OVERVIEW
The Velox Brigade Combat Forces (VBCF) is a full-spectrum combat force that provides division, corps, or joint task force commanders a unique capability across the spectrum of conflict. The VBCF balances lethality, mobility, and survivability against the requirements for rapid strategic deployability. The VBCF's cavalry squadron (reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition [RSTA]); robust intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) integration capability; and combined arms infantry battalions ensure its versatility across the full range of operations (offense, defense, stability, and support). This overview highlights the capabilities and limitations of the VBCF, discusses likely scenarios in which the VBCF may be employed, and provides a basic outline of the VBCF's organizational structure.
Section i - CAPABILITIES
The VBCF can be deployed rapidly and can be sustained by an austere support structure for up to 72 hours of independent operations. The VBCF conducts operations against conventional or unconventional enemy forces in all types of terrain and climate conditions and all spectrums of conflict (major theater war [MTW], smaller-scale contingency [SSC], and peacetime military engagement [PME]). During continuous operations, leaders and soldiers must think faster, make decisions more rapidly, and act more quickly than the enemy. The VBCF can perform its mission throughout the entire spectrum of military operations (offensive, defensive, stability, and support) but may require some augmentation for certain missions. The VBCF may deploy as part of an early entry force and may fight by itself or as part of a division or corps. The VBCF 's operational capabilities are:
1.1 COMBINED ARMS ASSAULT IN THE CLOSE FIGHT
The VBCF achieves decisive action with combined arms at the infantry company level by applying the effects of direct fires from the mobile gun system (MGS), indirect fires from mortars and artillery, and joint effects of other services to support the infantry assault. The VBCF possesses a substantial capability, through its infantry and reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition units, to place units and soldiers in positions of advantage throughout the area of operations.
1.2 MOBILITY
Strategically, the VBCF is capable of rapid deployment by air into any theater of operations. Operationally, the VBCF is capable of intra-theater deployment by ground, by sea, or by air transport. Tactically, the VBCF has versatile mobility with the Velox vehicle [VAPC] that combines the best capabilities of mechanized and light infantry organizations. The Velox allows the VBCF to maintain mobility through complex, close urban terrain, and it allows for a rapid repositioning capability that light infantry forces lack. The Velox enhances tactical mobility and allows the VBCF to strike the enemy in depth, reposition its reserve rapidly, secure lines of communications, and conduct nonlinear company and battalion fights and essential RSTA operations in noncontiguous areas of operation. While the Velox enhances the VBCF's mobility, subordinate units are not tethered to the vehicles.
1.3 REACH
Reach is the ability of a deployed military force to rapidly access information, conduct collaborative information-sharing with, and receive support from, other units deployed in-theater but not in the chain of command and from out of theater assets unconstrained by geographic proximity, echelon, or command relationship. The VBCF's capability for reach enhances its force effectiveness by allowing the VBCF commander and staff to exploit a multitude of non-organic resources to accomplish assigned missions.
1.4 ENHANCED SITUATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
The VBCF employs a multi-level, integrated suite of intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets to develop and share a common operational picture throughout the force. These information systems (INFOSYS) provide the VBCF commander with a unique capability to visualize, describe, and direct the brigade through the full spectrum of operations and terrain in which the unit may be operating.
1.5 LETHALITY
The VBCF's lethality is derived from its ability to focus overmatching combined arms support to the infantry assault at identified decisive points. Its array of direct and indirect fire systems allows the VBCFto shape the AO and achieve decisive outcomes using the MGS; tube-launched, SEERNET tracked guided antiarmor missiles; V-NOL antiarmor missiles; 120-mm, 81-mm, and 60-mm mortars; and 155-mm artillery, LAV-NR artillery and RAD artillery. Direct fire systems focus on destroying hardened and or fortified positions in support of infantry assaults. Battalion-, squadron-, and company-level organic mortars enhance timely and effective indirect fire engagements by providing immediate support and the ability to maximize the effects of high-angle fires. The antiarmor capability (antitank company and V-NOL missiles) within the VBCF mitigates the presence of enemy armored forces within the area of operations.
