Marine Corps Rifle Squad Tactics and Formations, Exams of Military Strategy and Training

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FIRE TEAM OPERATIONS

MISSION STATEMENT

In May 1944, Headquarters, Marine Corps standardized the 13-man rifle squad, which has remained the standard unit organization into the 21st century based on

its flexibility and effectiveness. The mission for a Marine Corps rifle squad is to

locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or repel the

enemy's assault by fire and close combat. This mission consists of offensive

and defensive elements. "To locate, close with, and destroy," refers to the

offensive element of the Marine rifle squad while "Or repel the enemy's

assault," refers to the defensive element.

SQUAD LEADER

The potential firepower of a Marine squad is conservatively estimated at 400 well- aimed rifle and automatic rifle shots per minute with an additional 15 rounds from the grenade launchers. The squad composition is:

• One squad leader (sergeant)
• Three fire teams of 4 MarinesThe squad leader is equipped with:
• M4 service rifle
• OKC-3S bayonet
• Compass The squad leader takes position where they can best carry out the orders of the platoon commander and control and observe the squad. Squad Leader's Responsibilities The squad leader carries out the orders issued by the platoon commander. Responsibilities include: - Squad discipline - Appearance - Training - Control - Conduct - Welfare of troops - Care, condition, and economical use of weapons and equipment

In combat, the squad leader is also responsible for:

• Tactical employment
• Fire discipline
• Fire control
• Maneuver

THE FIRE TEAM

The fire team was created with the advantage of being an independent maneuver element centered around an automatic weapon. Each of the four Marines who make-up the fire team have specific assignments.

• A fire team leader/grenadier (corporal)
• Automatic rifleman (lance corporal)
• Assistant automatic rifleman (lance corporal)
• Rifleman (private) Fire Team Leader A corporal often serves as the fire team leader/grenadier. The senior fire team leader will often serve as an assistant squad leader and assumes the duties of the squad leader in the squad leaders absence. Equipped with:
• M16/M4 service rifle
• M203 grenade launcher
• OKC-3S bayonet
• Compass The fire team leader is responsible for:
• Maintaining communications with the squad leader
• Fire discipline and control
• Condition, care, and economical use of weapons and equipment The fire team leader takes position to best observe and control the fire team. Normally, the leader is close enough to the automatic rifleman to exercise effective control of fires Automatic Rifleman

The senior lance corporal on the team, the automatic rifleman, is normally able to accomplish the tasks of the rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman. This automatic rifleman can be equipped with one of the following:

• M27 infantry automatic rifle (IAR) with OKC-3S bayonet
• M249 squad automatic weapon (or SAW) with combat knife (or Ka-Bar)The automatic rifleman is responsible for:
• Carrying out the team leader's orders
• Effective employment of the automatic rifle
• The use of field expedient firing aids
• The condition and care of the automatic rifle and equipment
• Assuming the duties of the fire team leader in the event of the fire team leaders absence Assistant Automatic Rifleman The assistant automatic rifleman assists in the employment of the automatic rifle and is able to accomplish all of the tasks of the rifleman. The assistant automatic rifleman is equipped with:
• M16/M4 service rifle
• OKC-3S bayonet The assistant automatic rifleman is responsible for:
• Carrying out the fire team leader's orders
• The effective employment of their service rifle
• Carrying additional magazines and ammunition boxes for the automatic rifle
• The condition and care of their weapon and equipment
• Being prepared to assume the duties of the automatic rifleman Rifleman The rifleman is usually the junior Marine on the team. At this entry level position, the Marine learns to master their role in the fire team that will allow them to accept increasing levels of responsibility. The rifleman is equipped with:
• M16/M4 service rifle

• OKC-3S bayonet The rifleman is responsible for:
• Carrying out the orders of the fire team leader
• Effectively employing the rifle
• The condition and care of their weapon and equipment
• Serving as a squad scout
  • FIRE TEAM WEAPONS
  • M16 / M4:
  • Marines are trained to fire 10 to 12 well-aimed shots per minute. Difficulties encountered in battle usually make a slower rate of fire advisable. Under conditions of reduced visibility, the rifle can be used to deliver pre-planned fire by constructing a simple rest for the weapon.
  • M203:
  • The 40mm grenade launcher helps bridge the gap between direct and indirect fire assets. It provides the fire team leader with the ability to cover dead space within the sector of fire. The M203 is effective at stopping vehicles, but can also be used to deliver point fire on caves, bunkers, and windows. The fire team leaders can also use it to illuminate and mark targets.
  • M249 SAW / M27 IAR:
  • The increased rate of fire of the automatic rifle provides the bulk of each Marine fire team's firepower without sacrificing maneuverability. The automatic rifle is particularly valuable against targets such as machine guns and other automatic weapons. At the start of a fire fight, the rapid rate of fire is used to gain superiority and fix the enemy. Thereafter, the rate of fire should be slowed to sustained rate to maintain superiority. M16 / M4 Characteristics
• It fires a 5.56 mm ball, tracer, or blank cartridge.
• It is a magazine-fed, gas-operated, shoulder-fired weapon.
• It is capable of delivering a rate of fire of 45 - rounds per minute on semi- automatic or 90 - rounds per minute on three round burst.
• The M16 has a maximum effective range of 550 meters against point targets or 800 meters against area targets.

