Chapter 5. Combat Preperation
Chapter 5. Combat Preparation
Planning
It has been said that no plan survives first contact with the enemy. The result is chaos. The stated goal of this manual is to organize paintball teams. One of the most important aspects of this is for each member of the PLI to know what others will do.
The Paintball Light Infantry tactics depend upon small unit leaders who can carry out the mission order on a constantly changing battlefield. To do this, leaders must understand the situation, make a plan, and execute it. If the PLI does this more quickly than the enemy, they can hit the enemy and be gone before they are able to react. They will also be able to react better than the enemy in chance and surprise encounters because they will know what to do, what their teammates will do, and how to do it. This is a very important tactical advantage.
In order to plan and carry out such tactics in a fluid environment, learning how to think is more vital than learning what to think. The purpose of this chapter is to give leaders in the PLI that ability.
Basic Troop Leading Procedure
1. Receive the mission
2. Issue a warning order
3. Make a tentative plan
4. Initiate movement
5. Conduct reconnaissance
6. Complete the plan
7. Issue operational orders
8. Supervise the mission
Basically an order is given. The leader notifies his troops and makes a tentative plan of attack. On arrival near the sight, the leader will conduct a reconnaissance of the area and complete his plan of attack. The orders are given and the mission accomPLIshed. Paintball players do this for themselves every game. Leaders must do it for the unit and learn how to communicate their intentions to others.
When making a tentative plan, leaders must remember METT-T. This is the US Army acronym for:
- Mission (What are we doing?)
- Enemy (Who are we doing it against and how many are there?)
- Terrain (How will we approach? What about cover? What does the enemy position look like and how well defended is it?)
- Troops (How many men do I have? How are they armed? What are their capabilities?)
- Time (How much time do we have to complete the mission?)
Eight Steps of the Troop Leading Procedure
1. Receive the Mission: Missions can be received from the PLI event headquarters, event orders, or other sources. On receipt of the order, the leader must analyze it by estimating the situation. This analization must continue throughout the mission as the situation changes. Leaders must also be sure they know the commander’s intentions and seek to accomPLIsh them.
2. Issue a Warning Order: Do not wait for the details. Make the best warning order possible with the information you have so you men can prepare. Assault missions differ considerably from extended defensive missions or fast reconnaissance. This order can be verbal or written.
3. Make a Tentative Plan: Tentative plans are the basis for the operation orders. The leader must use the information on hand to plan a preliminary operation order. Leaders should analyze the METT-T as best they can. This mission should be issued to the men. This tentative plan gives the focus for the reconnaissance effort.
4. Start Movement: This can be done by having a subordinate prepare the unit for moving and issuing the warning orders so the members can prepare.
5. Conduct Reconnaissance: Once the unit arrives near the area of attack, the leader must attempt to reconnoiter the enemy position in order to refine the operational order.
6. Complete Plan: Once reconnaissance has been accomPLIshed, the leader should refine the plan. If drastic changes are necessary, it may be prudent to advise the headquarters or command element since other missions may dependent on the completion or execution of your own.
7. Issue Order: The leader should give the members an operational order orally. Sketches and terrain models may be used if necessary.
8 Supervise: even the best plan may fail if it is not properly supervised. Leaders should
endeavor to inspect the members’ weapons, uniforms, mission essential equipment, communications gear, and camouflage.
The PLI recognizes that the ability to perform each of these tasks may be limited by enemy action or opportunity to move quickly. It is not necessary for leaders to always execute their missions by the steps. This is intended as a guide to keep every member of the PLI thinking the same when planning a mission.
“Planning is everything - Plans are nothing”
Field Marshall Helmuth Graf von Moltke
(Sign posted above the entrance to the Joint Staff,
Department of Defense, The Pentagon.)
Definitions
It is imperative that the PLI use combat terms that mean the same thing to all members. To do that we have established the following definitions for mission planning and operational usage.
Philosophy: The ideals behind the formation of the unit.
Protocols: Missions, Goals, Rules of Engagement, Tactics, and overall operations methods of the PLI.
Doctrine: The basic principles by which the battalion fights. Examples of this include the statement of doctrine contained in the manual, rules of engagement, and mission.
Strategy: The basic method of accomPLIshing an event goal brought about through operations and doctrine to accomPLIsh an overall objective.
Operations: A category of similar missions, basically offensive or defensive missions lumped together and performed as an intentional group of actions.
Mission: A defined objective and the tasks necessary to accomPLIsh it.
Tactics: Tactics is the ideal way of using the unit or units to accomPLIsh a mission. Because tactics depend on the situation, they are often different for every mission.
Formations: The standardized methods of movement of PLI units. Example would be an "Echo" command.
Actions: Standardized methods of attack and defense. An example would be using an "Alpha" to attack an enemy paintballer.
Immediate Action Drills: Standardized action to be undertaken by PLI members under certain situations requiring a minimum of commands. An example would be reacting to artillery fire.
Task: The individual actions necessary by each member to accomPLIsh a mission.
Techniques: Detailed methods for accomPLIshing a task. They will work in most cases and are standardized so each member of the PLI will think of similar ways to accomPLIsh their tasks.
Procedures: A standard and detailed course of action that describes how to perform a specific technique. Procedures are standard doctrine throughout the PLI. Examples would be chain of command, issuing mission orders, and mission planning/coordination.
Leadership
Leadership is the single most important aspect of the Paintball Light Infantry. The unit is dependent on small unit leaders who can perform the missions assigned with professionalism and vigor. Leaders must be able to analyze, think, act, and order in a sPLIt second. In the end, victory by the PLI will have little to do with a Colonel and everything to do with sergeants and corporals.
Leadership is the art of influencing people to accomPLIsh a mission in the manner desired by the leader. Management is not leadership! Anyone can manage, few can lead. Management is the science of employing persons and material in the economical and efficient accomPLIshment of a task or job.
Requirements for leadership:
1. Seeks and accepts responsibility
2. Performs well under pressure
3. Ability to provide knowledge in a practical and timely manner
4. Decisiveness
5. Accepts and seeks advice from subordinates
6. Inspires his men
7. The ability to effectively plan missions
8. Fosters a spirit of cooperation and teamwork
9. Communication skills
10. Supervisory ability
11. Sense strengths and weaknesses of his men and utilizes them by delegating responsibility
12. Honor and integrity
Leaders in the PLI are expected to accept responsibility. They are responsible for their actions and those of their squad. This includes the units’ behavior both on and off the field. A single member can tarnish the reputation of the PLI.
Performing under pressure is where the rubber hits the road. Anyone can keep his or her wits about him or her during a crisis. There are a few who can deal with a crisis, and some that even thrive and come alive when crisis rear their head. Event the poorest shiner of shoes in the military can become a general if he is able to keep his head in a crisis. “Spazzing” out solves nothing and often makes an unstable situation even worse.
Knowledge without the wisdom to use it is the downfall of many that believe they know how to handle anything. Leaders in the PLI must have the ability to provide knowledge in a practical and timely manner.
Indecision causes those who follow to lose confidence and doubt their leader. When PLI leaders make a decision, they must stick to it. This means you don'’ try to change tactics in the middle of an assault. Leaders must not second-guess the results of their decisions. Failure in paintball fortunately does not result in real casualties. Even an entire squad decimated by the enemy will be back soon. Leaders must learn from their mistakes, but not lose confidence.
Leaders are often criticized because they do not seek or accept the advice of their subordinates. Many ideas are out there. One person cannot have them all. Any staff sergeant will tell you the difference in a new Lieutenant who listens to them and one who doesn’t. In paintball, leaders will often find themselves in charge of players with more experience, more years, and more knowledge. It is imperative that the leaders of the PLI recognize this and use it to our advantage. Remember that a private in one game may be a captain in the next.
Leaders should inspire their men by never assigning them a job that they are unwilling to do. This can also be accomPLIshed by proving the ability to lead. A squad should be greater than the sum of its parts and should be expected to accomPLIsh more than five individuals could do.
Planning quickly and effectively is imperative. It is more than saying, "Everybody charge when the whistle blows!". Effective planning means following the PLI troop leading procedures.
Getting different individuals to work together toward a common goal requires cooperation. PLI leaders must be able to foster a spirit of cooperation in their men.
Good communication skills are also very necessary. Leaders must be able to listen, communicate their opinions, communicate the mission to their men, and report the results of the mission. Additionally, they must be able to effectively communicate on the battlefield in clear and concise manners. Leaders must more than anyone be totally familiar with the PLI communications procedures, terminology, and be able to explain the concepts behind them.
Leadership can be a lonely position. The leader’s job is to supervise, not because they don’t trust their men, but because they must understand the bigger picture. Leaders must not allow their personal feelings and opinions to get in the way of accomPLIshing the mission.
Finally, leaders must be able to delegate authority. It is important to understand that delegation of authority is not the delegation of responsibility. The leader is ultimately responsible for the subordinates’ actions. A leader must be able to know who can accept the authority and use it wisely and who will abuse it.
Leadership by example can be done in two ways:
1. By setting a deliberate example. This is done by a conscious effort and includes your behavior on the field, attitude toward the rules, and dedication to the unit.
2. Unconscious examples are leaders who know their own limitations, obey their own rules, and do not expect their men to accomPLIsh any task that they would not do.
Leading is more than issuing orders and shouting at people. Leaders must be diplomatic and must be able to deal with all sorts of players at any time and at any level. There will come a time when a leader must speak up due to a wrong. When that time comes, the leaders will be sorted from the managers. Leadership is not an enviable position. Players will find that it is more fun to be a grunt than a captain. Leadership is knowing that even though you will not get a lot of trigger time, you have a job to do and must be there.
It is the job of leaders in the 1st PLI is to ensure that all members obey the rules, represent the unit in a positive manner, and have a good time.
General George S. Patton Jr.
“At first blush, one would scarcely expect to find the behavior of a piece of cooked spaghetti an illustration of successful leadership in combat, it scarcely takes demonstration to prove how vastly more easy it is to PULL a piece of cooked spaghetti in a given direction along a major axis than it is to PUSH it the same direction. Further, the difficulty increases with the size of either the spaghetti or command.”
General George S. Patton Jr.
Responsibilities of a Leader
Leaders in the PLI are expected to be responsible for their actions and those of their men. Leaders are not only expected to lead in combat situations, but off the field by their behavior and gentlemanliness, and perhaps most importantly by insuring their troops are prepared for all aspects of a mission. Not only the obvious paintball mission, but the real mission of playing safely. Each leader should know his troops limitations. This includes but is not limited to physical fitness, health concerns, stamina, and abilities. There is no mission more important than safety. At no time will any leader of the PLI allow any man under his command to participate in any action, task, or mission that could endanger the members’ health, safety, or well being.
All too often unsafe condition are tolerated at paintball events because the violator is one of the "good ole boys" who has played for years and is "always safe." Simply stated, the PLI must be known for strict adherence to our own and local field/event safety rules. This goes especially to issues of goggle safety, barrel plugs, and overshooting. The full auto policy of the PLI does not endorse overshooting or close shots. As stated in the Rules of Engagement, PLI members are expected to ask for surrender in accordance with field rules. We must be the leaders in the realm of safety and controlled full auto usage.
Strict accountability nay at times foster hard feelings between individual members. This must be overcome. We have all forgotten to put in our barrel plug at one time or another and felt chastised when corrected by a fellow player. When confronted, members should avoid "field rage" and correct the problem. Complaints can be made to the unit commander. Cooler heads must prevail.
Leaders shall act at all times as gentlemen, both on, and off the field. They must obey the rules of engagement and see to it that each man under their command understands and adheres to these rules. They are also expected to deal with minor violations of the rules of engagement and to report any major violations up the chain of command. It is imperative that the leaders of the PLI set the example for our troops and others who will judge us by our reactions to violations of our own rules by our own members.
The PLI does not exercise control over how individual member units select their commanders. This allows our member units the autonomy they desire; however, it is imperative that the leaders chosen to represent the unit understand the principles of leadership. They must understand that giving orders does not make one a leader. Anyone can have authority, very few can lead.
“Never tell people how to do things.
Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.”
General George S. Patton Jr.
Scenario Game Success
Scenario games are played by two types of people. Those who are there for the fantasy, and those who are there to shoot paint. Players who take their roles seriously will prevail. This is the basic philosophy of the PLI. Following are some suggestions for success in the scenario game.
Storyline: Follow it. Study the basis of the game and research it. Big games are often based on movies or other well known events. Know who is who in these events or movies and pay attention to details in the movie. The PLI officer will publish an intelligence briefing before all PLI events. Study this and any information you get from the event itself. Be Prepared.
Objectives: Eliminations do not win the game. The most important thing is to accomPLIsh the mission. On the same note, your elimination will not lose the game. It is imperative that every member of the PLI understand that the good of the unit must come first.
Security: Do not talk about future missions, plans, or any information out in the open. Most breeches of security happen off the field. Spies routinely walk the campsites and hospitals to gather scuttlebutt, listen, and talk to players. When hit, out, or wounded, members should act as if they are prisoners of war. Do not allow anyone near the base, officers, or meeting areas without clearance from the PLI security officer. Check everyone and everything. Regard each person as a potential spy and each object as a potential weapon. Members assigned to security or protection must question everything and assume nothing.
Deception: Is okay and encouraged by the PLI as long as it does NOT cross the line of cheating. Bring props which could fit the story line for use against the enemy.
Be Useful: If you have returned to base without your unit, work with the Security detail. Be prepared to leave on missions ONLY after clearing it with your current commander. The nature of paintball will often cause units to become fragmented. This can lead to confusion.
Play the game: Remain in character. Play with respect for others and the rules. It is better to lose with honor than to win by cheating.
Marksmanship
There is only one way for members to become better shots. Practice, Practice, Practice. Players should fire 400 to 500 round a week to maintain a high standard of accuracy. Purchasing the best $200 barrel will not improve a members’ accuracy as much as regular target practice.
When shooting, squeeze the trigger gently, avoid pulling it. Members should learn to operate with a minimum of movement. The sight will align naturally, trigger control is the key!
Zeroing your sight
1. Get a large target (3’*3’)
2. Steady the weapon on a table with a vice, gun rest, or like object.
3. Fix the weapon to the holder so it cannot move.
4. Place the target at 50 feet.
5. Fire 25 shots at the target.
6. Adjust the sights or cross hairs of the sight to the center of the splat.
Members should have access to a range area where they can go weekly to practice. Targets should be measured off at twenty-five foot intervals from 25 to 150 feet. Targets should be ten to twelve inches across.
Standard practice should be the 50-foot target. Once proficiency has been obtained, the player should fire at the longer-range targets to learn how their weapon acts at different distances. Different paintball guns will fire in different ways, some will curve to the left or right. It is imperative that every member of the PLI knows how his or her weapon will act in a given situation at a particular distance.
“You don’t hurt’em if you don’t hit’em”
Lt. General Lewis “Chesty” Puller
Paintball Personality Types
Paintball personalities can help members identify their opponent, his abilities, and determine who is truly the most dangerous enemy. The following was taken largely from the Web sight and mind of Durty Dan (an Old Guy).
Personality types
1. Lone wolf/Sniper- Player who goes off by themselves and prefers to work alone
2. Sharpshooter- A player who practices, is a good shot, and prefers to let accuracy do the job.
3. Rambo- Essential players who like to charge.
4. Hoser- Players who fire paint and let the sheer volume do the job the sharpshooter does with one shot.
5. Wingman- Player who steadfastly stays at your side. They are consistent and reliable.
6. Pointman- Similar to the lone wolf in that they like to be out front, different in that they like the ability to call in back up when necessary.
7. Mover- Players who cannot sit still. Always on the move.
8. Sitter- Patient players who will let an enemy walk into their sights.
9. Old Guys- Experienced players of ten or more years.
10. Kids- full of exuberance, youth, and stupidity.
11. Adapters- can do any of the types discussed above.
12. Newbies- The new guys.
Exploiting Paintball Personalities (strengths and weaknesses)
Lone Wolf
On larger fields, these players should be sent out to work around behind the enemy. A truly gifted lone wolf can creep through the opposition. Lone wolves can be assigned to try to steal a flag, snipe, gather information, or run amuck and cause the enemy problems.
Teamwork will defeat the lone wolf. Never go one on one with one. Have a rearguard that can be watchful and aware of enemy players trying to sneak past our defenses or assaulting formation.
Sharpshooter
These players are best used in areas of the field where they have good clean lines of fire. They should be given high bunkers for the increased range they can provide.
When confronting a sharpshooter, be especially careful of your cover. Thick brush defeats even the best paintball marksmen. Limit your exposure to the sharpshooter and suppress their fire with your own.
Rambo
These maniacs are best sent to any area that has little or no cover. This is because they will not use it anyway. They should be the front line of any assault element and can truly cause trouble when allowed through an enemy’s line.
Taunting will often persuade a reluctant Rambo to break cover and charge. Shoot them.
Hoser
Good at pinning down the enemy while the Rambos assault. Excellent use of suppressive fire.
As long as he is firing, you know where he is. Flank them. Be sure to use cover.
Wingman
Team players who pay attention to who is where and doing what. They will provide the backbone of the unit because they know what to do.
Usually will not work well alone. Take out one and you get two.
Pointman
Invaluable when leading a patrol or assault action. Must be smart enough to see the enemy before the first shots are fired.
Must be eliminated before they are able to locate defensive positions.
