1. COMBAT FORMATIONS

2. COMBAT FORMATIONS
Fire team and squad formations are groupings for individuals and fire teams for efficient tactical employment.
Factors influencing formation decisions include:
1. Mission 2. Weather
3. Terrain 4. Speed
5. Situation 6. Flexibility

3. BASIC COMBAT FORMATIONS
Normally each unit leader will determine the formation for his own unit.
The relative position of the units within the formation should not mask the fire of the others.
It is not important that exact distances and intervals be maintained between units and individuals as long as control is not lost.
Visual contact will be maintained.
All movement to change formations is by the shortest practical route.

4. FIRE TEAM FORMATIONS
READY
TEAM
FIRE
ASSIST A

5. SQUAD LEADER SYMBOL

6. FIRE TEAM COLUMN A

7. FIRE TEAM WEDGE A

8. FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS RIGHT

9. FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS LEFT

10. FIRE TEAM ECHELON RIGHT

11. FIRE TEAM ECHELON LEFT A

12. SQUAD FORMATIONS
The squad leader will position himself where he can best control the unit.
Fire team leaders may make subsequent changes to their fire teams formation.
The characteristics of squad formations are similar to those of the fire team.
The fire team is the maneuver element in squad formations.

13. Squad Signals and Formations
Squad Column
Facilitates control
Favors fire and maneuver to flanks
Limited firepower to front
Used for speed and control
Direction of March

14. SQUAD COLUMN

15. Squad Signals and Formations
Squad Wedge
Provides all around security
Flexibility
Fire in all directions
Situation is uncertain
Direction of March

16. SQUAD WEDGE

17. Squad Signals and Formations
Squad Line
Maximum firepower to front
Used when enemy strength and location is known and in the assault of the OBJ
Difficult to control
Direction of March

18. SQUAD LINE
FIRE TEAM WEDGE

19. SQUAD LINE
FIRE TEAM SKIRMISHERS

20. Squad Signals and Formations
Squad Echelon
Heavy firepower to front and direction of echelon
Difficult to control
Slow movement
Protects open or exposed flank
Direction of March L

21. SQUAD ECHELON

22. Squad Signals and Formations
Squad Vee
Fire to front and flanks
All-around security
Enemy is to the front, stength and location is known
Flexibility
Direction of March

23. SQUAD VEE

24. CHANGING FORMATIONS
The fire team may be in any formation that suits the mission.
The squad leader will signal the team leaders with the squad formation and direction of movement.
Fire team members will move in the most direct route to assume their position in the formation when moving from one formation to another.

25. Security Measures
Sqd and FT leaders must maintain dispersion based on situation, control, and visibility
Assign sectors of observation to provide maximum security
Stay off high ground when possible. Avoid silhouetting the formation
Take advantage of available cover and concealment
Maintain even pace, avoid rushing or running, this attracts attention
Use stealth while moving
Avoid stepping on objects that will make noise
Keep a low profile
Must be vigilant in observing assigned sectors
-In the halt
Use available cover and concealment
Stay alert
Cover all avenues of approach

26. Summary Mission / organization of the squad
Purpose of combat formations
Military symbols for the depiction of individuals, fire team formations, squad formations
Procedures for changing formations
Security measures of squad formations

27. Questions ?

28. The Marine Rifle Squad

29. Mission
The mission of the Marine Corps Rifle Squad is to locate, close with, and destroy the enemy by fire and maneuver, or to repel the enemy’s assault by fire and close combat.

30. Organization
Platoon
-Platoon Commander
-Platoon Sergeant
-Corpsman
-3 squads of 3 fire teams
The Marine Squad consists of a squad leader and three fire teams of four men.
Total of 13 Marines

31. Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Squad Leader
Squad Leader is the senior man
Usually a sergeant
Carries out platoon commander’s orders and responsible for:
-discipline, appearance, training, control, conduct and welfare of his squad at all times
-condition, care and economical use of its weapons
-commands the squad, issues orders and ensuring they are obeyed
-responsible for the tactical employment, fire discipline, and fire control of his squad

32. Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Fire Team Leader
Usually a corporal
Carries out orders of the squad leader and:
-Positions himself where he can best observe and control the fire team and carry out the squad leaders orders
-Responsible for the fire team’s fire discipline, fire control, condition, care and economic use of weapons and equipment
-Normally stays close to automatic rifleman to effectively control his fire
-The senior FT leader is assistant squad leader

33. Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Automatic Rifleman
Usually a lance corporal
Carries out orders of the fire team leader and:
-Responsible for employment of SAW
-Assumes the role of fire team leader if necessary
Grade and Duties – Assistant Automatic Rifleman
-Primarily a rifleman
-Carries a spare barrel bag and extra ammo for SAW
-Trained to assume duties of automatic rifleman

34. Organization (Cont.) Grade and Duties – Rifleman
Usually a private or PFC
Carries out orders of the fire team leader and:
-Usually receives training as scout, and thus walks

35. Weapons/Equipment Squad Leader: M16A4 & Bayonet
FT Leader: M16A2 w/ M203 Grenade Launcher & K-Bar
Automatic Rifleman: M249 SAW & K-Bar
Asst. Automatic Rifleman: M16A4 & Bayonet
Rifleman: M16A4 & Bayonet