• The M4 has a maximum effective range of 500 meters against a point target and 600 against area targets. M203 Characteristics The M203 is a single shot, 40 mm grenade launcher that is mounted to the M service rifle or the M4 carbine. The M203:
• Is capable of firing training practice rounds, high explosive (including high explosive dual purpose and air burst), riot control and signaling (smoke), multiple projectile (tactical CS and buckshot), and non-lethal low velocity cartridges.
• Is lightweight, compact, and has breech loading and pump action.
• Has a maximum effective range of 150 meters against a point target and 350 meters against an area target. M249 SAW Characteristics
• It fires a 5.56 mm ball, tracer, or blank round linked together in a 200 - round ammo box, or in the case of an emergency it can use 30 - round magazines from the M16 / M4.
• It is gas-operated , air-cooled, and can be fired from the shoulder, underarm, or bipod-steadied positions.
• The M249 has a rapid rate of fire of 200 - rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of 85 rounds per minute.
• Has a maximum effective range of 800 meters against a point target and 1000 meters against an area target M27 Infantry Automatic Rifle (IAR) Characteristics The M27 was adopted by the Marine Corps in 2011 and replaced the M249 light machine gun as the squad's automatic weapon. The IAR:
• Is an air-cooled, gas-operated, shoulder-fired weapon.
• Is magazine-fed and fires the same ammunition as the M16 / M4.
• Has a rapid rate of fire of 700 - 900 rounds per minute with a sustained rate of fire of 36 rounds per minute.
• Has a maximum effective range of 550 meters against a point target and 700 meters against an area target. Which rank typically fills the billet of the squad leader? Sergeant (SGT)

Which weapon is the squad leader normally equipped with? M4 SERVICE RIFLE Which of the following is the symbol for the fire team leader? (/)

COMBAT FORMATIONS

Combat formations and signals enable the leader to control the movement and the fires of the unit. These formations are similar to playbooks used by football teams and prevent confusion during the conduct of the mission. The patrol leader determines the formation that the unit will use to move throughout the patrol. The factors influencing the leader's decision as to the selection of a particular formation include:

• Mission
• Likelihood of enemy contact
• Terrain
• Vegetation
• Weather
• Speed
  • SIGNALS
  • Signals are used to transmit commands and information when voice communications are difficult, impossible, or when silence must be maintained. The most common type of signal used is the hand and arm signal because it is not hindered by the noise on the battlefield and it is advantageous when silence must be maintained.
  • It is imperative that each team member repeats all signals through their team to ensure prompt and correct execution. The success of your mission depends on teamwork. A team member who cannot remember the signals imperils the team's survival. The disadvantages of hand and arm signals are that they must be seen and require a knowledge of each team member's location in the formation.
  • BASIC FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS
  • Fire team formations are groupings of individuals and units for efficient tactical employment. Normally, each fire team leader will determine the formation for their unit. Thus, a squad may contain a variety of fire team

formations at any one time. The relative position of the fire teams within the squad formation should be such that one will not mask the fire of the others.

• The fire team leaders place themselves in a position where they can best observe and control the fire team and receive orders from the squad leader. Sight or voice contact will be maintained within the fire team and between fire team leaders and squad leader. The fire team leader must also be in position to quickly and effectively control the employment of the automatic rifleman.

COLUMN

The fire team column formation is used when speed and control are governing factors such as moving through woods, fog, smoke, and along roads and trails.

• Permits rapid, controlled movements
• Favors fire and maneuver to the flanks
• Vulnerable to fire from the front because its own fire is limited in that direction Rotate arm backwards windmill

WEDGE

The fire team wedge formation is used when the enemy situation is unknown, but contact is possible. The wedge provides all-around protection and is easy to control. In this formation, the position of the fire team leader and assistant automatic rifleman are interchangeable.

• It permits good control.
• It provides all-around security.
• Formation is flexible.
• Fire is adequate in all directions. Arms out to side

SKIRMISHERS RIGHT (LEFT)

The fire team skirmisher is most effective when assaulting a known enemy position. This formation can be more difficult to control.

