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The Army Strong theme is not a phrase - it is a way of life. The U.S. Army is strong because it uses procedures of mutually supporting actions to accomplish the mission. The concept of Soldiers and units supporting each other while conducting military operations is paramount to any unit's success. Each element of the team has a specific function and role to help the commander accomplish his/her mission. During a deliberate attack for example, the assaulting force is supported by the supportby-fire (SBF) element. The SBF element's focus is to gain fire superiority and cover the maneuver of the assaulting force as it gains a foothold onto an objective.
Establishing the SBF is as critical to the deliberate attack as conducting the assault. Without the SBF, the assaulting element has to contend with an enemy that is presented with only one problem. When the assault element is covered by the SBF element, the enemy is now presented with a dilemma. Adilemma causes the enemy to change their plan as they contend with multiple problem sets causing a weakness in their force, disruption of their current plan, and their ability to fight effectively. More discussions about dilemmas can be found in FM 3-21.8, The Infantry Rifle Platoon and Squad, paragraph 1-103.
Over the last decade of combat operations, Army units have lost the experience and, therefore, the expertise of establishing and effectively utilizing the SBF in the conduct of offensive operations. This article will discuss observed problems with SBF occupation, employment, fire control measures, rates of fire, and communication during rotations at the Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC) at Fort Polk, La. The objective of this article is to discuss these areas to better prepare units for combat operations around the globe.
Occupation
Before occupying the SBF, leaders must understand the science of the SBF and know how to employ each section and weapon system in the support-by-fire element. FM 3-34.2, Combined-Arms Breaching Operations, paragraphs 1-12 and 1-13 state:
"Suppression is a tactical task used to employ direct or indirect fires on enemy personnel, weapons, or equipment to prevent or degrade enemy fires and observation of friendly forces. The purpose of suppression during breaching operations is to protect forces reducing and maneuvering through an obstacle.