SPMAGTF(X) MOUT Training Program of Instruction

Assault Amphibian Vehicle (AAV) Operations in Urban Terrain

INTRODUCTION

GAIN ATTENTION

PURPOSE

INDIVIDUAL TRAINING STANDARDS

MISSION PERFORMANCE STANDARDS

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE

Without the aid of references and in accordance with MCWP 3-35.3 and MCWP 3-13, be able to understand the basic coordination procedures for assault amphibian vehicle (AAV)-infantry operations in urban terrain.

ENABLING LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Know the limitations and capabilities of AAVs.
2. Know how to direct and control AAV fires.
3. Know the various weapons that an AAV has available.
4. Understand the protection and coordination requirements for AAV-infantry employment.

METHOD AND MEDIA

This period of instruction will be taught through lecture, static display and demonstration.

TESTING

This period of instruction will be evaluated through practical application.

TRANSITION

BODY

1. Mission: The mission of the Assault Amphibian Battalion is to land the surface assault elements of the landing force and their equipment in a single lift from assault shipping during amphibious operations to inland objectives and to conduct mechanized operations and related combat support in subsequent operations ashore. Specific tasks associated with this mission include:

a. Transport of assault elements.
b. Transport of selected equipment and supplies.
c. Provide lift for assault elements, equipment and supplies.
d. Participate in the planning and coordination of mechanized, linkup, riverine and landing operations.
e. Provide direct and indirect fire support with organic weapons systems.
f. Provide support in the clearing of lanes through minefields and other obstacles.

2. General characteristics of the AAV:

a. Armor: Ballistic aluminum, stops .30 caliber at 300 meters.
b. Range: 300 miles.
c. Maximum speed: 45 mph.
d. Maximum water speed: 8 mph.
e. Up-gunned weapon system: Heavy machine gun (M2 or Mk19).

3. Employment Caution: a. Sniper threat: Vehicle commanders and drivers that are not buttoned up will be priority targets for urban snipers. However, once buttoned up, the vehicle crew has severely restricted visibility and causes the AAV to be extremely vulnerable to antitank or heavy machine gun fire. The natural channeling of vehicles in urban terrain makes it very difficult for the AAV to maneuver. This is why it is essential that the infantry provide security. In urban terrain and AAV is better suited to overcome minor obstacles than a HMMWV, and possess a more stable mounted weapons platform, but it still suffers from many of the limitations of an unarmored vehicle.

b. Vehicle missions: The AAV is an armored personnel carrier (APC) and not an infantry fighting vehicle (IFV). The AAV provides limited protection during transport and provides overwatch for dismounted infantry attacks.

c. Obscuration: Smoke, buildings, ruble and other obscurants will restrict the AAV’s fields of view.

d. Minimum range: Because of the short engagement distances inside an urban environment, it may be difficult for the AAV to engage fleeting targets or targets at the maximum effective range of its organic weapons.

3. Considerations:

a. The AAV commander should work closely with the supported commander in mission analysis, mission assignment and in planning and executing an urban mission.
b. Whenever the AAV is operating in an urban environment, it needs to be closely integrated with the dismounted infantry to provide mutual protection and support.
c. The supported unit commander must understand the risks and limitations involved in using AAVs in close terrain so to maximize its utilization.
d. Immediate action drills must be developed and rehearsed extensively. This includes drill for both the AAV crew and the infantry.
e. Standing operating procedures (SOPs) should be utilized so that all parties understand all the appropriate relationships and actions for a variety of situations and missions.

4. MOUT Tasks:

a. Isolate:

1) Secure an area by direct fire, observation and/or indirect fires.
2) Blocking of lines of communication/main supply routes (LOCs/MSRs).
3) Cordoning operations.
4) Overwatch.
5) Vulnerability to antitank weapons, heavy machine gun fire.

b. Raid:

1) Speed and firepower.
2) Shock and surprise.
3) Vulnerability to antitank weapons, heavy machine gun fire.
4) Embarked personnel for actions on the objective.
5) Potential to be channeled into an ambush.

c. Reaction Force:

1) Speed and firepower.
2) Shock and surprise.
3) Provide support from a secure area.
4) Embarked personnel for actions on the objective.
5) Potential to be channeled into an ambush.
6) Vulnerability to antitank weapons and heavy machineguns.

d. NEO:

1) Speed and firepower.
2) Transportability and mobility of force and evacuees.
3) Offers limited protection to embarked evacuees.
4) Infantry security support is vital.

e. Vehicle Recovery:

1) Limited towing capability.
2) Maneuverability.
3) Potential to be channeled into an ambush.
4) Risk to vehicles and crews.
5) Infantry support vital.

f. Medical Evacuation.

1) Best Marine Corps vehicle suited to this mission.
2) Use of AAV-infantry teams.
3) Speed, security and firepower.
4) Safety and treatment of wounded and injured personnel.

g. Fire Support:

1) Direct fire with UGWS.
2) Ability to call indirect fires.
3) Lack of maneuver space in built-up areas makes the AAV vulnerable.
4) Organic radio communications assets available.

h. Civil Disturbance:

1) Shock.
2) Close coordination with infantry riot line essential to mission success.
3) Possible vulnerability to Moltov Cocktails.
4) Vulnerability to possible ambush.
5) LAV better suited for this mission.

i. Patrolling:

1) Maneuverability.
2) Greater speed and firepower than HMMWV.
3) Internal troops.
4) Vulnerable to ambush.
5) AAV-infantry coordination is the key to successful patrolling.
6) LAV may be better suited for this mission.

j. Counterattack Force:

1) Speed and firepower.
2) Delivery of reaction force to the scene.
3) Route must be scouted and understood.
4) Potential to be channeled into an ambush.

k. Defensive Strongpoint:

1) Integrated into the defense.
2) Provides fire from a covered position.

QUESTIONS

SUMMARY

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