071-326-5775 (SL4) - Coordinate with an Adjacent Platoon
Standards: Coordinated with the adjacent platoon-size elements for offensive and defensive operations to ensure mutually supporting positions, fires, and signals.

1.   Coordinate with adjacent elements. After receiving an order for an offensive or defensive operation and during the planning phase, consider coordination with adjacent elements.  If you receive the order while all other platoon-size element leaders are present, take that opportunity to coordinate as much as possible to avoid delays later in the operation.  While many of the details that must be coordinated will vary with the situation, always coordinate essential items.

2.   Coordinate in the offense. In the offense, coordinate—

a. Lateral distance between all attacking elements.

b. Movement routes, to ensure that mutual support by fire or maneuver can be maintained between the lead elements.

c. Visual signals, such as arm-and-hand signals and pyrotechnics.

d. Radio call signs.

3.   Coordinate in the defense. In the defense, coordinate to ensure that there are no gaps, and that fires interlock and are mutually supporting.  Information coordinated includes—

a. Location of positions (primary, alternate, and supplementary).

b. Dead space between units.

c. Location of observation posts (OPs).

d. Signals.

e. Patrols and ambushes (size, type, time of departure and return, and routes).

f.  Location and types of obstacles.

g. Boundaries.

h. Control measures.

4. Allocate final protective fire. If a mortar or artillery final protective fire is allocated to the platoon-size elements, coordinate it with the fire support team (FIST) forward observer (FO) and integrate it into the fire plan for the element.

1.   Coordinated with adjacent element leaders for offensive operations.

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——

a. Lateral distance between attaching elements.

b. Movement routes.

c. Visual signals.

d. Radio call signs.

e. Boundaries.

f.  Control measures.

2.   Coordinated with adjacent leaders for defensive operations.

——

——

a. Location of primary position.

b. Location of alternate position.

c. Location of supplementary position.

d. Dead space between units.

e. Location of OPs.

f.  Signals.

g. Patrols and ambushes.

h. Locations and types of constructed obstacles.

i.   Boundaries.

j.   Control measures.

FM 3-21.71

FM 7-7

FM 7-8

FM 3-90.1