Reference
How to teach signals planning
BLUF:
Know when to use which type of offset when firing with medium machine guns (MMGs) on tripods (if distance to target < 375 meters, use 15 degrees offset vs. if distance to target > 375 meters, use 100 meters offset). See Diagram A.
For signals plan, must include (a) the action triggering signal, (b) action from who, (c) action to who, (d) the primary/alt/tertiary signals, and (e) branch plans (if action is successful, if action is unsuccessful). See Table A.
Signals plans needs to be (a) original, (b) appropriate, and (c) redundant.
Primary: observable, and tied to a condition + task;
Alternate: comms (always);
Tertiary: visual.
Refer to Diagram B for an additional example of 15 degrees vs. 100 meters.
[Diagram A] The example signals plan is built upon the following situation: you are conducting a platoon attack on Co Obj A. 60 mm mortars (60s) are attached to your platoon and set in a mortar firing position (MFP), and you have 2 MMGs. The enemy squad on Co Obj A has 1 MMG in a bunker, and tactical c-wire on their left flank. Your scheme of maneuver is to have a support by fire (SBF) element with the 2 MMGs suppressing (north) on the frontage of Co Obj A, while a maneuver element flanks Co Obj A from the left (west to east). The MG Hot Pos is 375 meters away from Co Obj A. The attack is occurring during the daytime.
[Table A] Actions that need to take place, in sequential order:
60s suppress Obj A
MG Sqd Hot Pos
Maneuver Unmasks
MG increase suppression
Destruction of En MG Bunker
Request Last Round on Deck (LROD) from 60s
Confirm LROD from 60s
MG cease fires
(A) Breach c-wire successful / (B) breach c-wire unsuccessful
Obj A destroyed
Consolidation
Note: Supporting: MG Sqd, 60s; Supported: Man Element; Don’t repeat signals.
[Diagram B] Say your SBF is 500 meters away from the target at Co Obj A. Which is more permissive for offset, 15 degrees or 100 meters? Follow the rule:
If distance to target is Less Than 375 meters (<375 meters), use 15 degrees for maneuver’s offset.
If distance to target is More than 375 meters (>375 meters), use 100 meters for maneuver’s offset.
Therefore, we would use 100 meter offset for the MSL (labeled MSL 2), as it is more permissive for the maneuver’s element final assault on Co Obj A. Simply put: when using MSL 2 instead of MSL 1, maneuver can get closer to Co Obj A before losing suppression from the SBF.
