Armor Attacks: The Tank Platoon: An Interactive Exercise in Small-unit Tactics and Leadership

PART I

Armor Attacks

Section 1

God, it’s hot! 2d Lt. Sam Jaeger grumbled out loud. He licked his dry lips, reached for his canteen, and unscrewed the black plastic cap. The warm water that tumbled into his dry mouth was a welcome relief, in spite of the strong, bitter taste caused by the iodine purification tablets.

Jaeger wondered if he would ever get used to this god-awful desert. The days were fire and the nights were too cool to enjoy. The burning sun bore down on everything, making any type of shade a precious commodity. The dust was everywhere—coating your uniform, your skin, in your hair, your food. There was no escaping the dust.

To the north, buzzards circled ominously, searching for the day’s meal. Jaeger quickly ducked into the shade of a tarp that had been rigged to the side of his company commander’s M1 Abrams tank.

Madsen, a tall, good-looking young lieutenant, shrugged, answering Jaeger’s unfocused question. You’ll get used to it. Just keep drinking plenty of water. Madsen paused for a few quiet moments. "I think we attack tomorrow."

Madsen’s comment hung in the air, unanswered. Jaeger replied with a silent glance, trying to look confident. Jaeger had joined Alpha Company only seven days ago … a lifetime ago. In that time he had developed a strong respect for 2d Lt. John Madsen. You could count on him. Solid. No nonsense. Madsen’s platoon had led the company road march for the past two days. You didn’t get to lead in Alpha Company unless you knew your stuff.

The road march had been dusty, hot, and monotonous. Thirteen of the company’s tanks had arrived at their designated assembly area position. One had broken down due to a faulty engine fuel pump. The road march had been conducted over 100 tiring kilometers of dust and sun, interrupted by an occasional strafing enemy aircraft. Luckily, no one had been hurt. The company’s air defense team had even managed to hit and destroy one enemy aircraft with a Stinger missile. So far, things were looking good.

Jaeger’s mind went blank as he leaned against the side of the big M1 tank and stared out at the desert landscape. He was tired. The desert was so different from anything he had ever experienced. The heat took a lot out of you. He thought about his home in Stillwater, Minnesota. He dreamed of ice water. Gallons and gallons of ice water.

Captain Russell, the company commander, and three lieutenants and an NCO walked up to the lean-to and joined Jaeger and Madsen. For a few moments no one said a word. All eyes were on Russell. Bleary eyed, dust streaked, and sweaty, the young officers waited for their commander to begin his briefing.

OK. Take a seat. Get out your maps and listen, the captain announced. The five officers and one NCO quickly took their places and opened their notebooks.

Jaeger unfolded his map, which was protected by a shiny acetate map case, and prepared to receive tomorrow’s attack order. He looked at the faces of the men around him. All except Captain Russell and the first sergeant were his age. The executive officer (XO), 1st Lt. Rick Shields, was a capable twenty-six-year-old who had been with the company since it deployed from the States. Shields had worked well as Russell’s second in command and was a veteran of the battle of the Valley of Tears.

Madsen, who had personally destroyed three enemy T-72 tanks in that battle, was in charge of 1st Platoon. Second Lieutenant Joseph Williams, a tall, black ROTC graduate, was in command of 2d Platoon. Williams was also new to the unit and, like Jaeger, had not yet experienced combat.

Lieutenant Rogers, an artilleryman, was the company’s new addition. Rogers was the company fire support officer, in charge of field artillery support and coordination. Top, 1st Sgt. Wild Bill Brock, the epitome of the tough, leather-faced, professional noncommissioned officer, rounded off the group. He was Russell’s right arm and handled all the company’s logistical and supply needs.

First let me introduce Lieutenant Rogers, Russell said, his gaze at Rogers full of firmness and expectation. He is our new fire support officer, and I expect a lot of accurate artillery fire support from him. He will monitor the company command frequency and will call for fire from battalion mortars and 155mm artillery automatically, based upon your spot reports and his best judgment. Don’t waste time calling for artillery and don’t tie up my command frequency asking for mortar fire. Russell then opened up his map, clipped it to a wooden board with metal clips, and continued.