• It has maximum firepower to the front.
• It is used when the location and strength of the enemy are known, during the assault, mopping-up (searching for enemy stragglers), and crossing short open areas. Both arms up left hand up and down

ECHELON RIGHT (LEFT)

The fire team echelon is used primarily to protect an exposed flank. This formation permits heavy firepower to the front and the direction of the echelon.

• Provides heavy firepower to front and echelon flank
• Used to protect an open or exposed flank
• Left arm down right arm up
  • BASIC SQUAD FORMATIONS
  • The squad is normally employed as part of the rifle platoon and will be assigned a mission as a base of fire or as a maneuver element. The squad formations are similar to those of the fire team with an additional formation known as the squad vee. The squad leader designates the type of formation to be used and places themselves in a location where they can readily observe fire teams and enemy activities. The fire team leaders maintain visibility on the squad leader, regardless of the formation.
  • The organization of the squad into three fire teams provides the squad leader with the ability to execute fire and maneuver with one or two fire teams as the base of fire and one or two fire teams as the maneuver element. The squad leader prescribes the formation for the squad. The base fire team is used by the squad leader to control the direction, position, and rate of movement of the squad.

SQUAD COLUMN

In a squad column, fire teams are arranged in succession, one behind the other. The fire team formations inside the squad formation will be determined by the fire team leaders based on each fire team's placement in the order of movement and the movement conditions. The squad column is suitable for narrow covered routes of advance or maneuvering through gaps or areas of limited observation.

• Easy to control and maneuver
• Excellent for speed of movement or when strict control is desired
• Vulnerable to fire from the front
• Suitable for moving in fog, smoke, or darkness

SQUAD WEDGE

The squad wedge is used when the enemy situation is uncertain. It places a single fire team in front of the formation with two fire teams placed diagonally to the rear and abreast of each other. It is relatively easy to control and can quickly be adapted to meet new tactical situations.

• It permits good control.
• Fire is adequate in all directions.
• It provides all-around security.
• The formation is flexible.

SQUAD LINE

The squad line, as the name implies, places all three fire teams abreast of one another on a line. The line formation is normally used when the squad is assigned as the base of fire element or during an assault on a known enemy position.

• Provides maximum firepower to the front
• Used when the location and strength of the enemy are known, during the assault, mopping-up, and crossing short open areas

SQUAD ECHELON RIGHT (LEFT)

In the squad echelon, the fire teams are placed diagonally behind each other. This formation is used to protect an exposed flank, particularly when the enemy or a danger area is known to be on that side.

• Provides heavy firepower to the front and echelon flank
• Used to protect an open or exposed flank

SQUAD VEE

The squad vee formation has two fire teams forward and one fire team that is centered and trails the lead fire teams. It can be used when the enemy is to the front and his strength and location are known, and it may be used when crossing large open areas.

• Facilitates movement into squad line
• Provides excellent firepower to front and flanks
• Provides all-around security
  • HAND AND ARM SIGNALS
  • Combat operations depend on clear, accurate, and secure communications. Control and coordination are achieved by the most rapid means of communication available. When the tactical situation requires stealth or when radio communication is inadequate visual communication is necessary for transmitting orders, information, or requests.
  • The purpose of hand and arm signals is to provide a standard means of rapid communication within a unit over short distances. The range and

reliability of visual communications are significantly reduced during periods of poor visibility and when terrain restricts observation.

• Hand and arm signals are carried out in the same manner as verbal orders —all Marines will repeat the signals given from their unit leader.

MOVEMENT CONTROL

Over the course of a single patrol or movement to contact, a unit will traverse various obstacles, terrain, and vegetation that will require shifts in speed, direction, and dispersion. These hand and arm signals are given by the squad and fire team leaders to successfully control the movement of the unit.

SPEED

The speed of a patrol is established based on elements of time, terrain, vegetation, mission, and likelihood of enemy contact.

DECREASE SPEED

To signal the unit to decrease speed extend the arm horizontally to the side,

palm to the front, and wave the arm downward several times, keeping the

arm straight. The arm does not move above the horizontal.

INCREASE SPEED, DOUBLE TIME

To increase the pace, carry the hand to the shoulder with the fist closed. Rapidly thrust the fist vertically to the full extent of the arm and back to the shoulder several times.

HALT

To halt the patrol carry the hand to the shoulder, palm to the front; then thrust the hand vertically upward to the full extent of the arm and hold it in that position until the signal is understood.

FREEZE

To freeze the patrol, make a fist and raise the hand into the air. Hold the signal until it is understood.

