the MEF level.
2 • Headquarters and Service Battalion 3-16
• Maintenance Battalion
• Supply Battalion
• Engineer Support Battalion
• Transportation Support Battalion
• Medical Battalion
• Dental Battalion
3 • Command and control 3-17
• Administration
• Communications
• Security support to the FSSG

Answers,
continued
4 • Provide intermediate level, third and 3-18

fourth echelon maintenance support for:
• Tactical ordnance
• Engineer
• Motor transport
• Communications-electronics equipment
• General support equipment of the MEF
• Evacuate equipment to repair facilities
5 • General supply support for class II, III, 3-18
IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, and IX items
• Organizational and intermediate

maintenance on medical and dental
equipment
• Packing, preservation, and packaging

capabilities
6 • General engineering support of an 3-19
expeditionary nature, to include
survivability, counter mobility and
mobility enhancements
• Explosive ordinance disposal
• Horizontal and vertical landing zones
• Utilities support
• Engineer reconnaissance
7 • Motor transport, air delivery, and landing 3-19
support for the MEF
• Coordination of ship-to-shore movement
transportation
• Terminal operations coordination
• Medium and heavy lift transportation
8 • Initial resuscitation 3-20
• Temporary casualty holding
• Ground evacuation support
• Preventive medical support
9 Provide dental services. 3-20


LESSON 3
COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT WITHIN OTHER MAGTFs
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn about the mission of the brigade service support
group (BSSG) and MEU service support group (MSSG), along with their
respective structures.

Objective
• State the primary mission of the BSSG within the Marine expeditionary
brigade (MEB).
• List the nine components of the BSSG.
• State the primary mission of a MSSG within the MEU.
• List the eight platoons of the MSSG.
Topic See Page

Introduction 3-27
Brigade Service Support Group Within the MEB 3-28
MEU Service Support Group Within the MEU 3-29

Brigade Service Support Group Within the MEB
Mission To The primary mission of the BSSG is to provide sustained combat service
MEB support for a 30-day combat period to the MEB. Other missions include
• Provide the MEB with the tactical logistics capabilities it needs to conduct
operations across the spectrum of conflict anywhere in the world.
• Serve as the advance echelon of the FSSG, if required.
• Perform additional tasks as assigned by the MEB commander.
Supported As the CSSE of the MEB, the BSSG supports the

Elements of the
MEB • Ground combat element (GCE)—comprised of two to five battalion-size
maneuver elements
• Aviation combat element (ACE)—comprised of a composite Marine

aircraft group (MAG)
• Command element (CE)
BSSG Mission The BSSG provides the nucleus of the landing force support party and, with
appropriate attachments from the GCE and the ACE, is responsible for the
landing force support function when the landing force shore party is activated.
BSSG BSSGs are structured from personnel and equipment of the FSSG. It is task-
Structure organized to meet the mission of the MEB, its structure may vary from one
task to the next. A standard BSSG is composed of eight companies and one
detachment:
• Headquarters company
• Transportation company
• Supply company
• Maintenance company
• Engineer support company
• Bulk fuel company
• Collecting and clearing company
• Surgical support company
• Dental detachment

MEU Service Support Group within the MEU
Mission Within The primary mission of the MSSG is to provide sustained combat service
the MEU support for a 15-day combat period to MEU. Other missions include
• Limited-line haul transportation (long-distance hauling)

• Limited third-echelon repairs
• Arrival and departure airfield control group functions
Supported As the CSSE of MEU, the MSSG supports the

Elements of the
MEU • GCE—comprised of a battalion landing team
• ACE—comprised of a Marine medium helicopter squadron
• CE
MSSG Mission The MSSG is tasked-organized to meet the mission of MEU. MSSGs are
tailored to provide a full-range of CSS necessary for the MEU to accomplish
all assigned missions. MSSGs are well suited to support
• Amphibious operations
• Security operations
• Noncombatant evacuation operations
• Humanitarian assistance operations
• Other special operations
MSSG MSSGs are structured from personnel and equipment of the FSSG and
Structure consists of two support platoons and six service platoons:
• Headquarters
• Communications
• Engineer
• Maintenance
• Motor transport
• Landing support
• Supply
• Medical

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 The primary mission of the BSSG is to provide sustained combat service
support for a _______ combat period to the
a. 1-year; CSSE.
b. 5-month; MSSG.
c. 10-week; MEU.
d. 30-day; MEB.
Item 2 List the eight companies and the one detachment of a BSSG.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 3 The primary mission of the MSSG is to provide sustained combat service
support for a ______ day combat period to the
a. 15-day; MEU.
b. 10-week; MEB.
c. 5-month; CSSE.
d. 1-year; BSSG.
Item 4 List the eight platoons of the MSSG.
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item Number Answer Reference:

1 d 3-28
2 • Headquarters company 3-28
• Transportation company
• Supply company
• Maintenance company
• Engineer support company
• Bulk fuel company
• Collecting and clearing company
• Surgical support company
• Dental detachment
3 a 3-29
4 • Headquarters 3-29
• Communications
• Engineer
• Maintenance
• Motor transport
• Landing support
• Supply
• Medical

STUDY UNIT 4
REAR AREA SECURITY
Overview
Estimated 2 hours
Study Time
Unit Scope This study unit is designed to give you an overview of rear area security
(RAS), including operations, organization, security measures, and base
defense.