"I received the operations order from battalion a few hours ago. I will now issue you the company order. As you should know, we are now located in our assembly area at grid LK892462. Save your questions for the end of my briefing and follow with me on your maps as I talk you through tomorrow’s mission." Captain Russell’s tone left no mistaking that he was serious and demanded everyone’s complete attention.

"Situation: We are up against elements of an enemy motorized rifle division. We will be attacking into the enemy’s security zone. The security zone, for those of you who haven’t seen it in real life, is the first belt in the enemy’s defenses. The enemy is defending in our battalion’s zone of attack with a reinforced motorized rifle company. He seems pretty well spread out, and we anticipate that he is trying to delay us until their reinforcements arrive from the east. We can expect to see at least a reinforced motorized rifle platoon in our company zone of attack: approximately three BMPs and one T-72 tank." Captain Russell paused to let that piece of information sink in.

The battalion intelligence officer says that we may be up against the T-72M1, the best tank the enemy has sent against us so far. The T-72M1 has the same 125mm gun as the original T-72 but has a TPD-2-49 laser range finder instead of the older coincidence range finder found on earlier versions. The gunner’s sight is a passive image intensification sight, which will allow them to fire at night without artificial illumination. The T-72M1 also sports improved laminated armor and a triple stack reactive armor array. This reactive armor will defeat our antitank missiles, and our tank HEAT (high explosive antitank), but you still can take them out with tank main gun sabot rounds.

Russell looked at his tank platoon leaders as if searching for a reaction. Jaeger, Madsen, and Williams, focused on the details of Russell’s briefing, made notes in their combat notebooks without any sign of emotion.

Their BMP infantry fighting vehicles are probably BMP-2s, Russell continued. "Each BMP has a 30mm cannon and carries the AT-4 or AT-5 antitank missile. That gives the enemy a reach of about four kilometers with the AT-5, so take that into account. The BMPs are also reported to have improved appliqué armor, which makes them tougher to kill but should be no problem for our 105mm guns. One BMP has already been spotted on the eastern edge of Objective Eagle at grid coordinates LK943538. That is the only location I have right now on the enemy.

"Doctrinally, the enemy will deploy a reinforced motorized rifle platoon approximately five kilometers forward of the motorized rifle company strongpoint. Depending on the terrain and time constraints, the Threat security zone commander will position squads ten to fifty meters apart in dug-in positions with connecting trenches. You can expect dummy positions and alternate firing positions prepared for each vehicle.

They are usually pretty well spread out in the security zone, so there is a good chance that we can flank them and get them to move, Russell said as he paced in front of his map. "When faced with encirclement or decisive engagement, the forces of the security zone are often ordered to withdraw under cover of artillery fire and return to the main defensive area. Our job is to see that this doesn’t happen.

"The Friendly Situation: Battalion will attack across Phase Line August tomorrow at 0425 to clear enemy forces up to Phase Line December. The battalion’s mission is to destroy all enemy forces between these phase lines so that 2d Brigade can exploit our success and continue the attack north. Before morning nautical twilight (BMNT) starts at 0530, so we will begin the attack in the dark. Captain Russell paused to let his lieutenants observe the map. We have Task Force 2-7 to our left and Team Charlie, Task Force 3-69, to our right.

Mission: Alpha Company attacks 020425 June to destroy enemy forces in zone and to prevent the enemy from withdrawing past Phase Line December, Russell explained. "I want you to orient on the enemy, not the terrain. Objective Eagle is for orientation only. Seizing Objective Eagle, seizing the ground, is not necessary. My intent is to find the enemy platoon, pin it down with the supporting fires from 1st and 2d Platoons, and let 3d Platoon roll up their flank, before they can escape to the north. I want to find the enemy’s flank and attack him one enemy vehicle at a time. I don’t want to see any mad cavalry charges, but when you move, move fast.