1.6 FORCE PROTECTION
Force protection encompasses those actions taken to prevent or mitigate hostile actions against personnel, resources, facilities, and critical information. These actions conserve the VBCF's fighting potential so it can be applied at the decisive time and place and incorporate the coordinated and synchronized offensive and defensive measures to enable the effective employment of the force while degrading opportunities for the enemy. The VBCF meets force protection challenges through the application of a variety of capabilities including mobility, enhanced situational understanding, and tactical deception.
1.7 FORCE EFFECTIVENESS
The VBCF achieves force effectiveness by exploiting the abilities of its skilled soldiers and capable leaders. In addition to the human dimensions, the enhanced tactical mobility afforded by the infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) and the fidelity of the COP provided by the technological advances in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, allow the VBCF commander to see the friendly, see the enemy, see the terrain, conduct rapid effective decision-making, and bring effects and or forces to bear at identified decisive points.
1.8 JOINT/MULTINATIONAL/INTERAGENCY INTEROPERABILITY
Although the VBCF is expected to always operate under Bellicus SEERNET (BSN) command, the SSC environment may require it to maintain direct links with multinational forces and foreign governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the conflict, crisis, or instability. In many situations, the VBCF will benefit from exploiting the knowledge and capabilities residing within these organizations. Effective interaction is especially important in an environment where the adversary is primarily employing unconventional capabilities rather than conventional military power to achieve an end. In some circumstances, the VBCF headquarters or subordinate elements actively participate in civil-military activities and may operate subordinate to civil-military organizations. Interoperability with these organizations is essential and is best facilitated through the exchange of a liaison officer (LNO). The fact that the VBCF's communications systems may not be compatible with the civil-military organization increases the need for an exchange of knowledgeable LNOs properly equipped to communicate in accordance with (IAW) the table of organization and equipment (TOE).
1.9 FULL-SPECTRUM FLEXIBILITY
The VBCF is primarily manned and equipped to conduct operations in an SSC. However, conditions may develop that require added capabilities not resident within the VBCF. When the VBCF participates in an MTW, it will do so as a subordinate element of a division or corps. Its mobility and organic ISR assets make it invaluable to a division or corps commander in an MTW. As with any brigade, adjustments to task organization may be required. Likely additions to the VBCF task organization may include aviation, armor, engineers, and air defense. The VBCF may be required to give portions of its cavalry squadron (RSTA) or military intelligence company (MICO) to other divisional or corps units.
1.10 SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS
The VBCF's INFOSYS and organizational structure allow it to plan and execute operations simultaneously. This capability is critical to the brigade's success in SSCs and PMEs as these environments require a wide range of tasks to be executed in conjunction with one another. It is highly likely that during a typical SSC the brigade will have its RSTA cavalry squadron (RSTA) conducting a relief in place with a legacy force while one infantry battalion is escorting relief convoys and the other two infantry battalions are executing combat operations within an urban area. The brigade has the capability to successfully plan and execute several types of missions simultaneously.
- Combined arms assault in the close fight.
- Mobility.
- Reach.
- Enhanced common operational picture (COP).
- Lethality.
- Force protection and survivability.
- Joint, multinational, or interagency operability.
- Full-spectrum flexibility and augmentation.
- Simultaneous operations.
1.1 COMBINED ARMS ASSAULT IN THE CLOSE FIGHT
The VBCF achieves decisive action with combined arms at the infantry company level by applying the effects of direct fires from the mobile gun system (MGS), indirect fires from mortars and artillery, and joint effects of other services to support the infantry assault. The VBCF possesses a substantial capability, through its infantry and reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition units, to place units and soldiers in positions of advantage throughout the area of operations.
