The smoke control point (NCS) must have communications with the following:
The smoke generator squads, smoke platoon, and smoke fuel supply team.
The smoke platoon and the supported unit when it operates independently, or with the smoke company when
it does not.
The smoke generator company and the supported unit when operating independently, or with the smoke
battalion if it is not.
The smoke battalion and the supported unit.
Learning Event 5
CONTROL SMOKE PRODUCTION
When given the command "make smoke," the platoon sergeant will direct the platoon to start the generators.
After approximately three minutes of operation, the quality of smoke is examined. At the same time, the
generators should be stabilized. This is determined by the tone produced by each generator. A sudden increase in
the firing rate and intensity of engine noise signals a generator overloaded with fog oil. On the other hand, a
generator producing little or no smoke is operating "hot" without sufficient fog oil. The metering globe valve
must be opened gradually, allowing the generator to cool slowly. If fog oil is fed too quickly, the generator may
stall or overheat to the point that generator components begin to burn.
NOTE: During mechanized operation, the generator operator must monitor the temperature readout on the
control panel to ensure proper generator operating temperature. Normal operation temperature is
650-950 degrees Fahrenheit, which is controlled by turning the fog oil flow knob on the control panel
to increase or decrease fog oil flow.
Once the generators are stabilized, the platoon sergeant will monitor smoke coverage of the selected area.
This can be done visually (if the platoon sergeant has a view of the selected area) or by communications with the
smoke control point and/or established observation points. Gaps in the smoke screen or areas without sufficient
coverage are identified in this manner. Corrective measures will be taken using one or more of the following
methods:
Reduction of the spacing between selected generator positions.
Addition of smoke generators between existing positions.
Supplemental use of smoke pots.
The smoke platoon sergeant will obtain the usage rate of fog oil and gasoline from the squad leaders hourly
(more frequently if necessary). This information is passed on to the smoke control point to assist in resupply
operations.
Radio and wire communications are the primary means of transmitting information during smoke operations.
During stationary smoke missions, it is difficult to use this method due to the high volume of noise created by the
generators. Therefore, information to and from generator locations will be maintained by one or more of the
following methods:
Visual signals.
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