071-326-5775 (SL4) - Coordinate with an Adjacent Platoon

1.   Coordinate with adjacent elements. After receiving
an order for an offensive or defensive
operation and during the planning
phase, consider coordination with
adjacent elements.  If you receive the order while all other platoon-size
element leaders are present, take that
opportunity to coordinate as much as
possible to avoid delays later in the
operation. 
While many of the details that
must be coordinated will vary with the
situation, always coordinate essential
items.

2.   Coordinate in the offense. In the offense,
coordinate-

a.
Lateral distance between
all attacking elements.

b.
Movement routes, to
ensure that mutual support by fire
or maneuver can be maintained
between the lead elements.

c.
Visual signals, such as
arm-and-hand signals and
pyrotechnics.

d.
Radio call signs.

3.   Coordinate in the defense. In the defense,
coordinate to ensure that there are no
gaps, and that fires interlock and are
mutually supporting. 
Information coordinated
includes-

a.
Location of positions
(primary, alternate, and
supplementary).

b.
Dead space between units.

c.
Location of observation
posts (OPs).

d.
Signals.

e.
Patrols and ambushes
(size, type, time of departure and
return, and routes).

f. 
Location and types of
obstacles.

g.
Boundaries.

h.
Control measures.

4.
Allocate final protective fire. If
a mortar or artillery final protective
fire is allocated to the platoon-size
elements, coordinate it with the fire
support team (FIST) forward observer
(FO) and integrate it into the fire
plan for the element.

1.   Coordinated
with adjacent element leaders for
offensive operations.

—

—

a.
Lateral distance between
attaching elements.

b.
Movement
routes.

c.
Visual
signals.

d.
Radio
call signs.

e.
Boundaries.

f. 
Control measures.

2.   Coordinated with adjacent leaders for defensive
operations.

—

—

a.
Location of primary
position.

b.
Location
of alternate position.

c.
Location
of supplementary position.

d.
Dead
space between units.

e.
Location
of OPs.

f. 
Signals.

g.
Patrols
and ambushes.

h.
Locations
and types of constructed obstacles.

i.  
Boundaries.

j.  
Control measures.

FM
3-21.71

FM
7-7

FM
7-8

FM
3-90.1