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U.S. ARMY MEDICAL DEPARTMENT CENTER AND SCHOOL LP-WYAN-24BAMEDD NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICERS ACADEMY 1093BASIC NONCOMMISSIONED OFFICER COURSE

LESSON TITLE: Military Symbols and Overlay Techniques

THIS LESSON IS USED IN THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

COURSE NUMBERS COURSE TITLE(S)

6-8-C40 AMEDD NCO Basic

SECTION I. - ADMINISTRATIVE DATA

TASK(S) TAUGHT OR SUPPORTED:

TASK NUMBER TASK TITLE

Unknown Interpret a military overlay

TASK(S) REINFORCED:

TASK NUMBER TASK TITLE

Unknown Unknown

ACADEMIC HOURS: PEACETIME MOBILIZATIONHOURS/TYPE HOURS/TYPE

LESSON 6.0TEST None NoneTEST REVIEW None NoneTOTAL HOURS 6.0 None

PREREQUISITE LESSON(S): None.CLEARANCE AND ACCESS: Unclassified.

REFERENCES:

NUMBER TITLE PAGES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

FM 21-26 Map Reading and All NoneLand Navigation

FM 101-5-1 Operational Terms All Noneand Symbols

FM 101-5 Staff Organization Appendix G Noneand Operations

STUDENT STUDY ASSIGNMENTS: Supplemental Readings 1 and 2.

INSTRUCTOR REQUIREMENTS: Read and be familiar with all material. Reviewlesson plan and draw the appropriate symbols where indicated in the LP so thatyou will be able to draw the symbols on the chalkboard.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT PERSONNEL REQUIREMENTS: None.

EQUIPMENT REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Overhead projector and projectionscreen, chalkboard, chalk and eraser.

MATERIALS REQUIRED FOR THE INSTRUCTION: Lesson plans, VGTs, Tenino map, tape,coordinates scale, overlay with register marks, and reference materials.

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INSTRUCTOR MATERIAL: PE #1 solution.

STUDENT MATERIAL: Advance sheet, programmed text, PE #1, Supplemental

Readings 1 and 2, and summary sheet.CLASSROOM, TRAINING AREA, AND RANGE REQUIREMENTS: Classroom.

AMMUNITION REQUIREMENTS: None.

INSTRUCTIONAL GUIDANCE: Allow three hours for students to complete programmedtext in class. Hour 4 issue PE #1 and review answers. Hours 5 and 6 followlesson guide for review.

PROPONENT LESSON PLAN APPROVAL AUTHORITY:

SECTION II. - INTRODUCTION

TERMINAL LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Interpret an operational overlay.

NOTE: Read the above terminal learning objective statement to the students.

At the completion of this lesson you (the student) will:

ACTION: Interpret an operational overlay.

CONDITIONS: Given a practical exercise "Military Symbolsand Overlay Techniques."

STANDARDS: IAW FM 21-26, FM 101-5, and FM 101-5-1.

SAFETY REQUIREMENTS: None.

RISK ASSESSMENT LEVEL: Low.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS: None.

EVALUATION: None.

INSTRUCTIONAL LEAD-IN: During tactical operations, commanders may useoverlays extensively in the preparation and conveyance of orders. As a unitleader, you must understand and be able to interpret overlays. The purpose ofthis lesson is to provide you with the skills necessary to gain a workingknowledge of overlay technique.

SECTION III. PRESENTATION

B. Enabling Learning Objectives (ELOs):

1. Identify selected military symbols.

2. Identify the abbreviations and operational termsused on an overlay.

3. Identify the tactical instructions indicated on anoverlay.

SEQUENCE OF ACTIVITIES:

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Introduction:

- Today's fast moving and destructive battlefield effects all Army

operations, to include battle orders. Commanders use overlays to expresslarge amounts of information using symbols and abbreviations. The ArmedForces of the United States and the Armed Forces of many of our Allies use theform and techniques we will discuss today.

The S3 usually prepares an operation overlay with symbols to provide input tothe operation plan. By using these symbols on an overlay, the S3 frequentlysimplifies the task of portraying the commander's intent to subordinatecommanders.

However, there are times when you may have to construct an overlay. Thislesson will review the material covered in the programmed text andsupplemental readings. The intent of the lesson is to focus on any areas inwhich you may need additional assistance. So, during the lesson, if you haveany questions, please ask them.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Students should refer to Programmed Text during the classdiscussion.

