Small Unit Operations in Afghanistan Handbook: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures - No 09-37

Description

This handbook will assist Soldiers and small-unit leaders in preparing for the difficulties and challenges they will face when deployed to Afghanistan as part of Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF). The handbook specifically addresses the unique geographic and cultural aspects small units can expect to encounter in the Afghan theater of operations. While current U.S. formations have been successfully conducting counterinsurgency operations in Iraq, the infrastructure, terrain, culture, and enemy are very different in OEF. Operations in many parts of the Afghan theater are still heavily weighted in favor of direct lethal engagements against a hardened and determined enemy force. The average enemy fighter in Afghanistan has been fighting continuously for the last 30 years. As a nation, the people of Afghanistan have been fighting for thousands of years. It should come as no surprise that the enemy has developed very effective tactics, techniques, and procedures to combat a technologically superior enemy that relies heavily on vehicles for transport and supply. This enemy has repeatedly demonstrated an advanced understanding of U.S. tactics and will exploit any mistake with catastrophic results. COVER SMALL-UNIT OPERATIONS IN AFGHANISTAN Handling Instructions Foreword Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1 Command and Control Troop-Leading Procedures Precombat checks and precombat inspections Postcombat inspection Communication Radio Wire Messenger Visual signals Audible signals Network Command and Control in Operation Enduring Freedom/Afghanistan Company Command Post Operations Company Command Post Staffing Command Post Purpose, Duties, and Responsibilities Company Command Post Training and Systems Command Post Products Conclusion Chapter 2 Individual Physical Fitness Physical Fitness Training Example aerobic exercises Injury Prevention Acquiring Fitness Equipment Conclusion Chapter 3 Marksmanship and Weapons Training Basic Rifle Marksmanship Squad-Designated Marksman Close-Quarters Marksmanship/Reflexive Fire Crew-Served Weapons Weapon Clearing and Safety Developing and Implementing Weapons Training Conclusion Chapter 4 First Responder Medical Training and Casualty Evacuation Combat Lifesaver Correspondence Course Casualty Evacuation Planning phase Specific duties and responsibilities of key personnel in planning CASEVAC Initial Treatment Phase Priorities of evacuation Responsibilities Overland Movement Phase Extraction Phase Guidance for Retrieving and Safeguarding Weapons, Ammunition, andEquipment Techniques for Distribution of Casualties’ Equipment Planning Truths Conclusion Chapter 5 Employment of Joint Fires, Organic Fires, and Close Combat Attack Joint Fires Close Air Support Planning Close Air Support CAS Requests CAS Briefing Close Combat Attack Organic Fires Call for fire Mortar Support Effective mortar fire Mortar positions Conclusion Chapter 6 Small-Unit Mounted and Dismounted Drills Dismounted Drills Reacting to a small arms attack React to ambush (near) React to ambush (far) React to indirect fire Establish security at the halt Mounted Drills React to ambush (near) React to ambush (far) React to indirect fire Break contact Dismount a vehicle Establish security at the halt React to an improvised explosive device React to small arms attack Convoy and Convoy Live-Fire Training Close-Quarters Battle Enter and clear a room Conclusion Chapter 7 Protection Patrol Base Planning Patrols and Patrolling Combat patrols Reconnaissance patrols Combat patrol planning Organization of patrols Preparing the Patrol Debriefing the Patrol and the Patrol Report Chapter 8 Cultural Engagements Talking Points Building Relationships Ethnicity in Afghanistan Interpreters Staying on Track Conclusion BACKCOVER