Objectives
• Identify rear area operations.
• Identify rear area security organization.
• Identify security measures and base defense.

Unit
Topic See Page

Lesson 1 Rear Area Operations 4-3
Lesson 2 Rear Area Security Organization 4-17
Lesson 3 Security Measures and Base Defense 4-29


LESSON 1
REAR AREA OPERATIONS
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn the eight functions of rear area operations and
the responsibilities of the joint force, joint rear area, and Marine Corps
component commanders.

Objectives
• Define rear area.
• Identify the eight functions of rear area operations.
• Identify the responsibilities of the joint force commander.
• Identify the responsibilities of the joint rear area coordinator.
• Identify the responsibilities of the Marine Corps component commander.
• Identify who is responsible for RAS in the Marine Air-Ground Task Force
(MAGTF) area.

Introduction, Continued
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-3
Rear Area 4-5
Joint Environment 4-8
Rear Area Security Personnel Responsibilities 4-9
Marine Air-Ground Task Force Rear Area Security 4-11

Rear Area
Definition The rear area for any particular command is the area extending forward from
its rear boundary to the rear of the area assigned to the next lower level of
command. Look at the illustration below. The rear of a regiment’s rear area
is extended forward to the rear area of the next subordinate battalion.
BLT 2/1
--------------------------------------------------------------------
1st Marine Regiment Rear Area
1st Marine
Regiment
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Operations While rear area operations provide security for personnel, material, and
facilities, their main purpose is to provide uninterrupted support to the force
as a whole. Rear area operations consists of eight broad functions.
• Security
• Communications
• Intelligence
• Sustainment
• Area management
• Movements
• Infrastructure development
• Host nation support

Rear Area, Continued
Security Rear area security are measures taken before, during, or after an enemy
airborne attack, sabotage action, infiltration, guerrilla action, or initiation of
psychological or propaganda warfare to minimize the effects thereof. The
protection and security of any unit’s rear area is the first priority.
Communications Good communications throughout the battle space enables command and
control. Conversely, effective rear area support operations ensure that a
communications system is redundant, reliable, and secure. To ensure
operational effectiveness, the communications system must be linked to the
rear area operations center, if established. The communications network
should include higher, adjacent, and subordinate commands as well as
supporting organizations.
Intelligence Effective and timely intelligence and counterintelligence are essential to the
planning and conduct of operations in the rear area. Accurate intelligence is
particularly important in the rear area so that the limited combat forces
available for security operations can respond to threats in a timely manner.
Continuous, integrated IPB is important to the rear area commander and staff.
IPB allows them to maintain situational awareness on the effects of enemy
capabilities, terrain, and weather on the operations over time.
Sustainment Fully integrated logistic support enables tactical operations, but force
sustainment must be balanced with protection of the force and
accomplishment of the overall mission. The combat service support element
plans, executes, and manages sustainment operations throughout the Marine
commander’s battlespace.
Area Area management affects the successful conduct of rear area operations as
Management well as the overall mission. While the commander is ultimately responsible
for area management within his or her battlespace, he or she normally
conducts area management through the G-3. The G-3 must integrate and
balance deep, close, and rear operations to conduct a single battle.

Rear Area, Continued
Movements Per Joint Pub 3-10, Joint Doctrine for Rear Area Operations, “movements
within a joint rear area involve the receipt of combat forces and their
movement to forward areas.” The ability to control movements into, within,
and out of the rear area is critical. Movements can be tactical, operational, or
administrative and are conducted as part of the tactical, logistic, force
protection, or deception plan.
Infrastructure Infrastructure development generally refers to fixed and permanent

Development installations, fabrications, or facilities used for the support and protection of
forces. Infrastructure development normally focuses on facility security
modification and battle damage repair.
Host Nation The use of host nation support is intended to enhance the overall effectiveness
Support of Marine Corps forces. The Marine Corps normally plans for use of
personnel, vehicles, supplies, and facilities. If the host nation support is
sufficiently developed, it can include petroleum products, electricity, and
water.

Joint Environment
Operations Often in major large-scale operations or conflicts, Marine Corps forces

participate as one component in a joint U.S. force. A joint force commander
commands the entire force. These operations usually have large rear areas
due to the size of supporting forces and support structure of the other services.
All joint operations with Marine Corps forces include a Marine Corps
component commander. Regardless of how the joint force commander
conducts operations, the Marine Corps component commander provides
command and control, administrative support, and logistical support to
Marine Corps forces. Missions are assigned to the Marine Corps component
commander by the joint forces’ commander. In turn, the Marine Corps
component commander assigns missions to Marine units involved in the
operations such as the MAGTF, the Marine Corps logistics command, and the
rear area command.
Army and Marine Corps and Army doctrine are similar in many ways. They both agree
Marine Corps that rear area functions are interrelated and impact operations throughout the
Doctrine battle space. However, there are tangible differences:
• Army doctrine contributes significantly to resources of the rear area as

standardized organization and force structure.
• Given the Marine Corps expeditionary character and its employment of

task-organized forces tailored to accomplish a wide variety of missions,
the Marine Corps doctrine focuses on concepts that will assist
commanders and staffs in planning, organizing, and employing forces for
rear area operations. This offers a great degree in flexibility in
organization and execution while placing a greater demand on planners
and decision makers.

