Squad STX Lanes??

Question

Does anyone know of any websites that shows you how to properly conduct a squad STX Lanes? Or any videos online?

Answer 1

STX Tips

Tips for Conducting a STX Lane from an evaluators point of view.
ENSURE YOU ARE CLEARLY IN CHARGE FROM THE TIME YOU OCCUPY THE
ASSEMBLY AREA UNTIL YOU HEAR THE EVALUATOR SAY "CHANGE OF MISSION".
STX LANES are 120 minutes long, 2 minutes to receive the mission, 37 minutes for TLP (troop
leading procedures)/OPORD, 40 minutes to conduct the mission, 15 minutes for the AAR, 10 minutes for SL counseling/prep for next lane, 5 minutes for movement to the next lane.

1. The most important item that effects each cadet in the squad is the squads SOP. The squad that
you are with at camp must be on the same sheet of music (ie., having only one SOP that is
common to all in the squad) There are many different styles of SOPs and all will work. One style
of a SOP that works very well, is the number system (numbering each position 1-? with duties and
special teams.) This type of SOP also helps with a quick change of positions when the new squad
leader and team leaders our ID'd. It also works well during the OPORD with tasking subordinates
( the squad leader will be able to ID quickly individual cadets with key tasks with little confusion).
2. Time starts right after you're asked if you have any questions. Ask smart questions, ensure you
are focused on the mission. The first thing you should ask for is the PIR (priority intelligence
requirement) for the mission. Then confirm all the map information (like your location), it may or
may not be given to you. Then ask for equipment or items that may enhance your ability to
accomplish the mission (ie., additional arms if it's an attack or binos and camera if it's a recon).
3. As soon as time starts ensure the time keeper started the watch. Immediately issue your warning
order to the team leaders, be clear, concise and quick. At minimum give mission, time and place of
OPORD, who's participating as noted in FM 7-8. The four paragraph warning order works the best
(ie., situation [be brief], mission, general instructions [time line], and specific instruction). Take no
more than two minutes to issue the warning order. Ref: Warning Orders FM7-8, Ranger
Handbook, FM7-92 and many others make sure they are current (check the date).
4. Issue instructions to the map/terrain model setup on what you want (be clear, concise and
quick). Then move off and put your order together. Ensure you supervise throughout the troop
leading procedures. One techinque is to have the team leaders come back to you when they
complete their tasks you specified to them. Tell the cadet that's preparing the terrain model to let
you know when it is complete. Then your supervision will happen automatically. Be aware of your
time always. One technique that works well, is to have the time keeper call the time out every two
mintues until 15 min, after which start calling time every minute. You must SP (start movement)
before 23minutes. If you miss this time mark BAD things will happen (most likely you'll receive
incoming artillery).
DEFINITION OF A FRAGO:
USE: FRAGOs are used to change specific missions or to provide timely changes to existing
orders. BREVITY. Only those items that are changed from the original OPORD are included in
the FRAGO. FORMAT. FRAGOs follow the standard 5-paragraph order. Items not required
(already known ) are deleted.
5. Issuing the OPORD, when you issue the warning order to the team leaders give them the time,
place and uniform of the OPORD (ie., here at the sand table in 4 minutes have them seated Btm on
the left and Atm on the right with pen and paper ready to receive the OPORD, which implies to
those tm ldrs to move their tms in a minute early and have them ready). This will accomplish a
number of things 1st. time is not wasted waiting for the squad to be seated and position
themselves, 2nd shows that you are clearly in charge, 3rd has your subordinates ready waiting for
you .
Start the OPORD by taking a roll call, ID'ing yourself, telling the squad to take good notes, and
finally saying "hold all questions until the end". Orientate the squad to the terrain model (only
focus on north, south, east, west, the terrain only and any hazards).
Brief the Situation: if no change from the warning order state no change (don't waste time on
information that is already known). A STX OPORD is a FRAGO don't forget this.
Mission: (MUST BE STATED TWICE) ensure it is clear concise and covers the 5 W's (who,
what, where, when, and why). When you give WHEN it's best to give an actual clock hard time
(ie., NLT 1030 hrs. rather than NLT 50 mintues from now) this demonstrates good TC (techincal
compentence).
Execution: Intent, when you give your intent keep it clear, concise, and focused.
Concept of the Operation: (tell a story) Step by step from the AA (assembly area) to the ORP
(objective rally point) then to the OBJ (objective) and back to the ORP. An example of this
follows: We will move out of the AA on an Az (azimuth) of 190degs for 50m in a team wedge sqd
in column traveling formation here we will conduct a 5 min listening halt. After which, we will
move on an azimuth of 190degs in a team wedge, squad in column, traveling overwatch formation
(demonstrates good TC) for a distance of 250m where we will establish our ORP, during
movement we will establish rally points (RP) every 100m. We have one LDA (linear danger area)
which we will cross as per our SOP. We will halt the squad at the tenative ORP location then I
will Look for a suitable ORP (remember: cover and concealed, defendable, off
of key terrain, and off the natural line of drift--sometimes you
will only be able to find one or two of these charateristics on
the STX lane, but be aware). Then we will occupy the ORP by force. I will issue my 5
point contengancie plan (GOTWA). Then I will go forward to pin point the OBJ to confirm the
plan and establish surveillance( leaving a GOTWA). Then I will return to the ORP together the
Assault and Support tms.
NOTE: EACH MISSION RECON, ATTACK OR MOVEMENT TO CONTACT WILL BE
EXPLAINED DIFFERENTLY. (this is only an example)
Explain action on the OBJ how it will be conducted again play by play, step by step. At this point
you can explain the PIR to be gathered. Then cover the withdraw off the OBJ (the three fire in the
hole technique works well). Cover control of the withdraw (ie., everyone goes through the choke
point where the Btm ldr will be positioned).
Tasks to subordinates: This when your sqd SOP will pay off, ID who's doing what.
Coordinating Instructions, cover the following: PIR, Safety (ensure it's realistic demonstates good
SN [sensitivety]), and engagement/dis -engagement criteria (actions if contact is made enroute).
Service Support: Remember it's a FRAGO if it has not change don't state it, only state those things
that have changed [the equipment given to you by the evaluator when you asked questions while
receiving the mission]).
***DON'T BRIEF SOMETHING YOU DON'T HAVE, IT WILL HAUNT YOU!
Command and Signal: Command, Your location during each step of the mission, Chain of
Command (DON'T SAY BY BOOT SIZE OR GPA etc... be realistic [your being evaluated]).
Signal, Control measures (ie., time hack for initiating fires on the OBJ), Challenge and Password,
Running password, Number combination, ect...
Once the order is complete: Ask for any questions ensure you address each question.
Conduct an back brief (while you are back briefing the team leaders have them stand up and
inspect them while you ask them questions) Ask pointed question (ie., what is the mission, what is
the azimuth, what is the distance, how often will RPs to be established?) Once complete direct the
destuction of the terrain model. Move right into rehearsals.
6. Rehearsals: #1 actions on the objective from the ORP (the step by step method works well for
rehearsals [ie., put squad into movement formation, take one step forward enforce movement, take
another step hand arm signal for the OPR, another step establish ORP take a knee,and so on...] ).
#2 Actions on contact enroute, #3 Crossing LDA, (BEWARE: Don't conduct a talk through
rehearsal ensure everyone is involved and actually performing the task, THE EVALUATOR IS
WATCHING). Ensure you are aware of the time throughout the entire Mission. Finally conduct a
final inspection. Call in your SP to higher (ie., higher this lower we are SP'ing at this time).
7. Movement: Ensure your compass is out and that you check the AZ, you will be looked at or
asked by the evaluator. Follow your plan step by step. Confirm your pace count with both the
primary and alt. pace cadets. Remember you are in CHARGE if it's broke fix it. Before you cross a
LDA ensure you physically check it out, then confirm or deny that you will cross at that location.
Remember the charateristics of an ORP. Once the OPR is established give a good 5-pnt cont. plan
(GOTWA, G- where your going, O- others you are taking, T- time you will be gone, W-what to do
if, A- actions to be taken you and me). Ensure this GOTWA is realistic you may need it.)
8. Actions on the OBJ (FOR AN ATTACK): Ensure that the bunker/immediate area is clear
before establishing security. Remember security first. Then call out for the special teams (EPW
and Search, Aid and Litter if needed, and then the Demo team) Ensure you maintain security and
adjust the perimeter to maintain 360 security. Time on the OBJ should be no longer than 2 min,
but if you need more time take it. You don't want to be on the OBJ any longer than what is
required togather the PIR. Control the withdraw off the OBJ; their are many techniques that work,
one that works well is the 3 fire in the hole method (once the Demo tm is called for the Btm ldr
positions him/herself at the choke point, 1st fire in the hole assualt team moves off the objective
moving through the choke point to the ORP, 2nd fire in the whole the support team moves off the
same way, 3rd fire in the whole the squad ldr and demo tm moves off the same way). The reason
for the choke point is for accountability.