Mover
These are the flag grabbers and the fireman. Fireman is a term used for players who will dash into a gap in our lines to plug a hole. They make excellent message runners and scouts and will thrive in patrol actions.
Pin them down and they are lost. They don’t like bunkers, so wait on them to come out.
Sitter
Sitters are excellent defenders who are willing to sit and wait. Sitters can guard a boundary line, path, or trail and deny their use to all but the most determined enemy.
Only wariness will defend against a sitter ambush.
Old Guy
These are the cunning old dogs of paintball. They know the ropes and their experience allows them to adapt to the situation at hand. They also make good, if reluctant, leaders. Old guys play with their heads.
These guys are devious. Know where they are on the field at all times and take them out quick.
Kid
With their unlimited exuberance they can become a liability as well as an asset. They may not follow the game plan and would rather mix it up with the enemy despite their assigned mission. They should be used where resistance is heavy or contact is expected.
Just let them come and teach them a lesson.
Adapter
These players can be all of the above. They tend to be better at two of the above personality types. They should be used where cunning is more important than brute strength or firepower.
There is no good defense except to pin them down or get them out.
Newbies
Should be sPLIt up and placed in with experienced players. If allowed to clump into a group, they will do unpredictable things.
Play aggressively. This will intimidate them into a shell shock defense.
“Therefore I say: “Know your enemy and know yourself;
in a hundred battles you will never be in peril.
When you are ignorant of the enemy but know yourself,
your chances of winning or losing are equal.
If ignorant of both your enemy and of yourself,
you are certain in every battle to be in peril."
Sun Tzu
Training
Training a small unit to be part of a larger force can be a demanding task. It is imperative that all PLI personnel be thoroughly familiar with the tactics contained in this manual. They have been kept intentionally simple and a few minutes a month can refresh the memory of the units under PLI command.
Memorization of the PLI ten codes, phonetic alphabet, tactics, and ASL signs will take time. Units should periodically test members before PLI events to ensure they have the proper knowledge to participate. The requirements are few, but the benefits are bountiful.
Small unit leaders should also endeavor to train their men as platoons. This can be done by designating each two men as a squad and holding string between the two to represent the rest of the squad. Ideally, the first exposure to PLI tactics should be in an open field or parking lot. This will allow members the opportunity to see the tactics first hand and understand better what they must do and what their job is.
Specific drills are located in Appendix D. Combat Drills.
The original tactics guide!
“The soldiers like training, provided it is carried out sensibly.”
Field Marshal Prince Aleksandr V. Suvorov
Scenario Game Equipment List
This list is intended as a check off list for all PLI members before each PLI event. Remember to add your own equipment to the list in the space provided. It is better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Weapon:
1. Primary Weapon
2. Secondary Weapon
3. Parts for each
4. O-ring pick
5. Barrels
6. Tank o-rings
7. Spare hose for remotes
8. Hopper and Batteries
9. Gun Manual
10. Elbow
11. Remote line and nipple
12. Spare set screws
13. Air tanks
14. Fill nipple for HP systems
15. Scope or sight system and batteries
16. Sling
17. PAW
18. Smoke Grenades
19. Paint Grenades
20. Special weapons
Accessories:
1. Harness
2. Loaders (Guppies)
3. Head cover (hat etc.)
4. Boots
5. Radio and batteries
6. Goggles
7. Extra lens
8. Clear lens for night operations
9. Anti fog solution
10. Knee pads
11. Camouflage uniform
12. Gloves
13. Blue/Green lens flashlight
14. Squeegee
15. Squeegee leg holster
16. GPS
17. Night vision
18. Spare socks and underwear
19. Toothbrush and toothpaste
20. Wet wipes
21. Papertowels
22. Medical/insurance information
23. Emergency money
24. Deodorant
25. Aspirin/Tylenol/prescription medicines
26. Copy of prescription
27. Medic alert Bracelet (if necessary)
28. Deception gear
29. Paintballs
Camp Gear:
1. Food
2. Water
3. Sleeping bag
4. Tent
5. Hatchet
6. Bug spray
7. Citronella candles
8. Towels
9. Trash bags (2)
10. Lantern
11. Fire starter
12. Eating utensils
13. Chairs
14. Folding table
15. Water spray bottle for goggles
16. Ice chest
17. Ice
18. Storage chest
Other:
1. Registration / PLI paperwork
2. Camera and Film
3. Maps
4. Intelligence
5. Band aids
6. Spotlight
7. Duct tape
8. _________________________
9. _________________________
10. _________________________
11. _________________________
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