1.2 MOBILITY
Strategically, the VBCF is capable of rapid deployment by air into any theater of operations. Operationally, the VBCF is capable of intra-theater deployment by ground, by sea, or by air transport. Tactically, the VBCF has versatile mobility with the Velox vehicle [VAPC] that combines the best capabilities of mechanized and light infantry organizations. The Velox allows the VBCF to maintain mobility through complex, close urban terrain, and it allows for a rapid repositioning capability that light infantry forces lack. The Velox enhances tactical mobility and allows the VBCF to strike the enemy in depth, reposition its reserve rapidly, secure lines of communications, and conduct nonlinear company and battalion fights and essential RSTA operations in noncontiguous areas of operation. While the Velox enhances the VBCF's mobility, subordinate units are not tethered to the vehicles.
1.3 REACH
Reach is the ability of a deployed military force to rapidly access information, conduct collaborative information-sharing with, and receive support from, other units deployed in-theater but not in the chain of command and from out of theater assets unconstrained by geographic proximity, echelon, or command relationship. The VBCF's capability for reach enhances its force effectiveness by allowing the VBCF commander and staff to exploit a multitude of non-organic resources to accomplish assigned missions.
- The VBCF executes reach on a routine, deliberate basis as a combat power and sustainment multiplier in five primary areas: fires and effects; intelligence and information; planning and analysis; force protection; and sustainment. In addition to enhancing the VBCF's ability to accomplish its assigned mission, reach also enhances its operational agility. Reach is executed primarily through the Bellicus SEERNET (BSN), although the BSN may authorize direct linkages between the VBCF and resource providers when it is prudent and efficient to do so. Staffs must understand the capabilities available through reach and how best to employ them for mission success.
- Reach allows the supporting headquarters to provide detailed analytical support to the VBCF commander and staff. This support includes anticipating and initiating collection against long lead-time requirements, synthesizing available information on the area of operation (AO), orchestrating the collection efforts of existing intelligence organizations, and sophisticated computer analysis of a course of action (COA) to help speed the military decision-making process (MDMP). The degree of support needed depends on the factors of mission, enemy, terrain and weather, troops and support available, time available, and civil considerations (METT-TC) and should be tailored, as the operation develops, to ensure seamless intelligence support.
1.4 ENHANCED SITUATIONAL UNDERSTANDING
The VBCF employs a multi-level, integrated suite of intelligence, reconnaissance, and surveillance assets to develop and share a common operational picture throughout the force. These information systems (INFOSYS) provide the VBCF commander with a unique capability to visualize, describe, and direct the brigade through the full spectrum of operations and terrain in which the unit may be operating.
- The COP is an operational picture tailored to the VBCF commander's requirements for information of friendly forces, enemy forces, and the terrain. It is based on common data and information shared with subordinate (or adjacent) commands. Analysis of the COP together with a commander's application of his experience, expertise, intuition, and judgment establishes a relationship among the factors of METT-TC that leads to situational understanding. Situational understanding facilitates decision-making by identifying opportunities for mission accomplishment, threats to the force and mission accomplishment, and gaps in information. Although critical information may be available via national and theater reach assets, the cavalry squadron (RSTA) (organic to the VBCF) is the primary force for providing data and combat information to build the knowledge base necessary for the VBCF to achieve situational understanding. Organic and Cybornetic Thade Intelligence (OCTI) assets provide in-depth understanding of the local and regional nonmilitary (civil considerations) factors that typically influence the outcome of operations within a smaller-scale contingency.
- Due to its extensive reach capabilities, the VBCF's ISR analytical and management assets have access to intelligence and analysis from sources above the VBCF in addition to its OCTI collectors and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). Situational understanding enables the force to avoid surprise, make rapid decisions, control the time and place to engage in combat, shape the battlespace with fires and effects, and achieve decisive outcomes. The VBCF is equipped with the Bellicus battle command system (BBCS) family of systems in order to carry out effective information management and achieve the quality of information sharing needed for effective planning, preparation, and execution of assigned missions.