Rear Area Security Personnel Responsibilities
Joint Force The joint force commander is responsible for the successful conduct of rear
Commander area operations within the joint operations area. His or her responsibilities
include
• Establishing a joint rear area

• Planning and executing rear area operations
• Establishing command relationships
• Assigning responsibilities to subordinate commanders for the conduct of
rear area operations
• Establishing a command and control network
• Establishing measures and procedures for the planning and execution of
force protection
• Establishing the classification of bases (single service or joint)
• Assigning local defense responsibilities for bases
• Establishing host nation support agreements
Joint Rear The joint rear area coordinator is responsible for command and control of
Area operations in the joint rear area. His or her responsibilities include
Coordinator
• Coordinating the overall security of the joint rear area
• Ensuring continuous support to all forces
• Coordinating with the appropriate commanders in the rear area
• Establishing secure and survivable communications
• Ensuring a reliable network exists
• Ensuring all commands practice effective area management and
movement control within the area of operations that support theater
policies and requirements
• Coordinating host nation support for commands operating within the joint
area
• Accomplish other tasks assigned by the joint force commander
• Coordinating all area operations with forces located in or transitioning
through the joint rear area; in particular, coordinating security operations,
including the use of theater level security forces
• Establishing a communications and intelligence network to support all
commanders within the joint rear area
• Establishing or implementing joint rear area policies and procedures for
the joint force commander

Rear Area Security Personnel Responsibilities, Continued
Marine Corps The Marine Corps component commander coordinates the rear area activities
Component with the joint rear area coordinator. Depending on tasks assigned by the joint
Commander force commander, he or she may position support forces such as Marine
Corps logistics command and some MAGTF forces in the joint rear area. The
Marine Corps component commander’s responsibilities include
• Planning and coordinating tasks within the rear area
• Conducting rear area operations in support of all Marine Corps forces in

the theater
• Advising the joint force commander on the proper employment of Marine

Corps forces
• Selecting and nominating specific Marine Corps units or forces for

assignment to other forces of the joint force commander
• Informing the joint force commander on changes in logistic support issues

that could affect the joint force commanders ability to accomplish the
mission
• Coordinating service related area operations issues
• Balancing the need to support the force with the need to protect it
• Evaluating requirements versus capabilities, identifying shortfalls, and

comparing associated risks with ability to accomplish the mission

Marine Air-Ground Task Force Rear Area Security
Responsibilities The MAGTF is a separate component and in a joint environment. The

MAGTF receives all commands from the Marine Corps component
commander. The MAGTF commander is responsible for operations
throughout the entire battle space. He or she provides command and control
to fight a single battle. The commander establishes rear area security by
placing priority in local defense and provisional security forces capable of
reacting to any threat. He or she must also clearly define the roles of the
ground combat, aviation combat, and combat service support elements.
Joint RAS The chart illustrates the structure of a typical joint rear area command as it
Structure relates to a theater of operations.
Joint Force
Commander
Joint Rear Marine Corps

Area Commander
Coordinator
Area
Commander

Lesson 1 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What is the rear area?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 What are four of the eight functions of rear area operations?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 3 What is rear area security?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 4 What are five of the nine responsibilities for the joint force commander?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 5 What are six of the eleven responsibilities for the joint rear area coordinator?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 6 What are four of the eight responsibilities for the Marine Corps component
commander?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 7 The ____________________ receives all commands from the Marine Corps
component.
a. joint rear area coordinator

b. joint force commander
c. Marine Corps component commander
d. MAGTF commander

Item Answer Reference

Page
1 The area extending forward from its rear 4-5
boundary to the rear of the area assigned to the
next lower level of command
2 Any four of the following: 4-5
• Security
• Communications
• Intelligence
• Sustainment
• Area management
• Movements
• Infrastructure development
• Host nation support
3 Measures taken before, during, and/or after an 4-6
enemy airborne attack, sabotage action,
infiltration, guerrilla action, and/or initiation of
psychological or propaganda warfare to
minimize the effects thereof
4 • Establishing a joint rear area 4-9
• Planning and executing rear area operations
• Establishing command relationships
• Assigning responsibilities to subordinate
commanders for the conduct of rear area
operations
• Establishing a command and control
network
• Establishing measures and procedures for
the planning and execution of force
protection
• Establishing the classification of bases
(single service or joint)
• Assigning local defense responsibilities for
bases
• Establishing host nation support agreements

Answers,
continued
Item Number Reference Page

5 • Coordinating the overall security of the 4-9
joint rear area
• Ensuring continuous support to all forces
• Coordinating with the appropriate
commanders in the rear area
• Establishing secure and survivable
communications
• Ensuring a reliable network exists
• Ensuring all commands practice effective
area management and movement control
within the area of operations that support
theater policies and requirements
• Coordinating host nation support for
commands operating within the joint area
• Accomplishing other tasks assigned by the
joint force commander
6 • Planning and coordinating tasks within the 4-10
rear area
• Conducting rear area operations in support
of all Marine Corps forces in the theater
• Advising the joint force commander on the
proper employment of Marine Corps forces
• Selecting and nominating specific Marine
Corps units or forces for assignment to
other forces of the joint force commander
• Informing the joint force commander on
changes in logistic support issues that
could affect the joint force commanders
ability to accomplish the mission
• Coordinating service related area
operations issues
• Balancing the need to support the force
with the need to protect it
7 d 4-11

LESSON 2
REAR AREA SECURITY ORGANIZATION
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn factors to determine command relationships in
the rear area within the Marine Corps component, factors considered by
commanders assigning rear area commanders and coordinators, and
components of rear area operations and logistics cells.

