5-25 Belt Method

Narrator: The BELT technique strives to divide the terrain into belts that span the width of the sector, zone, or area of operation.  This technique is most effective when the terrain is divided into well-defined cross compartments during phased operations like a river crossing or helicopter borne assault, or when the enemy is deployed in clearly defined echelons.  This technique is based on the sequential analysis of events in each belt.   When time is short the commander may use a modified belt technique, noncontiguous belts selected on the basis of anticipated critical events, which may or may not occur at the same time.  Belts should include the area of initial contact along the forward line of troops, the line of departure or line of contact, the covering force area, the initial penetration or initial contact along the forward edge of the battle area, passage of the reserve or commitment of the counterattack, and the objective or defeat of the enemy, such as the limit of advance for the counterattack.