Execution: Captain Russell paused as his lieutenants carefully scanned their maps and took notes (see Map 1). "First let me talk you through the terrain for tomorrow’s attack. The ground is dominated by three key terrain features: Hill 766 (LK895503), Hill 740 (LK940880), and Hill 790 (LK960540). A deep wadi, wide enough to move at least one tank through, goes southwest to northeast in the eastern portion of the company zone. The small hill at LK935535 is designated as Objective Eagle.

"The company will move out of this assembly area at 0400. First Platoon will lead, followed by 2d Platoon and then 3d Platoon. Two kilometers south of Phase Line August the company will deploy to company V formation. First Platoon will be on the left, 2d Platoon on the right, and 3d Platoon trailing. We will continue to move due north. First Platoon will move to Checkpoint Four and then to Checkpoint Six. Second Platoon will move to Checkpoint One, then Checkpoint Seven. Third Platoon will follow 2d Platoon and occupy Checkpoint One and then Checkpoint Four, on order. When I give the signal, 3d Platoon will follow me and swing around the enemy’s weakest flank, left or right, depending on how the situation develops. First and 2d Platoons will provide support fire for 3d Platoon’s assault. All this can change depending on the enemy situation, so remain flexible when you plan your platoon operation.

Lieutenant Rogers, the captain said, looking straight into his fire support officer’s eyes, "I expect you to place our priority target on the north side of Objective Eagle. I want you to plan for the battalion mortar platoon to provide a smoke screen on the east and west side of Eagle. You and I will plan additional targets to support the scheme of maneuver after this briefing. Make sure that you target the BMP that battalion has identified on Eagle. If we pinpoint any additional enemy positions, I want those targeted, too. I expect more information on the enemy at the intelligence update at battalion at 0300."

The captain discussed the details of the attack with his officers and made sure that each understood what was necessary to make the attack a success. The location of the T-72 tank and the other two BMPs was critical to their attack planning. Not knowing their exact location was dangerous.

Based on what I know now, I prefer to attack the enemy from the western side of the company zone, Russell said without emotion. "If we can avoid the rough terrain in the east where this deep wadi cuts through the company zone and can attack the enemy where he’s not looking, we can gain the advantage. It all depends on finding the enemy before he finds us.

I will be with 1st Platoon, trailing their last, far left tank. The XO will be with me on my left. Captain Russell concluded. If anything happens to me, the XO will be in charge, then the platoon leaders in order—1st Platoon, 2d Platoon, and 3d Platoon. I want you all at my tank at 0320 for the intelligence update. After the order, the first sergeant will go over the details of service support and resupply. The time is now 1346. What are your questions?

Sir, Jaeger asked, "do we know of any enemy mine fields or obstacles?"

"The enemy has been in position only since this morning. You can count on at least two shallow point mine fields in front of the platoon position, mostly antitank mines, for a total of about twenty mines in each mine field. We don’t have a fix on any of their exact locations, Russell answered. The battalion is sending scouts forward. If I get any more information you all will be the first to know. Good question, Jaeger, any more?"

Yes, sir, Madsen asked with a grin. When do we go forward to look for ourselves?

I’ll take all of you forward in my maintenance M113 at 1600, Russell ordered. "Be here on time! I have limited space in the APC and I will only have room for platoon leaders, so don’t bring anyone else. I expect to go to the high ground on the southwest side of Hill 766 (LK895504). The battalion has a scout observation post near the crest of the hill. From there we can see most of the battle area. I’ll have you back at this location at 1945. Bring your maps, binoculars, and an M-16 rifle. There have been some reports of enemy dismounted patrols in the area. If we get into any trouble, I don’t want to fight it out with pistols! Lastly, don’t carry any written orders or map overlays with you when we go to Hill 766. Anything else?"

There were no more questions. Lieutenant Jaeger copied the commander’s graphics onto his map and headed back to his tank. He was greeted by his gunner, Sgt. Tony Colwell, who was a veteran of the fighting at the Valley of Tears.

