text: Defensive Considerations in Counterinsurgency
  to ensure maximum benefit, all such local plans should be coordinated and integrated with the base master
  defense plan.
  COMMUNICATION
  6-39. Control is the key to a successful base defense. To achieve the necessary control, a
  communication capability must be established between the base defense operations center and sector
  commanders, and between the sector commander and his bunkers, towers, and reserve. Bunkers or Towers
  within each section can communicate laterally within the sector, and flank bunkers of one sector can
  communicate with flank bunkers of adjacent sectors.
  SUSTAINMENT
  6-40. Depending on the mission and status of the battalion, the type of transport available, the weather,
  and the terrain, resupply may be by air or ground. The availability of landing zones and drop zones
  protected from the enemy's observation and fire is the main consideration if selecting organizing aerial
  resupply.
  PROTECTION
  6-41. All units in the base area are responsible for preserving its fighting potential. Protective measures
  reduce the probability (and the effects) of damage caused by hostile action. Responsibility for the conduct
  of protective measures is assigned to fire fighting units, chemical units, medical units, and other units.
  In addition, all units assigned to the base are tasked to conduct activities such as dispersion, camouflage,
  blackout, field discipline, and use of shelters.
  SECURITY
  6-42. Early warning of pending actions ensures the base commander time to react to any insurgent
  threat. Outposts, patrols, ground surveillance and countermortar radar, military working dogs teams,
  and air reconnaissance and surveillance provide early warning. Information provided by civilians
  and actions of indigenous personnel near the base are excellent indicators of pending enemy actions.
  All-round security is essential.
  DEFENSE IN DEPTH
  6-43. Alternate and supplementary positions, observation posts, and mutually supporting strong points
  in front of the base forward defense area extend the depth of the defense. The commander plans fires
  throughout the defensive area up to the maximum range of available weapons. Portable obstacles may be
  placed around critical targets during reduced visibility to disrupt the enemy’s plan and add depth to the
  defense.
  PATROLS
  6-44. Base defense operations to counter small groups of enemy forces include aggressive, frequent
  patrolling by squad—and platoon-size forces to detect, capture, or destroy small groups of insurgents.
  Dogs, if available, may be used to add security and additional detection ability to patrol operations.
  Populated areas near the base are searched, and surprise checkpoints are established along known
  or suspected routes of insurgent movement.
  MAXIMUM USE OF OFFENSIVE ACTION
  6-45. Since the objective of the base defense is to maintain a secure base, the defender maximizes the
  use of offensive actions to engage enemy forces outside the base. On initial occupation of the base site,
  friendly forces take offensive actions to destroy enemy forces in the immediate area. The area commander
  employs patrols, raids, ambushes, air attacks, and supporting fires to harass and destroy any remaining
  enemy force. Once the enemy has been cleared from the area, the base can be defended by a smaller force.
  The base commander maintains constant liaison with major tactical unit commanders in the area to stay
  abreast of efforts to remove the threat.