DISMOUNT, DOWN, TAKE COVER

If you want the unit to dismount or take cover, extend your arm to the side at a 45 - degree angle above horizontal with the palm down and lower it to your side. Both arms may be used to execute this signal. Repeat until the signal is understood.

MOUNT, GET UP

To tell the unit to mount or get up from covered positions, extend the arm straight out to the side, palm up, and raise the arm upward to an angle 45 - degrees above horizontal. Repeat until the signal is understood.

DIRECTION

A patrol rarely takes a straight line approach to patrolling; therefore, it will be necessary to make a series of direction changes to account for variables such as terrain, obstacles, and desired avenues of approach.

SHIFT

To shift, point to the individuals or units concerned; bring both fists to your chest simultaneously. Using the hand on the side of the desired direction, point to the location you want them to move.

CHANGE DIRECTION

To change the direction of your patrol, using the hand that is on the side toward the new direction, raise it across the body with the palm facing toward the front, and swing the arm in a horizontal arc. Ensure that the arm and hand are fully extended toward the new direction.

FORWARD

To initiate forward movement, face and move in the desired direction of march. At the same time, extend the arm vertically to the rear and swing it overhead and forward until horizontal in the same direction of march. The palm should be facing down.

FLANK RIGHT/LEFT

To execute a flanking movement, extend both hands in the desired direction of movement.

DISPERSION

Dispersion can be crucial to the success or failure of a patrol. If the patrol begins to bunch up, they become vulnerable to ambush and a high casualty rate. However, if the patrol elements wander too far apart, members may become unable to receive hand and arm signals or become separated from the rest of the patrol.

OPEN UP

To open up or extend your patrol elements, start by extending both arms in front of the body and sweep the arms horizontally to the sides. Repeat the signal until it is understood.

CLOSE UP

If the patrol begins to spread out too much for the terrain, vegetation, or visbility, close up the elements by extending both arms to the side, then sweep the arms forward to the front of the body. Repeat the signal until it is understood.

DISPERSE

If your patrol members are bunching up, they become more susceptible to ambush and the effects of fragmentary munitions. To have your Marines extend the distance between individuals in all directions, have them disperse by extending either arm vertically overhead, then wave the arm to the front, side, and rear.

ENEMY CONTACT

Upon enemy contact, command and control is vital to gain the upper hand. In the chaos that ensues, violent sights and sounds may make it difficult to hear and comprehend verbal commands. These standard commands are used to augment or reinforce verbal commands and improve control of the unit.

ENEMY IN SIGHT

If you locate the enemy, hold your weapon horizontally with the stock in your shoulder and muzzle pointing in the direction of the enemy. Aim in on the enemy target and be ready to engage if you are detected.

RANGE

When passing range estimates, fully extend the arm toward the person the signal is intended for with a closed fist. Raise one finger for each 100 - meters of range.

HASTY AMBUSH RIGHT (LEFT)

To establish a hasty ambush, raise the fist to the shoulder and thrust it several times in the desired direction of the ambush.

COMMENCE FIRING

To give a silent command to commence firing, extend the arm in front of the body, hip high, palm down, and move it through a wide horizontal arc several times. This may assist in catching the enemy by surprise and reducing their reaction time.

FIRE FASTER

To increase the rate of fire of your unit, rapidly execute the same signal used for commence firing. This will signal a change to the next higher rate of fire for the automatic rifleman. This may be accompanied with a verbal command.

FIRE SLOWER

To slow the rate of fire of your unit, slowly execute the same signal used for commence firing. For the automatic rifleman, this will signal a change to the next lower rate of fire. This may be accompanied with a verbal command

CEASE FIRE

To signal a cease fire, raise your hand in front of your forehead, palm to the front, and swing the hand and forearm up and down several times in front of the face. This may be accompanied with a verbal command.

INSTRUCTIONAL

During a patrol, noise discipline can be a matter of survival. A violation of noise discipline can alert the enemy to your unit's location and allow them to set up an escape or ambush. These hand and arm signals assist in general instructions while on patrol.

ATTENTION

To get the attention of the person or group you intend to communicate with, extend your arm to the side slightly above horizontal, hold your palm facing toward the front and wave it over your head several times.

ASSEMBLE

If you want your unit to assemble, raise your hand vertically to the full extent of the arm with your fingers extended,keep your palm facing the front and wave in large horizontal circles.

ARE YOU READY / I AM READY

To check the readiness of your unit extend your arm toward the person the signal is intended with the hand raised, finger extended and joined, then raise the arm slightly above horizontal with the palm facing outward. The response to confirm readiness is executed in the same manner back toward the originator.

LEADERS JOIN ME

Subordinate leaders may be called-up to confirm communication and actions. The arm will be raised toward the leaders with the hand in a fist. The index finger will be used to summon the intended person.

