PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
SOLDIER AS A SENSOR
Establish an Observation Post
071-326-5705
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
REFERENCES
• FM 7-8
• FM 21-75
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
• Task: Establish an Observation Post
• Conditions: Given a squad- or platoon-size element in a
defensive position, a TA-312/PT field telephone and
communication wire, or a radio, and a probable enemy
avenue of approach.
• Standards: Selected a location for an observation post
(OP) that provided observation of the avenues of
approach, was within small-arms range of the element,
and offered adequate cover and concealment.
Established communication between the OP and the
platoon leader or squad leader.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Selecting OP area
• Performance Steps Note. OPs are
generally established along probable
avenues of approach to listen and observe
and to provide early warning of enemy
approach.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Establish an Observation Post
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
1. Select an OP.
a. The site selected for an OP should provide—
(1) Maximum observation of the desired area (specified by the platoon
leader).
(2) Cover and concealment for the occupants of the OP.
(3) Concealed routes to and from the OP.
b. Observation is the best way to determine whether the above
conditions exist at a site.
c. Usually, the best location for an OP is on or near the military
crest of a hill. Topographical crests should be avoided because of
the possibility of being skylined. It may be appropriate to establish
the OP well down the forward slope when observation is restricted
by the terrain.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Cover and Concealment of Observation Post
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Select OP Cont.
1. OPs should be within effective small-arms range of the
unit establishing the OP, and should be supported by
other supporting fire when possible.
2. Establish and operate an OP.
a. Wire is the primary means of communication with
an OP and may be supplemented by radio. Wire and
radio antennas should be carefully positioned and
camouflaged to avoid detection by the enemy (figure
071-326-5705-2).
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Select OP Cont.
• b. Personnel going to and from the OP must
move carefully so movement does not reveal
the location to the enemy. Separate routes
to and from the OP are established.
Camouflage is most important. The OP
should be camouflaged even when natural
concealment is adequate.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Select OP Cont.
C. OPs are operated in reliefs. A minimum of two
soldiers is necessary for each relief. One observes
while the other records and reports observed
information. The observer and recorder should
switch duties every 20 to 30 minutes, because the
visual efficiency of an observer decreases rapidly
after that length of time.
3. Establish and operate an OP during limited
visibility.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Select OP Cont.
a. The enemy may use a different, more open
avenue of approach during limited visibility
conditions; therefore, an OP may have to be
moved to another position to serve as an OP
at night.
b. OPs are operated in relief except when
movement to and from positions would reveal
their locations or endanger the personnel.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Check on Learning
• True of False: OPs should be within
effective small-arms range of the unit
establishing the OP, and should be
supported by other supporting fire when
possible.
• True
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Check on Learning Cont.
• What is your primary means of communication
once you have establish an OP?
• Wire is the primary means of communication
with an OP and may be supplemented by radio.
Wire and radio antennas should be carefully
positioned and camouflaged to avoid detection
by the enemy (figure 071-326-5705-2).
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Performance Measures Go & No Go
1. Selected an area within small-arms range of the
squad- or platoon-size element. —— ——
2. Selected a site that provided maximum
observation of the desired area. —— ——
3. Established and operated an area that offered
cover and concealment. —— ——
4. Ensured wire or radio communication was
established.
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Summary
• Establish an
Observation post
• Selecting your
Observation post
• Cover and
Concealment
• Performance
Measures
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
Performance Measure Go & No Go
5. Ensured that radio antenna, if used, was
camouflaged. —— ——
6. Established several concealed routes to and from
the observation post. —— ——
7. Ensured that the observation post was
camouflaged. —— ——
8. Placed a minimum of two personnel on the
observation post. —— ——
9. Instructed observer and recorder to switch duties
every 20 to 30 minutes. —— ——
PRE-MOBILIZATION TRAINING ASSISTANCE
ELEMENT (PTAE)
QUESTIONS?
