Post by Deleted on Oct 6, 2021 16:59:30 GMT
We constanly talk about 'support' but what does it mean. I don't think the Army had a 'dictionary' as we do today, so I will provide an off the cuff starting definition I am making up.
Support: Actions provided by other units to a given unit either by presence (on the units flanks), following in its rear (but NOT in reserve), or providing other types of support from a distance or with a service (Artillery firing over your head, providing doctors to a unit that does not have any, or providing food, water, bullets, etc.).
Today's definition from JP 1-02
This pretty much matches my general description above which I did before looking up the actual defnition. But I confess, the actual definition is in my head.
In our Context, Terry is both the column, tactical, and supporting commander. He provides support. Custer and Gibbon (once united) are Supported Commanders as he is under Terry for logistics support, artillery support, etc. In this case, Terry has sent Custer off on a mission and provided him logistical support from the trains. (Terry controlled the expeditions trains and logistical needs. Custer then received support from the expeditions trains as needed.) Terry also offered artillery support in the form of the Gatling Guns.
CPT Otho E Michaelis is the Chief Ordnance Officer - not really sure what this means at the time.
1LT Edward Maguire is the Chief Engineer - These seems to mostly mean the mapper, but he may also have had expertise as an Engineer (as most West Point Officers did).
2LT Charles Varnum is the Commander of the Indian Scout Detachment (who at the time of the battle has been detached to Custer). In neither case is he operating as a supporting unit, but as a tactical unit report first to Terry, then to Custer.
CPT John W Williams is the Chief Medical Officer (commanding the doctors, thus he is the Supporting Medical Commander)
2LT William Low commanding the Gatling Gun Battery (in todays parlance, he provides Direct Support to Terry's Column.)
Interesting there is no Quartermaster on Terry's staff as noted in Great Sioux Wars Orders of Battle.
Now lets look at some of the other types of support:
This defines Custer's Battalion relationship to Reno as Reno apparently understood it. Custer did not provide any guidenance on integration or coordtination of the supporting unit with the supported unit.
Today, this is the role of units like Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, or Engineers, to name a few. In this case, the offer of the Gatling Guns would place them in Direct Support of the 7th Cavalry. (They are not assigned to the 7th, although today then they would probably fit more into the realm of Attached. Today they respond to the needs of the supported commander, but are not fed or controlled by him.
The Gatling Battery, if not supporting anyone would be in General Support to Terry's column.
Had the Terry Column been operating as a whole, he could have placed the Gatling Guns in support of Gibbon and Custer, and retained his Rodman Guns to support both forces.
The Department of the Army relied on the Department of Indian Affairs for information from individual agents as to the strength and activities of the Indians on their respective Operations. Specific reservations would perhaps be providing information to Terry, Gibbon (till united), and Crook.
This describes the relationship between adjacent units (flanks) or those to the rear. In some cases, they becomes a mission (Support by Fire, Follow and Support, or Follow and Assume). A related task (Attack by Fire does not constitute support). This is what Reno expected from Custer when he asked if he would be "supported."
Before moving onto the mission tasks of Support by Fire, Follow and Support, or Follow and Assume) let's look at the two types of attacks: Main Effort and Supporting Effort.
For these tasks, I will refer to Army FM 3-90-1 Tactics.
The main effort receives the preponderance of combat power and support. Thus, we would expect Custer's battalion to be the main effort.
There is not really a definition for supporting effort, but this excerpt provides a good description.
So, Initially, even though he does not have the most combat power, Reno is the Main Effort and Reno appears to think that Custer is supporting him. In his after action report, though, Reno admits that Custer could have been planning to support him by a flanking attack. At any rate, Reno did not 'know' what Custer was going to do and it is uncertain if anyone at the time told him they saw Custer vicinity 3411 heading for the enemy's flank. The main effort and the supporting effort (or efforts) need not be adjacent. VII Corps was the Desert Storm main effort and the 1st Infantry Division was the Corps Main effort. the 1st Cavalry Division (on our right) was at the time under the contorl of CENTCOM and was their reserve, while also providing mutual support from the right. the 2nd ACR was on our left screening the border and providing mutual support on or left. The 1 (UK) Armor Division was behind us in reserve and to would pass through our lines after we penetrated the Iraqi line and formed a lodgement. the 1(US) and 3(US) were to our left and behind the 2 ACR and were prepared to pass through them when the 2nd ACR discovered the enemy main body (vicinity 73 Easting). The whole rest of the force were supporting efforts (XVIII (US) Airborne Corps and all the Arab forces and the I MEF. The 1st Infantry Division has priority of fire support with the 1 (US) ID DIVARTY, 1 (UK) AD DIVARTY, and 3 FA Brigades in support of the initial attack. We also had priority of Air Support. The only thing I remember is 3 attacks of 3 B-52s each at 10, 2, and 4 (just like DR Pepper), 3 MC-130s dropping 10000 lb Daisy Cutters, and 3 AC-130s which we called off because it was daylight when we ended up attacking. We also had an entire Engineer Brigade is direct support to helps us through the Iraqi fortifications, which ended up being done in about 30 minutes.