I DO NOT UNDERSTAND

If you do not understand a signal or command, face toward the source of the signal and raise both arms to the side with the elbows bent, palms up, and shrug the shoulders. At this point the signal or command can be clarified or repeated.

DISREGARD PREVIOUS COMMAND, AS YOU WERE

To inform your unit to disregard your previous command, face the unit and raise both arms with your wrists in a cross over your head, palms to the front.

RALLY POINT

A patrol should always designate one or more rally points where it can reassemble if it has to break contact or gets separated. Patrol members should try to reach the designated rally point quickly to get accountability and resume the mission. To identify a rally point, touch the belt buckle with one hand and then point to the ground.

RADIO OPERATOR FORWARD

If the patrol is provided a radio, a defined schedule for checking in is usually established by the parent unit prior to the patrol's departure. To call the radio operator to you, raise either hand up to your ear with the thumb and little finger extended.

OBJECTIVE RALLY POINT (ORP)

This is the rally point nearest to the objective at which the patrol reassembles after the mission is accomplished. It may also be used as the final preparation point. To identify the ORP, touch the belt buckle with one hand, point to the ground, and make a circular motion with the hand.

DANGER AREA

A danger area is any place where the patrol is vulnerable to enemy observation or fire. To signal a danger area, draw the right hand across the neck in a cutting motion with the palm facing down from left to right.

HEAD COUNT

An important aspect of control is personnel accountability. Personnel must be accounted for after crossing danger areas, halts, and enemy contact. To call for a head count, tap your head with one hand.

PACE COUNT

At least two pacers should be assigned during a patrol. Periodically, a pace count will be called upon to measure how far the patrol has traveled. The count from both pacers will be averaged for an approximation. To get the pace count tap the heel of the boot repeatedly with an open hand.

MISSION

The Marine Corps rifle squad's mission in the defense is to repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat. For the rifle squad, this mission can be divided into three parts:

• Destroy the enemy by fire at the furthest point possible in the fighting position, when in small arms range.

• If the enemy continues, repel its assault with the final protective fire (FPF), and if necessary, use hand-to-hand combat.
• If the enemy penetrates the platoon's battle position, the squad remains in place, delivering fire and participating in counterattacks to ultimately restore the battle position.

BATTLE POSITION

A battle position is a defensive position from which a unit will fight. The unit may vary in size from a platoon to a battalion. Battle positions may be occupied:

• Hastily
• Temporarily
• As a blocking position (this is used to deny the enemy access to a given area or to prevent his advance) Battle positions should be continuously improved while occupied.

ORGANIZATION OF THE DEFENSE

Commanders must consider the organization of the battlespace and the distribution of forces within assigned sectors. A defensive sector is organized in depth into three areas:

• FEBA Security Area FEBA
• Main Battle Area
• Rear Area

SECURITY AREA

The security area is the area forward of the FEBA. In the security area:

• Security forces execute assigned tasks.
• The commander adds depth to the defense by extending the security area as far forward as is tactically feasible.
• Security forces inflict the greatest possible damage and disruption to the enemy attack before the enemy reaches the main battle area.

FORWARD EDGE OF THE BATTLE AREA

The forward edge of the battle area (FEBA) is the foremost limit of a series of areas where ground combat units are deployed. The FEBA:

• Is a control measure that divides the security area from the main battle area.

• Does not need to be physically occupied, but it should be controlled by fire.

MAIN BATTLE AREA

The main battle area is the portion of battlefield where the decisive battle is fought to defeat the enemy. The main battle area:

• Extends rearward from the FEBA to the rear boundary of subordinate units
• Is organized into sectors that are assigned to subordinate units

REAR AREA

The rear area extends forward from the command’s rear boundary to the rear of the area assigned to the command’s subordinate units. Rear area operations:

• Include those functions of security and sustainment required to maintain continuity of operations by the entire force.
• Protect the sustainment effort as well as deny use of the rear area to the enemy. The rear area may not always be contiguous with the main battle area.

FUNDAMENTALS OF DEFENSE

The ten fundamentals described here should neither be used as a checklist nor should they be thought of as hard and fast rules. Rather, these concepts should help guide unit leaders' thinking and tactical planning process prior to engagement with the enemy.

• The fundamentals of defense are applicable to all tactical levels (fire team, squad, platoon, company, etc.).
• The application of these fundamentals by all unit leaders increases the chance for a successful defense. Maneuver Maneuver is as important in the defense as it is in the offense. While steadfastness and the tenacious holding of key terrain is essential in the defense, the defender must not become immobile.
• The defender must maintain freedom of maneuver.
• Maneuver is essential in generating the offensive power fundamental to a successful defense. Units of all sizes maneuver in depth to take advantage of terrain and tactical developments, to concentrate, disperse, and occupy positions from which they can bring more effective fire to bear on the enemy. Preparation

The defender organizes the defense on the terrain of their choosing. While the attacker can choose the specific time and point of attack. The defender, through the proper selection of terrain and reinforcing obstacles can direct the energy of the enemy's attack into terrain which is advantageous to the defender.