Objectives
• Identify the three command and staff relationships.
• Identify the factors Marine Corps commanders use when assigning rear
area commanders and coordinators.
• Identify the components that an operation and logistic cell of a command

and control facility coordinates.
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-17
Marine Corps Component–Marine Air-Ground Task Force 4-18
Relationship
Commanders and Coordinators 4-19
Command and Control 4-22

Marine Corps Component–Marine Air-Ground Task Force
Relationship
Introduction Combat is an environment that changes constantly. With this in mind, the
Marine Corps utilizes command relationships and staff organizations that can
adapt.
Command There are three command relationships and staff organizations. The Marine
Relationship Corps component and MAGTF command relationships and staff
organizations depend largely on the mission, size, scope, and duration of the
operation. The table below identifies the three command and staff
relationships:
Configuration Organization Advantage Used

One commander Commander is both Least During small
One staff USMC Component and personnel scale
MAGTF commander contingencies
with one staff
One commander Commander is both Allows each
When joint
Two staffs USMC component and staff to remain
force
MAGTF commander focused on
commander is
with two staffs mission
geographically
separated
Two commanders One commander for the Most personnel During major
Two staffs USMC component, one to develop the operations or
for MAGTF, and each plans wars
with individual staffs

Commanders and Coordinators
Introduction The rear area and the operations conducted will typically expand or contract
based on the character and progress of the assigned mission and the operating
environment. The Marine commander may retain command and control of
the rear area operations during the initial stages of an operation. As the
missions increase and assets become more available, he or she may assign a
rear area commander or a rear area coordinator.
Marine Corps There are several situations when a Marine Corps commander may retain
Commander control of rear area operations and not delegate his or her responsibilities:
• Scope, duration, or complexity of the operation is limited.

• Battle space is restricted (small area of operations).
• Nature of the mission is fundamentally linked to the rear area, such as
humanitarian assistance or disaster relief.
• Enemy threat to rear area operation is low.
• During the initial phase of operational planning.

Commanders and Coordinators, Continued
Rear Area The Marine Corps commander assigns a rear area commander when they
Commander determines that there is a need to delegate his or her control of some or all of
the rear area operations. By assuming command, the rear area commander
receives the authority and responsibility for effectively using available
resources for planning the employment, organization, direction, coordination,
and control of military forces for the accomplishment of the missions
assigned to the rear area.
A rear area commander may be assigned if some or all of the following

factors exists:
• The scope, duration, or complexity of the operation reaches a level that

rear area operations demand a commander’s full time attention or exceeds
the scope of a rear area coordinator’s authority.
• The size of the assigned battle space must be subdivided to effectively

command and control.
• The enemy threat level in the rear area is significant enough that it
requires a combined arms task force to counter.
• There is a need to assign authority for any or all of the rear area functions
under a subordinate commander, with the customary authority and
accountability inherent to command.
The designation of a rear area command is the next phase of the evolutionary
process in a major operation such as an expansion of the battle space.

Commanders and Coordinators, Continued
Rear Area The Marine Corps commander assigns a rear area coordinator to coordinate
Coordinator and execute specific functions or activities. Assignments may be similar to
those assigned to a rear area commander. The main difference in the two
assignments is that a rear area coordinator consults and carries out the
directives from the Marine Corps commander while having no authority to
change them. The rear area commander, while carrying out the directives of
the Marine Corps commander, may also modify and make changes as
required.
A rear area coordinator may be assigned if some or all of the following

factors exist:
• The scope, duration, or complexity of the operation increases.
• The assigned battle space increases in size.
• The enemy threat level in the rear area increases, thereby requiring a
greater degree of coordination, supervision, and leadership.
• One person needs to focus on rear area operations so the commander can
concentrate on the close and deep fight.
The delegation of control over the rear area is the next logical phase of an
evolutionary process.

Command and Control
Introduction The rear area coordinator or commander normally establishes a facility from
which to command, control, coordinate, and execute rear area operations.
These facilities can be located within or adjacent to an existing facility.
Facility An operations cell and a logistics cell exist within the command and control
facility. These cells coordinate the following components:
• Security forces (military police, tactical combat forces)

• Fire support agencies
• Support units (supply, engineer, medical)
• Movement control agencies
• Other command and control facilities
• Bases and control facilities
• Other organizations as necessary (counterintelligence team, civil affairs
group)

Command and Control, Continued
Organization The rear area command and control facility integrates and coordinates its
activities with the main and forward command posts to ensure the Marine
Corps component or MAGTF commander has an understanding of the entire
battle space to include the rear area and can better influence and orchestrate
the battle.
The facility does this by establishing various rear area command and control
organizations at the component and MAGTF command echelons. The table
below shows what command and control facilities would support rear area
coordinators and commanders at the component and MAGTF levels:
Echelon Title Facility