A supporting effort (attack) can be launched at the same time as, before (to draw enemy away from the main), or after (to confuse the enemy as to which is the main and draw enemy away.) The primary job of the commander, as I see it, is to designate and provide the main effort with the majority of combat power and support in order to accomplish the mission.
Reno was a supporting effort when he was sent to the left. He was supporting the main effort (at that point the Regiment (-) under Custer with Custer's battalion and Reno's operating together. When Reno because committed, he was the main effort. As each situation developed, they lost mutual support.
There are three tactical tasks which provide support.
There was no instance of Support by Fire During the battle. Reno could have provided this, but instead he ended up conducting an Attack by Fire.
Reno partially fixed the Indians (into concentrating on him) up until the time Custer's flanking move was discovered.
This, in my mind is what Reno had his mind based on what Cooke and maybe Custer told him. If he ran into trouble, Custer would be able to move through him to continue, move up on a flank and then move both battalions forward, or attempt a close in flanking attack while Reno shifted his Attack by Fire to Support by Fire. This task is not the same as Reserve. Reserves are uncommitted forces which may be following a specific unit. However, they do not have a specific task. The task of the Follow and Assume the followed battalions position if it cannot accomplish its mission.
Had Custer followed Reno AND Reno had not been stymied, he would have pretty much been doing this. He probably wanted Reno to go forward and he would police the battlefield behind him.
Clearly 21st Century Doctrine does not describe 19th Century Doctrine, but our doctrine evolved from whatever they did at the time. Tactics are the opinion of the Senior Officer Present. Chuck is senior to me, and I will pay close attention to his response, but since this is a discussion, I don't have to change my mind. If we differed during an operation, I would get the last word by saying "Yes sir" and saluting. As it is, if you put 3 infantry LTC and 3 armor LTC together, you will get 21 or so different opinions, until the COL walks in with the right one.
If we keep these definitions in mind, even though they may not perfectly apply to the period, we can have clearer communication and a better understanding of what is going on.
Support: Actions provided by other units to a given unit either by presence (on the units flanks), following in its rear (but NOT in reserve), or providing other types of support from a distance or with a service (Artillery firing over your head, providing doctors to a unit that does not have any, or providing food, water, bullets, etc.).
Today's definition from JP 1-02
support — 1. The action of a force that aids, protects, complements, or sustains another force in accordance with a directive requiring such action. 2. A unit that helps another unit in battle. 3. An element of a command that assists, protects, or supplies other forces in combat. See also close support; direct support; general support; interdepartmental or agency support; international logistic support; inter-Service support; mutual support. (JP 1)
supported commander — 1. The commander having primary responsibility for all aspects of a task assigned by the Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan or other joint operation planning authority. 2. In the context of joint operation planning, the commander who prepares operation plans or operation orders in response to requirements of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. 3. In the context of a support command relationship, the commander who receives assistance from another commander’s force or capabilities, and who is responsible for ensuring that the supporting commander understands the assistance required. See also support; supporting commander.
supporting commander — 1. A commander who provides augmentation forces or other support to a supported commander or who develops a supporting plan. 2. In the context of a support command relationship, the commander who aids, protects, complements, or sustains another commander’s force, and who is responsible for providing the assistance required by the supported commander. See also support; supported commander. (JP 3-0)
In our Context, Terry is both the column, tactical, and supporting commander. He provides support. Custer and Gibbon (once united) are Supported Commanders as he is under Terry for logistics support, artillery support, etc. In this case, Terry has sent Custer off on a mission and provided him logistical support from the trains. (Terry controlled the expeditions trains and logistical needs. Custer then received support from the expeditions trains as needed.) Terry also offered artillery support in the form of the Gatling Guns.
CPT Otho E Michaelis is the Chief Ordnance Officer - not really sure what this means at the time.