9. Sending the SALUTE Report: DO NOT WING IT! Prepare your SALUTE Report and send it
once your back in the ORP. Along with the SALUTE you'll send an ACE or LACE Report. Once
this is complete the evaluator will probably give CHANGE OF MISSION and move the squad to
the AAR sand table.
Listen to the AAR it will help you for the follow on missions and the next day of STX.
STX at advanced camp is 3 days long. The first day is a training day. The second and third days
are straight out missions (evaluated) Each lane may have a variable. Varibles are things that will
cause you to react to different situation, ie. change of mission from a recon to an attack, an
ambush that turns into a meeting engagement, reacting to indirect fire, walking into an ambush,
ect...
I hope this page helps you in preparing for STX at advanced camp and understanding how it is
conducted. Lastly: this page explains a few techniques, understand they are only techniques.
Ensure you understand FM 7-8 and the doctrine, their are many different techniques of
accomplishing these same tasks.
This is not meant to be an all inclusive or absolute guide. However, it provides a decent
timeline of what should be going on in your STRAC lane.
Receive the Mission
Appoint an RTO who's good with a map. Have him attend your OPORD. Get him to plot
distance and direction to the target while you recieve the situation. Ask questions to the
TAC regarding special equipment. Here are some good questions:
What is (are):
Grid of AA?
Distance/ Direction/Grid of target? ( He/She may not give it!)
Callsign/freq of higher
Callsign/freq of Medevac (Only use if you know how!)
Callsign/freq of artillery support/FSO/FAC (Same as above!)
PIR requirements (Very important, especially for recon)
Strength and disposition of enemy forces (can't hurt to ask, at TAC of mine at camp told
me the number)
Hit times? (Very Important! For all Tactics)
Adjacent units? (Fill in your situation paragraph.)
Can I have/use:
Artillery support?
Medevac?
Ghost security for rehearsals?(Generally standard, but ask anyway)
Binoculars?(Use them if you have them!)
Smoke?(Simulated or real - use when ambushed or sniped!)
Pyrotechnics?(Army simulators are cool!)
Once you have all your questions answered, your RTO should be able to confirm your
distance and direction with the TAC.
The 18 Minute Drill
Here it is, in a loose outline - METT-T always!
0:00-2:00 Appoint A and B team leaders, if not already done. Issue WARNORD. Direct
TL's to disseminate and have squad camo and redistribute ammo. Have your RTO set up
sandtable. Brief on tentative layout/plan.
2:00-6:00 Plan OPORD. Rehearse briefly to self. Get a pointer stick. Take a second to
collect yourself and remember to stay calm. You're under stress, and a messed up
OPORD can kill your evaluation!
6:00-12:00 Issue OPORD, confidently and quickly. Read mission statement twice. Make
eye contact with each TL and squad members to ensure understanding. Have Squad put
down pens during Concept of the Operation - paragraph 3a of OPORD. In this phase, tell
a story of how you're going to accomplish the mission. During coordinating instructions
be sure to brief signals, any IAD's necessary, rally points, actions up to and through the
objective, including contingencies. Remember - it's coordinating instructions! During
Command and Signal be sure to brief succession of command, location of key leaders,
callsigns, freqs, and passwords. Brief signals such as whistle blasts and smoke use in
coordinating instructions, although it doesn't hurt to repeat. I cannot stress this enough -
FOLLOW FM 7-8 TO THE LETTER! Be sure to ask for questions and then briefback!
12:00-13:00 Have your TL's inspect their squads. Ensure squad drinks water. Clean and
destroy sandtable.
13:00-17:00 Rehearse. Practice actions on objective first, and then practice IAD's. Use
the shoulder to shoulder method. Here's a neat trick I saw at camp - during your
rehearsal, when you're practicing the key point of the mission, kill yourself off. The ask
the TL what he would do. Major cheese points, and a common sense contingency. It's
also a good way to ensure your squad understands the plan. Make sure everyone knows
ALL the signals for lift, shift, withdrawal, etc.
17:00-18:00 Form up and Move out. Remember to call higher before moving out. Use
hand and arm signals from the on.