Marine Corps Marine rear area Marine rear area
component coordinator (MRAC) operations center
(MRAOC)
Marine rear area Marine rear area
commander command post
(MRACOM) (MRACP)
MAGTF or major Rear area coordinator Rear area operations
subordinate commander (RAC) center (RAOC)
Rear area commander Rear area command
(RACOM) post (RACP)
Tasks The rear area coordinator or rear area commander executes assigned tasks to
ensure that rear area operations support the conduct of tactical operations in
the close and deep battle. The rear area command and control facility
integrates and coordinates its activities with the main and forward command
posts to ensure that the Marine Corps component or MAGTF commander has
a better understanding of the battle space and can influence and orchestrate
the single battle.

Lesson 2 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What are the three command and staff relationships?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 What are three of the four factors a Marine Corps commander considers when
assigning a rear area commander?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 3 What are the four factors a Marine Corps commander considers when
assigning a rear area coordinator?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 4 What are the seven components that an operation and logistics cell of a
command and control facility coordinate?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Lesson 2 Exercise, ContinuedContinued
Item Answer Reference Page

1 • One commander one staff 4-18
• One commander two staffs
• Two commander two staffs
2 • The scope, duration, or complexity of 4-20
the operation reaches a level that rear
area operations demand a
commander’s full time attention or
exceeds the scope of a rear area
coordinator’s authority.
• The size of the assigned battle space
must be subdivided to effectively
• The enemy threat level in the rear
area is significant enough that it
requires a combined arms task force
to counter.
• There is a need to assign authority
for any or all of the rear area
functions under a subordinate
commander, with the customary
authority and accountability inherent
to command.

Answers,
continued
Item Answer Reference Page

3 • The scope, duration, or complexity of 4-21
the operation increases.
• The assigned battle space increases
in size.
• The enemy threat level in the rear
area increases, thereby requiring a
greater degree of coordination,
supervision, and leadership.
• One person needs to focus on rear
area operations so the commander
can concentrate on the close and
deep fight.
4 • Security forces (military police, 4-22
tactical combat forces)
• Fire support agencies
• Support units (supply, engineer,
medical)
• Movement control agencies
• Other command and control facilities
• Bases and control facilities
• Other organizations as necessary
(counterintelligence team, civil
affairs group)


LESSON 3
SECURITY MEASURES AND BASE DEFENSE
Introduction
Study Time
Lesson Scope In this lesson, you will learn the objectives of rear area security (RAS), types
of RAS operations, and the types of security measures and threat levels.

Objectives
• Define the objectives of RAS.
• Identify the types of RAS operations.
• Identify the types of active and passive measures used to provide security.
• Identify the three threat levels.
• Identify the local security response force for the three threat levels.
In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics.
Topic See Page

Introduction 4-29
Objectives 4-30
Security Measures 4-31
Threat Levels 4-32
Security Operations 4-33

Objectives
Security Component commanders and MAGTF commanders are ultimately

Objectives responsible for the security of their assigned rear areas. While the rear area
may be divided into smaller geographic areas to enhance overall command
and control, units are responsible for their local security. In the rear area,
security objectives include
• Preventing or minimizing disruption of support operations

• Protecting personnel, supplies, equipment, and facilities
• Protecting lines of communication (LOC)
• Preventing or minimizing disruption of command and control
• Defeating, containing, or neutralizing any threat in the rear area

Security Measures
Types Commanders employ both active and passive measures to provide security.
Active Active measures are activities that include action or movement. They include
Measures
• Organizing units for defensive operations
• Coordinating reconnaissance and surveillance
• Providing security to convoys
• Positioning air defense units in the rear area
• Establishing liaison with fire support organizations
• Employing close air support
• Establishing reaction forces
• Developing defensive plans with deployed assets for support
• Patrolling defensive and training in the defensive skills
Passive Passive measures are activities that relate to the detection of forces. They
Measures include
• Camouflage
• Dispersion
• Cover
• Harden installations
• Position rear area units to be mutually supporting

Threat Levels
Combat Combat operations are planned for and conducted to counter a threat to
Operations operations in the rear area. All forces must look carefully at their
vulnerabilities to ascertain the level of risk each presents and to be able to
constantly reassess how they might be better protected.
Threat Levels The table below illustrates the level of threats likely to be encountered in
combat operations in the rear area and suggested probable responses from
appropriate tactical forces.
Threat Level Possible Threat Response Force

Level I Agents, sympathizers, Unit, base, and base cluster
terrorists, and saboteurs self-defense measures
Level II Small tactical units, Self-defense measures and
unconventional forces, and local response forces with
guerillas organic supporting arms
Level III Large tactical units (air, Tactical combat forces
helicopter borne, amphibious)

Security Operations
Introduction Security operations require detailed planning and aggressive execution. They
must be integrated with all operations. Subordinate units are responsible for
the conduct of local security operations, but must coordinate with the overall
rear area coordinator or rear area commander.
Types There are six types of security operations that must be coordinated with the
overall rear area coordinator or commander. They are
• Populace and resource control operations

