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Terrain Analysis. Sid Heal, Senior Instructor. When identified and appropriately exploited, terrain, in and of itself, can provide tactical advantages. Terrain Analysis.
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Terrain Analysis Sid Heal, Senior Instructor
When identified and appropriately exploited, terrain, in and of itself, can provide tactical advantages
Terrain Analysis • Recognized important tactically sinceSun Tzu described it in “The Art of War” circa 500 B.C. and has been used by every successful tactical leader since then • Just as important in urban environments as it is in rural environments • Large malls, buildings, skyscrapers, custodial facilities and the like, can also be analyzed for effects on tactical movements • Terrain analysis is one of the best investments of time for planning
K O C O A Conducting the Analysis • Significance of the terrain will vary with the echelon of command and the particular mission of the unit • Five factors have proven tactical significance. These are: • Key Terrain (Sometimes called Critical Terrain) • Observation and Fields of Fire • Cover and Concealment • Obstacles • Avenues of approach and escape
K O C O A Key Terrain Features • Any locality or area, the control of which, offers a marked advantage • Control is critical, not occupation • Oft times it is the “high ground” but may also be a choke point, obstacle, blind spot or avenue of approach or escape • If the control of dominate terrain offers a decisive advantage it is called, “Decisive Terrain” or “Commanding Terrain” • “Texas Tower” at University of Texas-Austin or the tower at the Branch Davidian compound are two good examples
K O C O A Key Terrain is often the “high ground” Key Terrain can also be a “choke point” Key Terrain Features Key terrain can be any feature that offers a marked advantage!
K O C O A Observation andFields of Fire • So closely related that they are considered together • Observation—those features that provide surveillance opportunities • Includes the ability to employ any optic enhancing device, such as binoculars and/or NVGs • Fields of Fire—the area of fire that can be effectively covered depending on the type of weapon and how it is emplaced • Not to be confused with a “sector of fire”
Fields of Fire Characteristics of the weapon is the first factor
Fields of Fire How the weapon is employed is the second factor
Sectors of Fire • Intended to: • Prevent friendly casualties • Increase effectiveness of fires • Ensure no gaps in fires A sector of fire is an assignment!
K O C O A Cover and Concealment • So closely related that they are considered together • Cover—provides protection from fires and the effects of fires • Dependent upon both the weapon employed and the intermediate substance(i.e. tree, concrete, etc.) • Concealment—prevents observation • May be part of terrain, but also smoke, fog, darkness, snow, dust or heavy rain
K O C O A Cover and Concealment(Effects of Fires) Bullets are not the only things that will kill. The “effects” from the fires can be even more deadly and, are easierto hit!
K O C O A Obstacles • Any object or feature that stops, impedes or diverts movement • Depends on mode of movement • Obstacles to vehicles may not impede foot movement • Obstacles may be natural or manmade • Some obstacles are so formidable as to constitute a “barrier”
K O C O A Obstacles for vehiclesmay not stop pedestrians. Some obstacles can be considered “barriers.” Obstacles vs. Barriers
K O C O A Some obstacles can be considered “barriers.” Some obstacles can be considered “barriers.”
K O C O A Avenues of Approachand Escape • A route by which a force can reach an objective or escape from a predicament • Avenues should be broad enough to permit necessary maneuver and bypassing of obstacles • Avoid canalizing friendly forces because it makes them vulnerable (choke point) • Avenues of approach can be vertical, as with a vertical envelopment • Helicopter borne, rappelling, climbing, etc.
K O C O A Avenues of Approachand Escape By foot or vehicle, an avenue needs to be wide enough to permit maneuver and bypass obstacles.
Gaining Terrain Appreciation • Map Reconnaissance • Visual reconnaissance, especially with photographic drive-bys and fly-bys • Visual reconnaissance is necessary to identify: • Steering Features—sometimes called “steering marks,” facilitate navigation • Prominent Terrain—any feature that can be readily identified on both the physical terrain and a map, terrain sketch or diagram • Micro-Terrain —terrain that has tactical significance but is too small to be displayed on a map • Enfilade and Defilade Features —provide “terrain shielding.” Enfilade means exposed to observation or fires and defilade terrain protects against direct observation or fires.
Prominent Terrain Prominent terrain allows precise navigation without a compass, in reduced visibility and/or using only sketches, diagrams or “dead reckoning.” Micro-Terrain? 3
Navigation • Cardinal Directions (most well known) • Awkward in city, compasses affected by magnetic fields and steel objects • Shift from a known point (common) • Uses prominent terrain features as steering marks • Requires prior knowledge or detailed directions • Polar shift is most common method. • Grid System (MGRS, Thomas Guide and others) • Effective over distance but requires map and ineffective for micro-terrain • Numbering System (Common tactical “work around”) • Highly effective for micro-terrain, inappropriate for longer distances 1
Six Fundamental Differences Decentralized Control Communications are frequently restricted and intermittent Requires centralized planning and focus Presence of a civilian population Is always a factor Uneven ambient light Glaring lights and harsh shadows Many surfaces are highly reflective Night vision nearly impossible • Defensive Advantage • Defender enjoys cover and concealment • Avenues of approach are highly predictable • Three-Dimensional • Buildings are hollow and multi-story • Some buildings have intrinsic value • Vertical avenues of approach and escape • Short-range engagements • Typical engagement is less than seven yards • Targets are fleeting and line of sight is restricted
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The nature of the groundis often of more consequence than courage. Flavius VegetiusRenatus, AD 378 Sid Heal909-732-8325 H9692@Verizon.net