• Preparations should begin as early as possible and continue throughout the battle. It must be understood that these preparations may be under constant observation by the attacker. To inhibit the enemy's intelligence effort, the commander establishes security forces to conduct counter-reconnaissance and deceives the enemy as to the exact location of the main defenses. Mass and Concentration Leaders cannot defend everywhere in strength. They must concentrate forces and fires at the decisive place while exercising economy of force in less critical areas. Some portions of a sector may be unoccupied but held effectively by a combination of fire and obstacles. Additionally, security forces, sensors, and surveillance can be employed along less likely avenues of approach to help reduce risks.
• The commander designates the main effort based on anticipation of the enemy's main attack. The defensive scheme of maneuver takes advantage of terrain essential to the integrity of the defense. Reserves are positioned so that they can intervene quickly to support the main effort. The defender masses fires and concentrates combat power repeatedly to wrest the initiative from the attacker. The commander may have to surrender some ground to gain the time necessary to concentrate forces. Flexibility While the commander makes every effort to determine the enemy's intentions in advance, the plan must be flexible enough to deal with different enemy courses of action. Flexibility is created by:
• Detailed planning for contingencies
• Designating supplementary and alternate positions
• Properly locating, task organizing, and planning use of the reserve
• Designing counterattack plans
• Preparing to assume the offense Planning on-call fire support Offensive Action

Since the offense is the decisive form of combat, the commander seeks every opportunity to take offensive action. The defender takes offensive action by:

• Launching spoiling attacks while the enemy is preparing for or assembling an attack
• Attacking with security forces to harass, distract, deceive, and damage the enemy before they reach the main battle area
• Counterattacking to destroy or repulse enemy penetrations Counterattacks range from immediately executed actions for reestablishing the integrity of the defense to commitment of the reserve at the decisive moment of the battle. The commander prepares to change to the offense at the earliest feasible opportunity. Use of Terrain The defender must exploit every aspect of terrain and weather to its advantage. In the defense, as in the attack, terrain is valuable only if a force gains advantage from its possession or control. In making the estimate of the situation, the defending commander takes account of key terrain and visualizes all possible enemy avenues of approach into the sector. The defender seeks to defend on terrain that maximizes effective fire, cover, concealment, movement, and surprise.
• A position combining all these defensive advantages will seldom be available. While capitalizing on the strong points of the terrain, the defender strengthens the weak points. Natural obstacles are exploited and reinforced by the defender. Obstacle integration multiplies the effects and capabilities of firepower. The combination of firepower and obstacles causes the enemy to conform to our scheme of maneuver. Obstacles magnify the effects of firepower by increasing target acquisition time and by creating exploitable vulnerabilities. Mutual Support Mutual support strengthens any defense. Mutual support is the support that units provide to each other. It is achieved when defensive positions are located in such a way that the enemy cannot attack one position without coming under fire from at least one other. The degree of mutual support obtained depends on the terrain, range of weapons, and visibility. Ideally, the front that a force must defend is directly related to its ability to provide mutual support between its units. To neutralize mutually supporting positions, an attacker must disperse fire away from their main objective. Mutual support is essential at all levels.

Defense in Depth Defense in depth involves establishing mutually supporting defensive positions throughout the main battle area to absorb and progressively weaken the attack. It provides maneuver space within the defensive sector for the maneuver of subordinate units against the enemy's main effort. Defense in depth is necessary to:

• Disrupt the momentum of the attack and prevent a breakthrough.
• Force the enemy into engagement areas.
• Allow the defender time to determine the enemy's main effort and then counter it.
• Force the enemy to commit his reserves at a non-decisive point. Disperse the effects of enemy fire. Surprise The defense should attempt to achieve surprise. The organization of a defense should not betray the commander's intent and positioning of units.
• To preserve combat power, especially against a strong enemy, the defender must employ every means to mislead the enemy as to the true location of its positions and the strength and disposition of forces. Toward this end, the commander considers the use of security forces and reverse slopes, maximizing available cover, concealment, camouflage, and dummy positions. The best defensive terrain will also be apparent to the attacking enemy, who will maneuver against it with caution and will mass fires on it. When possible, the commander selects terrain that has good defensive qualities but is not conspicuous. Knowledge of the Enemy The defense is largely reactive by nature. A defender's options are dictated in large part by what the attacker does. Therefore, thorough knowledge of the enemy's capabilities, operational concepts, and habits is essential to a successful defense.
• The defending commander must look at the defense through the enemy's eyes to identify probable enemy objectives and courses of action.
• A thorough intelligence preparation of the battlespace (IPB) will provide valuable indications of enemy assembly areas, attack positions, routes, firing positions for supporting arms units, and axis of advance.