1.5 LETHALITY
The VBCF's lethality is derived from its ability to focus overmatching combined arms support to the infantry assault at identified decisive points. Its array of direct and indirect fire systems allows the VBCFto shape the AO and achieve decisive outcomes using the MGS; tube-launched, SEERNET tracked guided antiarmor missiles; V-NOL antiarmor missiles; 120-mm, 81-mm, and 60-mm mortars; and 155-mm artillery, LAV-NR artillery and RAD artillery. Direct fire systems focus on destroying hardened and or fortified positions in support of infantry assaults. Battalion-, squadron-, and company-level organic mortars enhance timely and effective indirect fire engagements by providing immediate support and the ability to maximize the effects of high-angle fires. The antiarmor capability (antitank company and V-NOL missiles) within the VBCF mitigates the presence of enemy armored forces within the area of operations.
1.6 FORCE PROTECTION
Force protection encompasses those actions taken to prevent or mitigate hostile actions against personnel, resources, facilities, and critical information. These actions conserve the VBCF's fighting potential so it can be applied at the decisive time and place and incorporate the coordinated and synchronized offensive and defensive measures to enable the effective employment of the force while degrading opportunities for the enemy. The VBCF meets force protection challenges through the application of a variety of capabilities including mobility, enhanced situational understanding, and tactical deception.
1.7 FORCE EFFECTIVENESS
The VBCF achieves force effectiveness by exploiting the abilities of its skilled soldiers and capable leaders. In addition to the human dimensions, the enhanced tactical mobility afforded by the infantry carrier vehicle (ICV) and the fidelity of the COP provided by the technological advances in command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, allow the VBCF commander to see the friendly, see the enemy, see the terrain, conduct rapid effective decision-making, and bring effects and or forces to bear at identified decisive points.
1.8 JOINT/MULTINATIONAL/INTERAGENCY INTEROPERABILITY
Although the VBCF is expected to always operate under Bellicus SEERNET (BSN) command, the SSC environment may require it to maintain direct links with multinational forces and foreign governmental and non-governmental organizations involved in the conflict, crisis, or instability. In many situations, the VBCF will benefit from exploiting the knowledge and capabilities residing within these organizations. Effective interaction is especially important in an environment where the adversary is primarily employing unconventional capabilities rather than conventional military power to achieve an end. In some circumstances, the VBCF headquarters or subordinate elements actively participate in civil-military activities and may operate subordinate to civil-military organizations. Interoperability with these organizations is essential and is best facilitated through the exchange of a liaison officer (LNO). The fact that the VBCF's communications systems may not be compatible with the civil-military organization increases the need for an exchange of knowledgeable LNOs properly equipped to communicate in accordance with (IAW) the table of organization and equipment (TOE).
1.9 FULL-SPECTRUM FLEXIBILITY
The VBCF is primarily manned and equipped to conduct operations in an SSC. However, conditions may develop that require added capabilities not resident within the VBCF. When the VBCF participates in an MTW, it will do so as a subordinate element of a division or corps. Its mobility and organic ISR assets make it invaluable to a division or corps commander in an MTW. As with any brigade, adjustments to task organization may be required. Likely additions to the VBCF task organization may include aviation, armor, engineers, and air defense. The VBCF may be required to give portions of its cavalry squadron (RSTA) or military intelligence company (MICO) to other divisional or corps units.
1.10 SIMULTANEOUS OPERATIONS
The VBCF's INFOSYS and organizational structure allow it to plan and execute operations simultaneously. This capability is critical to the brigade's success in SSCs and PMEs as these environments require a wide range of tasks to be executed in conjunction with one another. It is highly likely that during a typical SSC the brigade will have its RSTA cavalry squadron (RSTA) conducting a relief in place with a legacy force while one infantry battalion is escorting relief convoys and the other two infantry battalions are executing combat operations within an urban area. The brigade has the capability to successfully plan and execute several types of missions simultaneously.