What’s the story, L. T.? Sergeant Colwell asked eagerly.

You were right, Colwell, Jaeger said, we attack tomorrow. Let’s get cranked up and back to the platoon. We have work to do!

America had been at war now for two and a half months. Second Lieutenant Sam Jaeger arrived a few days after the fighting at the Valley of Tears. He had been with Alpha Company for only one week. Now he was preparing his platoon to go into battle for the first time. Events were happening so fast. Was the world really at peace only a few months ago? Those days seemed like a faraway dream.

After the battle of the Valley of Tears, replacements were rushed from the United States and units were brought up to full strength. Jaeger’s 3d Platoon had been filled with some of these replacements and a smattering of veterans. Luckily, his platoon had more than its share of excellent soldiers. As Jaeger directed his tank back toward his platoon area, he mentally reviewed the personalities of the leaders in his platoon (see Diagram 1 for vehicle numbers and radio call signs).

Platoon Sergeant William Riley—tank commander of A34. This tough Irish-American tanker was the heart and soul of the platoon. The men trusted him unflinchingly. He could run the platoon without a platoon leader and had been in charge of the platoon before Jaeger had joined the unit. Jaeger, fresh from the States, had yet to earn Riley’s complete trust and confidence. Riley’s actions over the past few days had revealed that he was still a little unsure of his green lieutenant’s capabilities. Nevertheless, Riley had gone out of his way to assist Jaeger.

Riley had seventeen years of experience in the U.S. Army and had soldiered on every tank in the army’s inventory, including the older M60 tanks, the M1 tank with the 105mm gun, and even the newer 120mm M1A1 tank. He had even served as a gunnery and tactics instructor at Fort Knox, the U.S. Army Armor Training Center. He knew his tank gunnery backward and forward and trained his platoon accordingly. He was a competent, proven professional.

Riley had joined the unit two years before the war and had been a platoon leader ever since. He had distinguished himself as a platoon leader (officers were in short supply, and units were thrown together as soon as they off-loaded from the ships) during the battle of the Valley of Tears. He had personally destroyed six enemy T-72 tanks and two enemy BTRs. He was a leader of the old style; he led by example.

Staff Sergeant Jerry Johnson—Hot Rod to his friends. Johnson was the tank commander of A32 and acted as Jaeger’s wingman. Impulsive. Independent. Renowned for his ability to push his M1 tank to the limit of its speed capability. A hero to his crew, Johnson was a twenty-seven-year-old native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He came from a middle-class black family with no military heritage. He joined the army, over his family’s objections, to get out of working in his father’s grocery store. He found that he loved the army, and he enjoyed being a gunner on an M1 Abrams tank even more. He served as Platoon Sergeant Riley’s gunner in the battle of the Valley of Tears, and took all the credit for the kills that they scored that day. He seemed eager to show everyone how well he could perform as a tank commander and had been vigorously training his new gunner. His loyalty to Riley was unceasing. His respect for his new platoon leader was a bit more reserved.

Sergeant Joseph Ramos—tank commander of A33. No combat experience. Ramos arrived in the unit at the same time as Jaeger, replacing a tank commander who had been wounded in battle. A sharp-looking soldier, Ramos was largely an enigma. A twenty-three-year-old native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, he had been in the army for only four years. Quiet and withdrawn, he had adapted to his new surroundings quickly and had taken good care of his three men. He was Riley’s wingman, a placement that suggested that Riley wanted to keep a close eye on him. All in all, with a little training, Ramos should prove to be a good tank commander.

Sergeant Tony Colwell—gunner of A31, the platoon leader’s tank. Colwell was a twenty-three-year-old, sandy-haired Californian who was the tank commander of A31 before Jaeger arrived. One of the four combat veterans in the platoon, Colwell was unflappable. A quick and intelligent soldier, Colwell was purposely picked by Riley to be the platoon leader’s gunner. Riley knew that his new green lieutenant would need all the help he could get inside the turret once the action started. Colwell was the obvious choice. A weight lifter and an avid swimmer, Colwell had a personality that fit perfectly into this supporting role as Jaeger’s main assistant. He looked upon this responsibility as a personal challenge, and took good care of his lieutenant and the other two members of the crew. The rest of the crew of A31 consisted of the driver, PFC Warren Jones, a seventeen-year-old New Yorker, and the loader, SP4 Travis Curn, of Lampasas, Texas.