• Enemy prisoner of war operations
• Noncombatant evacuation operations
• Civilian control operations
• Area damage control operations
• Combat operations
Other While the above are the main security operations, the following operations are
Operations conducted within the rear area to facilitate the conduct of security operations.
• Deception operations
• Civil affairs operations
• Nuclear, biological, and chemical defense operations
• Psychological operations

Lesson 3 Exercise
Study Time
Item 1 What are the objectives of RAS?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 2 What are the two types of security measures?
_____________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________
Item 3 What are five of the nine active measures?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________

Item 4 What are the five passive measures?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 5 What are four possible threats at threat level I?
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________
Item 6 What type of response force is used to combat threat level III?
a. Tactical combat forces

b. Base cluster
c. Unit
d. Local response force


1 • Preventing or minimizing disruption of 4-30
support operations
• Protecting personnel, supplies,
equipment, and facilities
• Protecting line of communications (LOC)
• Preventing or minimizing disruption of
command and control
• Defeating, containing, or neutralizing any
threat in the rear area
2 • Active 4-31
• Passive
3 • Organizing units for defensive operations 4-31
• Coordinating reconnaissance and
surveillance
• Providing security to convoys
• Positioning air defense units in the rear
area
• Establishing liaison with fire support
organizations
• Employing close air support
• Establishing reaction forces
• Developing defensive plans with
deployed assets for support
• Patrolling defensive and training in the
defensive skills
4 • Camouflage 4-31
• Dispersion
• Cover
• Harden installations
• Position rear area units to be mutually
supporting

Answers,
continued

5 • Agents 4-32
• Sympathizers
• Terrorists
• Saboteurs
6 a 4-32


WARFIGHTING TECHNIQUES
REVIEW LESSON EXAMINATION
Review Lesson
Introduction The purpose of this lesson examination is to prepare you for your final
examination. We recommend that you try to complete your review lesson
without referring to the text, but for those items (questions) you are unsure of,
restudy the text. When you finish your review lesson and are satisfied with
your responses, check your responses against the answers provided at the end
of this review lesson examination.
Directions Select ONE answer that BEST completes the statement or that answers the
item. For multiple choice items, circle your response. For matching items,
place the letter of your response in the space provided.
Item 1 To participate as an integral component of naval aviation is a collateral

mission of
a. assault support.
b. offensive air support.
c. Marine corps aviation.
d. close air support.
Item 2 Electronic warfare is a function of
a. air reconnaissance.
b. air surveillance.
c. offensive air support.
d. Marine aviation.
Item 3 Tactical mobility and logistical support is a function of
a. assault support.
b. offensive air support.
c. tactical air support.
d. combat air support.
MCI Course 8203 R-1 Review Lesson Examination

Review Lesson, Continued
Item 4 Force protection and air superiority are two purposes of
a. close air support.

b. Marine aviation.
c. tactical air support.
d. anti-air warfare.
Item 5 Which of the following performs air logistical support?
a. Fixed-wing aircraft
b. Rotary-wing delivery
c. Rapid deployment of forces
d. Air drops from fixed-wing aircraft
Item 6 Which aircraft is one of the primary strike fighters for the Marine Corps?
a. AH-1W
b. Joint strike fighter
c. KC-130
d. F/A-18
Item 7 The AH-1W is exclusive to which of the following missions?
a. CAS
b. OAS
c. SEAD
d. CIFS
Item 8 Which type of ordnance is directed by wire to the target?
a. MK77
b. MK-20 Rockeye
c. TOW missile
d. Walleye laser-guided bomb

Item 9 Which of the following statements is a description of the DASC?
a. Provides a representative to work in the SACC

b. Aids in target identification and greatly reduces the potential for fratricide
c. Provides control of unmanned vehicles and of aircraft transiting its
assigned area
d. Normally the terminal control agency for CAS aircraft
Item 10 What type of information is required on line 6 of the JTAR form?
a. Target location
b. Target description
c. Ordnance information
d. Time and date
Item 11 Which of the following statements best describes the TACP net?
a. Reserved for time critical terminal control information only

b. Provides a means of coordination between the air officer and his FACs
c. Ground maneuver elements use to request immediate air support
d. Air control agency can brief support aircraft on target information and
handoff
Item 12 The control measure that is located beyond the intercept zone is the
a. en route point.
b. contact point.
c. initial point.
d. penetration point.

Item 13 Which line on the nine-line brief would you find “target elevation?”
a. 4
b. 5
c. 6
d. 7
Item 14 When marking for SEAD, laser marks are considered to be the
______________ method of marking.
a. least effective
b. most effective
c. standard
d. recommended
Item 15 Read the following statements and then answer the question below.
1. BDA information (target number, mission number, munitions expended,

target description)
2. Mission accomplishment (were the desired effects achieved?)
3. Re-attack method
4. The time of attack
What kind of information is included on the BDA?
a. 1, 2, and 3
b. 1, 2, and 4
c. 1, 3, and 4
d. 2, 3, and 4

Item 16 A rear command post function tracks
a. current battle.
b. host country support.
c. all air in host country.
d. all host country medical.
Item 17 Rear command post collocates with
a. host country commander.

