071-326-5704 (SL2) - Supervise Construction of a Fighting Position

1.   Ensure that
the construction of the individual
fighting position generally follows
the sequence below.

2.   Assign the location of the position and the sector
of fire. The soldier constructing the
position should emplace sector-of-fire
stakes.

3.   Ensure the soldiers partially clear fields of fire
within their sector and dig a hasty
hole for minimum protection, being
careful not to destroy natural
camouflage around their positions.
They should save sod, grass clumps,
and so forth, for use as camouflage
later.

4.   Ensure the soldiers dig a hole that is armpit deep.
If they have a natural frontal
parapet, the dirt from the hole should
be carried away and camouflaged; if
not, it should be used to make a
frontal parapet.

5.   Ensure the soldiers get into the firing positions
and check their fields of fire. They
can now complete a clearing field of
fire, clearing only what is absolutely
necessary.

6.   Ensure the soldiers camouflage their positions
using available materials (such as
sod, grass clumps, foliage) blending
the positions with the surrounding
area. The camouflage should be checked
from about 35 meters to the front; if
the position can be spotted easily,
more camouflage work is needed.

7.   Ensure the soldiers construct overhead cover after
all of the above have been
accomplished satisfactorily. They
should use logs and planks, 4 to 6
inches thick, that will support at
least 6 or 8 inches of dirt (logs and
dirt should total 12 inches), and dig
a cave-like area big enough to get
under.

8.   Ensure the
soldiers begin to improve their
positions upon completion of the
overhead cover. Items to check for
include grenade sump, drainage trench,
elbow holes, night firing stakes,
range cards, and camouflage.

1.   Assigned sector of fire to each position.

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2.   Checked that initial position was completed first.

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a.
Sector-of-fire stakes
were emplaced.

b.
Hasty
hole for minimum protection was dug.

c.
Natural
camouflage around position was
preserved.

3.   Supervised completion of fighting position.

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—

a.
Position was at least
armpit deep.

b.
Excess
dirt from hole was carried away and
hidden.

c.
Fields
of fire were cleared only of minimum
foliage.

d.
Position
was camouflaged so it could not be
seen 35 meters to the front.

e.
Overhead
cover was at least 12 inches (with 4
to 6 inches of logs or planks and 6
to 8 inches of dirt).

f. 
Grenade trenches were dug
in position.

FM
5-103

FM
7-8

STP
21-1-SMCT