The short ride in A31 from the company command post to his platoon assembly area caked Jaeger with dust from the top of his tanker’s helmet (combat vehicle crew helmet, or CVC) to the pockets on his battle-dress uniform. Upon reaching his platoon, Jaeger ordered the driver to halt. He directed Colwell to take over as tank commander, drive the tank into a hide position, and then join him at Riley’s tank. After giving these directions he took off his CVC, put on his Kevlar helmet, grabbed his map, and hopped off the tank. He headed in the direction of his platoon sergeant’s tank, arriving there just in time to see Riley checking the maintenance reports of the other two tank commanders, under the shade of another makeshift lean-to.

I’m glad you are all here, Jaeger said, trying to sound confident. I just got tomorrow’s mission from the old man. We will be attacking tomorrow morning.

"Johnson, Ramos! Go back and get your maps and make sure you bring a notebook. Put your gunners in charge of getting those maintenance items checked. Be back here for the lieutenant’s warning order in five minutes. Now move!" Riley bellowed, and turned to wink at his platoon leader. Johnson and Ramos took off obediently, on the double.

So what’s the plan, Lieutenant? Riley asked, looking directly at Jaeger.

I’m not sure yet, Jaeger replied rather hesitantly. I just received the company commander’s operations order and I haven’t had a chance to put together a platoon order yet.

It’s your ball game, Lieutenant, Riley reminded him. Johnson and Ramos will be back in a few minutes. What do you want us to do? Riley, looking a little tense, reached for his canteen to take a gulp of water.

The sun beat down. Sweat soaked the young lieutenant’s battle-dress uniform. Jaeger looked at his platoon sergeant and then looked down at his watch. The air was heavy, making it hard to breathe. A pesky fly buzzed around Jaeger’s head. Reacting quickly, he caught it in his right hand and vengefully put an end to its life. This tiny success, however, did not solve his problem.

Jaeger’s mind wandered as he looked out at the horizon. It’s already 1430. In less than one hour and thirty-five minutes I must be back at the old man’s tank to go on reconnaissance. Tomorrow’s battle and the lives of my men may be decided by my ability to prepare an effective platoon plan. Riley and the rest are not too sure of me. I have got to prove to them that I know how to lead this platoon. I must earn their respect if I am going to get everyone through this alive. If I hesitate, and they interpret that hesitation as fear, I will never gain their confidence. I must decide now!

Karummph! The muffled crash of distant Threat artillery punctuated Jaeger’s last thought. Time was pressing and the war wouldn’t wait.

If Jaeger chooses to prepare his operations order right now, to make the most of his planning time, go to Section 2.

If Jaeger delays his order preparation and asks for advice from Platoon Sergeant Riley, go to Section 3.

Section 2

Hell, Jaeger thought. I didn’t spend four years in ROTC and a year training in army schools for nothing. I can handle this. Time is critical. I can’t afford to waste a minute! The most important thing is to show some confidence and show everyone that I know what I am doing!

Sergeant Riley, Jaeger ordered, when the rest of the men get here, have them take a seat and I will have a warning order for them in five minutes. While you are waiting, get a complete report from them on our ammunition and fuel status.

Yes, sir! Riley grinned. That’s the ticket, Lieutenant! I always wanted a platoon leader who could take charge. But you don’t have to worry about the fuel and ammunition. I personally inspected each tank just thirty minutes ago. We are all loaded, topped off with fuel, and set to go.

Oh, of course, Jaeger muttered. I’ll be ready in a few moments.

Riley looked at his platoon leader curiously, as if waiting for additional instructions. Jaeger ignored the look and sauntered over to his tank and took a seat on a large white rock on the shaded side of A31. Sergeant Colwell, who was busy helping the crew put up the final section of their desert camouflage net, looked over at Jaeger, puzzled.

Sir, Colwell announced, like a small puppy trying to please, can I help you with anything?

No, Jaeger retorted. I’ve got to get some planning done, so don’t let anyone disturb me.

Yes, sir, Colwell answered. Meanwhile I will send Jones over to the platoon sergeant’s tank to see if they have any chow for us. Do you want some?

No … no time for chow now, Jaeger replied, already consumed in his work.

Colwell shot one glance at Private Jones, and the private took off at a slow walk. Halfway to Sergeant Riley’s tank, Jones picked up the pace, inspired by the muffled sound of several more artillery shells exploding five to six kilometers north of 3d Platoon’s assembly area.

Jaeger mentally listed the tasks that he needed to accomplish. His mind began to stray as the thought of Colwell’s offer of food registered in his busy head.

I haven’t had a decent meal in forty-eight hours and I haven’t had a good night’s sleep since I arrived in this godforsaken place, Jaeger thought. But food will have to wait. The men are depending on me. I have got to figure out what to do!

Jaeger began writing in his notebook. The lack of any type of breeze, and the heat of the June desert sun, made this task all the more difficult. He looked at his notes, analyzed his map, and began jotting down his warning order.

The purpose of a warning order was to give his subordinates time to make the necessary plans and preparations for combat. Jaeger knew that it was critical to get the warning order out early, but he didn’t want to forget anything important. After fifteen minutes of scribbling in his notebook, he walked back over to Riley’s tank. There, in the shade of a tank tarp, Riley, Johnson, and Ramos were studying their maps, eating MREs, and waiting for their lieutenant.

OK, gentlemen, here it is. Look at your maps, listen up, and take notes. Jaeger began to read his warning order to the men. "The company task organization remains the same.

Mission: Alpha Company will attack tomorrow at 0425 to destroy enemy forces in zone, Jaeger briefed in a calm and steady voice, trying a little too hard to look confident and in control. "We can expect to be up against at least a reinforced platoon, probably three BMP-2s and one T-72 tank. Our earliest time of movement from here is approximately 0410 tomorrow morning. We will move from here in column in the following order: my tank A31, Johnson in A32, Riley in A34, and lastly Ramos in A33. After I return from the reconnaissance with Captain Russell, I will write the platoon operations order. I will issue the platoon operations order to you here after I have completed it. I want everyone to put on MOPP II prior to departure from this assembly area. I’ll leave a copy of my warning order here with Sergeant Riley for you all to copy. The time is now… , Jaeger paused to look down at his watch, 1515. Are there any questions?"

The tank commanders looked at each other nervously without saying a word. The thought of chemical warfare added to their unease. No one enjoyed the idea of putting on the chemical protective MOPP suits.

MOPP stands for mission oriented protective posture and involves various stages of wearing charcoal-lined chemical protective clothing, protective mask, rubber boots, and rubber gloves. The chemical protective suits are extremely hot and uncomfortable, but they are also the only protection from Threat chemical weapons. The bad guys hadn’t used any chemical munitions yet, but how long they would show such enlightened restraint was anybody’s guess.

Lieutenant, Riley announced seriously, you need to get started on your operations order. I will take care of the rest of the details. We will be ready for you at 2100. Give me your map and I will have all the tank commanders copy the company attack plan graphics.

Roger that, Jaeger replied triumphantly, knowing that he had accomplished his first task. I will be at my tank if you need me.

The time went by quickly. Jaeger used every minute to write down everything he could think of to develop a good plan. He analyzed the mission, listed all the tasks that he knew would have to be accomplished, and war-gamed several possible ways the enemy might try to defend the terrain in Alpha Company’s zone of attack. His problem was tricky because, as the company assault force, he could be employed several different ways.

Jaeger wrote feverishly. The sun and the incessant buzzing of flies made it difficult to concentrate. Jaeger focused his energy and tried to visualize what the best course of action should be.

