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

✍ Scribed by Mark Osterholm

• Publisher: Center for Army Lessons Learned (CALL)
• Year: 2009
• Tongue: English
• Leaves: 132
• Category: Library

✦ Synopsis

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.

✦ Table of Contents

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

✦ Subjects

handbook, small, unit, operations, afganistan, techniques, tactics, army