Stinger Team Operations by Department of the Army - HTML preview

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enemy will attempt to disrupt their radio

vent the jammer from learning the effect of

communications through an intensive jam-

his jamming.

ming effort. Jamming is the deliberate radia-

tion of energy to prevent or degrade the

Reduce the transmitter power. Transmit-

receipt of information by a receiver. It is the

ting on low power reduces the opportunities

deliberate production of radio interference. It

for the enemy to hear the transmission. Use

can be likened, in a sense, to static on a TV

only enough transmitting power to be heard

set. The static interferes with the radio’s

within the net but not enough to be heard by

receiver but not the transmitter. Antijam-

the enemy. Some radios (AN/PRC-77) do not

ming procedures to be used include the

have multiple power settings. To reduce

following:

power, the radiation pattern must be modi-

fied. This can be easily done by carrying the

Recognize the jamming. If interference is

radio upside down with the antenna tip a foot

heard, do not immediately assume jamming.

above the ground. This technique will usu-

Symptoms of jamming are often similar to

ally provide a good strong signal within a

other types of radio interference. Try to deter-

radius of 5 kilometer. As a last resort and

mine what is causing the interference. Dis-

when authorized, change to an alternate

connect the receiver antenna to see if a signal

frequency.

is being generated internally by the receiver.

If the interference decreases with the antenna

Report the jamming. As soon as jamming

removed, the interference is probably exter-

is recognized, a report should be sent to the

nal and may be jamming.

next higher headquarters. Use an alternate

means of communications for this report. A

Continue to operate. Radio operations

jamming report format is included in the

should continue in a normal manner once

CEOI.

MINE WARFARE

Every soldier should be aware of the des-

Where to look and what to look for in

tructive potential of enemy mines. Mines can

recognizing a mine’s location is an expertise

inflict severe injury to troops and equipment.

that may come in very handy. Signs indicat-

They can effectively prevent troops from

ing possible mine locations include but are

entering certain areas and channel them into

not limited to the following:

areas with concentrated enemy fire. Supply

lines may be disrupted and convoys forced to

Mud smears, grass, sticks, dirt, or other

bunch together due to damaged vehicles.

unusual material on roads.

MANPAD teams supporting maneuver

Fresh asphalt or other signs of road repairs.

units frequently find themselves alone and in

Markers, stakes, or other signs used to

unfamiliar areas. These areas may contain

identify certain areas.

mines. For this reason, team chiefs and gun-

Wires leading away from roads.

ners should take protective measures, be

aware of likely mine locations, and be able to

Dead vegetation in small or scattered areas.

recognize the tell-tale signs of enemy mines.

Civilians avoiding certain areas.

9-6

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FM 44-18-1

MANPAD personnel should avoid sus-

not normally be attempted by MANPAD per-

pected mined areas. However, if your team

sonnel. Do not probe for mines with metallic

encounters a mined area, do not panic. Notify

objects, as some mines are triggered magnet-

your next higher level of command imme-

ically. Additional information on mine war-

diately as specified in your unit TSOP. Prob-

fare is contained in FM 20-32.

ing for mines is a tedious process and should

9-7

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FM 44-18-1

OTHER SURVIVABILITY MEASURES

Unit TSOPs prescribe specific warning

tion of light from a shiny surface attracts

signals for ground, air, air assault, and

attention and can be seen for great distances.

nuclear, biological, and chemical (NBC) de-

Use garnish netting, pattern-painting, and

fense. The signals must be understood by all

natural materials to camouflage the position.

personnel. Periodic rehearsals and drills

should be conducted to insure that the sig-

Blend equipment into natural background.

nals are understood and that the method of

Erase or cover tracks.

dissemination works (refer to appendix F for

Keep position litter free. Be sure to replace

warning signals).

dunnage (packing material) and barrier bags

To survive, remember the following:

from the missile-round container into the

container after the missile-round has been

Stay alert—see the enemy first. Seeing him

removed.

first gives you the edge in the engagement.

Don’t lose sight of him.

Report detected mines immediately to the

next higher level of command IAW unit SOP.

Select a position that is hidden from enemy

ground observation.

Move into positions during darkness.

How MANPAD teams survive an NBC

attack is dependent on the degree of NBC

Take advantage of terrain to provide cover

training and the availability and proper use

and concealment for the weapon.

of protective equipment (refer to appendix I

DO not expose anything that shines. Reflec-

for operations in an NBC environment).

9-8

CHAPTER 10

Mobility and Combat Loading

The Stinger weapon is a man-portable air defense missile system. This chapter discusses mobility, vehicular combat loading, and dismounted march loads in which Stinger team personnel should be proficient.

TEAM MOBILITY

Normally, the Stinger team uses its own

nel carrier(s) (APC). In such a case, the

transportation to carry its basic load of

Stinger team will have to share a ride with

weapons and team equipment. The Stinger

other troops in the APC. Changing the mode

basic load fits easily into the team’s organic

of transportation of the team includes provid-

1/4-ton trailer. All TOE items are carried in the

ing space for the basic load of Stinger weap-

truck. The 1/4-ton truck and trailer provide

ons. If the team has insufficient room for the

limited mobility in the forward area. (When

complete basic load, the load may have to be

the high mobility multipurpose wheeled vehi-

split into several carriers.

cle (HMMWV) is fielded, it will become the

team vehicle.)

Loading Plan for a 1/4-ton truck and

trailer; Normally, a Stinger team and equip-

During mobile operations with mecha-

ment will consist of the items shown in the

nized forces, the Stinger team may not be

next illustration.

able to keep up with their supported unit.

Also, the Stinger team may be vulnerable to

CONTENTS

hostile ground fire. When a Stinger team is in

Page

support of a mechanized element, the maneu-

Team Mobility . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-1

ver commander may provide it with tracked

Stinger Man Pack Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10-3

transportation; for example, armored person-

10-1

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FM 44-18-1

Numbered items relate to numbered loca-

personnel; items 17-26 refer to vehicular

tions on the vehicle and trailer (see illustra-

equipment; and item 27 refers to personal

tion). Items 1-16 refer to TOE equipment and

equipment.

10-2

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FM 44-18-1

STINGER MAN PACK LOAD

The Stinger team must have the capabil-

(man-packed) (air assault and airborne only),

ity to move and shoot to keep up with

extra BCUs, individual weapons, and binoc-

maneuvering combat element.

ulars must be carried. The amount of equip-

ment team members must carry limits their

DISMOUNTED STINGER TEAM

range and mobility during dismounted oper-

ations. Weights will vary according to what

The Stinger team sometimes dismounts

items are carried as indicated in illustration.

to support maneuver elements under difficult

Under foot march conditions, it is essential

terrain conditions. The team chief must coor-

that weight be minimized and the load

dinate with the supported unit commander to

balanced. Multiple sling loads are difficult to

solve the problem of carrying Stinger missile-

rounds and guarding Stinger equipment left

carry for extended periods. Both Stinger and

the M16 rifle are sling-carried weapons. Sol-

behind. Normally, the team will have to split

diers other than members of the Stinger team

and move with different squads/platoons

must be detailed as ammunition bearers to

because of the lack of unit personnel able to

carry the remainder of the basic load. See

carry an extra load (missile-round).

appendix C for table of Stinger equipment

weights and measures.

DISMOUNTED STINGER TEAM LOAD

The team is limited to carrying only two

Stinger weapons. In addition, team radios

10-3

CHAPTER 11

System Support

Stinger teams must know where to obtain needed repair and service for their weapon system and training equipment.

They must know what maintenance is authorized at their level on this equipment. Additionally, Stinger teams must know who to contact for needed rations and supplies when attached to maneuver elements. This chapter discusses these points and outlines the maintenance and logistics support concept for Stinger teams.

ORGANIZATIONAL MAINTENANCE

The Stinger weapon is issued as a certi-

materials and the TL-29, combination flat

fied round of ammunition. Stinger weapon

blade screwdriver and knife. No special tools,

maintenance is done only at organizational

test equipment, or training are required to

and depot levels. There are no intermediate

perform this maintenance.

levels of maintenance. Organizational (user)

maintenance is done by the Stinger team.

Unserviceable weapons are returned to the

Specific maintenance checks and ser-

ASP. User maintenance consists of preven-

vices on Stinger equipment are listed in TM

tive maintenance (PM) and replacement of

9-1425-429-12. Careful attention should be

certain parts. Maintenance tools and equip-

given to the safety precautions listed in this

ment are limited to cleaning and painting

technical manual.

TACTICAL MAINTENANCE

Operator/user maintenance of the

viceable by surveillance checks are returned

Stinger weapon and missile-rounds is per-

to depot for repair or disposal.

formed by the individual teams. This main-

tenance consists of correcting visually

detected faults on the exterior of the equip-

ment. Repair parts are kept in the authorized

CONTENTS

stockage list of the direct support unit (DSU)

P a g e

supporting the Stinger unit.

Organizational Maintenance . . . . . . . . . .11-1

Tactical Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-1

UNSERVICEABLE ROUNDS

System Training Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

In peacetime, missile-rounds found unser-

Combat Service Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11-2

11-1

FM 44-18-1

COMBAT MISSILE-ROUNDS

In combat, missile-rounds which do not

visual inspection of the exteriors for damage,

work will be destroyed. Should a weapon-

periodic cleaning, and spot painting. Unser-

round misfire during engagement, the round

viceable items are turned in to the DSU for

and gripstock are considered unserviceable.

replacement. The section maintains two oper-

After following appropriate safety proce-

ational float interrogators for exchange with

dures, both the gripstock and missile-round

the teams.

should be returned to the ASP. Procedures for

handling hangfires, misfires, and duds can

TRANSPORT HARNESS

be found in chapter 3 and TM 9-1425-429-12.