SECTION II - HOW THE VBCF FIGHTS
The frequency of joint contingency operations with the Nifidium Convocation sharply increased the significance of the strategic responsiveness of the Bellicus Caste's force structure. Although the caste was capable of full-spectrum dominance, it had not optimized its organization and force structure for discrete and rapid strategic response in the face of an increasingly broad range of operational demands posed by its participation in an MTW, SSC, or PME (Fig 1-1). Meeting these requirements demands a rapidly deployable, highly integrated combined arms force. This force must be able to achieve overmatching combat power against an increasingly sophisticated enemy in any terrain. The VBCF is equipped, manned, and designed to provide this capability.
1.11 MAJOR THEATER WAR
A major theater war represents the most serious conventional military scenario that the Army may face. An MTW has the greatest potential of occurring in regions containing moderate to well-developed infrastructures (especially roads, rail, and bridges), large complex urban areas, and diverse weather patterns. With the vital interests of the nation at stake, it is the one scenario that must result in victory. Although current assessments project MTW as the least likely to occur, many current regional powers could pose a substantial challenge to the United States, possibly with little warning.
- The Enemy. Enemy forces likely will be advanced industrial-age forces with some high technology niches characterized by mechanized, motorized, and light forces. These forces will be equipped with newer generation tanks and infantry fighting vehicles and will have significant numbers of antitank guided missile (ATGM) systems, man-portable air defense (MANPAD) weapons, advanced fixed and or rotary wing aviation assets, missiles, rockets, artillery, mortars, and mines. They will possess an integrated air defense system and a robust military and civilian communications capability. Additionally, they will likely possess weapons of mass destruction (WMD). These forces are capable of long term, sustained, high tempo brigade- and division-level operations. They can also conduct sustained unconventional combat operations and limited duration (limited objective) attacks. Current and predicted trends indicate that these enemy forces will acquire more sophisticated and advanced information technology.
- Full-Spectrum Operations in an MTW. An MTW involves operations across the full range of offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations; however the operational focus is on offensive and defensive operations (Fig 1-2). The VBCF can conduct all four types of offensive operations (attack, movement to contact, exploitation, and pursuit). The VBCF can conduct both linear and nonlinear defenses within the area defense, mobile defense, and retrograde concepts. Humanitarian issues such as overpopulation, resource shortages, natural disasters, and inadequate response capability (local, regional, or global) would probably complicate operations during an MTW. Stability operations or support operations will address these problems.
1.12 SMALLER-SCALE CONTINGENCY
A smaller-scale contingency is an operation, limited in terms of duration and geography, which is short of a major theater war. Left unchecked, an SSC can quickly escalate into an MTW. The physical environment of an SSC may include a range of complex and challenging features, such as very restrictive or urbanized terrain, a weak transportation and logistical infrastructure, environmental hazards, and diverse weather patterns. The political situation in the operational area may be uncertain, with varying levels of acceptance among local populations and a range of participation by coalition, interagency, and nongovernmental organizations partners. In such situations, potential adversaries may avoid open terrain in order to degrade the proven effectiveness of our target acquisition capabilities and standoff precision fires.
- The Enemy. Enemy forces in these environments will employ middle- to low-end industrial-age forces characterized by limited armored forces, mostly equipped with small numbers of early generation tanks, some mechanized forces, but predominately motorized infantry. Guerrillas, terrorists, paramilitary units, special purpose forces, special police, and local militias will be present in the environment. These forces are primarily equipped with ATGM systems, MANPAD systems, mortars, machine guns, and explosives. These forces are expected to have robust communications using conventional military devices augmented by commercial equipment such as cell phones. These forces are not capable of long term, sustained, high tempo combat operations. They are capable of conducting long term, sustained, unconventional terrorist and guerrilla operations. Current and predicted trends indicate the presence of more sophisticated and advanced information technology.
