Battle Drill 3: Break Contact – Platoon (07-PLT-D9505)

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The platoon is conducting operations in a live training environment independently or as part of a company or larger force.

The platoon is moving as part of a larger force, conducting a movement to contact or an attack.

Following direct fire contact with the enemy, the platoon leader decides to break contact.

Indirect fires are available.

Some iterations of this task should be performed in MOPP 4 and at night.

The platoon breaks contact according to ATP 3-21.8.

Using fire, movement and maneuver, the platoon continues to move until the enemy cannot observe or place fire on them.

The platoon leader reports the contact.

The drill begins when the platoon leader orders the platoon to break contact.

TASK STEPS

(Asterisks indicate a leader performance step.)

* 1. While receiving direct fire from the enemy or on orders, the platoon leader orders the platoon to break contact.

* 2. The platoon leader directs one squad or fire team to suppress by fire to support the disengagement of the remainder of the platoon.

* 3. The platoon leader orders a distance and direction, terrain feature, or last rally point of the movement of the platoon element in contact.

Note. This distance should not exceed small arms range to ensure supporting fire.

* 4. The platoon leader employs direct fires to suppress enemy positions.
(See figure 8-5 on page 8-14.)

The moving element moves to occupy the overwatch position, employs smoke (M203/M320, smoke grenades, indirect fires, and other options) to screen movement.

Note. If necessary, [the bounding element] employs fragmentation and concussion grenades to facilitate breaking contact.

The base-of-fire element continues to suppress the enemy.
The moving element occupies their overwatch position and engages enemy positions.
(See figure 8-6.)

* 8. The platoon leader directs the base-of-fire element to move to its next covered and concealed position.
(See figure 8-7.)

Note. Based on the terrain[ and the] volume and accuracy of the enemy’s fire, the moving element may need to use fire and movement techniques.

[9.] The platoon continues to move away from the enemy until:

a. It breaks contact (the platoon must continue to suppress the enemy as it breaks contact).

b. Its elements are in the assigned positions to continue the mission.

* 10. Leaders account for Soldiers, report the situation, reorganize as necessary, and continue the mission.

* 11. The platoon leader moves the platoon onto an azimuth or alternate route away from enemy forces.

Note. The platoon leader should consider changing the unit’s direction of movement once contact is broken.

This reduces the ability of the enemy to place effective indirect fire on the platoon.

Squads and Teams that become divided stay together and move to the last designated rally point.