1LT Edward Maguire is the Chief Engineer - These seems to mostly mean the mapper, but he may also have had expertise as an Engineer (as most West Point Officers did).
2LT Charles Varnum is the Commander of the Indian Scout Detachment (who at the time of the battle has been detached to Custer). In neither case is he operating as a supporting unit, but as a tactical unit report first to Terry, then to Custer.
CPT John W Williams is the Chief Medical Officer (commanding the doctors, thus he is the Supporting Medical Commander)
2LT William Low commanding the Gatling Gun Battery (in todays parlance, he provides Direct Support to Terry's Column.)
Interesting there is no Quartermaster on Terry's staff as noted in Great Sioux Wars Orders of Battle.
Now lets look at some of the other types of support:
close support — That action of the supporting force against targets or objectives which are sufficiently near the supported force as to require detailed integration or coordination of the supporting action with the fire, movement, or other actions of the supported force. See also direct support; general support; mutual support; support. (JP 3-31)
This defines Custer's Battalion relationship to Reno as Reno apparently understood it. Custer did not provide any guidenance on integration or coordtination of the supporting unit with the supported unit.
direct support — A mission requiring a force to support another specific force and authorizing it to answer directly to the supported force’s request for assistance. Also called DS. See also close support; general support; mission; mutual support; support. (JP 3-09.3)
Today, this is the role of units like Artillery, Air Defense Artillery, or Engineers, to name a few. In this case, the offer of the Gatling Guns would place them in Direct Support of the 7th Cavalry. (They are not assigned to the 7th, although today then they would probably fit more into the realm of Attached. Today they respond to the needs of the supported commander, but are not fed or controlled by him.
general support — 1. That support which is given to the supported force as a whole and not to any particular subdivision thereof. See also close support; direct support; mutual support; support. 2. A tactical artillery mission.
The Gatling Battery, if not supporting anyone would be in General Support to Terry's column.
general support-reinforcing — General support-reinforcing artillery has the mission of supporting the force as a whole and of providing reinforcing fires for other artillery units. Also called GSR.
Had the Terry Column been operating as a whole, he could have placed the Gatling Guns in support of Gibbon and Custer, and retained his Rodman Guns to support both forces.
interdepartmental or agency support — Provision of logistic and/or administrative support in services or materiel by one or more Military Services to one or more departments or agencies of the United States Government (other than military) with or without reimbursement. See also international logistic support; inter-Service support; support.
mutual support — That support which units render each other against an enemy, because of their assigned tasks, their position relative to each other and to the enemy, and their inherent capabilities. See also close support; direct support; support. (JP 3-31)
This describes the relationship between adjacent units (flanks) or those to the rear. In some cases, they becomes a mission (Support by Fire, Follow and Support, or Follow and Assume). A related task (Attack by Fire does not constitute support). This is what Reno expected from Custer when he asked if he would be "supported."
Before moving onto the mission tasks of Support by Fire, Follow and Support, or Follow and Assume) let's look at the two types of attacks: Main Effort and Supporting Effort.
For these tasks, I will refer to Army FM 3-90-1 Tactics.
main effort A designated subordinate unit whose mission at a given point in time is most critical to overall mission success. (ADRP 3-0)
The main effort receives the preponderance of combat power and support. Thus, we would expect Custer's battalion to be the main effort.
There is not really a definition for supporting effort, but this excerpt provides a good description.
Usually, a supporting effort engages the enemy’s front by fire and maneuver while the main effort maneuvers to attack the enemy’s flank. This supporting effort diverts the enemy’s attention from the threatened flank. It
is often used for a hasty attack or meeting engagement where speed and simplicity are paramount to maintaining battle tempo and, ultimately, the initiative.
is often used for a hasty attack or meeting engagement where speed and simplicity are paramount to maintaining battle tempo and, ultimately, the initiative.
A supporting effort (attack) can be launched at the same time as, before (to draw enemy away from the main), or after (to confuse the enemy as to which is the main and draw enemy away.) The primary job of the commander, as I see it, is to designate and provide the main effort with the majority of combat power and support in order to accomplish the mission.
Reno was a supporting effort when he was sent to the left. He was supporting the main effort (at that point the Regiment (-) under Custer with Custer's battalion and Reno's operating together. When Reno because committed, he was the main effort. As each situation developed, they lost mutual support.
There are three tactical tasks which provide support.
