This workshop centered on further fire and manoeuvre drills along with the efficient mounting and dismounting of Hummers. We closed out the session with an introduction to moving across intersections.
Each session we will spend 15mins to drill fire and manoeuvre until people are comfortable that they it is second nature to them. After that, we may extend this to be intra-fireteam fire and manoeuvre but let's see how this pans out.
HMMMV Mounting
We learn and practice Hummmer mounting and dismounting for several reasons
- avoid any wasted time through discussion of who takes which role in the vehicle
- ensure the FT can operate more effectively as a team when each member knows their specific role in the vehicle
- ATR - Drives the vehicle.
- FTL - Sits in the front passenger seat and navigates for the ATR. As the ATR has eyes on the road and not on the map he is able to identify threats ahead of the vehicle. The FTL should provide clear and concise navigation instructions to the ATR.
- AAR - Takes the role of gunner.
- AR - Takes a rear passenger seat. This enables the AR to dismount quickly if required and provide rapid and sustained fire on any threats in addition to the M2 on the HMMMV.
When the FT is mounted the FTL should report in to the SL, "<Fire team name> is good to go." or some other radio message to indicate that the FT is mounted up and ready for movement orders.
Dismounting
When dismounting the vehicle in combat situations it is important to maintain 360 degree security when the whole team is dismounted and security for the vulnerable flanks and rear of the vehicle if the M2 is manned.
There are 2 types of dismounts:
Partial dismount
In a partial dismount, the M2 remains manned and the driver stays in the vehicle to rapidly reposition the M2 if required. This is mostly used when the M2 is required as firing platform for an assault/ambush, or when a convoy is stopped and waiting for further movement orders. It may also be used defensively however in typical defensive operations, movement of the gun platform is not as a vital as having extra firepower from the driver being trained on the enemy.
During a partial dismount the the HMMMV is most vulnerable in its rear. For this reason, the AR typically takes up a position guarding the rear of the vehicle until otherwise directed by the FTL. The FTL will take up position on one of the flanks of the vehicle (typically the right hand side where they exit the vehicle) and will have binoculars ready to help guide rounds being being fired by the M2.
Under no circumstances should either the FTL or the AR stand in front or behind the vehicle. This inhibits the ability of the vehicle to move quickly to reposition and will most likely lead to being driven over.
Full dismount
A full dismount requires all members of the FT to dismount. This will usually be in low threat situations, in preparation for push off to a objective on foot, or during a period of lull in the battle when the FT awaits orders and is required to stay close to their vehicle.
During a full dismount it is important the 360 degree security be establish around the vehicle. Each FT member has an assigned area to watch.
- The ATR takes front left
- The FTL takes front right
- The AAR takes back right
- The AR takes back left
Crossing intersections in urban terrain
Crossing an intersection as an FT consists of several parts that happen sequentially.
- FT divides itself into Red and Blue teams and takes the left and right sides of the road in order to cover both sides of the intersection as the approach it.
- When the intersection is reached both teams hold and do a "cross cover check" in order to ensure that when their fellow FT member steps around the corner there are no immediate threats.
- Once both teams acknowledge there are no immediate threats they communicate with "clear" and each FT steps around the corner to cover down the street.
- As the streets are covered the remaining FT members cross quickly and take up cover positions mimicking their buddy.
- Once the remaining members are set they communicate "covering" or "move" to indicate that the original FT members can move across the street and begin covering ahead of them as they move.
Section coming soon.