U.S.

ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP WVBN-09B AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER ACADEMY 0196 BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE LESSON TITLE: Military Symbols and Overlay Techniques

THIS LESSON IS USED IN THE FOLLOWING COURSES: COURSE NUMBERS 6-8-C40 COURSE TITLE(S) AMEDD NCO Basic SECTION I. ADMINISTRATIVE DATA
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TASK(S) TAUGHT OR SUPPORTED: TASK NUMBER Unknown TASK (5) REINFORCED: TASK NUMBER Unknown ACADEMIC HOURS: TYPE OF INSTRUCTION TEST TEST REVIEW TOTAL HOURS PEACETIME TASK TITLE
Unknown

TASK TITLE Interpret a military overlay.

MOBILIZATION

HOURS /TYPE HOURS /TYPE 3 PTXT, 3 SGI, 1 PEl CMF None None 7.0 None LESSON NO.

HOURS TESTING: CMF

REVIEW OF TEST RESULTS: PREREQUISITE LESSON(S): CLEARANCE AND ACCESS: REFERENCES: NUMBER INFORMATION FM 21-26 TITLE Map Reading and Land Navigation None Unclassified PAGES All ADDITIONAL None

LP WVBN-09B 0196 FM 101-5-1 FM 101-5

Operational Terms All and Symbols Staff Organization Appendix G and operations

None None

STUDENT STUDY ASSIGNMENTS: Study Supplementary Readings #1 and #2, Summary Sheet. INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: Read and be familiar with all material. Review lesson plan and draw the appropriate symbols where indicated in the LP so that you will be able to draw the symbols on the chalkboard. (FM 101-5-1). ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS: None

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Overhead projector and projection screen, chalkboard, chalk and eraser MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Simulated overlay map and reference materials. INSTRUCTOR MATERIAL: PE #1 solution. VGTs (14)

STUDENT MATERIAL: Advance sheet, Programmed Text, PE #1, Supplementary Reading #1 and #2,- and Summary Sheet. CLASSROOM, TRAINING AREA, AND RANGE REQUIREMENTS: Classroom suitable for 16 students. AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS: None INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDANCE: Hours 1-3 are to complete the Programmed Text. Hours 4-6 are classroom discussion. Hour 7 is for the PE. Take up programmed text before the PE. Note the Supplementary Reading for this lesson is not a mirror of the LP. Students need the Programmed Text as an SR. Some students complain that they are not preparing an overlay. Note that ANCOC prepares, BNCOC interprets. PROPONENT LESSON PLAN APPROVAL AUTHORITY: NAME RANK POSITION DATE

PAULETTE H. DUNLAP

CSM

CMDT, AMEDD NCO ACADEMY

JAN 96

LP WVBN-09B 0196

SECTION II. - INTRODUCTION

NOTE: Read the terminal learning objective statement to the students. At the completion of this lesson you (the student) will: Interpret an operational overlay IAW FM 21-26, FM 101-5, and FM 101-5-1. SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: None Low None

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: EVALUATION: CMF

INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN: During tactical operations, commanders may use overlays extensively in the preparation and conveyance of orders. As a unit leader, you must understand and be able to interpret overlays. The purpose of this lesson is to provide you with the skills necessary to gain a working knowledge of overlay techniques. SECTION III. B. PRESENTATION

Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs): 1. Identify selected military symbols IAW cited references.

2. Identify the abbreviations and operational terms used on an overlay IAW cited references. 3. Identify the tactical instructions indicated on an overlay IAW cited references. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Todays fast moving and destructive battlefield affects all Army operations, to include battle orders. Commanders use overlays to express large amounts of information using symbols and abbreviations. The Armed Forces of the United States and the Armed Forces of many of our Allies use the form and techniques we will discuss today. The S3 usually prepares an operation overlay with symbols to provide input to the operation plan. By using these symbols on an overlay, the S3 frequently simplifies the task of portraying the commanders intent to subordinate commanders. 3 LP WVBN-09B Ol96 This lesson will review the material covered in the programmed text and supplemental readings. The intent of the lesson is to

