Deceiving smoke is used to deceive the enemy regarding US intentions. For example, smoke can be
employed on several avenues of approach to confuse the enemy as to the actual avenue of the main attack.
Identifying/signaling smoke is employed to identify targets, supply and evacuation points, and friendly
unit positions, and to provide for prearranged battlefield communications.
United States forces use smoke in one or more of the ways just discussed to --
Deny the enemy information.
Reduce effectiveness of enemy target acquisition means.
Restrict nap-of-the-earth and contour approaches for aircraft.
Disrupt enemy movement, operations, and command control.
Create conditions to surprise the enemy.
Deceive the enemy.
Provide battlefield communication.
Smoke should be planned for and used during darkness and other periods of reduced visibility to
further degrade enemy observation, particularly electro-optical devices not defeated by natural obscuration.
Smoke increases the overall effectiveness of chemical and conventional munitions (including scatterable
mines) by masking their employment. Similarly, the effects of smoke on enemy operations are compounded
when electronic warfare is simultaneously employed to degrade enemy command, control, and
communications. Smoke has the added effect of reducing the thermal effects of nuclear weapons.
Corps and division commanders establish priorities for conducting deliberate smoke operations.
Divisions normally receive smoke support to conceal the preparation and execution of brigade defensive and
offensive operations. Smoke also conceals division, brigade, and corps support forces. Priority for
employing smoke units may go to support the deception plan. Priorities will change as the situation
Smoke generator units can produce large quantities of smoke in only a few minutes. Smoke is carried
by the wind, spreading downwind and lingering in low, wooded areas. To keep smoke where it is wanted,
smoke operations must be carefully planned. Smoke screens must also be controlled and adjusted.
Coordination with adjacent, higher, and lower units is required to preclude disruption of friendly
operations. Coordination of smoke operations between the smoke unit leader and the ground combat unit
commander is essential. To be effective, smoke operations must start at the right time, cover the objective,
and stop quickly on order. In addition, the weather, terrain, and situation must be favorable before deliberate
smoke can be used.
Before beginning offensive operations, tactical units move to designated assembly areas to prepare to
attack. During this time, it is important to hide these forces and conceal friendly attack plans. Smoke