Combined Arms

Introduction

More often than not our operations are conducted by a diverse force. While everything is centred around the Infantry Platoon as the core of our force, there can be a variety of support-oriented units serving alongside it.

All elements like Aviation, Reconnaissance, Armour or other Support Units are purely around to support and assist the Infantry Platoon. This section describes the general relationship and responsibilities.

Platoon Sergeant / Forward Air Controller

The Forward Air Controller (FAC) duties are most often carried by the Platoon Sergeant, but the FAC can also be a separate, dedicated role. The responsibilities below apply to whoever fills the FAC role.

• Doctrine - Connective tissue linking the Infantry Platoon and its leader to the Support Elements.
• Communication - Equipped with a Long-Range-Radio, he is responsible for the communication between the Infantry Platoon and Support Elements which are not in proximity of the Platoon.
  • Direct - When directing tasks and requesting fire support, he is responsible to ensure that no friendlies or civilians are being hurt.
  • Report - Reports status and upcoming actions by the Infantry Platoon and Support Units to keep all involved up to speed.
  • Review - Reviews and reports back effectiveness on support requests.
• Coordination - He coordinates the actions and assignments of the Support Elements in support of the Infantry Platoon.
• Decisions - He is authorised to make decisions on how to deploy the Support Elements based on the directives given by the Platoon Leader.
• Execution - Platoon Leader has ultimate authority. Once the Platoon Leader issues an order on how he wants to have Support Elements deployed, it is on the Platoon Sergeant to execute the order.
• Advisement - He may advise and suggest Support Element usage to the Platoon Leader. He has room to make individual calls and deploy Support Elements alongside operational guidelines.

The Callsign for the Platoon Sergeant on the Command Net is “Central” in order to prevent confusion with the Platoon Leader himself.

Echo Platoon Support

• Embedded - Echo is embedded in the main Platoon. They are handled as a regular squad, but with a special set of purposes and capabilities.
• Backline Support - Echo is not a direct frontline unit, although in certain situations they might be used as such. They carry heavy weaponry aimed at providing fire support and flank support. In addition, the Combat Engineer may be called individually if needed.
• Holding a Sector - Echo is often used to hold a sector reliably due to their heavy weaponry.
• Punching Through - If Echo is Motorised or Mechanised, they might be used in certain situations to punch through which will put them ahead of everyone else. This is a situational decision.

Detail about Echo Platoon Support can be found in Section 11 - Echo Platoon Support.

Aviation

• On Station / Overwatch - Aviation Unit is in proximity of the AO ready to respond to requests.
  • Default Aviation behaviour.
  • Aviation may carefully scout while taking minimal risk.
  • FAC may direct focus on certain areas for overwatch.
• Scouting - Same as overwatch but specifically requested.
  • Aviation may take more risk.
  • On request by FAC to get intel on specific areas.
• RTB - Return to Base (RTB) should always be coordinated between Aviation Unit and FAC.
  • Critical damage may force RTB.
  • Coordination with FAC in order to ensure availability at critical times.
  • An early RTB for refuelling or rearming may be requested.
• Pickup and Transportation - The transportation of units whether for insertion, reinforcement or relocation.
  • Requested by FAC.
  • Coordination of Landing Zones.
  • Alternate Landing Zones may be assigned.
  • FAC may inspect Landing Zones to ensure their viability.
  • Further coordination in regard to timing, approach and marking.
• Supply Drops - Usually sling loaded supply crates.
  • See Pickup and Transportation.
• CAS - Close Air Support.
  • Requested by FAC.
  • Aviation may request permission from FAC to engage targets without a prior CAS request.
  • FAC and Aviation share responsibility of avoiding friendly fire and civilian casualties.
  • Check Aviation ROE for further details.

Details on how to request certain actions can be found in Section 3 - Communication. Further details about Aviation including ROE can be found in Section 12 - Aviation.

Reconnaissance

• General - SGT may not have authority to issue orders by himself and only handles communication between Infantry Platoon and Reconnaissance Units.
• Scouting - The Reconnaissance Team is scouting an assigned area and reporting intel.
  • Default task for Reconnaissance.
• Overwatch - The Reconnaissance Team is overwatching and covering the approach of Infantry Platoon Elements.
• Direct Target Elimination - The Reconnaissance Team is engaging specific targets or areas.
  • Unless in self-defence, requires permission from Command.
• Indirect Target Elimination - The Reconnaissance Team is providing critical target information utilised by another Element to engage the target.
  • SGT coordinates the joint effort of the Elements.

Detail about Reconnaissance can be found in Section 13 - Reconnaissance.

Armour

• General - SGT may not have authority to issue orders by himself and only handles communication between Infantry Platoon and Armoured Units.
• Communication - Armoured Units might be embedded in Platoon Net and directly communicate and coordinate with Infantry Platoon Elements.
• Pickup and Transport - Mechanised Units may transport Infantry Platoon Elements.
• Movement - Mechanised Units and Infantry Movements operate in proximity.
• Fire Support - Infantry Platoon Elements request fire support on designated targets.
• Overwatch - Armour is overwatching and covering the approach of Infantry Platoon Elements.
  • Alternatively, Armour may overwatch an assigned area denying enemy movement.
• Push - The Armour might act as a moving shield in a coordinated push with the Infantry.

Detail about Armour can be found in Section 14 - Armour.