Field Manual Integrated Base Defense

Integrated Base Defense By Jason “Chief” Garner

This is a very brief explanation of how to conduct Integrated Base Defense. This will in no way make you an expert as many courses are taught on these subjects with hours of training required. It will give you a better understanding of how these operations are conducted and will open up greater discussion in future practical training.

Integrated base defense is a concept that is the foundation of how air bases are protected in a deployed environment. It utilizes many concepts, but the four we are most concerned with are…all around defense, defense in depth, centrally focused, and objective specific.

All around defense – this simply means that defense should be 360 degrees in protection of the objective

Defense in depth – means that defensive measures should be staggered to detect, deter, and defend the objective. Detect the enemy from the furthest point from the objective. Deter the enemy from taking positions of advantage on the objective. Defend the objective as best possible until re-enforcements can be brought in to find, fix, and flank the enemy.

• All Around Defense • Defense in depth • Centrally focused • Objective specific

IBD is a concept where defense in depth is the best and most effective way of slowing an enemy’s advance on the objective and allow the defense force commander to maneuver forces to find, fix, and flank the enemy no matter where on the perimeter the attack is coming from. As the attack progresses, reinforcements can be moved around the battlefield to thwart off the attack. Forces must be kept in their respective positions for defense in depth to be effective.

Blue Circles – Friendly Troops

The most important objective of IBD is interlocking fields of fire. This simply means that there is no gaps in the defensive plan in place. Friendly forces should be placed in such a manner that each can not only see each other, but can effectively assist each other with engaging the enemy.

Defense in depth and interlocking fields of fire grants the most effective method for defending the objective.

As stated before this is a very brief explanation of how to conduct an integrated defense. This will in no way make you an expert as many courses are taught on these subjects with hours of training required. I hope you now have a better understanding of how building assaults are conducted.