OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS

OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS -Gaining contact with the enemy -Developing the situation -Exploit enemy weaknesses -Seize the control of key terrain -Retain the initiative -Neutralize the enemy ability to react -Maintain the momentum of the attack -Concentrate superior combat power -Exploit success -Advance by fire and maneuver

OFFENSIVE FUNDAMENTALS PREPARATION PHASE Assembly area Attack position Line of departure CONDUCT PHASE Assault position Final coordination line Objective Limit of advance Exploitation Phase Direction of attack

CONTROL MEASURES Assembly Area (AA) Attack Position (ATK POS) Line of Departure (LOD) Assault Position (AP) Final Coordination Line (FCL) Objective (OBJ) Limit of Advance (LOA) Direction of attack.

PREPARATION PHASE The preparation phase begins with the receipt of the warning order and ends when the lead element crosses the line of departure or when contact is made with the enemy. Assembly Area Attack Position Line of Departure

CONDUCT PHASE The conduct phase of offensive combat begins when one of the following occurs: The squad is forced to fire on the enemy The leading troops cross the line of departure. The conduct phase consists of three main events Movement from the line of departure to the assault position Movement from the assault position through the objective Consolidation/reorganization

ASSAULT POSITION The position designated between the LOD and objective where the unit completes its final deployment into its assault formation. The position should be the last covered and concealed position short of the objective and large enough for the unit to deploy into its assault formation. The assault position is usually tentative until the attacking commander actually evaluates the terrain and confirms the spot.

FINAL COORDINATION LINE A line used to coordinate the ceasing and shifting of supporting fires.

OBJECTIVE The objective is the end state that a unit must achieve in order to obtain the commander’s intention.

LIMIT OF ADVANCE The Limit of Advance is an easily recognized terrain feature beyond which attacking elements will not advance. Upon reaching the Limit of Advance consolidate and reorganize.

CONSOLIDATION Consolidation is the rapid organization of a hasty defense in order to permit the attacking unit to hold the objective just seized in the event of an enemy counterattack. Consolidate (Marines cease there fires) Hasty Defense (Team leaders give there sectors of fire to the fire teams) At this point each Marine should be checking themselves for ammunition, see if they have everything, see if they are hurt Waiting for enemy counter attack.

CONSOLIDATION HASTY DEFENSE REORGANIZATION REDISTRIBUTE AMMO HANDLE CASUALTIES SEND SITREP HANDLE DETAINEES

EXPLOITATION PHASE Exploitation normally occurs after a successful assault and seizure of the objective. It begins immediately after or in conjunction with the consolidation and reorganization phase. PURSUIT BY FIRE CONTINUATION OF THE ATTACK

ASSAULT The assault is launched IMMEDIATELY upon the shifting from or cessation of covering fires on the objective. During the assault, each member of the fire team has separate actions in the assault.

CLOSING WITH THE ENEMY Fire and Maneuver. Is the process where elements of a unit establish a stationary base of fire to engage the enemy, while another element moves or flanks the enemy. Base of Fire Element. Maneuver Element.

FIRE AND MOVEMENT Individuals or fire teams providing covering fire while other individuals or fire teams advance toward the enemy or assault the enemy position.

USE OF MANEUVER SINGLE ENVELOPMENT

FRONTAL ATTACK

METHODS OF ADVANCE Squad Rush Fire Team Rush Buddy Team rush

INDIVIDUAL MOVEMENT Move from one concealed position to another. Provide suppressive fires. “I’m up...he sees me...I’m down”.

RUSHING FROM THE PRONE Select your new position. Place your weapon on safe. Prepare to rush. Rush

WHILE RUSHING Bend forward as low as possible Keep two hands on your rifle and keep it pointed in a safe direction. Ensure that you are constantly aware of the location of enemy forces to your front to engage the enemy as necessary. Ensure that you are constantly aware of friendly forces

HITTING THE DECK Stop. Drop to your knees Keeping the muzzle pointed down range Strong side forearm on the deck Find better position and assume a supported prone position. If you do not intend to fire, keep your head down.

MOVEMENT AIDS Carry only necessities. Move during an incident that diverts attention Fog, smoke, or even light haze offer concealment for movement;

SUPPRESSING THE ENEMY The assault is made as rapidly as possible consistent with the ability of individuals to deliver a heavy volume of well-directed fire.

SUPPRESSING THE ENEMY DO NOT RUSH WITHOUT SUPPRESSIVE FIRE. IF YOU ARE NOT RUSHING, PROVIDE SUPPRESSIVE FIRE.

COVER AND CONCEALMENT Cover is protection from the effects of hostile weapons. Concealment is protection from observation or surveillance from hostile air and ground observation but not hostile fire.

CONSOLIDATION The rapid organization of a hasty defense in order to permit the attacking unit to hold the objective just seized in the event of enemy counterattack.

Use natural depressions, shell craters, or old enemy positions Prepare for counter attack. Movement kept to a minimum Move by rushes, seek cover Redistribute ammunition

In order to make every effort possible to ensure that the enemy does not retake his former position care of casualties must take second priority to the preparation of the hasty defense. Enemy prisoners must be disarmed, searched, and guarded.

INDIVIDUAL ACTIONS DURING REORGANIZATION Reorganization is a continuing process, but it is given special emphasis upon seizure of the objective.

Replace fire team leaders and automatic rifleman that have become casualties. Redistribute ammunition, magazines, and grenades. Remove casualties to covered positions.

Notify unit leaders of the situation, casualties incurred, and the status of ammunition supply. Deliver enemy prisoners to the platoon commander.

SUMMARY