LESSON 2
PLAN SMOKE OPERATIONS
TASK
Plan smoke operations.
CONDITIONS
Given information on security and safety requirements for smoke positions, determination of security and safety
requirements for a smoke unit, conducting a smoke reconnaissance, assessing unit capability to conduct the
mission, determination of smoke generator spacing, and preparing a smoke platoon for tactical movement.
STANDARDS
Obtain a passing score of 70 percent on a multiple-choice test.
REFERENCES
FM 3-50
FC 3-50-1
Learning Event 1
DETERMINE SECURITY AND DEFENSE REQUIREMENTS
Smoke platoon perimeter defense plans, including defense measures against enemy attack, are added to the
smoke unit defense plans. Later, these plans are integrated with the defense plans of the supported unit, for
combined defense. However, situations may develop that require the smoke company or smoke platoon to defend
itself. The smoke planner must ensure the unit or platoon is prepared for any eventuality. This requires careful
planning for security and defense of positions. There are two types of security and defense measures that must be
employed. These are active defense measures and passive defense measures. The following is a description of
the planning considerations for using active and passive defense measures.
ACTIVE DEFENSE MEASURES
A guard system and the use of obstacles form a major part of active defense measures. They are the primary
means of preventing enemy penetration of smoke generator positions. Some important considerations are --
o You may station sentries at outposts to cover road junctions and natural approaches to the smoke platoon.
o You may use natural obstacles supplemented by artificial obstacles such as barbed wire, traps, mines, and field
expedients.
o You may also employ flame field expedients with trip wires to give warning of attempted enemy infiltration.
o When required by the tactical situation, a combat element may be organized and trained to provide mobile
security against enemy attack.
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