Again, this is a generic outline, you may need to alter it. Like everything, use METT-T.
To the ORP!
You now have 37 minutes to complete your mission. 90% of the time you will be in
traveling overwatch formation Move at a fast walk pace, not the Vietnam style snail's
pace. You will need every second of time you can get, so get to the ORP fast. More time
allows a better leader's recon and preparation of the objective. Besides, a slow moving
target is easier to hit than a fast moving target. And if you're going to be hit by a
sniper/Ambush, It'll likely happen regardless of how fast/slow you are moving. You may
even catch the ambushing party unprepared or moving into position, as happened to my
squad at camp. Practice crossing LDA's with your squad so you can blow through them
without losing much time. If arty comes in, you know the drill. Do 50 meters at 12
o'clock, simulating an actual 300-500m movement out of the impact area. Moving 12 is
as good as any direction, and you stay on azimuth. It's also a good opportunity to move
fast on azimuth. If a sniper hits you and you can locate him, take him out. Otherwise pop
smoke and bound back to your last RP. If ambushed close, assault through violently. If
far ambushed, suppress with one team and flank with another. After all encounters call in
SLAUTE/ACE. If your RTO is competent, he will already have the data ready when you
rally. Feel free to let your RTO call in reports. (Good DL!) This frees you to check other
things and get reorganized.
Upon Arrival at the ORP, set up 360 security immediately. Assemble your leader's recon
team, and prepare to move.
On the Recon
Who to take on leader's recon is mainly personal preference. I generally take a TL, my
RTO, and a member from the team of the TL staying behind. Do whatever works for you,
as there is no doctrinal setup for the team. Leave a GOTWA with the TL at the ORP, and
instruct him to disseminate it. Move out, and then separate into two groups of two and
approach the suspected objective from two directions. Use a binocular to get good intel
on the site. Try to find good terrain to assault from, and get a count of weapons and
personnel. You can get a large amount of PIR on a leader's recon. Be sure to return to the
ORP with at least 15 minutes left. Disseminate information to ALL members of the squad
on what was seen, and then execute your plan. If your mission was a Recon, you can end
it here if you have satisfied all PIR requirements. Just call higher with SALUTE and
LACE. Otherwise move out and get your teams to IMT into their positions, and await the
signal.
Assaulting the Objective
Don't get too close and force the OPFOR to shoot at you because of stupidity. Your M16
has an effective range longer than most lanes at camp. If ambushing, be a good distance
from the road. As long as you can keep control and can get a good bead on the objective,
there is no reason to get within 20 feet of it, which usually allows the OPFOR to shoot
first.. You may even suprise the OPFOR. Once all the elements are in place, initiate with
your signal. The most casualty producing weapon (LAW, SAW, claymore, etc.) should
open, followed by the rest of the squad. At the appropriate time, conduct your actions on
the objective - lift, shift, etc. Immediately set up security and bring your support team to
close the perimeter. Be sure OPFOR weapons are moved away from their bodies. Call out
special teams quickly. Get your RTO to record PIR and begin getting SALUTE/ACE
together. Try to be off the objective in 2 minutes, using the plan briefed in your OPORD.
Call in your reports at the rally point. You have just completed a STRAC lane.
Final Thoughts
This paper only scratches the surface of ROTC tactics, and is only meant to be a primer
to get started. Tactics is something which requires practice, but is not all that hard to do
well at. All the tips and tricks in the world are no good unless you can think on your feet
and make quick decisions. Indecisiveness is the greatest sin at camp. Better to do
something, even if it may not be the best solution, than do nothing. Keep calm and
collected. Don't let one mistake ruin your whole lane. Use correct IMT. Know the
OPORD backwards and forwards. Never let an instruction be given to you that is unclear.
Read, know, and learn FM 7-8. Learn to use the radio, it will pay off and shine if you are
the RTO for your buddies and able to call in Arty, Medevac, etc. Have a good notebook
with cheat cards. Even the most seasoned cadets forget things under pressure. React
aggressively to situations. Be motivated assaulting the objective. Just remember, this is
your chance to stick it to the OPFOR. I remember the best comment made to my squad
near the end of camp by a major was : "You looked like real soldiers coming onto the
objective. Best lane I've seen." Set a goal to be professional and motivated. Your whole
squad can get an "O" if you cooperate.
Don't stress too much on tactics, like other evals; it is but one part of the whole.