focus on any areas in which you may need additional assistance. So, during the lesson, if you have any questions, please ask them. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Students should refer to Programmed Text during the class discussion. QUESTION: Now lets review some of the basic symbols we use. To begin, what is a military symbol? ANSWER: A military symbol is a graphic representation of a unit, installation, activity, or piece of equipment. An overlay is a combination of diagrams, letters, numbers, abbreviations, words, and colors that identify items of military importance. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Military symbols lose their value if they become complex or cluttered with unnecessary detail. VGT #1 shows examples of some basic military symbols. SHOW VGT #1 QUESTION: What do these basic symbols represent? INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol (Ref: FM 101-5-1, pgs 2-3 and 2-4) ANSWER: 1. Unit 2. Combat service support element 3. Logistical, medical, or administrative installation 4. Observation or listening post 5. Command post

REMOVE VGT #1 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Remember from the Programmed Text, that when drawing military symbols, use solid lines to show the location of a unit, an installation, or a coordinating detail, such as an established assembly area or a boundary. Use a broken line to indicate a proposed or future location. You always draw the branch or duty performed (which we will discuss later) of a proposed location in solid lines. Also, show the effective time of the proposed occupation, if known, using the Date-Time-Group (DTG). Now, lets review how to use symbols to show the size of a unit. 4
LP WVBN-09B 0196

INSTRUCTOR NOTE:

Draw symbols on chalkboard.

SHOW VGT #2 QUESTION: What size units do the symbols on this VGT represent? Ask students to identify each symbol. STANAG 2019 DESCRIPTION Smallest unit/UK Section. Unit larger than a U-S squad UK section but smaller than a platoon equivalent. Platoon/troop equivalent. Company/battery/ squadron equivalent. Battalion equivalent. Regiment/group equivalent. Brigade equivalent. Division. Corps. Army. Army group or front.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE:

ANSWER: U.S. DESCRIPTION 1. Squad/crew.

2. Section or unit larger than a squad but smaller than a platoon. 3. 4. Platoon or detachment. Company, battery, or troop. Battalion or squadron. Group or regiment. Brigade. Division. Corps. Army. Army group or front.

5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.

REMOVE VGT #2 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols referenced below on chalkboard. State the following: The notation placed over the size of a unit indicates a temporary grouping of units, usually for a specific tactical operation and in which the denoted unit functions as the command or controlling element. 5 LP WVBN-09B 0196 For example, denotes a company team, and denotes a battalion task force. A (+) placed to the right of the unit symbol shows a substantially reinforced unit. A (-) placed to the right of the symbol shows a substantially reduced unit; you may also use a (-) to indicate

subordinate elements operating at extended distances from and semiindependently of the parent unit. Doing a simple modification to the unit symbol can change the meaning of that symbol. A unit symbol that is on a staff, on the left side, which may extend or bend, represents locations of a command post. A unit symbol that is on a staff extending from the center, which may bend, represents a known precise location. The very end of the staff indicates the precise location of the command post or unit. You may show two or more units on the same staff if they are in the same area. The controlling units symbol is always at the top of the staff. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols (below) on chalkboard. EXACT COMMAND POST LOCATIONS EXACT UNIT LOCATIONS INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: The next area we will review is how to identify different types of military units. Military symbols utilize branch symbols along with markings to identify the types and size of units. Lets look at a few of these branch symbols.

SHOW VOT #3 QUESTION: What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent? INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer students questions. Describe the symbols (tank track etc.). 6 LP WVBN-09B 0196 ANSWER: 1. 2. 3. Infantry. (crossed pack straps.) Armor. (tank track.)

Cavalry (scouts of an infantry bn.) (cavalry bandoleer.) 4. Armored cavalry (scouts, mechanized inf/scouts armor tank battalion.) (cavalry bandoleer and tank track.) 5. 6. Artillery. (cannon ball.) Engineer. (bridge.)

7.

Signal. (lightning flash.)

REMOVE VGT #3 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Certain branches do not have symbols. They use authorized abbreviations to indicate the branch of service. SHOW VGT #4 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: QUESTION: ANSWER: Ask students to identify each symbol.

What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent? 1. Military Police (MP) 2. Military Intelligence (CEWI) 3. Electronic Warfare (EW) 4. Support (SPT) CEWI means Counter Electronic Warfare

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Intelligence. REMOVE VGT #4

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: It is sometimes necessary to combine branch and duty performed symbols to identify units specially equipped or trained. SHOW VGT #5 QUESTION: What type of units do these symbols represent?

7 LP WVBN-09B 0196 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol. Answer student questions. ANSWER: 1. Airborne Infantry 2. Self-propelled Artillery 3. Mechanized (APC) 4. BIFV (mounted) 5. BIFV (dismounted) BIFV is the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: REMOVE VGT #5

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. State the following: Indicate a reconnaissance unit with a security mission on the overlay by the unit symbol and flash arrows. The arrow length does not indicate area of responsibility but only the general location of the unit. You may show the specific mission graphically. However, address this mission in writing in the units appropriate subparagraph of the OPORD/OPLAN. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: The last thing we will discuss about military symbols is the designation of a unit. The designation of a unit consists of an unofficial distinctive number and/or name. Only use Arabic numbers. Place unit designation on the left side of the unit rectangle and higher echelons of command on the right. SHOW VGT #6 QUESTION: What are the designations of the units shown in this VGT? ANSWER: The 33rd Platoon, Company C, 22d Battalion, 30th Infantry (mechanized) and the 2d Platoon, Company A, 3d Battalion, 64th Armor. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Have students identify the designation of each symbol. It may be necessary to draw a few more symbols with designators on the chalkboard to discuss with the students. Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #6 8 LP WVBN-09B 0196 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may draw symbols on overlays in just one color or in several colors. If you use just one color, outline enemy symbols with double lines. When using multi-colors, use the color RED to indicate enemy units. Now let us continue our discussion with control measures or graphics commonly employed in offense, defense, and retrograde operations. As you will see, a few symbols can express an enormous amount of information. To start an overlay you need to place a piece of acetate that is slightly larger than the area you want to work in on top of your map. Next, put two numbered crosses or register marks on the overlay in opposite corners. These register marks aid in orientating the overlay to the map. They ensure exact copying of graphic information on the overlay from map to map. When preparing an overlay, you may use register marks of your own choosing. After orienting the overlay, you can begin to add the operational! situational graphics. Remember, in numerous situations, overlays will

not be in color. When using only one color, draw friendly symbols with single lines and enemy symbols with double lines. A boundary is a control measure normally drawn along identifiable terrain features and used to separate areas of tactical responsibility for subordinate units. Within their boundaries, units may maneuver within the overlay plan without close coordination with neighboring units unless otherwise restricted. Units may place direct fire across boundaries on clearly identified enemy targets without prior coordination, provided they do not endanger friendly forces. Units may also use indirect fire to engage clearly defined enemy targets, but only after prior coordination with the unit across the boundary. A line with the size of the unit shown at convenient intervals indicates boundaries. Always show on the boundary the highest echelon of adjacent units sharing the boundary. If a boundary separates units of unequal size, give the designation of the lower unit completely. Depict proposed boundaries with a broken line. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. 9 LP WVBN-09B 0196 EXAMPLE: (XVIII Corps and XII Div)(Task Force, 2d Bn, 1st Inf on the left, and 2d Bde, 79th Inf on the right) Extend boundaries beyond the objective a sufficient distance to provide for the coordination of supporting fires and actions required to secure and consolidate the objective. A major unit does not require a boundary between it and an armored cavalry or other type unit performing a covering, screening, or protecting mission on the major units flank. If employing the reconnaissance or security force in an attack role, and it has an objective to secure, then there must be a boundary between it and the major unit. When units from two different countries share a common boundary, place an abbreviation indicating the nationality of the armed force in parenthesis behind the unit designation. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. EXAMPLE: 12th (US) Army Group 5th (IT) Infantry Regiment 6th (NL) Infantry Brigade 5th (FR) Armored Division

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may find these and more country abbreviations in Appendix D of FM 101-5-1. Establishing rear boundaries facilitates command and control (C2). You may not always need to show rear boundaries. If you do, indicate the size along the boundary that corresponds to the smaller unit, or, in other words, to the commanded unit and not the commanding unit. If required to prevent confusion, show ARM or branch and nationality of unit. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. EXAMPLE: (Rear boundaries separates 43d (Rear boundary separates Infantry Division and V Corps.) 14th Armored Cavalry) Regiment and V Corps.) 10 LP WVBN-09E 0196 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Show future or proposed boundaries with broken lines labeled with Date-Time-Group to indicate the date and time or condition it takes effect and the headquarters establishing the boundary. SHOW VGT #7 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: As you see in this VGT, another graphic symbol indicates the objective. An objective may be an enemy force, terrain, or other physical object which is essential to the commanders intent. You draw a general objective symbol with a line enclosing the abbreviation OBJ and a letter, name, or number designation. You place it on an overlay around a definite terrain feature and or by an enemy force. A goose egg on an overlay sometimes refers to an objective symbol. Graphically, it looks like this: INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You may show two or more units in the same goose egg if they are in the same general area, but it does not indicate any particular command relationship between the units. A phase line (PL) is the next thing we will talk about. You use a phase line as a control measure and as a basis for reporting. Draw phase lines with solid lines approximately perpendicular to the direction of advance of withdrawal. Place phase lines at points that are clear on the ground and on the map. Label phase lines with PL and give a letter, number, or code name designation to them.

SHOW VGT #8 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #8 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: some other control measures are the Line of Departure and Line of Contact. A line of departure (LD) is a line designated to coordinate the commitment of attacking units or scouting elements at a specified time and starting line. 11 LP WVBN-09B 0196 A line of contact (LC) is a general trace showing the locating of two engaging opposing forces. A line of departure is a line of contact when opposing forces are in contact. (LD/LC) SHOW VGT #9 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #9 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Two other symbols closely relate to the LD/LC. One is the forward edge of the battle area (FEBA), which is the forward limit of the main battle area. The second symbol is the forward line of own troops (FLOT), a line that indicates the most forward positions of friendly troops. The plot can be at, beyond, or short of the FEBA. SHOW VGT #10 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #10 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: A Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) is a line beyond which commanders may attack all targets by any weapons system (including aircraft) without endangering friendly troops or requiring additional coordination with the establishing headquarters. The purpose of the FSCL is to expedite the attack on targets beyond the FSCL. Commanders do not need any additional coordination, provided neither the fires nor their effects fall short of the FSCL. Depict a Fire Support Coordination Line using a solid line labeled FSCL. Show the proposed or future FSCL locations with broken lines and a label FSCL.

Whether or not to show the FSCLs on the operations overlay depends on where the location of the FSCL is at the time you plan to distribute the overlay. Draw it a short distance beyond the farthest point to which the commander intends to send patrols, penetration forces (including air assault forces), or to maintain covering forces. 12 LP WVBN-09B 0196

FSCLs should be easy to define on a map and easy to recognize from the air. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Include effective time. Answer student questions. The FSCL is a permissive measure. When using multi-colored overlays, draw permissive measures in black. There are also restrictive measures. Draw restrictive measures in red. A couple of examples of a restrictive measure are the Restrictive Fire Area (RFA) and the No-Fire Area (NFA). The purpose of the RFA is to regulate fires or effects into an area according to the stated restrictions. The purpose of the NFA is to prohibit fires or effects into the area. Outline both in red (multi-color overlay) and label the restrictive fire area with the abbreviation RFA. The no fire area has red diagonal lines within the outlined area and the abbreviation NFA. The Date-Time-Group shows the time the restrictions become effective. SHOW VGT #11 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #11 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Show the direction of attack by drawing a single line arrow from the line of departure to or into the objective. It does not necessarily indicate the main attack of the command issuing the order, but it does indicate the direction along which the commander issuing the order wants a subordinate commander to make his attack. The size of the arrow is not significant. Use it only

where necessary, as they restrict the maneuver of the subordinate unit. 13 LP WVBN-09B 0196 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Answer student questions. EXAMPLE: LD LD INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Use an axis of advance in a fluid situation to indicate the general direction of movement for the mass of a unit. It does not necessarily indicate the route the unit will take. It is not as restrictive as the arrows used for direction of attack. Draw the main axis advance with broad double-lined arrows in the nonrestrictive sense and label them with a code name or the unit designation. You may also label a coded axis of advance with the unit which is to use the axis if there is a possibility of misunderstanding. An axis of advance for a unit designated to conduct the main attack has a double-line arrowhead. Make a future or proposed axis of advance with broken lines and label it with the effective date and time. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student questions. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Use arrows to show routes of march and label them with the word Route and a number, letter, code, or unit designation. You may add arrows to indicate one-way, or two-way traffic. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: questions. EXAMPLE: One-way traffic. Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student

Two-way traffic 14 LP WVBN-09B 0196

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Lets look at what direction of attack, axis of advance, and a route would look like on an overlay. SHOW VGT #12 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. REMOVE VGT #12 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: In defensive situations, closed solid-line goose egg broken by an appropriate symbol depicting the size of the unit involved represents a battle position (BP). A battle position is a defensive location oriented on the most likely enemy avenue of approach from which a unit may defend or attack. Position the closed side of the BPs goose egg toward the direction of primary concern. A goose egg with broken lines and the appropriate symbol depicting the size of the unit involved indicates an unoccupied or alternate battle position. SHOW VGT #13 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: A position number is a number inside the BP. Use a position number as a control measure and to help reduce confusion. A (P) following the position number indicates a prepared position. REMOVE VGT #13 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: You use coordinating points in the defense to fix the exact localities at which the higher commander desires adjacent subordinate commanders to coordinate the defense for the area. For example: The corps commander designates coordinating points on division boundaries at the FEBA. The division commander designates coordinating points on the brigade boundaries at the FEBA. 15 LP WVBN-09B 0196

You locate coordinating points at some terrain feature, easily recognizable both on the ground and on a map. You show coordinating points by placing a circle on a boundary with an X inside.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: questions. EXAMPLE: INSTRUCTOR NOTE:

Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student

State the following: You saw this symbol already

during the discussion of the FEBA.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE:

You may want to reshow VGT #10.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: Once you complete plotting and tracing all required details on the overlay, print the marginal information as close to the lower right-hand corner as detail permits. SHOW VGT #14 (Ref: FM 21-26, chapter 7)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: State the following: This VGT shows you the information that must be in the margin. OVERLAY A. B. C. D. E. F. MARGINAL INFORMATION Classification. Title and Objective. Time and Date. Map Reference. Author. Legend (only used when necessary). 1. Explain, Non-Standard Colors or Symbols. 2. Reference to Supporting Documents. 3. Distribution.

16 LP WVBN-09B 0196 INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. State the following:

A. Place the classification of the overlay at the top and bottom of the overlay itself. Write Secret, Classified, or Unclassified as appropriate. B. The Title and Objective simply tells the reader why you made the overlay and it may also give the actual location of the overlay area.

C. The time and date indicate the exact time you received the information on the overlay. This information is more pertinent on a situational overlay than on an operational overlay. D. If the reader does not have the map to use with the overlay, the map reference provides the information necessary to obtain it. The information includes map sheet name, sheet number, map series number, and the scale of the map. E. The author will place his name, rank, organization, date, and time of preparation on the overlay next. The date and time shows the elapsed time since the report of the information and the time you prepared the overlay. F. The legend of an overlay is the last piece of marginal information. You use it only when necessary for such things as: to explain nonstandard colors or symbols. for a reference to any supporting document of the overlay. to show distribution.
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REMOVE VGT #14 SUMMARY: As you have seen, a few simple symbols can replace an enormous amount of written orders. An overlay makes the commanders intent more clear and makes the operation plan more exact so each subordinate user of the overlay has the same information. Overlays are tools for leaders. Understanding them is a responsibility of every leader. We will now do a practical exercise where we will interpret an overlay. INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. Pass out PEl. Have students turn in the programmed text NOW! 17

18 U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP WVBN-09B

AMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS ACADEMY BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE Military Symbols and Overlay Techniques Practical Exercise #1 SOLUTION Task: Interpret an overlay. Condition: Given a simulated overlay and FM 101-5, as the section platoon sergeant, 2d platoon, identify the following elements of information. Standards: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. JAW FM 101-5. 8 11 5 6 12

0196

The location of your platoon is item The location of 1st platoon is item The location of 3d platoon is item

The battalion combat trains location is item The location of the aid station is item Item Item 10 4

represents your platoons left boundary. represents your platoons right boundary.

The east-west 94 grid line is called PHASE LINE RED and is represented by item 1 The location of the company CP is item Route Alpha is represented by item 3 7

9. 10.

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