071-410-0012 (SL3) - Conduct Occupation of an Assembly Area
Standards: Moved unit to the location specified in the company order. Ensured preparation of the assigned sector was completed in the time specified in the order. Positioned elements, weapons, and observation posts in a manner that supported the company plan for occupation of the assembly area.

1.   Conduct preparation for occupation of the assembly area (AA).

a. Perform the required troop-leading procedures (a series of eight interrelated, overlapping processes that are often accomplished concurrently and do not follow a rigid sequence). Use the procedures as outlined, if only in abbreviated form, to ensure that nothing is left out of planning and preparation and that soldiers understand the mission and prepare adequately.

(1)  Receive the mission and the company OPORD.

(2)  Issue the warning order to subordinate leaders. Include location, special equipment required, and the earliest time for movement.

(3)  Make a tentative plan for moving to the position and preparing the position based on the estimate of the situation and an analysis of METT-TC. Your plan must support the company plan for occupation of the AA.

(4)  Start necessary movement. Movement may need to begin while you are still planning. This step could occur at any time during the troop-leading procedures.

(5)  Reconnoiter the position and the route(s) to it. This may not be possible due to the situation. As a minimum, conduct a map reconnaissance to confirm or deny assumptions made during the estimate of the situation.

(6)  Complete the plan.

(7)  Issue the order to subordinate leaders. Use the standard OPORD format. As a minimum, the order should include—

(a)   Situation.

(b)   Mission and purpose for occupation of the AA.

(c)   Each squad position (left, right, center) in the platoon sector.

(d)   Security plan (passwords, observation posts, percent of personnel on alert).

(e)   Times for movement or occupation of the AA.

(f)    Other pertinent information such as location of the command post, waste disposal, and environmental hazards.

(8)  Supervise continuously.

b. Make necessary coordination with elements that will be attached or adjacent to your position in the AA.

c. Provide platoon representatives for company quartering party as required. Instruct them to perform the following tasks or other tasks, as required.

(1)  Reconnoiter the AA to ensure it is clear of enemy.

(2)  Establish initial security.

(3)  Select initial positions for all platoon elements.

(4)  Identify, clear, or mark obstacles in the platoon sector of the AA.

2.   Direct platoon movement to designated platoon release point. Use appropriate movement techniques based on the terrain and the situation.

3.   Prepare your sector of the AA in accordance with the company plan.

a. Link up with guides and move the platoon to its initial position.

b. Establish and maintain local security.

c. Assign squad sectors. Ensure sectors are mutually supporting and that all gaps are covered by fire and observation.

d. Designate observation post(s) locations and the elements responsible for establishing and maintaining them.

e. Ensure communication is established within the platoon and company.

f.  Submit timely progress reports to company headquarters.

g. Establish and enforce priority of work. The following is an example of work priority and may vary based on unit SOP, mission, or METT-TC.

(1)  Position vehicles, crew-served weapons, and chemical-agent alarms, and designate PDF, FPL, and FPF.

(2)  Construct fighting position.

(3)  Set up wire communications.

(4)  Prepare range cards.

(5)  Distribute ammunition, rations, water, supplies, and special equipment.

(6)  Conduct preventive maintenance checks and services on equipment.

(7)  Inspect personnel and equipment.

(8)  Rehearse critical aspects of the upcoming mission.

(9)  Test small arms (if situation permits).

(10) Conduct personal hygiene and field sanitation.

(11) Institute a rest plan.

h. Coordinate with adjacent units and others, as required.

(1)  Coordinate for security patrols (if applicable).

(2)  Establish responsibility for overlapping enemy avenues of approach between adjacent units.

(3)  Ensure there are no gaps between elements.

(4)  Exchange information on OP locations and unit signals.

(5)  Coordinate for local counterattacks.

(6)  Complete and forward a copy of the platoon sector sketch to company headquarters.

1.   Conducted preparations for occupation of the AA.

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2.   Directed platoon movement to designated release point. Used appropriate movement technique based on terrain and situation.

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3.   Prepared assigned sector of AA in accordance with company plan.

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FM 7-7

FM 3-21.71

FM 7-8