SUPPORT BY FIRE
B-40. Support by fire is a tactical mission task in which a maneuver force moves to a position where it can engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force. The primary objective of the support
force is normally to fix and suppress the enemy so that the enemy cannot effectively fire on the maneuvering force. The secondary objective is to destroy the enemy if the enemy tries to reposition. The commander specifies the
desired effect on the enemy when assigning this task.
B-41. A unit conducting the task of support by fire does not maneuver to capture enemy forces or terrain. The commander gives this task to another unit as part of a larger maneuver. When assigning a support by fire mission, the commander designates the enemy, when to attack, the general location from which to operate, the friendly force to support, and the purpose of the task, such as fix or suppress. (Figure B-12 shows the tactical mission graphic
for support by fire.) The ends of the arrows point in the general direction of the targeted unit or location. The base of the area indicates the general area from which to deliver fires.
B-42. Once the commander gives an element the task of support by fire, it should occupy support by fire positions that have cover and concealment, good observation, and clear fields of fire. Elements occupying support by fire positions should—
Check the security of the position.
Search for targets.
Orient weapons on likely or suspected enemy positions.
Assume fighting positions that provide some degree of protection. Armored and Stryker equipped forces occupy hull-down firing positions, while infantry forces use trees, natural berms, buildings, and similar existing terrain features.
Assign observation sectors to each Soldier or weapon system in the support by fire element.
Use available thermal sights to locate heat sources not visible to the naked eye, such as vehicles concealed in tree lines or other wooded areas or personnel serving at observation posts (OPs).
B-43. Support by fire closely resembles the task of attack by fire. The difference is that support by fire supports another force so that it can maneuver against the enemy, while an attack by fire does not support the maneuver of
another friendly force.
B-40. Support by fire is a tactical mission task in which a maneuver force moves to a position where it can engage the enemy by direct fire in support of another maneuvering force. The primary objective of the support
force is normally to fix and suppress the enemy so that the enemy cannot effectively fire on the maneuvering force. The secondary objective is to destroy the enemy if the enemy tries to reposition. The commander specifies the
desired effect on the enemy when assigning this task.
B-41. A unit conducting the task of support by fire does not maneuver to capture enemy forces or terrain. The commander gives this task to another unit as part of a larger maneuver. When assigning a support by fire mission, the commander designates the enemy, when to attack, the general location from which to operate, the friendly force to support, and the purpose of the task, such as fix or suppress. (Figure B-12 shows the tactical mission graphic
for support by fire.) The ends of the arrows point in the general direction of the targeted unit or location. The base of the area indicates the general area from which to deliver fires.
B-42. Once the commander gives an element the task of support by fire, it should occupy support by fire positions that have cover and concealment, good observation, and clear fields of fire. Elements occupying support by fire positions should—
Check the security of the position.
Search for targets.
Orient weapons on likely or suspected enemy positions.
Assume fighting positions that provide some degree of protection. Armored and Stryker equipped forces occupy hull-down firing positions, while infantry forces use trees, natural berms, buildings, and similar existing terrain features.
Assign observation sectors to each Soldier or weapon system in the support by fire element.
Use available thermal sights to locate heat sources not visible to the naked eye, such as vehicles concealed in tree lines or other wooded areas or personnel serving at observation posts (OPs).
B-43. Support by fire closely resembles the task of attack by fire. The difference is that support by fire supports another force so that it can maneuver against the enemy, while an attack by fire does not support the maneuver of
another friendly force.
There was no instance of Support by Fire During the battle. Reno could have provided this, but instead he ended up conducting an Attack by Fire.
ATTACK BY FIRE
B-4. Attack by fire is a tactical mission task in which a commander uses direct fires, supported by indirect fires, to engage an enemy force without closing with the enemy to destroy, suppress, fix, or deceive that enemy. A commander assigning this task to a subordinate must also state the desired effect on the enemy, such as neutralize, fix, or disrupt. A commander normally employs this task when the mission does not dictate or support close combat and occupation of a geographical objective by another friendly force. The commander may assign the force conducting an attack by fire a battle position with either a sector of fire or an engagement area (EA), or the may be stationary or moving. Figure B-1 shows the tactical mission graphic for attack by fire. The arrow points at the targeted force or objective, and the commander places the base of the arrow in the general area from which the commander wants to deliver the attack.
B-5. An attack by fire closely resembles the task of support by fire. The chief difference is that one unit conducts the support by fire task to support another unit so it can maneuver against the enemy. The attack by fire task includes—
Assigning sectors of fire or EAs to each subordinate weapon system to include the enemy’s defensive positions or avenues of approach.