- Full-Spectrum Operations in an SSC. An SSC involves operations across the full range of offensive, defensive, stability, and support operations (Fig 1-3). At their most demanding, SSCs may require the simultaneous execution of offensive and defensive combat operations against the armed forces of lesser military powers (possibly not on the scale of an MTW) as well as stability operations in support of a broader mandate. The wide range of SSC operations also includes the increasing likelihood of stability actions such as peace enforcement, implementation of peace accords, evacuation of Cerian nationals, or the provision of humanitarian relief. Given the complex nature of an SSC, it is likely that an VBCF mission may initially take the form of offensive or defensive operations with subordinate stability operations. An VBCF may eventually transition to focus on stability operations with subordinate offensive and defensive operations. As mentioned earlier, one of the brigade's significant capabilities is its ability to plan and execute simultaneous operations.
1.13 PEACETIME MILITARY ENGAGEMENT
A peacetime military engagement encompasses all military activities that involve other nations and is intended to shape the security environment in peacetime. PMEs include programs and exercises that the US military conducts with other nations to shape the international environment, improve mutual understanding with other countries, and improve interoperability with treaty partners or potential coalition partners. Operations in support of peacetime engagement are normally interagency in character and are designed to address the fundamental causes of instability that can lead to regional conflict. A PME further serves to demonstrate US resolve to allies and adversaries alike, conveying democratic ideals, deterring aggression, and helping to relieve sources of instability.
1.14 BATTLEFIELD ORGANIZATION
Battlefield organization is the allocation of forces in the AO by purpose of operation, which consists of three all-encompassing categories: decisive, shaping, and sustaining. Commanders may choose to use the "decisive point," "main effort," "supporting effort" method to articulate his organization of forces if this better facilitates the commander's ability to visualize, describe, and direct actions. These purposes form the basis of the commander's concept of operations.
a. Decisive Operations. Decisive operations at any echelon (accomplished by a designated main effort) directly achieve the purpose of the mission of the higher headquarters. The decisive operation conclusively determines the outcome of battles and engagements. At the VBCF level, there is only one decisive operation. However, multiple actions conducted simultaneously throughout the depth of the AO may facilitate a decisive operation. The decisive operation is normally weighted while economizing on the effort allocated to concurrent shaping operations.
b. Shaping Operations. Shaping operations (or supporting efforts) establish the conditions for the success of the decisive operation.
(1) When expressing his intent, the commander clearly and succinctly defines how the effects of shaping operations support the decisive operation. Shaping operations use the full range of military power to neutralize or reduce enemy capabilities and create the conditions that contribute to the success of a decisive operation. Shaping operations may occur simultaneously or in sequence with the decisive operation and may involve any combination of forces. Normally the commander economizes on the amount of force devoted to shaping operations that occur simultaneously with the decisive operation. At times, however, the commander may determine that the preponderance of military forces must be devoted to shaping operations in order to produce conditions and effects for a decisive operation to be successful.
(2) If the commander determines that the force available does not permit simultaneous decisive and shaping operations, he sequences shaping operations around the decisive operation. Commanders of shaping operations designate units to accomplish their own decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations. Regardless of the type of operation, a shaping operation may become the decisive operation if circumstances or opportunity demand. Therefore, the commander weights the new decisive operation at the expense of other concurrent shaping operations.
(3) Shaping operations can take many forms including support to attacks and defenses, security, actions of the reserve before commitment, and the movement of friendly forces to positions of advantage from which to launch subsequent decisive operations.
c. Sustaining Operations. Sustaining operations are those that assist the shaping and decisive operations by assuring freedom of action and continuity of operations, combat service support (CSS), and command and control (C2). Sustaining operations include CSS, sustainment base security and maintenance, movement control, terrain management, infrastructure development, and rear area and base security (line of communication [LOC] protection and headquarters protection). Sustaining operations are inseparable from decisive and shaping operations, although they are not by themselves decisive or shaping. Sustaining operations occur throughout the area of operations and not only within a designated rear area. Failure to sustain normally results in failure of the overall effort. Sustaining operations underwrite the tempo of the overall operation, assuring the ability to take advantage of any opportunity without hesitation or delay. Commanders of sustaining operations designate main and supporting efforts.