When the defender can accurately anticipate the enemy's actions, the defender can trap the attacker within the defense and establish conditions for resumption of offensive operations. What is the mission of the Marine Corps rifle squad in the defense? To repel the enemy's assault by fire and close combat A(n) is a defensive position from which a unit will fight. Battle position Which area listed below is forward of the forward edge of the battle area? Security area

FIGHTING POSITION

A fighting position is a location on the ground from which fire is delivered by an individual, a fire unit (squad or fire team), or a crew-served weapon. Before selecting a firing position, the assigned sector of fire must be carefully examined from various locations using the prone position to ensure effective coverage of the sector of fire. The exact fighting position is then designated on the ground prior to digging in. The position must:

• Allow good fields of fire.
• Make maximum use of available cover and concealment.
• Facilitate exercise of fire control by the unit leader.

TYPES OF FIGHTING POSITION

The primary position is the best available position from which the assigned sector of fire can be covered. Individuals, fire teams, squads, and crew-served weapons are assigned primary positions. Alternate positions are not normally assigned to individuals or units within the platoon. They are used primarily by crew-served weapons. This position is located so that a crew-served weapon can continue to accomplish its original mission when the primary position becomes untenable or unsuited for carrying out that mission. Supplementary positions are prepared to guard against attack from directions other than those from which the main attack is expected. A supplementary position is a secondary position and does not cover the same sector of fire as the primary position.

• These positions provide security. When occupied, they ensure protection against attack from directions other than those covered by primary positions.
• Movement to supplementary positions should be made by covered and concealed routes when available.

INDIVIDUAL FIGHTING POSITION

The fire team leader designates fighting positions that will enable the fire team to cover the assigned sector by fire.

• Each fighting position must provide—and receive—mutual support from adjacent positions.
• Positions may be prepared as single or double fighting positions. If double fighting holes are prepared, the automatic rifleman and assistant automatic rifleman will pair off.
• Each position should be continuously improved from hasty position to deliberate position to overhead covered position.

SECTOR OF FIRE

A sector of fire is an area that is required to be covered by fire by an individual, a fire unit (squad or fire team), or a crew-served weapon. The sector of fire is used to:

• Clearly indicate the area to be covered by fire.
• Provide for the best distribution of available firepower and complete coverage of the area to covered by fire.
• Ensure mutual support by the overlapping of adjacent sectors of fire. It is a pie-shaped area enclosed by lateral limits to the left and right and a forward limit defines its depth. Squad leaders are not normally assigned individual sectors of fire since their primary duty during the conduct of the defense is directing and controlling the fires of their units. Lateral Limits Readily identifiable terrain features are selected to indicate the line of sight along each side of the sector. These terrain features should be located near the forward limit of the sector so that all fire team members assigned to cover this sector use the same limiting features. Two stakes placed near the position of the weapon are used to indicate the lateral limits during periods of restricted visibility. The stakes should be placed before nightfall. Forward Limit

The forward limit is established at the range where the weapon will open fire. For rifles and automatic rifles, this may extend up to their maximum effective ranges.

• When possible, a terrain feature is selected to locate the forward limit. As the attacker passes this limit, he is brought under fire. This provides the squad leader with a positive means to control the commencement of small arms fire. Principal Direction of Fire (PDF) A principal direction of fire (PDF) is a specific direction within the sector of fire given to a flat-trajectory weapon and is designated as its primary fire mission. A PDF is assigned to automatic rifles and is indicated by pointing out a readily identifiable terrain feature. An automatic rifle should not be assigned more than one PDF. This terrain feature may be the target itself or it may indicate the line of sight when no target is assigned. The limits of the target should be pointed out on the ground when distributed fire is required along the PDF. A stake near the firing position is used to indicate the PDF during periods of restricted visibility. The PDF is employed to:
• Cover a gap in the final protective line (FPL) of a machine gun
• Cover a specific terrain feature endangering the company or platoon battle position, such as a draw which may serve as an avenue of approach, or hill top which may serve as a possible enemy vantage point
• Protect a crew-served weapon by firing across its front Augment the band of flanking fires placed immediately in front of the battle position when targets of opportunity to the front are not visible Dead Space Dead space is an area within the maximum range of a weapon that cannot be covered by fire or observation from a particular position because of:
• Intervening obstacles
• The nature of the ground
• The characteristics of the trajectory
• The limitations of the pointing capabilities of the weapon The identification of dead space in the PDF, a mission assigned to squad automatic weapon in the defense, is particularly critical. Dead space in the PDF that is not covered by other weapons systems could provide the enemy the opportunity to penetrate friendly lines.

