A smoke control point is an operations center. There must be a continuous flow of incoming and outgoing
information to ensure mission success. During extended operations the smoke control point will be operational
24hrs a day or until completion of all smoke missions. The following items constitute most of the operational
information handled at the control point:
Plotting information for use on the operations overlay. This includes wind direction, position of generators,
platoon and squad CPs, OPs, and supply locations.
Equipment and personnel status.
Wind and weather information.
Selected area coverage.
Area threat.
When given the requirement to establish and operate a smoke control point, use the following four steps as a
guide:
Step 1. Establish the smoke control point at a location that permits observation of the selected area. If no such
location is available, aerial support must be requested since continuous observation is essential to maintain
coverage of the selected area.
Step 2. Establish and maintain communications with higher and lower headquarters.
Step 3. Keep operation overlay and situation maps posted with current data, checking as required, to ensure the
smoke plan is being followed.
Step 4. Maintain daily staff journal or duty officer's log. An example log sheet is shown in Figure 14.
In planning communications for a smoke operation, the smoke unit commander coordinates with the
supported unit, or with the signal officer of the supported unit, to determine what plans exist for the unit's
communications with the supported unit and enter the communications system of the supported unit. The smoke
unit commander obtains current intelligence items that apply to the smoke unit for each operation. These
instructions are obtained as early as possible. As soon as the commander is informed of the mission, the smoke
unit commander, makes, or causes to be made, a map reconnaissance and a tentative communications plan to
include the location of switchboards and radio positions. Ground reconnaissance includes communications
reconnaissance. With the assistance of the communications personnel, the smoke unit commander prepared a
plan for signal communications. This information is included in the unit's operation order.
The communications net control station (NCS) is located at the smoke control point. Reconnaissance is
required to select wire routes, switchboard locations, and locations for radio sets. A line route map is prepared by
the signal officer or commo chief to speed installation of wire nets. Radio sets should be located in positions that
will afford protection from direct enemy fire and will provide a relatively unobstructed path in the direction of
transmission. When terrain features prevent the selection of optimum radio locations, it must be understood that
effective communications receive priority consideration in the selection of radio locations.
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