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Kris McGar's avatar

In my mind I believe principles of loitering munitions employment should be something like the following (PICMDEEP, with loitering munitions capabilities):

Pairs We attempt to employ loitering munitions in pairs(squads) at all times. Loitering munitions employed in pairs should remain in Line of Sight of each other. Frequency and connection are key and dictate distance of separation. This allows us to duplicate fires to ensure continuous fire support even if one loitering munition goes down. This also gives us “mutual support”, giving us constant visual on the target and uninterrupted support during immediate action drills or if a loitering munition goes down or temporarily loses connection. Ground mortars/artillery can be integrated to the pairs if needed.

Interlocking flight paths/communication range Reinforce and double the firepower employed across the units frontage. This also ensures no area goes uncovered, especially when flight paths intersect

Coordination of Fires Dictates use of appropriate weapons to fire on appropriate targets. This allows maximum effectiveness of all weapons systems employed, to conserve ammunition, and to mask the loitering munitions position until their fires are required.

Mutual Support The weapons systems need to be able to support each other. If one loitering munition is down or fails, the other weapon needs to be able to fire the mission.

Defilade

Defilade for pilot allows us to pilot the loitering munition behind the mask of terrain outside the effects and observation of the enemy. This allows us to increase survivability of the position and the crew.

Enfilade Whenever we utilize loitering munitions, we attempt to achieve enfilading fires upon our enemy. By enfilade fires we mean that the long axis of the beaten zone coincides with the long axis of the target.

Economy By economy, we mean economy of our fires. We utilize the appropriate weapons systems in accordance with the threat. We establish engagement criteria for our loitering munitions to conserve ammunition, make sure the munition is appropriate to the threat and to ensure crew survivability.

Protection Obvious considerations need to be taken in the construction of loitering munition crew positions in order to ensure maximum survivability of the crew. Once the loitering munitions are ordered to engage, they will obviously become a focal point of the enemy. Cover and concealment are critical. The construction must be robust as well as moved frequently in order to ensure the continued support of their fires.

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the long warred's avatar

Beware the Rifle not becoming the Bayonet…

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