There is no user maintenance required by

BATTERY COOLANT UNIT

the team on the transport harness other than

normal routine maintenance. If the straps

A BCU which does not activate is dis-

are torn, the harness may be taken to the

carded by the user. Activated BCUs are also

DSU for sewing. If a buckle is broken, the

discarded by the user.

harness will be turned in as unserviceable

and a new buckle or new transport harness

will be issued.

IFF INTERROGATOR

The IFF interrogator has its battery

CONTAINERS

recharged and is reprogrammed by the sec-

Shipping and storage containers which

tion headquarters. The reprogramming for

cannot be repaired at the user level are turned

Mode 4 is done using the IFF programmer.

in to the DSU for replacement. A damaged

With precharged batteries, the interrogator

container is exchanged for a new container.

can be programmed and checked out within

Do not use a weapon if its container has been

10 minutes. User maintenance consists of

dropped a distance of 5 feet or more.

SYSTEM TRAINING SUPPORT

Stinger training support equipment,

If the FHT is defective and cannot be

belonging to the team, consists of the FHT

repaired by replacement of components at

M60. This item requires organizational

the user level, it will be turned in as unser-

maintenance performed on it similar to the

viceable. A serviceable FHT is then issued to

tactical equipment.

the unit.

COMBAT SERVICE SUPPORT

MANPAD teams supporting companies,

clothing; spare parts; and personal health

batteries, or troops will usually request sup-

items. Combat service support is provided by

plies through their section headquarters. The

the combat support company, headquarters

section chief will prearrange this support

company, or headquarters and service bat-

when ordering for his teams such items as

tery, depending on the type of battalion the

rations; petroleum, oils, and lubricants (POL);

section is supporting.

11-2

PART II

STINGER TRAINING

CHAPTER 12

Training Stinger Teams

To be effective, training must prepare Stinger teams to perform a wide variety of tasks in combat. To have proficient Stinger teams, adequate time must be made available to conduct realistic training during tactical field exercises. Enough time must also be made available to conduct refresher training in weapon handling and practice engagements. A training program for Stinger personnel must be well planned. It must also remain flexible. Mission needs may dictate that a short, intensified program be conducted. However, the goal is still to develop and maintain Stinger gunner and team skills at a high level. This chapter discusses some factors to consider in training to reach that goal. Planning and preparing military training are covered in FM 21-6.

The Stinger section/platoon’s parent unit commander has the authority and responsibility for planning, directing, conducting, and supervising training. He trains his teams to the highest degree of operational readiness allowed by the availability of personnel, equipment, time, funds, facilities, operational requirements, and installation support required. He accomplishes this by using his officers and NCOs to schedule and conduct planned training.

CONTENTS

Page

Page

Training Assessment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-2

Individual and Team Training. . . . . . . . . . . 12-5

Performance-Oriented Training . . . . . . . . . .12-3

Tactical Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12-5

Stinger Training Program. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12-4

12-1

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FM 44-18-1

TRAINING ASSESSMENT

The Stinger platoon’s parent unit com-

Find out the levels of training required to

mander has the authority and responsibility

bring personnel up to the proper standards.

for planning, directing, conducting and super-

vising training.

TIME AVAILABLE

UNIT PROFICIENCY

To determine how much time is available

to achieve the required standards examine

The commander assesses the proficiency

the section’s overall mission requirements

of the unit and individual based on—

and other obligations. Evaluate how much

Personal observation.

training needs to be done.

Sampling techniques.

Performance tests.

RESOURCES REQUIRED

Field exercises.

To determine what resources are required

to train members refer to—

Soldier’s skill qualification tests (SQT).

Army Training and Evaluation Programs

Chapter 13, Stinger Training Devices and

(ARTEP).

Materials, for innovative solutions to over-

come possible shortfalls.

Results of the latest ARTEP as an indica-

This assessment is essential to the suc-

tor of training resources required for further

cess of the training program for Stinger

training.

teams and is used to identify training needed.

Unacceptable scores received on the latest

INDIVIDUAL PROFICIENCY

SQT.

To determine each individual’s profi-

Previous training experiences of the sec-

ciency analyze his experience level, includ-

tion indicating previous resources used.

ing results of previous training of the indi-

vidual team members in his assigned position.

RESOURCES AVAILABLE

Evaluate the overall training level of the

To determine what resources are availa-

section. Conduct maintenance inspections,

ble to conduct gunner training,—

equipment operating tests, operational read-

Inventory section equipment and evaluate

iness training tests (ORTT), field exercises,

its readiness.

and crew drills.

Determine what assistance is available

Review results of the last SQT and

from supporting units and higher head-

ARTEP to see if any deficiencies surface

quarters.

because of poor team performance.

Examine available training facilities.

Reconcile all considerations.

TRAINING STANDARDS

To determine what training will be neces-

Differences between resources required

sary to meet required training standards

and resources available will affect both the

compare results of the gunner’s current profi-

time required to conduct the training and the

ciency with the required training standards

section’s ability to meet the required