Now let's review some of the basic symbols we use on overlays.

QUESTION: What is a military symbol?

ANSWER: A military symbol is a graphic representation of a unit,installation, activity, or piece of equipment. An overlay is a combination ofdiagrams, letters, numbers, abbreviations, words, and colors that identifyitems of military importance.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Partially answers ELO #1.

Military symbols lose their value if they become complex or cluttered with

unnecessary detail. VGT 1 shows examples of some basic military symbols.

Show VGT #1/ELO #1.

QUESTION: What do these basic symbols represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol (Ref:FM 101-5-1, pgs 2-3 and 2-4).

ANSWER: 1. Unit

2. Combat service support element.

3. Logistical, medical, or administrative installation.

4. Observation or listening post.5. Command post.

Remove VGT #1.

Remember from the programmed text, that when drawing military symbols, usesolid lines to show the location of a unit, an

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installation, or a coordinating detail, such as an established assembly areaor a boundary.

Use a broken line to indicate a proposed or future location.

You always draw the branch or duty performed (which we will discuss later) ofa proposed location in solid lines.

Also, show the effective time of the proposed occupation, if known, using theDate-Time-Group (DTG).

Next, let's review how to use symbols to show the size of a unit.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard.

Show VGT #1/ELO #1.

QUESTION: What size units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol.

ANSWER: U.S. DESCRIPTION STANAG 2019 DESCRIPTION

1. Squad/crew. Smallest unit/UK Section.

2. Section or unit larger Unit larger than a U.Sthan a squad but smaller squad UK section butthan a platoon. smaller than a platoon

equivalent.

3. Platoon or detachment. Platoon/troop equivalent.

4. Company, battery, or Company/battery/squadrontroop. equivalent.

5. Battalion or squadron. Battalion equivalent.

6. Group or regiment. Regiment/groupequivalent.

7. Brigade. Brigade equivalent.

8. Division. Division.

9. Corps. Corps.

10. Army. Army.

11. Army group or front. Army group or front.

Remove VGT #2.INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols referenced below on chalkboard.

The notation _________ placed over the size of a unit indicates a temporarygrouping of units, usually for a specific tactical operation and in which thedenoted unit functions as the command or controlling element. For example,________ denotes a company team, and ________ denotes a battalion task force.

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A (+) placed to the right of the unit symbol shows a substantially reinforcedunit. A (-) placed to the right of the symbol shows a substantially reducedunit; you may also use a (-) to indicate subordinate elements operating at

extended distances from and semi-independently of the parent unit.Doing a simple modification to the unit symbol can change the meaning of thatsymbol. A unit symbol that is on a staff, on the left side, which may extendor bend, represents locations of a command post.

A unit symbol that is on a staff extending from the center, which may bend,represents a known precise location.

The very end of the staff indicates the precise location of the command postor unit. You may show two or more units on the same staff if they are in thesame area. The controlling unit's symbol is always at the top of the staff.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols (below) on chalkboard.

EXAMPLE:

EXACT COMMAND POST LOCATIONS EXACT UNIT LOCATIONS

The next area we will review is how to identify different types of militaryunits. Military symbols utilize branch symbols along with markings toidentify the types and size of units. Let's look at a few of these branchsymbols.

Show VGT #3/ELO #1.

QUESTION: What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer students questions. Describe the symbols (tank tracketc.).

ANSWER: 1. Infantry. (crossed pack straps.)

2. Armor. (tank track.)

3. Cavalry (scouts of an infantry bn.) (cavalrybandoleer.)

4. Armored cavalry (scouts, mechanized inf/scoutsarmor tank battalion.) (cavalry bandoleer and tank

track.)5. Artillery. (cannon ball.)

6. Engineer. (bridge.)

7. Signal. (lightning flash.)

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Remove VGT #3.

Certain branches do not have symbols. They use authorized abbreviations toindicate the branch of service.

Show VGT #4/ELO #1.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol.

QUESTION: What type of units do the symbols on this VGT represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions.

ANSWER: 1. Military Police (MP)

2. Military Intelligence (CEWI)

3. Electronic Warfare (EW)

4. Support (SPT)

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: CEWI means Counter Electronic Warfare Intelligence.

Remove VGT #4.

It is sometimes necessary to combine branch and duty performed symbols toidentify units specially equipped or trained.

Show VGT #5/ELO #1.

QUESTION: What type of units do these symbols represent?

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Ask students to identify each symbol. Answer studentquestions.

ANSWER: 1. Airborne Infantry

2. Self-propelled Artillery

3. Mechanized (APC)

4. BIFV (mounted)

5. BIFV (dismounted)

6. Motorized Infantry

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: BIFV is the Bradley Infantry Fighting Vehicle.

Remove VGT #5.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbols on chalkboard. Answer student questions.

Indicate a reconnaissance unit with a security mission on the overlay by theunit symbol and flash arrows.

The arrow length does not indicate area of responsibility but only the generallocation of the unit.

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You may show the specific mission graphically. However, address this missionin writing in the unit's appropriate subparagraph of the OPORD/OPLAN.

EXAMPLE:The last thing we will discuss about military symbols is the designation of aunit. The designation of a unit consists of anunofficial distinctive number and/or name. Only use Arabic numbers. Placeunit designation on the left side of the unit rectangle and higher echelons ofcommand on the right.

Show VGT #6/ELO #1.

QUESTION: What are the designations of the units shown in this VGT?

ANSWER: The 33rd Platoon, Company C, 22d Battalion, 30th Infantry(mechanized) and the 2d Platoon, Company A, 3d Battalion, 64th Armor.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Have students identify the designation of each symbol. Itmay be necessary to draw a few more symbols with designators on the chalkboardto discuss with the students. Answer student questions.

Remove VGT #6.

You may draw symbols on overlays in just one color or in several colors. Ifyou use just one color, outline enemy symbols with double lines. When usingmulti-colors, use the color RED to indicate enemy units.

Now let us continue our discussion with control measures or graphics commonlyemployed in offense, defense, and retrograde operations. As you will see, afew symbols can express an enormous amount of information.

To start an overlay you need to place a piece of acetate that is slightlylarger than the area you want to work in on top of your map. Next, put two

numbered crosses or register marks on the overlay in opposite corners. Theseregister marks aid in orientating the overlay to the map.

They ensure exact copying of graphic information on the overlay from map tomap. When preparing an overlay, you may use register marks of your ownchoosing.

After orientating the overlay, you can begin to add theoperational/situational graphics. Remember, in numerous situations, overlayswill not be in color. When using only one color, draw friendly symbols withsingle lines and enemy symbols with double lines.

A boundary is a control measure normally drawn along identifiable terrainfeatures and used to separate areas of tactical responsibility for subordinateunits. Within their boundaries, units may maneuver within the overlay plan

without close coordination with neighboring units unless otherwise restricted.Units may place direct fire across boundaries on clearly identified enemytargets without prior coordination, provided they do not endanger friendlyforces.

Units may also use indirect fire to engage clearly defined enemy targets, butonly after prior coordination with the unit across the boundary.

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A line with the size of the unit shown at convenient intervals indicatesboundaries. Always show on the boundary the highest echelon of adjacent unitssharing the boundary. If a boundary separates units of unequal size, give the

designation of the lower unit completely. Depict proposed boundaries with abroken line.


EXAMPLE:

(XVIII Corps and XII Div) (Task Force, 2d Bn, 1st Inf onthe left, and 2d Bde, 79th Infon the right)

Extend boundaries beyond the objective a sufficient distance to provide forthe coordination of supporting fires and actions required to secure andconsolidate the objective.

A major unit does not require a boundary between it and an armored cavalry orother type unit performing a covering, screening, or protecting mission on themajor unit's flank.

If employing the reconnaissance or security force in an attack role, and ithas an objective to secure, then there must be a boundary between it and themajor unit.

When units from two different countries share a common boundary, place anabbreviation indicating the nationality of the armed force in parenthesisbehind the unit designation.


EXAMPLE:

12th (US) Army Group 6th (NL) Infantry Brigade

5th (FR) Armored Division 5th (IT) Infantry Regiment

You may find these and more country abbreviations in Appendix D of FM 101-5-1.

