4.
Smoke Screen Characteristics. Stationary smoke generators are spaced to produce three different
types of smoke screens. For mobile smoke generators the maneuver routes and the speed of the vehicles
are adjusted to produce the same type of screens. Discussion of the three types of smoke screens
follows.
a. Smoke Haze. A smoke haze is a thin smoke cloud that limits ground visibility to 50 to 150
meters but does not completely prevent aerial observation. A smoke haze allows friendly units to
maneuver with minimal distraction while providing concealment from enemy ground observation.
b. Smoke Blanket. A smoke blanket is a thick cloud of smoke that reduces ground visibility to
less than 50 meters. A smoke blanket provides concealment from both ground and aerial observation.
Because of reduced visibility within the smoke cloud, a smoke blanket reduces the ability of friendly
units to maneuver, thus hampering friendly operations.
c. Smoke Curtain. A smoke curtain is a dense, vertical smoke cloud rather than a horizontal
one. A smoke curtain is placed between friendly and enemy troops to restrict enemy ground
observation. It does not prevent enemy aerial observation. The smoke curtain has no impact on
visibility on the friendly side of the curtain or friendly unit movement. Lapse conditions are most
favorable for producing smoke curtains.
PART D: IDENTIFY THE USES OF SMOKE AND DISCUSS
THE IMPORTANCE OF COVER AND CONCEALMENT
1.
Smoke can be used on the battlefield to obscure, screen, deceive, and signal and/or identify.
a. Obscuring Smoke. Obscuring smoke is that smoke which is placed on the enemy to degrade
enemy observation and impede enemy command, control, and maneuver without degrading friendly
operations. Obscuring smoke may be employed against enemy forward observers to limit their target
acquisition capability. Smoke delivered against enemy antitank guided missile (ATGM) positions
reduces the ability of the enemy to acquire, track, and engage friendly armor. Employment of obscuring
smoke on an attacking enemy armored force may cause it to reduce speed, change direction, prematurely
deploy into assault formations or rely on nonvisual means of command and control; it increases the
capability of friendly defenses and may also channel enemy armor into antitank ambush areas.
Obscuring smoke, because of its proximity to the enemy, is normally delivered by projected smoke
sources. Projected smoke sources include artillery and mortar rounds. Command-ignited
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