4-84. The MLRS battery movement options resemble those of other FA units. The BOC directs and controls the displacement of subordinate platoons. The battery commander is usually directed to displace by battery, battery echelon, or platoon. Some considerations in selecting an option for displacement follow:
• Maneuver unit scheme of movement.
• Continuous fire support (fire plans/targets).
• Overall tactical situation.
• Immediate and future requirements of the supported unit.
• Characteristics of the terrain to be traversed.
• Distance of march.
• Time available.
• Enemy capabilities.
• Command and control capabilities.
MOVEMENT O
PTIONS ANDC
ONSIDERATIONS Move by Platoon4-85. This is the most common and preferred method of displacement for MLRS batteries. One firing platoon at a time is displaced, either as a complete platoon or by individual vehicle infiltration.
Move by Battery Echelon
4-86. In this method, 1 or 2 of the major elements of the battery are moved in 2 or more groups. For example, 1 firing platoon and the battery HQ may move as a group. Then the second firing platoon, the support platoon, and the rest of the battery are moved.
Move by Battery
4-87. Distance, mission, route priorities, or the overall tactical situation may dictate a battery-level move.
Jump Battery Operations Center
4-88. If the entire battery is not moving at once, the BOC must ensure that battery C2 and fire direction processing continue while it moves. The preferred method for ensuring continuity is to pass control to 1 of the firing platoons. The platoon AFATDS enters the appropriate digital nets with the battalion AFATDS and the FIB AFATDS, and the supported maneuver HQ AFATDS. Once this link is established, the platoon assumes the role of the BOC and battery FDC (see chapter 8).
T
ACTICALM
ARCHES4-89. A tactical march is the movement of a unit or elements of a unit under actual or simulated combat conditions. There are several methods for moving an element in a tactical configuration. Each method has specific advantages and disadvantages. The battery commander decides which method or combination is best.
Open Column
4-90. The open column is used for daylight movements when there is an adequate road network that is not overcrowded, when enemy detection is not likely, when time is an important factor, or when the travel distance is great. A vehicle interval in an open column is generally 100 meters.
• The advantages of the open column are as follows:
Speed (the fastest method of march).
Reduced driver fatigue.
Improved vision on dusty roads.
Ease in passing individual vehicles.
Ease in dispersing vehicles as a passive defense measure against an air attack.
Less chance of the entire unit being ambushed.
Less vulnerability to indirect fire.
• The disadvantages of the open column are as follows:
Greater column length requires more road space and more time to close on the OPAREA.
Other traffic often becomes interspersed in the column.
Communication within the column is complicated.
Close Column
4-91. In close column movement, the vehicle interval is less than 100 meters. Close column is used to maintain maximum command and control during periods of limited visibility or when moving through built-up or congested areas.
• The advantages of the close column are as follows:
Simplicity of command and control.
Less time to close on the OPAREA.
Reduced column length.
Concentration of defensive firepower.
• The disadvantages of the close column are as follows:
The column is vulnerable to enemy observation and attack.
The strength and nature of the column are quickly apparent to enemy observers.
Convoy speed is reduced.
Driver fatigue is increased.
Infiltration
4-92. When the battery moves by infiltration, vehicles are dispatched individually or in small groups without reference to a march table. Though this technique is time consuming and the vehicles are difficult to control, it is used when the enemy has good target acquisition means and quick reaction capabilities.
• The advantages of infiltration are as follows:
Vehicles are less vulnerable to hostile observation.
Opportunities for cover are increased.
Defense against air and artillery attack is enhanced.
The enemy is deceived as to the size of the unit.
• The disadvantages of infiltration are as follows:
It is time-consuming.
It is difficult to command and control.
Vulnerability of small elements is increased.
Terrain March
4-93. The terrain march is an off-road movement to reduce vulnerability and avoid traffic. A unit using this type of movement should travel close to tree lines, along gullies, and close to hill masses. When enemy observation or interdiction by artillery fire or air attack is likely, a terrain march should be conducted. A unit may move safely on a road for some distance and change to a terrain march at a point where enemy observation becomes likely or vehicle congestion makes an inviting target.
4-94. Consider the following factors when deciding to use the terrain march:
• Displacement time may be increased.
• Ground reconnaissance is required.
• Soil conditions and other natural obstacles may complicate this type of movement.
• Wheel or track marks to the new position may be left.
• Extensive coordination is required to avoid traveling through other unit areas.
4-95. When employing the terrain march, MLRS units may move in open column, in close column, or by infiltration.
Special Formations
4-96. On the basis of the theater of operations and the tactical situation, the battery commander may choose to move his platoons in a special formation (such as a wedge or multiple wedges). This is most appropriate in a desert environment where there are few obstacles to movement, visibility exceeds several kilometers, movement is over extended distances, and/or there is a need to provide rocket fires while moving. Commanders should consider placement of vehicles to protect C2 elements and make most efficient use of available weapon systems for defense (see figure 4-2).
Note: The width and depth of the formations in figure 4-2 are a function of METT-TC and command and control considerations.
Figure 4-2. Special Formations