01/07/2024 - BASTOGNE - D0, BATTLE OF THE BULGE

[1st Lt. C. Henderson]

General Information
 

Observer Name: 1st Lt. C. Henderson
Element: H/2/502 + 321GFAB
Priority Tasks: Clear opposing forces at Longchamps, Cover withdrawing forces at Noville/Foy
Who Attends: H/2/502 + 321GFAB
When Held: 01/07/2024

Areas of Improvement
 

Intelligence:

• Divisional-level information is well laid out prior to step off. Situation as of 20DEC44 reflected appropriately by mission-makers and understood by leadership. Environment and enemy forces well-reflected in leadership pre-planning as pertained to METT-TC. Sustain Training.
   
• Higher command communication of battlespace updates was sufficient, though communications was lacking during the second phase of the operation. Establishment of pre-planned communication alternatives must be established (Radio > Messenger > Colored Signals?) 
  Check ins from 'Platoon > Company > Battalion' must occur more often to avoid disconnect. Improve Training
   
• Platoon Leadership must report to Higher Command when able, SALTREPs and SITREPs are important for developing the battlespace and improvising changes to plans. Improve training.
   
• Intelligence of actual objectives and enemy forces was inadequate for the situations, too much caution in the first phase of the operation, and multiple squad wipes in the second phase of the operation. High command must indicate the level of information they have on the enemy, and emphasize caution in the absence of knowledge. Improve training
   
• Leadership Reconnaissance was not done adequately frequently around and away from the objective areas. Unnecessary casualties and loss of equipment was incurred due to this. Reconnaissance must be done, whether aggressively or passively, before any assault or maneuver can be made. Improve Training
   
• Planning of defensive positions at the Noville withdrawal was sudden and uncoordinated. Squad Leaders of First Platoon did an excellent job picking up the slack and filling holes where presented, and responding to flanking maneuvers. Platoon Leadership was inadequate in establishing zones of responsibility and fallback positions. Improve training

Maneuver:

• Formations of the Platoon and the Squads were inadequate, weather was clear enough to allow adequate spacing. Casualties could have been severe if caught off guard. Squad awareness of sister-units and higher-units is paramount not only to the mission briefing and understanding the mission, but also performing the plan and impromptu plans as the battlespace develops. Improve Training>>
  Methods of improvement determined by Platoon Leadership:
  • Establish Point-man/Map Man, determine the direction of the Squad. Communicate changes with Squad Leadership.
  • Employ forward Scouts in all terrains. Communicate observations with Squad Leadership.
  • Scouting/Concealment. Use the terrain to our advantage, avoid blatant sky-lining in lieu of formation integrity. Stay low.
  • Formation Control. Squad Leadership must communicate spacing changes, directional changes, and ensure it is understood.
  • Decisiveness. Make changes to route to avoid ambush areas, conduct reconnaissance, stop look and listen when necessary. 
  • Security. Set Flank Guard teams, establish areas of responsibilities for teams during all-round-defense. 
  • Communicate. Squad members are responsible for communication to the Squad Leader, Squad Leader responsible for communicating to higher command. Ask questions about what formations should be employed.
     
• Order of march must be established and adhered too, where the Seven Phases of the Assault is planned for and adhered too as best as possible. Usage of bounding overwatch and traveling overwatch was necessary for certain intervals of the operation, and were not utilized. Improve training.

Fire Support:

• Fire support was adequate for the assigned tasks. Fire missions required frequent adjustments due to weather and terrain elevation challenges. Usage of mortars may be more efficient for shorter missions. Sustain training

Combat Service Support:

• Supply quota met by Platoon Commander and Medical Detachment. Frequent recover of equipment was exemplary and turned the tide of battle on many occasions. Supply system changes quite enjoyable once the NCOs and Enlisted understood the purpose and planned for it.  Sustain training 
   
• ACE Reports were not sent to higher command. These must be done after every engagement, requests for resupply must be done as necessary. Improve training.

Command and Control

• Communication challenges quickly presented themselves. Platoon Leadership must establish and adhere to the plan as much as possible, dividing responsibility and assigning tasks that are easy to understand and work simultaneously to accomplish the objective. Communicate changes to the plan. Improve Training.
   
• Many maneuvers were too simple, and allowed the enemy to inflict casualties far to easily. Order of march, formations, method of travel, and leaders recon was in complete absence for most of the operation due to a lack of control/communication. Improve Training.
   
• Communication from Squad Leaders to Platoon Leaders was inadequate. Few reports of troop movement and enemy positions were provided, rarely were scouts sent out to develop the battlefield without higher supervision. Squad Leaders must use their agency to develop the battlespace and make decisions within the parameters given. Sustain Training.

Key Events

• First Squad repeatedly got destroyed due to a lack of reconnaissance and disputing against forces superior in number or equipment to their own, with inadequate time to recon or prepare for an assault/defense.
  • In one occurrence, First Squad was sent to flank an elevated enemy position with short orders, no time for reconnaissance. First Squad would likely have completed the objective, had they been given the time or adequate force too recon aggressively. Unfortunately, an enemy squad was present and lying in ambush, destroying the squad. Platoon Leadership must take the time to observe the terrain and determine appropriate maneuvers, taking in mind the enemy is also doing the same.
     
• Medical Detachment recovering equipment and casualties fairly quickly throughout the operation, leading to many Paratroopers saved, and equipment retrieved before falling into enemy hands. Excellent work from the medical team.

Individual Remarks

• No remarks.