Soon it was time to go to the rendezvous with Captain Russell. Jaeger had finished the situation, mission, and most of the execution paragraph of his platoon operations order. Well, he thought confidently, the order is almost done. The reconnaissance will shed more light on the matter.

He quickly gathered up his papers and told Johnson to start the tank. Grabbing a handle on the rear deck with one hand and putting his foot on the tank sprocket, he climbed aboard his big M1. He walked over to the turret and lowered himself into the tank commander’s station. Exchanging his Kevlar helmet for his CVC helmet, he checked his intercom system, made sure that the crew was ready to move, and ordered the driver to move to Captain Russell’s location.

Go to Section 4.

Section 3

Platoon Sergeant, Jaeger asked sincerely, I need your help. What should we do first?

Lieutenant, I knew that you were a smart officer the moment I met you! Riley beamed a grin from ear to ear. "The emphasis is on the we—this has got to be a team effort! Here is my advice: First take a few moments to collect your thoughts and backward plan your available time. Time is our most valuable resource. We can’t lose a minute! Start with the crossing of the line of departure [LD] and work your way back in time to the present.

"A simple time plan will organize your actions and help us get the important things done first. If we plan well we can get ready and get everyone rested prior to tomorrow’s battle. Your time line should list all the things we have to do and those things we need to coordinate with the other platoons, the company FIST, and the company commander.

"Then give us the best Armor School-style warning order you can. Take about ten minutes to prepare your warning order. In your order tell us everything you know about tomorrow’s mission. Once Johnson and Ramos know what to get ready for, they can do the rest.

I suggest that you give the warning order from up there, Riley said, pointing to the hill to the north, "on the side of Hill 722. From up there, everyone can see at least a part of tomorrow’s ground. A quick look at the ground will be a valuable investment of our available time.

While that is going on, Riley explained, "I will get my gunner, SP4 Harrison, to make us up a terrain model of our area of operations. I have spent a lot of time training him to make terrain models and he is getting pretty good at it! I’ll make sure that the model is straight by the time you issue the operations order. If you have to issue the operations order in the dark, the terrain model will come in handy to help everyone visualize what you want us to do.

"Once you start preparing your operations order, write down the basic points and explain the rest. We give oral operations orders at the platoon level; there is no time for written orders! I’ll take care of the service support paragraph; you just worry about how we are going to fight this battle and how our platoon will fit into the company’s plan."

Jaeger stared in amazement, letting all this information sink into his tired brain. He truly admired Riley and was relieved to have such a well-trained platoon sergeant.

Your order must be clear! Riley said, pausing for emphasis. "Everyone must know exactly what to do and what everyone else is expected to do. You won’t get that kind of communication by writing out long plans. You have to look them in the eye, tell them, and see the lights go on in their heads to make sure they really understand. Our lives depend on that!

"I will prepare a sleep and maintenance plan to get everyone ready. I will inspect the platoon at 1900 tonight to make sure that everyone does what he is told. I’ll also figure out how we will leave this assembly area, in the dark, and make it to our crossing location at the line of departure. Sergeant Johnson will prepare and mark a route in the daylight to make sure that we leave here in an organized fashion when we have to move out in the dark tomorrow morning.

Lastly, Riley continued, I’ll send my loader, SP4 Nelson, to fetch Sergeant Colwell to attend your warning order. The platoon leader’s gunner needs to be well informed. It is his job to brief your crew and get them ready. You are too busy to baby-sit them.

Sergeant Riley, Jaeger smiled with admiration for his platoon sergeant, if you weren’t so ugly, I’d kiss you! I’ll be ready with the warning order in ten minutes. See to it that everyone is here and prepared to listen.

Wilco, Lieutenant, Riley replied, looking as though he had just adopted a new son. Don’t worry, you are not alone. We are a good platoon, and we will all be around tomorrow evening if we just do our jobs and work as a team.

With that last comment, Jaeger sat in the shade of the platoon sergeant’s tank and quickly focused his entire attention on developing a time line, using a backward planning process: