security of personnel, equipment, and resources from attack. The commander will train all personnel in
basic defense techniques for a viable defensive perimeter. A defense plan will be prepared by the base
commander. He will instruct all personnel and units within the base on the execution of the defense
plan. A reaction force to augment the defensive posture of the base will be developed by the base
commander. Only under extreme circumstances will a base defense reaction force be committed to
support assets outside the base. The force is designed for on-base security and reinforcement of the
base.
Base commanders will recommend movement/positioning of their unit to the RAOC/RTOC to augment
their physical security. The base commander will gain mutual support from units in or near his vicinity.
He will coordinate with the local MP patrols to secure support for the base. This coordination with the
MP should include communications interface tactical planning for the MP response force; how and
where the MP should rally to support the base. He is responsible for the defeat of all Level 1 threats
using active and passive defensive measures. This threat may exceed his capabilities. He may then
request MP support.
The base commander's capability to defend the base is the cornerstone of rear operations mission.
Base Cluster Commander
Bases should be grouped to provide mutual support. The RAOC/RTOC will cluster them. The senior
officer in each cluster becomes the base cluster commander. The base cluster commander will
normally be the commander of a battalion-sized unit or larger. The BCOC can be managed by the
staff.
The base cluster commander will integrate base defense plans into a base cluster defense plan. He
will have the support of LE. He will develop the defense of the cluster to include fire support, reaction
forces, MP assistance, internal command and control of the bases, and the initial defensive response
against enemy attacks. A copy of the plan will be forwarded through the LE for review by the
RAOC/RTOC. Requests for support or defensive augmentation will be coordinated by the LE with
adjoining units, MP, and the RAOC/RTOC.
Base and base cluster commanders maintain their base defense. Shortages in materiel or weaknesses
in defense must be known early. The use of obstacles (wire, demolitions, mines) is essential to the
defense of each base. Where units cannot defend themselves or are not mutually supportive or cannot
be adequately defended, repositioning must take place at once. A delay may seriously endanger the
unit. The RAOC/RTOC will recommend the relocation of a unit to the ROC. The LE, with the
RAOC/RTOC, will assist in the movement of the units.
Tactical Combat Force (TCF)
5-19
MP2010
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