Designating control measures to allow massing, distributing, and shifting of direct and indirect fires.
Designating battle positions, area of operations (AO), or axis of advance to allow the friendly force to engage the enemy.
Providing for security and all-around defense, including control measures to ensure tie-in of subordinate elements and maximum use of hide positions.
Using operations security (OPSEC) to deceive the enemy about movement, occupation, and intent of the operation.
Reconnoitering, preparing, and securing movement routes and firing positions before the movement of the main body, and stocking Class V items.
Providing movement instructions to the initial battle positions.
B-4. Attack by fire is a tactical mission task in which a commander uses direct fires, supported by indirect fires, to engage an enemy force without closing with the enemy to destroy, suppress, fix, or deceive that enemy. A commander assigning this task to a subordinate must also state the desired effect on the enemy, such as neutralize, fix, or disrupt. A commander normally employs this task when the mission does not dictate or support close combat and occupation of a geographical objective by another friendly force. The commander may assign the force conducting an attack by fire a battle position with either a sector of fire or an engagement area (EA), or the may be stationary or moving. Figure B-1 shows the tactical mission graphic for attack by fire. The arrow points at the targeted force or objective, and the commander places the base of the arrow in the general area from which the commander wants to deliver the attack.
B-5. An attack by fire closely resembles the task of support by fire. The chief difference is that one unit conducts the support by fire task to support another unit so it can maneuver against the enemy. The attack by fire task includes—
Assigning sectors of fire or EAs to each subordinate weapon system to include the enemy’s defensive positions or avenues of approach.
Designating control measures to allow massing, distributing, and shifting of direct and indirect fires.
Designating battle positions, area of operations (AO), or axis of advance to allow the friendly force to engage the enemy.
Providing for security and all-around defense, including control measures to ensure tie-in of subordinate elements and maximum use of hide positions.
Using operations security (OPSEC) to deceive the enemy about movement, occupation, and intent of the operation.
Reconnoitering, preparing, and securing movement routes and firing positions before the movement of the main body, and stocking Class V items.
Providing movement instructions to the initial battle positions.
FOLLOW AND ASSUME
B-27. Follow and assume is a tactical mission task in which a second committed force follows a force conducting an offensive task and is prepared to continue the mission if the lead force is fixed, attrited, or unable to continue. The follow-and-assume force is not a reserve but is committed to accomplish specific tasks. Figure B-6 shows the tactical mission graphic for follow and assume. The commander places the box part of the graphic around the symbol of the unit being assigned this task.
B-28. Tasks for a follow-and-assume force include—
Preparing to execute all missions of the followed unit.
Maintaining contact with the trail elements of the leading force.
Preparing to conduct a forward passage of lines through the force it is following.
Monitoring all combat information and intelligence being provided to and from the force it is following.
Avoiding engaging enemy forces bypassed by the force it is following.
B-29. A commander assigns a follow-and-assume mission to ensure that the attacking force maintains the momentum of its offensive action. The follow-and-assume force ensures that it can immediately execute a forward passage of lines and assume the mission of the lead force.
B-30. The commander assigning a unit the task of follow and assume has two options in establishing the relationship between the lead and trail units. The commander normally retains command of both units and requires that all requests for support from the supported unit to the supporting unit pass through the commander’s headquarters. Alternatively, in situations where the commander will not be able to maintain control over both units, the supporting unit is placed in a standard command relationship with the supported unit, such as attached or operational control. An example of this occurs when both units are trying to encircle a retrograding enemy force and the commander remains with the direct-pressure force.
B-27. Follow and assume is a tactical mission task in which a second committed force follows a force conducting an offensive task and is prepared to continue the mission if the lead force is fixed, attrited, or unable to continue. The follow-and-assume force is not a reserve but is committed to accomplish specific tasks. Figure B-6 shows the tactical mission graphic for follow and assume. The commander places the box part of the graphic around the symbol of the unit being assigned this task.
B-28. Tasks for a follow-and-assume force include—
Preparing to execute all missions of the followed unit.
Maintaining contact with the trail elements of the leading force.
Preparing to conduct a forward passage of lines through the force it is following.
Monitoring all combat information and intelligence being provided to and from the force it is following.
Avoiding engaging enemy forces bypassed by the force it is following.
B-29. A commander assigns a follow-and-assume mission to ensure that the attacking force maintains the momentum of its offensive action. The follow-and-assume force ensures that it can immediately execute a forward passage of lines and assume the mission of the lead force.