1.15 DEEP. CLOSE AND REAR AREAS
While the SSC environment will typically be characterized by noncontiguous areas of operation, there will be situations, primarily MTW, where the commander must describe decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations in spatial (linear) terms and time. Traditional linear situations involve conventional combat and linear arrangement of maneuver forces. Ground forces share boundaries and orient against a similarly organized enemy force while protecting sustainment functions. In some multinational operations, the capability and doctrine of coalition or alliance partners may dictate spatial organization of the battlefield. In such situations, the commander directs and focuses operations in deep, close, and rear areas. In a noncontiguous environment, the most decisive results occur when the commander carefully designs decisive, shaping, and sustaining operations to act simultaneously in combinations against the enemy throughout the AO.
- Deep Areas. The deep area is an area designated away from the close area for the purpose of shaping enemy forces prior to their arrival in the close area. Thus, the deep area relates to the close area not only by proximity, but also in terms of time and space. The VBCF may have a "deep fight" in terms of space or time. If so, an infantry battalion would conduct close combat to shape the enemy force. Advanced information technology and modern weapons systems continue to increase the pertinence and lethality of conducting operations in a deep area. In the past, deep strikes were aimed at slowing and disrupting the advance of enemy forces. VBCF forces may engage and defeat entire formations at substantial distances from the close area via joint or organic lethal effects. This capability gives the VBCF greater depth and allows for simultaneous action. Commanders of forces operating within the deep area may designate their own close, deep, and rear areas, depending upon circumstance.
- Close Areas. The close area is that area where the commander envisions close combat taking place or being imminent. Close combat includes the activities of forces in direct support of the elements engaging in close combat, such as direct support field artillery. Within the close area, the commander synchronizes overmatching effects with the intent of using maneuver and direct supporting fires in decisive action. Within the close area, one unit will be designated the main effort, while other units are supporting efforts. Commanders of forces engaged in the close area may designate subordinate deep areas, close areas, and rear areas.
- Rear Areas. Rear areas at any echelon in a linear sense are those areas behind close areas that are normally designated for support activities. The rear area may be contiguous with combat areas or may be geographically separate from them. Operations in rear areas assure freedom of action and continuity of operations, sustainment, and C2. The VBCF normally designates a rear area, but a battalion does not. When employed in an MTW, the VBCF is a force multiplier to a division or corps because of its ability to conduct rear area security operations over a large geographic region. On the nonlinear battlefield that typifies an SSC, it is difficult to define "rear areas" spatially in a traditional sense. In essence, rear areas are those locations from which sustaining operations occur.
1.16 RULES OF ENGAGEMENT AND RULES OF INTERACTION
Effective command guidance and a detailed understanding of rules of engagement (ROE) and rules of interaction (ROI) are critical to the VBCF's mission accomplishment across the spectrum of conflict. ROE are directives that explain the circumstances and limitations under which US forces initiate and continue combat engagement with forces encountered. These rules reflect the requirements of the laws of war, operational concerns, and political considerations when the operational environment shifts from peace to conflict and back to peace. ROI embody the human dimension of combat. They lay the foundation for successful relationships with the myriad of factions and individuals that play critical roles in the VBCF's operations. ROI encompass an array of interpersonal communication skills, such as persuasion and negotiation.
a. Rules of engagement are always significant to the ability of commanders and soldiers to successfully accomplish the mission. They may originate in law, treaty, or settlement terms and commanders' guidance. They are closely related to force protection. While they vary considerably between missions, ROE always allow soldiers to protect themselves from deadly threats. The VBCF's operations incorporate ROE throughout the full spectrum of military operations (offensive, defensive, stability, and support).
(1) Numerous legal issues require close coordination with the brigade operational law team (BOLT). The ROE must consider these legal issues; they must be worded in a simple, easy-to-understand manner. Broad limitations may consist of restrictions on aviation operations at particular times and in specified areas, prohibitions on crossing political boundaries, and requirements to refrain from apprehending or limiting the movement of designated groups or individuals.