b. forward support battalion.
c. CSS rear elements.
d. main air support.
Item 18 Which security measure is used to establish a command post?
a. Establish redundant facilities to use along with working facilities to

confuse the enemy on which is real.
b. Establish redundant facilities to support capabilities from being rendered
ineffective should the primary facility be destroyed.
c. Establish redundant facilities to promote capabilities of supporting units
and render all others obsolete.
d. Establish responsive facilities to support capabilities from being rendered
ineffective should the primary facility be destroyed.
Item 19 Which of the following considerations is used to establish communications

for a common post?
a. Conductivity
b. Cohesiveness
c. Forward
d. Flexibility

Item 20 Monitoring the state of __________________________ is a function of a

combat operations center.
a. retreat of essential equipment/supplies and advise the commander of

shortfalls effecting the operation
b. combat essential equipment/supplies and advise the commander of
shortfalls effecting the operation
c. essential personnel/supplies and advise the commander of shortfalls
effecting the operation
d. combat essential personnel and their dependents and advise the
commander of shortfalls effecting the operation
Item 21 Which section has the responsibility for logistics, budgeting, and financial
management?
a. S-4
b. S-3
c. S-2
d. S-1
Item 22 Identify the symbol below:
a. Air defense unit

b. Air service unit
c. Artillery unit
d. Amphibious unit
Item 23 What does the color yellow pertains to on the sitmap?
a. Contaminated or unknown units

b. Contaminated area or mines
c. Contaminated area or man-made obstacles
d. Contaminated area or friendly forces

Item 24 The objective of combat service support is to
a. sustain and enhance the relative combat power of the MEF at the
operational level of war.
b. sustain all elements of operating forces in a theater at all levels of war.
c. enhance the relative combat power of the MEF at tactical levels of war.
d. sustain and enhance the relative combat power of the MAGTF at the
tactical level of war.
Items 25 A sub-function of transportation is
a. repair.
b. postal.
c. landing support.
d. storage.
Item 26 Disbursing, exchange services, and civil affairs support are sub-functions of
a. supply.
b. services.
c. general engineering.
d. maintenance.
Item 27 A sub-function of health services is
a. casualty treatment.
b. salvage.
c. construction.
d. disposal.

Item 28 A sub-function of supply is
a. casualty treatment.
b. reclamation.
c. construction.
d. disposal.
Item 29 Which principle of CSS provides the essential supplies and services required
to begin combat operations?
a. Attainability
b. Flexibility
c. Survivability
d. Simplicity
Item 30 The inherent capacity of the organization and its capability to prevail in the
face of potential destruction is
a. attainability.
b. flexibility.
c. survivability.
d. simplicity.
Item 31 Controlling and coordinating the day-to-day operations of the CSS

organization by focusing on meeting the needs of the supporting units is the
a. MAGTF.
b. BSSG.
c. FSSG.
d. CSSOC.

Item 32 Providing sustained combat service support to the _____________ is the

mission of the FSSG.
a. MEU
b. MEB
c. MEF
d. CSS
Item 33 FSSG is composed of headquarters and service, maintenance, supply,

engineer support, medical, dental, and _____________ battalions.
a. communications
b. military police
c. transportation
d. landing support
Item 34 To evacuate equipment to repair facilities and to provide intermediate-level,

and third- and fourth-echelon maintenance is the mission of which battalion?
a. Transportation support
b. Maintenance
c. Engineer support
d. Medical
Item 35 The mission of the BSSG is to provide
a. limited combat service support to the MEB.

b. sustained combat service support for 30 days to the MEB.
c. permanent combat service support to MEB.
d. initial combat service support to MEB.

Item 36 Headquarters, transportation, supply, maintenance, engineer support,

____________, collecting and clearing, and surgical support companies,
along with a dental detachment are all units of a BSSG.
a. communications
b. landing support
c. military police
d. bulk fuel
Item 37 To provide sustained combat service support for 15 days to the Marine
expeditionary unit is the mission of
a. FSSG.
b. BSSG.
c. CSSG.
d. MSSG.
Item 38 Headquarters, communications, engineer, maintenance, motor transport,

landing support, supply, and __________ are all platoons of a MSSG.
a. dental
b. medical
c. service
d. bulk fuel

Item 39 Rear area is defined as the area-extending forward from its rear boundary to
the ________ of the area assigned to the next lower level of command.
a. front
b. rear
c. side
d. flank
Item 40 Security, communications, intelligence, area management, movements,

infrastructure development, host nation support, and _______________ are
all functions of rear area support.
a. planning
b. command and control
c. consolidations
d. sustainment
Item 41 The measures taken before, during, and/or after an enemy airborne attack,
sabotage action, infiltration, guerrilla action, and/or initiation of
psychological or propaganda warfare to minimize the effects thereof is
a. rear area.
b. rear area security.
c. security measure.
d. intelligence.
Item 42 Planning and executing rear area operations in joint operations is the
responsibility of the
a. MAGTF commander.
b. Marine Corps component commander.
c. joint rear area coordinator.
d. joint force commander.

Item 43 Coordinating the overall security of the joint rear area is the responsibility of
a. MAGTF commander.
b. Marine Corps component commander.
c. joint rear area coordinator.
d. joint force commander.
Item 44 The Marine Corps component commander is responsible for
a. coordinating the overall security of the joint rear area.

b. conducting rear area operations in support of all Marine Corps forces in
the theater.
c. assigning local defense responsibilities to bases.
d. establishing host nation support agreements.
Item 45 The _______________ is responsible for rear area security within the
MAGTF.
a. MAGTF commander
b. Marine Corps component commander
c. joint rear area coordinator
d. joint force commander
Item 46 A one commander and two staff command relationship is used
a. during a small scale contingencies.

b. during a large scale contingencies.
c. during a major operations of war.
d. when the joint force commander is geographically separated.

Item 47 A rear area coordinator could be assigned when the
a. scope, duration, or complexity of the operation increases.

b. size of the assigned battle space must be subdivided to effectively
c. enemy threat level in the area is significant enough that it requires a
combined arms task force to counter.
d. Marine Corps commander will not except the responsibility.
Item 48 Which of the following is not a component that a command and control
facility coordinates?
a. Security forces
b. Fire support agencies
c. Command post
d. Movement control agencies
Item 49 Protecting personnel, supplies, equipment, and facilities is an objective of
a. security levels.
b. RAS operations.
c. RAS.
d. security.
Item 50 An active measure is
a. camouflage.
b. cover.
c. employing close air support.
d. hardening installations.

Item 51 Small tactical units, unconventional forces, and guerillas are possible threats
on which threat level?
a. I
b. II
c. III
d. IV
Item 52 Tactical combat forces are response forces on which threat level?
a. I
b. II
c. III
d. IV

Answers The table below lists the answers to the review lesson examination items. If
you have questions about these items, refer to the reference page of the course
text.

1 c 1-4
2 d 1-4
3 a 1-9
4 d 1-5
5 a 1-10
6 d 1-21
7 d 1-24
8 c 1-28
9 c 1-35
10 c 1-37
11 b 1-41
12 d 1-49
13 a 1-53
14 b 1-61
15 b 1-62
16 a 2-4
17 b 2-4
18 b 2-10
19 d 2-12
20 b 2-18
21 a 2-20
22 a 2-30
23 a 2-41
24 d 3-4
25 c 3-5
26 b 3-5
27 a 3-5
28 d 3-5
29 a 3-6
30 c 3-6

Answers,
continued

31 d 3-7
32 c 3-16
33 c 3-16
34 b 3-18
35 b 3-28
36 d 3-28
37 d 3-29
38 b 3-29
39 b 4-5
40 d 4-5
41 b 4-6
42 d 4-9
43 c 4-9
44 b 4-10
45 a 4-11
46 d 4-18
47 a 4-21
48 c 4-22
49 d 4-30
50 c 4-31
51 b 4-32
52 c 4-32
Summary Now that you’ve completed the review lesson examination, it’s time to show
that you have mastered this course by completing the final examination. Take
your final examination booklet and the DP-37 to your training NCO or any
authorized proctor so that you can complete the course.

War Fighting Techniques

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MCI 8203

MARINE CORPS INSTITUTE

STAFF NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS

Scope The responsibilities of senior staff noncommissioned officers (SNCOs)

Technical and tactical proficiency is the hallmark of the Marine gunnery

Table of This course contains the following study units:

Study Unit Title Page

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8203 i Course Introduction

Step When you… Then you will…

Note: For more information, refer to the Program Introduction.

MCI Course 8203 ii Course Introduction

Learning After completing this unit, you should be able to

• State the types of aircraft and ordnance.

• Request air support.

• Terminally control Marine air.

In This Study This study unit contains the following lessons:

Topic See Page

MCI Course 8203 1-1 Study Unit 1

MCI Course 8203 1-2 Study Unit 1

Learning After completing this lesson, you should be able to

• Identify the six functions of Marine aviation.

• Identify the two types of antiair warfare employment methods.

• Identify the three types of offensive air support.

• Identify the seven types of assault support.

In This Lesson This lesson contains the following topics:

Topic See Page

MCI Course 8203 1-3 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Missions The primary mission of Marine Corps aviation is to participate as the

MCI Course 8203 1-4 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8203 1-5 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

These principles provide a responsive, integrated air defense capability to

Active and Defensive AAW measures are active or passive:

• Passive measures include

MCI Course 8203 1-6 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

• Close- in fire support (CIFS)

Close-In Fire Close- in fire support

• Requires detailed integration with a friendly ground force’s fire and

Close Air Close air support

• Requires detailed integration with a friendly ground force’s fire and

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8203 1-7 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

• Conducted on both sides of the fire support coordination lines (FSCL)

Preplanned Preplanned missions are

• Performed according to a schedule

• On-call missions are preloaded for a particular target and placed in

Immediate Immediate missions

• Meet requests that arise during battle

MCI Course 8203 1-8 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Definition Assault support involves the use of aircraft to provide

• Tactical mobility and logistical support for the MAGTF

Assault support operations require detailed, coordinated, and concurrent

Continued on next page

MCI Course 8203 1-9 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

• Flights from areas of operations to secure rear areas

Battlefield Fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft can be used to provide light (battlefield

MCI Course 8203 1-10 Study Unit 1, Lesson 1

Definition Air reconnaissance employs visual observation and/or sensors in aerial

Types The three types of aerial reconnaissance are listed below:

Visual Visual reconnaissance

Multisensor Multisensor imagery reconnaissance

Electronic Electronic Reconnaissance (ER)