B-30. The commander assigning a unit the task of follow and assume has two options in establishing the relationship between the lead and trail units. The commander normally retains command of both units and requires that all requests for support from the supported unit to the supporting unit pass through the commander’s headquarters. Alternatively, in situations where the commander will not be able to maintain control over both units, the supporting unit is placed in a standard command relationship with the supported unit, such as attached or operational control. An example of this occurs when both units are trying to encircle a retrograding enemy force and the commander remains with the direct-pressure force.
This, in my mind is what Reno had his mind based on what Cooke and maybe Custer told him. If he ran into trouble, Custer would be able to move through him to continue, move up on a flank and then move both battalions forward, or attempt a close in flanking attack while Reno shifted his Attack by Fire to Support by Fire. This task is not the same as Reserve. Reserves are uncommitted forces which may be following a specific unit. However, they do not have a specific task. The task of the Follow and Assume the followed battalions position if it cannot accomplish its mission.
FOLLOW AND SUPPORT
B-31. Follow and support is a tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive task. The follow-and-support force is not a reserve but is a force
committed to specific tasks. (Figure B-7 shows the tactical mission graphic for follow and support.) The commander places the box part of the graphic around the symbol of the unit being assigned this task.
B-32. Tasks for a follow-and-support force include—
Destroying bypassed enemy units when the lead unit does not clear the AO as it advances.
Blocking movement of enemy reinforcements.
Relieving in place any direct-pressure or encircling force halted to contain the enemy.
Securing lines of communication.
Clearing obstacles.
Guarding prisoners, key areas, and installations.
Recovering friendly battle losses.
Securing key terrain.
Controlling dislocated civilians.
B-33. A commander assigns a unit the task of follow and support to keep the supported force from having to commit its combat power to tasks other than the decisive operation, which would slow the offensive
operation’s momentum and tempo. The follow-and-support force accomplishes its tasks to prevent the enemy, obstacles, and other factors from interfering with offensive actions, especially along the lines of communications.
B-34. The commander assigning the follow-and-support task has two options in establishing the relationship between the supported and the supporting units. The commander can place the follow-and-support unit in a standard command relationship with the supported unit, such as attached or operational control. Alternatively, the commander can retain command of the follow-and-support force and require that all tasking requests from the supported unit go through the commander’s headquarters.
B-31. Follow and support is a tactical mission task in which a committed force follows and supports a lead force conducting an offensive task. The follow-and-support force is not a reserve but is a force
committed to specific tasks. (Figure B-7 shows the tactical mission graphic for follow and support.) The commander places the box part of the graphic around the symbol of the unit being assigned this task.
B-32. Tasks for a follow-and-support force include—
Destroying bypassed enemy units when the lead unit does not clear the AO as it advances.
Blocking movement of enemy reinforcements.
Relieving in place any direct-pressure or encircling force halted to contain the enemy.
Securing lines of communication.
Clearing obstacles.
Guarding prisoners, key areas, and installations.
Recovering friendly battle losses.
Securing key terrain.
Controlling dislocated civilians.
B-33. A commander assigns a unit the task of follow and support to keep the supported force from having to commit its combat power to tasks other than the decisive operation, which would slow the offensive
operation’s momentum and tempo. The follow-and-support force accomplishes its tasks to prevent the enemy, obstacles, and other factors from interfering with offensive actions, especially along the lines of communications.
B-34. The commander assigning the follow-and-support task has two options in establishing the relationship between the supported and the supporting units. The commander can place the follow-and-support unit in a standard command relationship with the supported unit, such as attached or operational control. Alternatively, the commander can retain command of the follow-and-support force and require that all tasking requests from the supported unit go through the commander’s headquarters.
Had Custer followed Reno AND Reno had not been stymied, he would have pretty much been doing this. He probably wanted Reno to go forward and he would police the battlefield behind him.
Clearly 21st Century Doctrine does not describe 19th Century Doctrine, but our doctrine evolved from whatever they did at the time. Tactics are the opinion of the Senior Officer Present. Chuck is senior to me, and I will pay close attention to his response, but since this is a discussion, I don't have to change my mind. If we differed during an operation, I would get the last word by saying "Yes sir" and saluting. As it is, if you put 3 infantry LTC and 3 armor LTC together, you will get 21 or so different opinions, until the COL walks in with the right one.
If we keep these definitions in mind, even though they may not perfectly apply to the period, we can have clearer communication and a better understanding of what is going on.