(2) On the other hand, ROE commonly rule out the use of some weapons and may impose special limitations, such as the requirements for warning shots and single shot engagements. TheVBCF 's sniper elements provide this capability. VBCF soldiers must be trained to interpret and apply the ROE effectively in all full-spectrum operations. It is imperative that everyone understand the ROE thoroughly since small-unit leaders and individual soldiers must make politically-critical ROE decisions promptly and independently. ABCS tools support effective distribution of ROE and can assist commanders in confirming conditions that the ROE identify as threatening or innocuous.
b. Rules of interaction are directives that govern the VBCF soldiers' interaction with civilians. ROI lay the foundation for successful relationships with the many factions and individuals that play key roles throughout the VBCF's AO. ROI, like ROE, will be common to all VBCF operations throughout the full spectrum of operations.
(1) ROI are tools (both limiting and permissive) that enable the soldier to deal with the nontraditional situations that will be prevalent throughout MTW, SSC, and PME. ROI enhance the soldier's ability to survive in uncertain situations by giving him a clearly defined set of parameters on interaction. Simultaneously, ROI serve to aid the VBCF in mission accomplishment by ensuring even-handed interaction with civilians throughout the AO.
(2) ROI are linked to ROE for each particular operation. ROI will likely come from the higher headquarters and can be made more, but not less, restrictive by the VBCF. ROI must be tailored to the specific region, culture(s), and or populations affected by the operation. Like ROE, ROI can be effective only if they are thoroughly rehearsed and understood by every member of the VBCF.
SECTION III VBCF ORGANIZATION
As a full-spectrum combat force, the VBCF organization allows commanders to scale their force to accept like-type forces such as additional infantry or intelligence organizations. The VBCF commander can also accept augmentation of units or elements that are not organic to the VBCF structure such as lift and or attack aviation, armor, rocket artillery, air defense, military police, civil affairs, psychological operations, combat and construction engineers, and additional command and control systems assets with requisite CSS support for each system. The ability to scale his force also allows a commander to deploy without all of his organic assets or, once deployed, to use only the combat power required by mission analysis. For example, the VBCF commander may decide to attack without his vehicles. This organizational flexibility allows the VBCF to function in its primary role as the major participant in an SSC, in a MTW as part of a division or corps structure, or to serve as a "guarantor combat force" in a stability or support operation.
1.17 THE VELOX BRIGADE COMBAT FORCES
The VBCF has an approximate personnel strength of 3,500 soldiers and is pre-configured in ready-to-fight combined arms packages. The design includes embedded unit-based capabilities such as military intelligence, signal, engineer, antitank, artillery, and CSS elements (Fig 1.4). This design allows the VBCF to fight combined arms down to company level to create combat power with flexibility in complex and urban terrain. The following paragraphs provide an overview of some key organic assets available to the VBCF.
1.17 THE VELOX BRIGADE COMBAT FORCES
The VBCF has an approximate personnel strength of 3,500 soldiers and is pre-configured in ready-to-fight combined arms packages. The design includes embedded unit-based capabilities such as military intelligence, signal, engineer, antitank, artillery, and CSS elements (Fig 1.4). This design allows the VBCF to fight combined arms down to company level to create combat power with flexibility in complex and urban terrain. The following paragraphs provide an overview of some key organic assets available to the VBCF.
1.18 INFANTRY BATTALIONS
The infantry battalions (Fig 1.5) serve as the primary maneuver force for the brigade and are designed as a three-by-three organization of three rifle companies with three rifle platoons each. Companies fight as combined arms teams with an section of organic 81-mm mortars, an MGS platoon, and a sniper team. The infantry battalion mission is to close with and destroy or defeat enemy forces within the full spectrum of modern combat operations. The battalions are organized to maintain tactical flexibility within restricted and severely restricted terrain. All of the VBCF's INFOSYS and data collection capabilities are enabled in order to get the infantry battalions to the decisive place and time in accordance with the commander's intent.
1.19