FIRE PLAN

The fire team leader formulates the team's fire plan to cover the entire sector assigned by the squad leader with the heaviest possible volume of fire. The fire plan includes:

• Assignment of individual sectors of fire
• Individual fighting positions, firing positions, and the principal direction of fire for the automatic rifle
• The position of the fire team leader Select each fire team member below for more information on their duties within the team.

ASSISTANT AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN

Normally, the assistant automatic rifleman participates in the defense as a rifleman. He is positioned near or with the automatic rifleman because he must be prepared to assume the duties of the automatic rifleman. The assistant automatic rifleman designator is a circle with an "A" inside.

AUTOMATIC RIFLEMAN

Since automatic rifles are the backbone of the squad's defense, the squad leader selects the exact fighting position for the automatic rifle. The remainder of the fire team is then positioned around it. The squad leader will indicate the principal direction of fire for the automatic rifle. This principal direction of fire, under some conditions, may have been selected by the platoon commander. The automatic rifleman designator is a circle with an arrow inside pointing up.

FIRE TEAM LEADER

The fire team leader's position is usually at the center of the fire team. The fire team leader must be in a position where it can:

• Observe the entire fire team and its sector of fire.
• Direct the fire of the automatic rifle.
• Deliver effective M- 203 grenade launcher fire.
• Observe the squad leader. When considering sectors of fire for employment of the M-203 grenade launcher, the fire team leader must consider the overall fire plan. The fire team leader must consider the sectors of fire assigned to the automatic rifleman and the need to furnish support to the automatic rifleman and to adjacent units.

The fire team leader then takes a positions where they can best control the fire team and deliver the most effective M- 203 fire. This is usually in the center of the fire team position.

FIRE PLAN

The fire team leader formulates the team's fire plan to cover the entire sector assigned by the squad leader with the heaviest possible volume of fire. The fire plan includes:

• Assignment of individual sectors of fire
• Individual fighting positions, firing positions, and the principal direction of fire for the automatic rifle
• The position of the fire team leader Select each fire team member below for more information on their duties within the team.

RIFLEMAN

The rifleman is positioned to cover as much of the fire team sector as possible. The rifleman's position must provide support and protection for the automatic rifleman. The rifleman designator is an empty circle.

FIRE PLAN SKETCH

A sketch of the fire plan is submitted by the fire team leader to the squad leader. It should include the following:

• The individual sectors of fire
• Primary fighting positions
• The principal direction of fire for the automatic rifleman
• The fighting position of the fire team leader
• The magnetic north line provides a reference to show the direction the fire team is facing Irregularities within the terrain may prevent one of the individuals from covering the entire fire team sector of fire. This is the case of the assistant automatic rifleman in the example shown.

FIRE TEAM DESIGNATOR

A line is drawn around the fire team fighting position and follows the general trace of the forward edge, flanks, and rear of the individual fighting positions of the fire team members.

• The symbol indicating the size of the unit is placed within a break along the rear edge.

• The fighting position designator is an oval with the fire team designator written through its base.
• This example, indicates 2nd fire team, 3rd squad.

PRIORITIES OF WORK IN THE DEFENSE

The organization of the ground begins as soon as individual members of the squad have been assigned sectors of fire. It includes the following tasks:

• Posting security listening posts, observation posts, and patrols
• Positioning automatic weapons
• Clearing fields of fire
• Digging fighting holes
• Constructing obstacles
• Selecting supplementary fighting positions
• Camouflage measures Marines use the acronym SAFE to remember how to prioritize work. Security, automatic weapon, fields of fire, and entrenchment (SAFE) identifies the required tasks that are critical to establishing a successful defense. Select each letter below for more information.

SECURITY

Local security consists of measures that are taken to prevent surprise enemy encounters and to deny the enemy information about the plan of defense. Security is achieved by:

• Posting sentinels for surveillance
• Enforcing noise and light discipline
• Keeping movement within the squad fighting position to a minimum
  • AUTOMATIC WEAPONS
  • Automatic rifles are positioned to cover the most likely avenues of enemy approach into the squad area. Their positions should enable them to cover the fire team's sector of fire, provide support for adjacent fire teams, and effectively deliver final protective fires.

FIELDS OF FIRE

Enforce the following guidelines when your squad is clearing fields of fire forward of each fighting position: