Terrain Model Kit

A 'how to' guide to field terrain model kits...

Intro

"An Army terrain model kit is basically a way to visualize an operation by using simple to understand graphics and symbols. An Army terrain model kit is for you to provide an additional way to ensure your subordinates understand your desired plan. The most common type of Army terrain model kit is the Army platoon terrain model kit. The Army platoon terrain model kit includes pieces that generally symbolize everyone organic to a light infantry platoon."

TMK - Terrain Model Kit

Components

***Greybeard approved and used***

- Laminated graphic symbols with 'penny' weight

• ENY units
  
• Friendly units
  
• ASSLT/R&S/SBF/SEC etc.
  
• PB/ORP/OBJ/ORP etc.
  
• 'Blank' cards for specific use

- Para-cord for grid lines
- Different colored lanyards for marking
- Different colored chalk powder for marking
- 6X toy Soldiers (3 each BLUFOR/OPFOR)
- Golf 'tee' pegs of different colors
- Non-permanent marker(s) (red/blue/green/black)
- Alcohol pads for marker removal
- Small pouch for storage

Field Expedient Components

Field expedient items:
- sticks to use as grid line anchors
- grass to mark vegetation
- rocks to mark mountain terrain
- pine cones to mark wooded areas
- MRE boxes/components to represent building/OBJs
- Ammo cans to mark building/OBJs
- Bayonet as North facing arrow
- Red/green tip ammo to mark BLUFOR/OPFOR position(s)

TM/SQD/PLT/COY/BTN

The most basic but 'important' TMK is at the TM level
- each TM LDR should have a basic TMK

1) A SQD TMK can simply combine the 2 fire TM TMKs
- the SQD LDR should should also carry a 3rd fire TM TMK


2) PLT TMKs should cover all the possible needs of the PLT/SQDs
- the PSG/PL should each carry a SQD level TMK


3) The COY TMK is the first 'complex' TMK and should be organized with the full BLUFOR/OPFOR MTOE (SQD/PLT markers etc.)
- COY OIC/NCOIC should each carry a PLT TMK
- COY RTO should carry a PLT TMK


4) A BTN TMK needs to be very broad to cover any BLUFOR/OPFOR MTOE possibility
- each 'S' shop driver should carry a PLT TMK
- BTN RTO should carry PLT TMK

Complex TMKs are created by adding TMKs together (several SQDs make a PLT etc.)

***ALL level TMKs need to be portable for field use***

Sand Table

Sand tables tend to be static displays that can be better made to represent the terrain/OBJ

ROC Drill

ROC - Rehearsal Of Concept (NOT doctrinal)



A.K.A

• 'Wargaming'

• Course Of Action (COA)

• Terrain Board Rehearsal (doctrinal)

Originally performed with 'rocks' (hence the current 'ROC' name)
A non-doctrinal term used to explain a rehearsal
ROCs can be performed before and after OPORD issue.

Kits

A 'kit' should be prepared for the tactical/operational/strategic level

EVERY fire TM should have a small pouch with a basic kit for tactical use


EVERY PLT should have a larger kit for operational use


EVERY COY should have a large kit for operational use


EVERY BTN should have a kit for strategic use

ALL kits should be stored in a protective pouch/container (ex. ammo can) and transportable

Conclusion

TMKs are very important to disseminating information during operations

TMKs should be tailor made at the TM/SQD/PLT/COY/BTN level

Field expedient items can be used as substitutes

[🅾️rder💲]

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