MOBILE SMOKE TECHNIQUES
Once a smoke mission is received by the platoon the smoke leader analyzes the possible ways of executing
the mission. The smoke leader must decide the technique(s) used to provide the required smoke coverage. The
smoke unit can use one or more of several techniques in accomplishing its mission. The integration of indirect
smoke fires and smoke pots is critical to the survivability of the smoke unit before, during, and after execution of
the mission. These types of smoke provide obscuration of the smoke unit when it is not concealed by its own
smoke screen. The smoke control point is normally best located externally from the smoke screen and
overwatching both the smoke unit and the objective. This appendix will address three of the more common
techniques used by mechanized smoke units.
Line Technique
The line technique is used to produce large area smoke screens with predominately tail winds in relation to
friendly unit alignment. This technique provides a rolling barrage type effect with the smoke used to screen the
front or the flank of forces on the move. The area behind the smoke unit is clear. The density of the smoke
screen may be controlled by adjusting lateral dispersion and individual movement within the line.
This technique allows friendly forces to advance behind a screen of smoke closer to the objective without
being decisively engaged. The friendly combat forces reach a point where the smoke unit halts and makes smoke
from a stationary position or stops making smoke entirely. The smoke unit avoids advancing to the point of being
engaged by direct fire weapons. The combat forces must plan and use indirect smoke to obscure enemy
observation. Three variations of the line technique are the on-line, parallel, and lateral.
On-Line. The on-line variation consists of the smoke vehicles aligned perpendicular to and moving towards the
smoke objective at the same rate of travel. The rate of movement should be slow and gradual (not exceeding the
wind speed or 10 to 15 kph). Additionally, the On-line technique can be done with no vehicle movement if cover
and concealment methods are obtained.
Parallel. The parallel variation is basically stationary smoke produced by vehicles moving parallel to each other
without significant forward advance. This variation creates a dense cloud with fewer vehicles. The vehicles
move together up and down wind and turn at the same time. The movement distance is 100- to 200-meters.
Vehicle spacing is 100- to 200-meters, depending on the type screen desired.
Lateral. The lateral variation is accomplished by vehicles lining up facing crosswind and driving straight for a
distance of 100- to 200-meters. The vehicles then take the same route back to their start point. Lateral dispersion
between vehicles is approximately 100 meters. The dispersion and route length can vary depending on the type of
screen desired. Ensure vehicles stay on their designated routes or paths for safety. The size of the cloud can be
increased by shifting or adding one or more vehicles in the cross wind pattern. This technique provides
concealment for the smoke unit while producing either a mobile or stationary smoke screen that can be adjusted
left or right easily.
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