Establishing rear boundaries facilitates command and control (C2). You maynot always need to show rear boundaries. If you do, indicate the size alongthe boundary that corresponds to the smaller unit, or, in other words, to thecommanded unit and not the commanding unit. If required to prevent confusion,show ARM or branch and nationality of unit.


EXAMPLE:

(Rear boundaries separates 43d (Rear boundary separatesInfantry Division and V Corps.) 14th Armored Cavalry

Regiment and V Corps.)

Show future or proposed boundaries with broken lines labeled with Date-Time-

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Group to indicate the date and time or condition it takes effect and theheadquarters establishing the boundary.

Show VGT #7/ELO #2.


Remove VGT #7.

As seen in the previous VGT, another graphic symbol indicated the objective.An objective may be an enemy force, terrain, or other physical object which isessential to the commander's intent.

Draw a general objective symbol with a line enclosing the abbreviation "OBJ"and a letter, name, or number designation.

Place it on an overlay around a definite terrain feature and/or by an enemyforce. A "goose egg" on an overlay sometimes refers to an objective symbol.Graphically, it looks like this:


EXAMPLE:

You may show two or more units in the same "goose egg" if they are in the samegeneral area, but it does not indicate any particular command relationshipbetween the units.

A phase line (PL) is the next thing we will talk about. You use a phase lineas a control measure and as a basis for reporting. Draw phase lines withsolid lines approximately perpendicular to the direction of advance ofwithdrawal.

Place phase lines at points that are clear on the ground and on the map.Label phase lines with "PL" and give a letter, number, or code name

designation to them.

Show VGT #8/ELO #2.


Remove VGT #8.

Some other control measures are the Line of Departure and Line of Contact. Aline of departure (LD) is a line designated to coordinate the commitment ofattacking units or scouting elements at a specified time and starting line.

A line of contact (LC) is a general trace showing the locating of two engagingopposing forces. A line of departure is a line of contact when opposingforces are in contact. (LD/LC)

Show VGT #9/ELO #2.


Remove VGT #9.

Two other symbols closely relate to the LD/LC. One is the forward edge of the

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battle area (FEBA), which is the forward limit of the main battle area.

The second symbol is the forward line of own troops (FLOT), a line thatindicates the most forward positions of friendly troops. The plot can be at,

beyond, or short of the FEBA.Show VGT #10/ELO #2.


Remove VGT #10.

A Fire Support Coordination Line (FSCL) is a line beyond which commanders mayattack all targets by any weapons system (including aircraft) withoutendangering friendly troops or requiring additional coordination with theestablishing headquarters.

The purpose of the FSCL is to expedite the attack on targets beyond the FSCL.Commanders do not need any additional coordination, provided neither thefires nor their effects fall short of the FSCL.

(Depict a Fire Support Coordination Line using a solid line labeled "FSCL."Show the proposed or future FSCL locations with broken lines and a label"FSCL."

Whether or not to show the FSCLs on the operations overlay depends on wherethe location of the FSCL is at the time you plan to distribute the overlay.

Draw it a short distance beyond the farthest point to which the commanderintends to send patrols, penetration forces (including air assault forces), orto maintain covering forces.

FSCLs should be easy to define on a map and easy to recognize from the air.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Include effective time. Answer

student questions.

EXAMPLE: XXX2

2

XXXThe FSCL is a permissive measure. When using multi-colored overlays, drawpermissive measures in black.

There are also restrictive measures. Draw restrictive measures in red.

A couple of examples of a restrictive measure are the Restrictive Fire Area(RFA) and the No-Fire Area (NFA). The purpose of the RFA is to regulate fires

or effects into an areaaccording to the stated restrictions. The purpose of the NFA is to prohibitfires or effects into the area.

Outline both in red (multi-color overlay) and label the restrictive fire areawith the abbreviation "RFA." The no fire area has red diagonal lines withinthe outlined area and the abbreviation "NFA." The Date-Time-Group shows thetime the restrictions become effective.

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Show VGT #11/ELO #2.


Remove VGT #11.

Show the direction of attack by drawing a single line arrow from the line ofdeparture to or into the objective. It does not necessarily indicate the mainattack of the command issuing the order, but it does indicate the directionalong which the commander issuing the order wants a subordinate commander tomake his attack.

The size of the arrow is not significant. Use it only where necessary, asthey restrict the maneuver of the subordinate unit.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Draw symbol on chalkboard. Answer student questions.

EXAMPLE: LD

LD

Use an axis of advance in a fluid situation to indicate the general directionof movement for the mass of a unit. It does not necessarily indicate theroute the unit will take. It is not as restrictive as the arrows used fordirection of attack.

Draw axis advance with broad double-lined arrows in the nonrestrictive senseand label them with a code name or the unit designation.

You may also label a coded axis of advance with the unit which is to use theaxis if there is a possibility of misunderstanding.

An axis of advance for a unit designated to conduct the main attack has adouble-line arrowhead.

Make a future or proposed axis of advance with broken lines and label it withthe effective date and time.


EXAMPLE:

Use arrows to show routes of march and label them with the word "Route" and anumber, letter, code, or unit designation. You may add arrows to indicateone-way, or two-way traffic.


EXAMPLE:

One-way traffic.Alternating one-way traffic ALT

Two-way traffic

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Let's look at what direction of attack, axis of advance, and a route wouldlook like on an overlay.



Remove VGT #12.

In defensive situations, a closed solid-line "goose egg" broken by anappropriate symbol depicting the size of the unit involved represents a battleposition (BP).

A battle position is a defensive location oriented on the most likely enemyavenue of approach from which a unit may defend or attack.

Position the closed side of the BP's "goose egg" toward the direction ofprimary concern. A "goose egg" with broken lines and the appropriate symboldepicting the size of the unit involved indicates an unoccupied or alternatebattle position.



A position number is a number inside the BP. Use a position number as acontrol measure and to help reduce confusion. A (P) following the positionnumber indicates a prepared position.

Remove VGT #13.

Use coordinating points in the defense to fix the exact localities at whichthe higher commander desires adjacent subordinate commanders to coordiante thedefense for the area.

For example: The corps commander designates coordinating points on divisionboundaries at the FEBA. The division commander designates coordinating pointson the brigade boundaries at the FEBA.

Locate coordinating points at some terrain feature, easily recognizable bothon the ground and on a map. Show coordinating points by placing a circle on aboundary with an "X" inside.


EXAMPLE:

You saw this symbol already during the discussion of the FEBA.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Instructor may want to reshow VGT #10.

Once you complete plotting and tracing all required details on the overlay,print the marginal information as close to the lower right-hand corner asdetail permits.

Show VGT #14/ELO #3 (Ref: FM 21-26, chapter 7)

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This VGT shows you the information that must be in the margin.

OVERLAY MARGINAL INFORMATION A. Classification.

B. Title and Objective.

C. Time and Date.

D. Map Reference.

E. Author.

F. Legend (only used when necessary).

1. Explain, Non-Standard Colors or Symbols.

2. Reference to Supporting Documents.

3. Distribution.


A. Place the classification of the overlay at the top and bottom of theoverlay itself. Write "Secret," "Classified," or "Unclassified" asappropriate.

B. The Title and Objective simply tells the reader why you made the overlayand it may also give the actual location of the overlay area.

C. The time and date indicate the exact time you received the information onthe overlay. This information is more pertinent on a situational overlay thanon an operational overlay.

D. If the reader does not have the map to use with the overlay, the mapreference provides the information necessary to obtain it. The informationincludes map sheet name, sheet number, map series number, and the scale of themap.

E. The author will place his name, rank, organization, date, and time ofpreparation on the overlay next. The date and timeshows the elapsed time since the report of the information and the time youprepared the overlay.

F. The legend of an overlay is the last piece of marginal information. You

use it only when necessary for such things as:- to explain nonstandard colors or symbols.- for a reference to any supporting document of the overlay.- to show distribution.

Remove VGT #14.

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Summary: As you have seen, a few simple symbols can replace an enormousamount of written orders. An overlay makes the commander's intent more clearand makes the operation plan more exact so each subordinate user of theoverlay has the same information. Overlays are tools for leaders.

Understanding how to prepare them and how use them is a responsibility ofevery leader. Tomorrow morning you will have to turn in the PE that I'mpassing out now. Do your own work. If someone else does your overlay, youwill learn nothing: and when you have to construct an overlay during the PhaseII portion of CLT, you will not know how to do it.

INSTRUCTOR NOTE: Answer student questions. Pass out summary sheet. Pass outTenino map and overlay. Pass out PE-1-1. Have students turn in theprogrammed text.